by Erin Hunter
First published 2016
Alderpaw lives peacefully with his ThunderClan family around the lake territories. His father Bramblestar leads their Clan with strength and wisdom. Strange dreams begin visiting the young cat at night. These visions come from StarClan, the spirits of warrior ancestors who guide the living Clans. The mystical messages trouble Alderpaw and fill him with questions he cannot answer alone. Bramblestar recognizes the significance of his son's dreams and makes a crucial decision. He assigns Alderpaw to train as the Clan's medicine cat apprentice rather than a warrior. The role will help Alderpaw understand his supernatural experiences and serve his Clan in a different way. But StarClan's omens demand more than study and herb gathering. The visions reveal a dark threat approaching all four Clans around the lake. Alderpaw must leave his familiar territory and venture into unknown lands. His quest will determine whether the warrior Clans survive the coming shadow. Everything Alderpaw has known and loved depends on his success in this dangerous journey.
Genres: fiction, adventure, fantasy, young-adult
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family, supernatural-abilities
Setting: ThunderClan, StarClan
Period: Warrior Clans
296 pages · Hardcover · HarperCollins