What is the absolute best book to start with in the Warriors series?

You should start with Into the Wild , the first book of the original arc, The Prophecies Begin . It introduces you to the forest world, the Warrior Code, and the clan dynamics from the perspective of an outsider.

Can I read the prequel arc, Dawn of the Clans, first?

While Dawn of the Clans is chronologically the earliest story, it is highly recommended to read it in publication order (after the fourth arc, Omen of the Stars ). Reading it first spoils elements of the main series and lacks the context that makes the origins of the clans satisfying.

Are the Super Editions and novellas required reading?

Most side stories are optional companion pieces, but a few act as critical bridges. For example, Firestar's Quest is highly recommended between Arc 1 and Arc 2, as it explains the revival of the lost fifth clan, which becomes central to later arcs.

Who is the real author behind the pseudonym Erin Hunter?

Erin Hunter is a collective pen name used by a team of writers. The original plots and world-building were mapped out by editor Victoria Holmes , with the books drafted by writers including Kate Cary , Cherith Baldry , Tui T. Sutherland , and others.

Why do some books have minor timeline or character contradictions?

Because the Warriors universe contains over 80 books written by a rotating team of authors under a single pen name, occasional continuity errors slip through. Fans generally accept these minor discrepancies as a natural byproduct of such a massive, collaborative saga.

The Warriors Books in Order

Where to Begin: The Recommended Reading Path

Spanning over 80 books across multiple subseries, companion guides, graphic novels, and novellas, the Warriors series (commonly known as Warrior Cats) can look incredibly daunting to a newcomer. However, finding the perfect entry point is actually very simple: you should start at the very beginning of the publication history.

First-time readers should always begin with the first published book, Into the Wild, which kicks off the first six-book arc, The Prophecies Begin. This arc introduces Rusty, a house cat (or 'housepet') who leaves his comfortable human life behind to join ThunderClan, one of the four feral cat clans ruling the forest. By starting here, you learn the complex rules of Clan society, the hierarchy of leaders, deputies, medicine cats, and warriors, and the spiritual guidance of StarClan at the exact same pace as the main protagonist.

Publication Order of the Main Arcs

The core narrative of the Warriors series is structured into chronological 'arcs,' each containing exactly six main novels. To follow the grand storyline of the clans, you should read these arcs in their order of release:

The Prophecies Begin (2003–2004): Follows Rusty (Firepaw/Fireheart/Firestar) as he transitions to Clan life and battles internal corruption and rival threats. Begins with Into the Wild and concludes with The Darkest Hour.
The New Prophecy (2005–2006): The forest is threatened by human destruction, forcing a chosen group of cats from different Clans to embark on a quest to find a new home. Begins with Midnight and ends with Sunset.
Power of Three (2007–2009): Focuses on Firestar’s three grandchildren—Jaypaw, Hollypaw, and Lionpaw—who are bound by a mysterious prophecy. Begins with The Sight and ends with Sunrise.
Omen of the Stars (2009–2012): The ultimate culmination of the prophecies, leading to an apocalyptic battle against the Dark Forest (the Place of No Stars). Begins with The Fourth Apprentice and ends with The Last Hope.
Dawn of the Clans (2013–2015): A prequel arc that travels back in time to show how the original forest Clans were founded by groups of migrating mountain cats. Begins with The Sun Trail and ends with Path of Stars.
A Vision of Shadows (2016–2018): Set after the events of Omen of the Stars, focusing on the return of the lost fifth clan, SkyClan. Begins with The Apprentice's Quest and ends with The Raging Storm.
The Broken Code (2019–2021): A supernatural mystery where a mysterious spirit takes control of a Clan leader's body, threatening the code of the clans. Begins with Lost Stars and ends with A Light in the Mist.
A Starless Clan (2022–2024): Explores the chaos that unfolds when the Warrior Code is rewritten and a major leader passes away, leaving a Clan in turmoil. Begins with River and ends with Star.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order: The Big Debate

Once you look beyond the main arcs, the timeline becomes webbed with prequels, side stories, and postscripts. This leads to the classic debate: should you read chronologically or by publication order?

For your first read-through, publication order is highly recommended. The authors wrote the side stories under the assumption that readers already understand the world and characters. For example, reading the prequel arc Dawn of the Clans first might seem logical chronologically, but it lacks the emotional weight and context that makes the founding of the clans meaningful. Furthermore, reading side novels out of release order can spoil massive plot twists, character deaths, and prophecy resolutions in the main arcs.

However, once you are a seasoned fan, a chronological reread offers a completely different experience. It allows you to watch the history of the forest unfold from the very beginning of the migration, through the rise of key leaders like Bluestar and Tallstar, all the way to the modern struggles of the clans.

Understanding Side Stories: Super Editions, Novellas, and Manga

In addition to the main arcs, the Warriors universe is filled with supplementary books that enrich the lore. Understanding where these fit will prevent you from getting lost:

Super Editions

These are standalone, double-length novels focusing on specific characters' backstories or adventures that occur outside the main arcs. Some are historical prequels (like Bluestar's Prophecy and Yellowfang's Secret), while others act as bridge novels between main arcs. For example, Firestar's Quest is a critical bridge book that takes place between The Prophecies Begin and The New Prophecy, explaining the origin of SkyClan and setting up plot points that pay off seasons later.

Novellas and Short Stories

Originally published individually as e-books and later compiled into print collections (such as The Untold Stories or Legends of the Clans), these are short, hyper-focused tales. They explore minor characters or fill in gaps during major events, such as Hollyleaf's Story or Tigerclaw's Fury. They are rarely mandatory, but they provide excellent flavor and context for dedicated fans.

Graphic Novels and Manga

The graphic novels, including multi-part adventures like Graystripe's Adventure and standalone books like The Rise of Scourge, offer a visual look into Clan life. They expand on what characters did during periods when they were separated from the main Clan, adding depth to their eventual return in the primary novels.

What to Know Before You Start

The name on the cover of every Warriors book is Erin Hunter, but this is actually a collective pen name. The series was originally conceived by Victoria Holmes, who mapped out the overarching storylines, and written by a collaborative team of authors including Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry, and Tui T. Sutherland. Because multiple writers contribute to this massive universe, minor continuity errors and timeline discrepancies do occur across the eighty-plus books. Approaching the series with a bit of flexibility regarding small details will make your reading experience much more enjoyable.

The series also handles surprisingly mature themes for middle-grade and young adult fiction. Feral cat life is harsh, and the books feature frequent battles, tragic losses, political betrayals, and complex moral gray areas. It is this depth of character and stakes that has kept millions of readers hooked on the fate of the Clans for over two decades.