Top 10 Problems with Warrior Cats: A Light in the Mist

Yeahh, I'm a little salty about how the final book of the Broken Code played out. It's not objectively bad, but definitely is far from what I had hoped would come in the book. Here are my biggest complaints.
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[@fanpet3912]

About Mapleshade fading, I actually think it makes sense that she'd be back all full strength now. After The Last Hope a lot of cats would have new memories of her, so she wouldn't be so forgotten anymore. No excuse for Gray Wing though. (I also think that the original leaders would never be forgotten since the legends would be passed on, and the clans are literally named after them)

[@Annadog40]

Apparently starclan cats can remember eachother

[@Kestrelbee]

Agreed

[@farnsprung3721]

Gray Wing makes sense, too! In "battle of the clans" it is revealed that Gray Wing is known in the "modern" Clan time as "Graywing the wise" because of his past actions. If I remember right, battle of the clans is the first book in which gray wing was mentioned, since it was before dawn if the clans.

[@fanpet3912]

@@farnsprung3721 oh, neat! I didn't actually know that

[@coyotix]

The Mapleshade fading thing is really cool, kind of reminds me of that Disney movie Coco. Remember in the end of that, the main character remembers a dead guy that was about to "fade" and it saves him.

[@eenn78]

I'm pretty sure that the reason that the original leaders are still kicking is that they live on through their clan names you can't forget Shadowstar and remember Shadowclan that would just not work.

[@TAWNYDOGS]

What about Gray Wing then? He’s not one of the original leaders but he’s still thriving in StarClan.

[@farnsprung3721]

Gray Wing is remembered as "Graywing the wise", stated in battle of the clans

[@ImTheAudacity]

@@TAWNYDOGS If you don’t remember at the end of Dawn of the clans gray wing named the clans so that would leave him to be remembered each time one of the names were spoken one thing I didn’t like is how strict he was on the code he died before it was made

[@audge-audge]

But all the clans forgot Skyclan, so I don't understand how Skystar/Clear Sky hasn't been forgotten.

[@alexisawe177]

The reason Bristlefrost didn’t swim is because she was holding down Ashfur because he was trying to swim back. Personally, I loved her death scene. Don’t get me wrong though, I love Bristlefrost, it’s just that I feel like the death scene was well written. I wish she wasn’t double killed though.

[@alexisawe177]

It still made no sense that Bristlefrost was perma killed in the DF while Willowshine wasn’t, though. She died in the DF, why is she still there?

[@possumqe9751]

@@alexisawe177 Wasn’t she dragged INTO the dark forest? Technically that would mean she didn’t, and rather died in the process

[@mangocloud8314]

@@alexisawe177 All cats that die in the Dark Forest stay as spirits, but since Bristlefrost was in the water, she vanished completely. The water is special :)

[@itzzausty]

We saw with the windclan cat I cant remember the name, that ivypaw killed that if u die in the dark forest u become a spirit. I think that the water literally destroys your spirit or whatever so there's nothing to turn into

[@Justyouraveragechaosenjoyer]

The death scene was well written, but I just feel like it didn't fit. There was no buildup, no connections, and after all the hope talk and setting up bristle and root for a happy future, 'hope and love save the day', it felt wrong. If they'd replaced bristle with shadowsight, I feel like it would have fit a lot better just with the story as a whole. Well written? Definitely. Well placed? Not at all.

[@muckrooms]

i love how weird and unpredictable this book was. it literally felt like a fanfiction

[@justicedelicious5309]

That’s because it technically is. The newer arcs are clearly not written by the original-or, rather, ORIGINAL-Erin Hunter(s). Because they don’t have the original perspective of Victoria and are only picking up from where she left off, everything else in the series is all determined by their own interpretations of how they viewed the books from the beginning. And now the books themselves are nothing but a cash-grab. It’s clear that even the author(s) themselves don’t want to carry on with it, otherwise they would’ve put more love and care into Warriors, and most of these inconsistencies and clichés and predictable outcomes would not be there. The series isn’t going on because the authors want it to, it’s going on because Harper Collins knows how many fans love it (probably for nostalgia reasons) and are not given to letting it go, no matter how mediocre it becomes. Hence, they milk it dry. Warriors is no longer being written to tell a story: it’s being written to make the money. I’ve seen the way Kate Cary writes. I’ve seen the way Cherish Baldry writes. I’ve seen the way Tui T. Sutherland writes. And they all are quite good. If they actually cared about Warriors, most of these problems wouldn’t be happening. Of course, I’m not blaming the authors, more so the company that they’re writing for allowing them to continue on making garbage Warriors books.

[@spyritsolz]

FIRESTAR POSSESSES ROOTSPRING FOR PLOT CONVENIENCE AND I AM LIVING FOR IT

[@julianrivas429]

That was good because, Predictable books are boring.

[@g.d.graham2446]

That's a bad sign if a 75-yr old author's work is like fanfiction 🤦

[@Pierr.e]

Something I found frustrating about this book is that Darkstripe survived being pushed into the dark water. The book brings it up, doesn't explore it at all, and then kills Darkstripe right away. How the heck did he survive??? Why of all cats did he have the ability to do that??? It just made the dark water seem like a way less deadly thing than it was.

[@Justyouraveragechaosenjoyer]

I honestly think they just forgot he fell in tbh. Did he even climb out in the last book?? Bc I genuinely can't remember, but I could have sworn he was dead.

[@howlinghellgar2214]

Iirc Rootspring survived the dark water too

[@Justyouraveragechaosenjoyer]

​@@howlinghellgar2214 True, but not in the same way Darkstripe did (though i could be remembering wrong!) Where Rootspring fell in, he used love and determination and the want to see Bristlefrost again as his way to survive. Where with Darkstripe, he just fell in and sunk as far as I remember.

[@Pierr.e]

@@howlinghellgar2214 he had the power of love on his side though. Darkstripe has little to nothing

[@Corpse701]

@@Pierr.e darkstripe used the power of love too. He probably thought how disappointed tigerstar would be if he knew darkstripe died to water.

[@TipOfTheSauce]

Alright, I genuinely want a Firestar novella now… Seriously, how did he end up in the dark forest? Why was he like not fully there? Why was he the only StarClan cat to escape on their own? How did he learn to possess living cats (the books seem portray the whole possession thing as something that not everybody is able / knows how to do) What was StarClan doing during the books? He’s clearly doing behind the scenes shenanigans. I just want explication besides: “it’s Firestar deal with it. It felt like he was at some weird level above normal spirits; because why couldn’t the dark forest cats detect him? Why couldn’t he fight on his own? Please, I need answers.

[@TipOfTheSauce]

This didn’t really bother me on my first read, but when I read it a second time it makes absolutely no sense Warriors always at least tries to follow its own rules… this is just idk

[@DigitalDusty]

What if Firestar told Ashfur or vice versa? That'd be a huge plot twist.

[@robomix3162]

@@DigitalDusty this one comment reply is more interesting than this book

[@Moony1568]

Because the Erins like him

[@TipOfTheSauce]

@@DigitalDusty right now my theory is that they both learned from the same cat or… badger :) To put it blunt, I think it was Midnight. She absolutely has knowledge of the inner workings or StarClan; and she even has a history of being too trusting and giving cats more info than she should.

[@tigerpeltofwindclan8431]

I Loved That Line XD "Bristlefrost Is Gone For Good While The JERK SKYSTAR IS IMMORTAL!!" *Absolutely Breaking Into Laughter In Corner*

[@akiriith]

Cats fade because they are forgotten about... I doubt that after The Last Hope people will forget Mapleshade anytime soon. Even if not because of what happened in RiverClan, at least for killing Spottedleaf in the Great Battle. It makes sense to me that she's more solid than before. As for Skystar, previous arcs mention Shadowstar, Thunderstar, Windstar and Riverstar still exist. As founders of the clans it makes sense they wont be forgotten. Was a little disappointed in seeing Gray Wing tho, much as I love him. I would have liked for him to fade eventually, considering he isnt as "important" to the clans in terms of their lore. Have to disagree with Firestar tho. Loved seeing Firestar again :'D (edit bc people have asked: yes I believe Firestar came out of left field and wasnt fully needed, this is 100% a biased opinion bc Firestar is a comfort character for me and I had missed him.). And I kinda like Shadowsight's (and Rootspring's) empty ending exactly bc its painful :') Its unique for Warriors. I liked Bristlefrost's ending too, even tho she's my favorite. Hope living on despite loss and death is cool for me. (Highly agree with at least Bramble going to the Dark Forest tho. I wanted him and Ash to duke it out lmao)

[@Kestrelbee]

That's a very good point I feel like the Firestar being the secret hero all along thing is just so old hat now, like we already had that in the Last Hope, and it would've been so much more interesting to use a cat that hasn't been relevant for a while. Like, why not another Prophecies Begin ThunderClan cat to take over Root's body? Whitestorm hasn't been relevant except in the several prologues in PoT and OotS that are just old ThunderClan cats mixed with other random dead cats that have been focused on in past books and they're just like "another prOphEcY ooOOOoooOO" I also liked Bris's death, it was a bold move from the Erins to do that to a MC that's, yk, still a MC (in her own CHAPTER for that matter) and not one that's pretty much old news, like Leafpool and how she died. Yay for less plot armor!

[@TipOfTheSauce]

Firestar’s plot relevance needs to remain at a certain level, otherwise the universe will implode…

[@NovaRaptor]

I agree with your first paragraph in full, but I completely disagree about Firestar

[@akiriith]

@@Kestrelbee tbh, my point about Firestar was biased in and of itself, heh, just like Akira who didnt like Bris' death. Basically: do I think they should have gone with the new protags and/or someone with more stakes in this (like Bramble or Squirrel?)? yes. Was it fun to see Firestar again? also yes. Opposing thoughts but both are true to me. Fire is just a comfort character in that sense. To be fully honest, MY hot take is that I still very firmly believe that this arc has an amazing concept, one of the best of the series... that was wasted with cats that just didnt have that big of a motivation to make it happen. THIS level of threat should have been what Tigerclawstar was doing in the last hope, not a cat like Ashfur, his motivations were too limited, he had no REAL reason to take all of Starclan down-- his issues were exclusively in regards to Squirrel and Bramble and making him destroy StarClan as well just bc he was Evil(tm) felt forced imo. THIS is what we should have used the "power of the three" for (perhaps giving Dove Root's powers or something, using Firestar to possess Lionblaze maybe). Or heck, if they hadnt been cowards and used Breezepelt as the villain he could have been, instead of wasting him on a half-baked, half-ooc redemption arc, taking the clans down from the inside (thunderclan especially) and playing on their faith in starclan to destroy them would have been amazing to see (he also has every reason to hate codebreakers). You could even tie it back to AvoS by having him run off from Windclan in C's Trial and Night and Crow got him "back", but he had actually been in contact with Darktail, etc.

[@TipOfTheSauce]

Stop making me defend Firestar lol I just feel like a lot of the attacks against him are kind of disingenuous…. People are making it out like he took over the entire plot of the book. He showed up, killed Darkstripe, and then was sort of a background character for the rest of the book. He didn’t even have a full chapter. Also, idk if this just me, but he was actually kinda funny here (mostly him messing with Darkstripe). This is probably the most personally he has shown in years.

[@wheresfluffy123]

Did anyone else wonder why darkstripe was able to pull himself out of the water? I thought the water not even being aloud to touch you was dumb and didn’t make sense.

[@Kestrelbee]

Root was able to pull himself out too, and Ashfur nearly did as well. Bris could have saved herself, but used her last chance to drag Ashfur, along with herself, too deep to be able to swim back up.

[@roiroije6326]

Darkstripe used his undying, seething hatred to make himself swim.

[@shadeslayer1592]

Problem is the writers are too scared to let the bad guys win for once it could have worked well and then they could have picked it up next series

[@Kestrelbee]

Well, the next series is focusing specifically on changing the code, so they couldn't really do that ig. Maybe in the future tho!

[@shadeslayer1592]

@@Kestrelbee still would be cool for the bad guys not to lose again and again and again

[@FlowerGriffon]

Having a bad guy win for once is interesting! I’m so tired of hero’s constantly winning

[@finnsnow2495]

I wanted Ashfur to die in this book but I agree a lot of the conflicts should have carried over to heavily impact the next series.

[@goldenretrieversarethebest8119]

ikr

[@dantedare2797]

Squirrelflight was abused and traumatised by Ashfur, and forcing her back into danger to face her abuser is a terrible message to victims. Squirrelflight owed Ashfur nothing, she was not the reason he was evil, his feelings for her were, it wasn't her fault and her refusing to engage with him further is her accepting and imposing that fact. He doesn't own her, he can't have her, that's what he deserves. The book 100% did the right thing in keeping Squirrelflight away from him in the end.

[@g.d.graham2446]

I can agree with that, though Bramblestar standing up to him would've been a cool showdown as payback for the previous books

[@phantomcat7990]

Yes yes yes a million times! I absolutely adore the fact that Squirrelflight didn’t go back!

[@SavouryGalette]

Jesus Christ, this is not a big deal. She never said Squirrelflight owed Ashfur anything. She only said that Squirrelflight should have given the speech herself, as well as confront Ashfur. It would've been a much more conclusive ending to her character arc.

[@YellowTheSus]

NO, my boi ashfur MUST GET HIS REVENGE! /j

[@pebbleleaf8642]

I am also salty at how Silverstream was SALTY when Graystripe reunited with Millie and Briarlight EVEN THO SHE GAVE THEM HER BLESSING TO BE TOGETHER. Although it can be seen as showing her more ugly side like in “Leopardstars Honor”, it just doesn’t make any sense..

[@Dragonemperess]

I'm guessing from instances in real life that she thought she would be okay with it at the time, but eventually realized too late that she wasn't. Lol.

[@ThatArtisticBookwormYT]

To be honest I've seen Silverstream that way since I read Fire and Ice four years ago and I'm happy that fans are finally seeing her the same way as I have all these years because she's really not that cool XD

[@0RinKagamine]

same thing with feathertail, she sees leafpool and crowfeather all snuggled up and like, is seen pretty much sneering at them and i was like???? dude you literally TOLD leafpool to take him as mate dude!!

[@alliewantscoffee]

@@0RinKagamine wait leafpool and crowfeather got together too?

[@ThatArtisticBookwormYT]

@@0RinKagamine Yeah, that really bothered me. I thought the Silverstream thing fit her personality, but Feathertail being like that really bothered me because I feel like that's not her personality.

[@autoRegenesis]

I mean, I wouldn't say Firestar has NO connection to Ashfur's traitorous actions. Ashfur did help Hawkfrost straight-up murder Firestar, after all. I feel like that still counts for something. I'm not mad about Bristlefrost dying, as such; I'm mad about HOW Bristlefrost died. It felt like they killed her off solely because it was unexpected, and that's such an authorial cop-out. If you want to kill off a main character, you have to give their death some kind of meaning to it; this felt more like "Welp, we're done with Bristlefrost, might as well just toss her in the garbage now." And did they have to kill her off forever? It would've been so fitting if Ashfur had died to the water, being gone for good, while Bristlefrost died in a way that allowed her to be in StarClan. She earned it, honestly. If they really wanted a main character to die to the dark water, why not Shadowsight? It's not like they wanted him to have a happy ending, he's just a hopelessly sad kitty now. Plus, there could have been a connection with him dying the same way Ashfur did. I don't know, man, this book made so many questionable choices. But hey Graystripe's dead, crab rave

[@g.d.graham2446]

Agreed, especially disappointed with Bristlefrost gone forever

[@shadeslayer1592]

Bright guardian Akira : spoilers ahead Me with awful memory: I don't have such weaknesses

[@absolthegreat5317]

it really sucks that they killed off bristlefrost, bc out of all the protags in this particular series she lacked in development the most, and i think they sould have given her a chance to do something more major or have a more major power, or they should have if they wanted to kill off 1 if the three killed of shadowsight. I dont have anything against shadowsight but i think the medicine cat protags allways just become irrelavent after their arcs. like they could have at least made bristlefrosts death not permanent.

[@fanpet3912]

Bristlefrost's death spurs the code changes though. If Shadowsight died it wouldn't affect anything (except maybe make ShadowClan a bit more evil for a bit or something)

[@finnsnow2495]

@@fanpet3912 I still think Squirrelflight should have died and that should have urged the change. Bristlefrost would have been a better character have in the next series. But in all seriousness I wanted Bramble and Squirrel to die in this book so we can get some new characters doing stuff. But since Firestar still came back I guess them even being dead doesn't matter. What is the point of having new characters when they never get to do anything. Constantly living in the shadow of Firestar. Considering the next series has a main character who's main conflict is living up to Firestar it seems it'll never dad like it should. Why are we still talking about Firestar so many series in?!

[@fanpet3912]

@@finnsnow2495 yeah I was totally disappointed by the lack of death in this book, like we all knew Graystripe would die but it really feels like Mistystar should've died (which obviously wasn't going to happen since we already know she's in ASC, but I mean it SHOULD have), Squilf and especially Bramble could go too, pretty much anyone from the dark forest patrol really. I still don't think Squilf dying would've caused the code change either though. I mean she already went through her trial in Squirrelflight's Hope so that couldn't be a conflict. It's because of Bristlefrost's death that Rootspring challenges the code and makes a change. Honestly, even though I thought this book was quite lacklustre (and yes, the Firestar twist was incredibly disappointing... AGAIN) I really love her death and what it did for the story moving forward.

[@absolthegreat5317]

@@fanpet3912 yeah the code would have changed but i think changing it is a bit pointless without Bristlefrost being there... like if bristlefrost survived along with rootspring and the code still got changed then i think it would have been better because there would be a relationship that kinda sealed it. Even if it changed in the next arc i wouldnt mind

[@absolthegreat5317]

@@finnsnow2495 IK if bramble and squirrel died it would be far better. Like because bristle died killing ashfur but it would have been better if it was squirrel and/or bramble who killed him and if it was something that wasnt dark water. They just keeping throwing all the old characters into the books like firestar but it just takes away from all the building up to the big "thing" in the book because the old cats just swoop in and make everything the protags have done uselesd

[@susan9100]

Bramblestar should have taken Bristlefrost's place tbh. I would have loved to see him corner Ashfur in the mist to ensure Ashfur disappears forever. It would make Bramblestar the "light In the mist" that saves the clans and somewhat redeem him for his actions in Squirrelflight's Hope. Plus it would introduce a new era for ThunderClan for the new arc coming up.

[@arcturus9366]

That would have been a more fulfilling end to Ashfur than killing Bristlefrost Bluestar style. Ashfur realizes how badly he screwed up during this whole series, gets desperate and panics. He tries to convince Bramblestar not to corner him and weasel his way out of this situation, but realizes Bramblestar is not buying it and terror and regret for everything he did wrong in his life and afterlife show in his eyes as Bramblestar grabs him and shoves him into the fog and holds him there until there is nothing left of him.

[@brycebrownscombe3494]

But you know in his defense, he was just trying to protect his clan. I'm not above admitting he didn't think things through, but he still had his heart on the right path. Surely you'd do the same thing if you were a leader, protecting your nation from potential threats.

[@CelesteTreecat]

The problem with Bristlefrost's ending is that it seems like the writers were determined to have a BIG SAD ENDING no matter how they got there. The long-running epilogue is strung together with moments that play so transparently with your emotions that it quickly becomes too much. I still get teary eyed but it doesn't feel earned. Abandoned themed, abandoned plotlines... if you were going to go with this ending you really need to set it up from the start, because Bris and Ashfur end up being COMPLETE opposites in their final confrontation and that could have worked for it. He's consumed with selfish desire to the point where it destroys his mind, and he's determined to take everything and everyone, living and dead, down with him. Bristlefrost's struggles between making what she sees as a selfish choice and a selfless one can position her to be the only one that can stop him. He hates the clans and wants to destroy them at all costs. She loves the clans (much more than just Rootspring, but she does) and wants to protect them at all costs. This could be set up as a GREAT arc because at that point they could be equal opposites and a much more deliberate, foreshadowed choice. But like Akira points out, we get five books + super editions setting up completely different themes, conflicts, and even character arcs, and this ending just yanks the rug out from under the reader. Ashfur is just Some Guy who has no connection to the protagonists aside from being evil and powerful. I get that the writers probably wanted something BIG to justify changing the code--something that shocks the clans so much that they're willing to do i in the first place--but it just doesn't line up. This could have been a good ending if the arc was set up correctly, but as it is maybe the Erins should stick to sappy good endings until they figure out how to plot a six-book arc consistently. Your readers' reactions to your tragedies shouldn't be 'wait, what?'

[@bluesheep7]

Maybe they were going for the "death is never expected" trope? Idk, I personally think that her death was very well done, specially with the whole "you know, she and Root could've been a cute family" thing that the book keeps saying, like adding salt to a wound.

[@CelesteTreecat]

@@bluesheep7 Bris's death itself and the following emotional context was very effective I just feel like the buildup could have been a lot better. I *like* the idea of her being this hero above heroes, but it ultimately comes down to what happens next. If the clans do really see her sacrifice as a cause to change things for the better, then it's at least worth it... if they don't, then it's basically making her and others like her a blood price for their forest cult and eugh. Yeah the final scenes were well written, it's just the overall arc I have issues with.

[@bluesheep7]

@@CelesteTreecat those are very fair points. Let's see how they change the Warrior Code.

[@CelesteTreecat]

@@bluesheep7 For sure! And I do love these books, griping about them is just part of the fun.

[@bluesheep7]

@@CelesteTreecat That's the spirit! :D

[@TheRibottoStudios]

Oh yeah people are either gonna love this book, or hate it. I love it because they finally re-organized the warrior code, AND MISTYSTAR LITERALLY brings up democracy during a clan meeting. There's actual CHANGE happening in warriors now thank GOD. The stuff with Squilf makes sense-essentially Graystripe is saying "I'M Expendable YOU'RE NOT" that's the authors ADMITTING to the readers that they know we love Squilf, and want her to stick around and become leader and want Graystripe to kick the bucket. And for Firestar, he only helped with the battle against Darkstripe, and that also made sense, because he and Darkstripe have that personal history. Firestar here, felt like FIREHEART. Not to mention the mind games Fire played against Darkstripe dang alright. Savage. I also like that they had the guts to kill off a major POV character. They hadn't done that, and it shows that they're willing to take that risk. Hollyleaf in OOTS doesn't count, as she wasn't a major character there. Flametail doesn't count as he was never a major character. Gray Wing COULD count, but he simply died from natural causes, as did Ravenpaw. Here, we have a spirit death AND natural death of a MAJOR character. That was so shocking, and I applaud warriors team for going that far. I'm glad they also are changing the status quo, and it seems like the Clans could become like one big group again its almost full circle.

[@TheAshfurApologist]

Wow, what a great take, it's easy to nitpick the negatives, but there was a lot of good from this book. The Erin's are definitely trying, and for such a long running series, that's great to see.

[@yuki_sushi3480]

honestly I loved seeing firestar again im like WAY TO BRING HIMMMM BACKKKK lol

[@ilikedragons6779]

This is probably my favorite book in the series. When I read books and stuff, I never really think too hard on it so I can truly enjoy it. I genuinely cried when Bristlefrost drowned and if I was picking out the negatives of the book, I probably wouldn’t have been left with such a powerful feeling

[@WatershipsNightwish]

I agree with all of your points! Honestly, I found Bristlefrost's death to be the most impactful out of all of the deaths I've read in these books, and I found it satisfying that she had died taking down someone who had tricked her and turned her against her clanmates. Also: Violetshine and Needletail finishing off Darktail was satisfying, considering they didn't get to when he was alive.

[@hajimes-orange-juice]

Another bad thing about the book: Bristefrost and Ashfur’s death is just Darktail and Onestar all over again Edit: how did this get so many likes?

[@chunkyrager]

Yeah, I realized that right before reading this comment LMAO!

[@goldenretrieversarethebest8119]

oh wow, they are running out of ideas

[@river9603]

Not really the same. Bristlefrost pushed ashfur in the water to save shadowsight. After she pushed him in she had to drag him down, while I imagine onestar and dark just fought and drowned or bled to death. And after that bristlefrost was gone FOREVER. Onestar and darktail come back in this book as starclan / darkforest cats or whatever Onestar and darktails scene was more like onestar going “grr darktail you suck” and darktail getting mad and them fighting until they hit the water and fought in there. Plus the water is different. The water in the dark forest is all weird and black and sucks the energy(?) out of you. Just because they both drowned doesn’t make it the same at all.

[@sunisagoat1483]

it really isnt when the only similarity is that they both drowned

[@j1nx.creams0da]

they both drowned. thats it. bristlefrosts death had impact to it. she died for a cause. onestar and darktail was just a regular old battle. bristlefrost decided she had to die for the sake of her clan and the world itself, so she sacrificed herself. plus root's looking all over the world for her helped that too.

[@serenitythesiren5031]

My problem is that they brought *Skystar* and *Gray* *Wing* back. You could argue that since Skystar was the one who started SkyClan, he will always be remembered, even if it's just as 'SkyClan's leader.' But *Gray* *Wing* ? There's no way any cat remembers Gray Wing.

[@twist_ending7545]

Skystar remembers him :/

[@Jayquinator-X]

Actually, Windclan has referenced him a couple times in some books.

[@Kestrelbee]

yeah i agree, it makes sense for the originals to still exist, Mothflight included, since Heatherstar remembered her name when Moth visited her after her leadership ceremony, but GRAY WING? He was my fave DOtC cat, but c'mon

[@twist_ending7545]

@@Kestrelbee Moth Flight*

[@dawncloudproductions3907]

Gray Wing is one of my favorites, but there's no way a cat remembers him.

[@dovewingseyesaregreen5664]

Honestly the fight with Ashfur near the dark water gave me a good feeling of what I was about to read: some smuck was going to come barreling in and die saving the clans from Ashfur. I didn't expect another she-cat to have to sacrifice herself for a tom Bluestar-style but without her dying words. I do like the Rootspring trying to save her angle but I also wish there could have been some Shadowsight fighting back against the cat who manipulated him for so long instead of him running away, and I thought he was going to considering that was brought up shortly before Ashfur died for good. Like, StarClan FORBID that a medicine cat fight! No! We gotta keep Shadowsight as an UwU baby son for the fans and the Shadowsight lovers would HATE seeing Shadowsight fighting Ashfur and dying for it! The Erins also love Tigerheartstar a lot so they CAN'T set him up as an antagonist for the next arc by having his pleas to not let Shadowsight go to the dangerous place and general protectiveness pay off in a way that results in the death of not just one of his medicine cats but his son and blaming everyone else for talking him into it. They can't use Mistystar next arc as the disagreeable, mean leader unless they want to be *daring* and have a POV from the villain, but something tells me they're going to make one of the non-dark brown tabbies the antagonistic leader.

[@Justyouraveragechaosenjoyer]

Shadowsight deserved to take Ashfur down, it would have fit *so* much better. I could so see him just using the last of his strength to take control of his life, and take Ashfur down, falling with him. It would have fit so much better. It would still be absolutely heartbreaking, but it would have made *sense.*

[@helenalmansa6783]

Hey Akira the reason that Skystar is inmortal os because he is one of the creater of the cland

[@meganmena7415]

Here’s my thing. Root spring has this enchanting power to call to the dead. What if his attempt to call to her from the other side worked and he was able either drag her fully or at least her spirit back! That would have been the best ending with a really cool connection to everything they built before the last book with him discovering himself and growing his powers. And then they could have followed their story in the background of the next series where they are trying to decide how to be together - switching clans - becoming loner etc.

[@teddylancer2069]

Why didn't Squrrielflight be the one to defeat Ashfur, alongside Bristlefrost or Bramblestar? That would make a lot of sense.

[@FlowerGriffon]

It would be so cool if bramblestar fights ashfur as a spirit and gets killed by ashfur! It would get rid of bramblestar quickly and it would be so much dramatic!

[@finnsnow2495]

I know I'm shocked Squirrel didn't die in this book. I thought that's what we were building up but I guess they couldn't kill too many old gen cats.

[@fingun7400]

I wish that Firestar sacrificed himself because like Ashfur hurt his daughters, grandkids, and clan, I feel like it was would’ve been a cool way for him to go out.

[@Cinnaschticks]

@@FlowerGriffon If only it was Bramblestar. 😔

[@saml815]

I was genuinely pissed that she didn't get the chance to confront her abuser and defeat him for good. Meanwhile everyone thought it was a good idea to send Shadowsight back in, even though he was injured and has no fighting skills, because... Clearly the authors had nothing else to make him do. So let's circumvent logic and let him take the place of the strong, skilled warrior that has far greater personal stakes in the battle!

[@ranboo0fpompoms]

Someone needs to make a MAP with an au being just a better-written light in the mist and we should just treat that as canon.

[@avahumphries4571]

I honestly thought that Shadowsight, Bramblestar and Squirrelflight would be the ones to defeat Ashfur. Each of these cats have some sort of connection to him, them killing him would've made so much sense

[@Justyouraveragechaosenjoyer]

Y e s. This would have been way better.

[@g.d.graham2446]

Yes, or Shadowsight dying with Ashfur instead of Bristlefrost 😢

[@rqktsushi7526]

I wish Cloudtail and Ashfur would’ve have an interaction considering their history

[@beastmaster0934]

I loved that they killed off Bristlefrost. Not because I hate her (although I did find her a bit annoying at times). But because of how unexpected it was. The Erins have been known to kill off main characters in the past. But they usually were killed off in a later arc But killing off main characters in the arcs they were introduced in, is something they’ve never done before.

[@Thewavedemonjackal]

There was Grey Wing. But he died at the very very end. So IG that’s different

[@gemstone71552]

Agreed. I fill like it is the only risky thing they've done in a while!

[@g.d.graham2446]

New doesn't necessarily equal better

[@g.d.graham2446]

It was done so poorly though

[@valeqium]

@@g.d.graham2446 It does in this specific instance

[@amyyeoman6559]

Early!! I read this book and I'm kinda sad about Graystripe dying but it was his time. I liked how we saw some older characters, and the book was one of the saddest. I'm SO upset about Bristlefrost, however. It would have been better if she had ended up in StarClan, but no. They killed her off unnessacarily forever. Rootspring and Bristlefrost would have started dating but sadly she had to die. Unless he ends up dying forever, he'll never see her which is depressing. I also felt bad for Snowtuft and Shadowsight, like, Ashfur needs to leave them alone. What's also bad is that Bramblestar and Squirrelflight are dating again.

[@Kestrelbee]

I personally thought Bris's death was pretty good compared to some other deaths in the past. While it's really sad she's gone forever, the Erins are getting more bold, and nobody expected it either, which is saying something for Warrior Cats. Most of the time we can predict when an important character is taking their last stand, I could smell Graystripe's death coming a MILE away. But Bristlefrost's death was so sudden, and though I think her death should have been addressed differently, I think it was a good way to get our feels going. I sure cried :'D Snowtuft deserved better tho TwT

[@Malanchuk_Diana]

You last words make me laugh, this a problem?When you reads 2-6 arch, u are not have problem about that.

[@SaturnSpinosaurus]

but consider this, if she didn't die, it would be like everyother forbidden relationship in warriors! that trope is tired and boring, by killing her of we twist the audience's expectation of what will happen. additionally if ashfur died but bristlefrost lived it would be anti-climatic, we have her throwing herself and him off of a cliff, dragging him down as far as she could before she lost strength to make sure he couldn't escape, if she survived that, ashfur would have survived it too, making his death nonsensical

[@g.d.graham2446]

Shadowsight death vs Bristlefrost would have been MUCH better

[@gingerskyyy]

I don't know if it was just me, but I was really happy when they revealed the voice in Rootspring's head was Firestar.

[@g.d.graham2446]

That was neat, albeit a bit deus ex machina

[@Danmeilover69]

I also liked it.

[@rqktsushi7526]

@@g.d.graham2446 that’s exactly what it was 😭 but i like firestar so idc

[@hollowspirit923]

somehow both ashfur's deaths were near a river...

[@Cloverrfrostt]

I actually liked the 5 chapter epilogue. It felt like it was a nice wrap up to the book. There were actually more 7 deaths instead of 5 because Dark Tail and some nameless rogue were killed

[@Heartcatcher]

I honestly agree on almost all your points. When I had found out that Bristle was dead for good, it left a bad taste in my mouth. Especially when she had been the one to kill Ashfur, it wasn’t really motivated by anything that Ashfur had really done to her. Like I can count the amount of interactions they had on one hand honestly, and the most Ashfur had did to hurt Bristlefrost was I guess making her clanmates turn on her? I think that if someone was to kill Ashfur, it should’ve been either Squirrelflight, Bramblestar, or even Shadowsight. I think if Shadow did it, it would have a pretty good impact to settle the beef they had with each other. For Squilf, I’m not really able to picture her killing Ashfur with her bare paws, I can imagine better Squilf lashing out and pushing Ashfur into the water, where he died as his thoughts made it impossible to escape the water. For Bramble, I think he would work out too as he could get in an all out fight with Ashfur, and I can imagine Bramble fighting for his body being taken, for the clans being deceived, and for Ashfur trying to take advantage of Squilf (even if Bramble is toxic af, he would still defend her, I can imagine it’s like a possessive thing cuz he already treats her like an item). Honestly though, Bristle deserved better, it would’ve been better if somehow her spirit was able to escape the water, but it leaves her body dead. Ashfur also deserved a better death for all the chaos and pain he caused many cats.

[@Malanchuk_Diana]

I don't like when u call her squilf.

[@Heartcatcher]

@@Malanchuk_Diana it’s literally a fandom nickname don’t act like I’m the only one who says it lol

[@g.d.graham2446]

Agreed

[@tkpainter99]

Remember when rootspring and willowshine was listening to mapleshade talk about how she wished to steal a beautiful young she-cats body to live again, to kill actual blood plus etc? Well, the better ending would have been if mapleshade took over bristlefrost body, hurting rootspring, or either having his kits then killing him.

[@shadeslayer1592]

This is dark I love it!!!!!

[@Bilbz1]

Ha, that reminds me of that one story I wrote where Harestar's body had actually been possesed after he died in the battle and then that impostor killed Mistystar to allow Mapleshade to take over that other body. Crazy how I thought that actually made sense

[@blondeashfur3445]

That sounds really interesting! I would actually want to read that! But... wait... *Mapleshade having kits with Rootspring??*

[@jaybam2276]

It would've been awesome if Rootspring's love for Bristlefrost was so strong that when Ivypool and Fernsong asked for him to try to bring her back he was able to bring her ghost back and then she talked to him a little bit then flew up to StarClan. I myself love A Light In The Mist a lot, but you make good points.

[@muffins3629]

Same here I hate that concept that cats fade forever… it’s so depressing! But maybe that could be a novella concept that in reality the cats who die a second time in the dark forest or star clan go to a final place? Idk

[@ccondelli]

Omg I just finished the book and I'm miserable about Bristlefrost

[@Thewavedemonjackal]

Plus Bristlefrost doesn’t even get a second chance in starclan. She died once and now she’s faded

[@sophiecunningham6440]

I adored this book it completed the arc perfectly and I cried a bunch also firestar coming back was amazing I never saw it coming and the memories that bristle and root has were really sad also the greystripe fatshaming was hilarious

[@g.d.graham2446]

Losing Bristlefrost instead of Shadowsight was stupid for me. Shadowsight and Ashfur had a connection, so they should have both gone down, or at the very least Rootspring saves Bristlefrost

[@rqktsushi7526]

@@g.d.graham2446 i think it’s because they made Shadowsight suffer too much. if shadow died i would have cried way more

[@thundrJade2]

I’m calling it rn, Bristlefrost is going to pull a Hollyleaf.

[@g.d.graham2446]

I sure hope so, otherwise I'll be SOOO pissed

[@IceCarRider]

Thank you so much lol!! You perfectly summarized most of my issues with the book. I also hated how the first third of the book felt like a really drawn out chase scene. It really did bore me to death, so the last half of the book being as depressing as it was felt like a sucker punch rather than something actually emotional. Also, Snowtuft was done so dirty. Thanks Erin's for making this character seem interesting in the last book only to end his character arc off screen with a lame death scene. :/

[@g.d.graham2446]

Agreed

[@LuMaF48]

I have no complains about the five chapter epilogue and the bristlefrost death, there was my favorite parts. I prefer that than having to buy an extra novel sorry. The rest, i'm totally agree, i wish bramblestar death in a final fight like firestar in the last hope, even if squirelflight also died, and graystripe had to die already, mistystar next, it could be interesting. But, at the end of the day, knowing this books, it was entertainent and they give graystripe a good death. 4/5 stars. The fifth one, i put bramble death as a condition.

[@Cor789]

I love how forgettable Darktail and his rogues' involvement was no one is even mentioning them.

[@Shiara_draws]

Yeah and the fact that Needletail and Violetshine killed him

[@redemption8956]

I'm just so pissed that the writers are throwing such good opportunities away. Like, seriously, I'd rather let them take 2 years to write a single book and let it make me cry for hours and bring a stupid smile to my face than reading the stuff they're currently making.

[@Sheedystar_the_cat]

Congratulations Mistystar you outlived Graystripe! 🙃

[@projesusantisatan3583]

You know I’ve often questioned why the dawn of the clan cats I still around. Unless by some chance having a clan name keeps them in remembrance. But that wouldn’t explain Grayling

[@projesusantisatan3583]

@mrdoe97 actually that makes a lot of sense. I didn’t actually think about it that way.

[@fabplays6559]

@@projesusantisatan3583 He’s also known in Clan legend as “Greywing the wise”. Read the field guide.

[@youknowwhatelseisbig484]

I actually like Bristlefrost's death. Sure, it was kinda depressing. But that means that the character was well-written enough for you to feel a connection to and be said over. If an author kills a main character, and you fell nothing, then the character was poorly written. But if you feel emotion over it, the character was well-written decently. (Warrior cats standards is kinda low with the character expectations bar, tbh) And Bristlefrost's wish was to save her Clan and be a loyal warrior. And she did. Not only did she save Thu nderClan, but all the Clans. And I think that Bristlefrost's death is good, because they remember a character trait from Bristlefrost, when sometimes they forget certain traits, or characters comoletly which personalities.

[@samspady5]

Yes! Thank you!

[@newabbmantics]

kinda wish she went to Starclan tho-

[@Justyouraveragechaosenjoyer]

Bristlefrost's death was well written, but it just didn't feel right to me. It felt like a cheap jumpscare in a horror movie. It was there to evoke a reaction, and nothing else. It made me cry, but it also left me so frustrated that I'm not sure I'll even read the next arc. I feel like they had better candidates, but the biggest and best one would have been shadowsight. I feel like that would have been the perfect closer to his story.

[@aaronking2020]

@@Justyouraveragechaosenjoyer leave shadowsight be man. He's suffered enough.

[@Justyouraveragechaosenjoyer]

@@aaronking2020 He gets left with an empty ending and piles of survivors guilt. I think he deserved to take Ashfur down and see the light leaving his eyes. Shadowsight earned the last hurrah

[@sulfur9915]

I enjoyed this book a lot. It left me devastated, and I hadn’t felt such strong emotions from a warriors book since The Last Hope, which came out when I was still in middle school. There were odd retcons and character moments, but that’s normal for Warriors at this point. I only wish Bris had been given her place in StarClan because it’s BS that she doesn’t even get to have an afterlife even if the moment was really impactful

[@emerald_aurora]

I actually hated this book: for many reasons. 1. Bristlefrost and Rootspring both loved each other and were thinking of each other when they each fell into dark water. But somehow Rootspring managed to pull himself out because of that same love. Why not Bristlefrost?! Killing her off just ruined the whole book 2. Snowtuft died in such a lame way, by snapping his neck while fighting. I feel like his death should have been WAY more dramatic or actually important to the story. 3. Firestar. 4. Shadowsight was just rubbish and pointless for the entire book 5. What the heck was Darktail doing in the dark forest?!?! 6. Usually the last book of the arcs are so powerful and dramatic with a huge plot twist? Then there’s this book I mean it was quite well written but these points (in my opinion) just kinda made it…not good

[@shelbcake]

To be fair, even though Darktail was an antagonist, he still believed in Starclan to an extent. He was still a clan cat. Kind of how Feathertail is both a member of the Tribe of Endless Hunting and Starclan, even though she was never a member of the tribe. Also, let's face it: Everyone wanted Needletail to get her revenge, which she did

[@_void_with_eyes_]

@@shelbcake You took the words right out of my mouth lol

[@crispyshallots668]

Bristlefrost probably could have pulled herself out but she used her last moments to make sure Ashfur didn't escape from the dark water instead.

[@arcturus9366]

I liked the final confrontation but the way Ashfur suddenly introduced an army of rogues when there was no knowledge or evidence of them before because his antagonist army ran out of manpower really caught me off guard. Oh hey I ran out of cats to fight this ever growing horde of angry clan cats, let me introduce a rogue army out of nowhere so I can last a few more pages.

[@arcturus9366]

A lot of stuff in this book just seemed out of whack and sudden that it reminded me at least once or twice while reading of Starkit's prophecy.

[@pawsomeocmaker1232]

What about Darkstripe? He died too. Sure, he was kinda useless, but he was still there, and he still died.

[@startheangel9760]

It would of made sense that Firestar kills Mapleshade instead of Darkstripe since she killed Spottedleafs spirit

[@pawsomeocmaker1232]

@@startheangel9760 Yeah, it would’ve

[@g.d.graham2446]

Yep

[@slowtownmusic3749]

I would have absolutely loved Squirrelflight or Bramblestar killing off Ashfur, and one of them dying with him. But nope, instead he dies a pretty boring death plus we unnecessarily lose Bristlefrost. Honestly, I didn't expect that much from this book, because the last sixth books from other series were also a bit disappointing imo, but this is seriously underwhelming.

[@fanpet3912]

I'm fairly certain that Bristlefrost *was* originally meant to live. I think that the visions they both saw with the kits and stuff were the original plan for the characters, but then they realised Bristlefrost should die instead and switched it up (I absolutely love Bristlefrost's death don't @ me) But that's just a theory-

[@closetcat716]

I've waited for this since the book released

[@anbani4533]

I personally would like to see more of good cats going bad. I love amazing betrayals it would be amazing!!! Also yes, I also agree they had really bad deaths. Who would want to die of dark water? I 100% agree with you especially about Rootspring not saving Bristlefrost.

[@Dragonemperess]

Cats fade naturally as they are forgotten, which would explain Mapleshade having a boost from the Dark Forest Battle. Although I'm not sure how Skystar is alive. Maybe the Clan Founders get a boon of never fading? And with Grey Wing, I think is was said in a book that he is known as a famous tactician, and that perhaps Windclan or Shadowclan have battle tactics formed by him? He also had a Title, I think it was Greywing the Wise or something like that? This is off of the top of my head though, its beem years since I read those books. You don't forget people with titles. Like that one guy, and that other guy. And that one lady. See, not forgotten.

[@sweetwolfsteve5583]

The fact that they killed off 2 cats that shouldn't have died is one of them a mist in the light was such a huge disappointment the whole arc was just a bunch of filler it made me mad that they just killed off bristlefrost they had such a good build up between root and bristle then they kill her off just like that

[@graphitetailgrace3870]

They didn't just kill her off, they wiped her from existence. Rootspring and Ivypool will *never* see her again.

[@sweetwolfsteve5583]

@@graphitetailgrace3870 ok but still they did bristlefrost dirty it was so stupid

[@g.d.graham2446]

Exactly

[@ShyWitchling]

Just finished it! Tbh personally I think being dragged down drowning in a darkness that drains all your hope really suited Ashfur. By that point he is literally breaking down emotionally, moreso than he already was in general. He's gone from attacking from afar (and chickening out), attacking directly, to attacking literally everyone who isn't even involved. In the final battle he is literally pacing back and forth rambling vengeful thoughts to himself like a Disney villain, as if he's talking to someone else too, so utterly obsessed with Squirrelflight he literally can't think about anything else. That rising dark water is his own rising insanity and hopelessness. And the reaction to Graystripe's words, which he took a solid few seconds to even process in that Squirrel obsessed brain of his, was to scream and tear him apart. I'm happy that Squirrelflight didn't go into the final battle, she faced him earlier and escaped from him - that's all that was needed, she doesn't need to fight him since he is now all of the living clans problem, and that would only solidify the connections between her and Ashfur more, move on by showing him you didn't even bother to show up, add to the hopelessness. And let your buff murderous dad beat up the dude instead lol. Couldnt stand all the Bramblestar simping all arc tho. Shadowsight literally has a little scene where he's like "if I go to the dark forest I'm afraid I won't be the same coming back" and when Bramblestar comes back Leafstar is understandably a little cautious, and Shadowsight just goes "wtf is she on, he's the great noble awesome Bramblestar he'll never change" Shadowsight honey you haven't read Squirrelflight's Hope have you

[@rainstriderstreamflower5645]

I happen to love Firestar! And I don't see anything wrong with him playing a major role in the final book.

[@g.d.graham2446]

It's a weird deus ex machina, but it was ok

[@yawninglion1677]

It's less that we don't like him and more that we're just sick of him being shoved down our throats. We get it Erins, Firestar was heroic, can you move onto new characters now?

[@lillithewolf]

@@yawninglion1677 I know this is an old comment,but you are right. Firestar did what needed to be done,and we liked him for that. But now we need new characters,that could be heroic as Firestar or evil like...? I'm not good at these things but I tried 😂 And I'm so concerned about the fact that Vicky left the team(or something like that,I discovered it only a week ago😅) . (Just a theory) Maybe Warrior Cats isn't going to last for long after this arc,without her. (Sorry for potential grammar mistakes or something like that)

[@yawninglion1677]

@@lillithewolf Yeah, we just need new blood. A clean slate. I personally want a massive timeskip where all the characters are new and all the bloodlines are intermingled and undefined. Bring is back to an Into-The-Wild-like state where the Clans are small and struggling after a massive plague or something. Then give us a new organic hero who has no special bloodline or anything we're aware of.

[@orcaking3432]

@@yawninglion1677 YEAH! Rabies attacks the clan and Starclan has to send members to create new clans!

[@kumihanya]

For people who wonder why people are still reminded of Graywing: Warriors: Battles of the Clans: Among the clans, he went down in history as "Graywing the Wise" - he is a legend. he helped the founders of the Clans very often. So of course he will be remember

[@4Stormfly]

This was easily my favorite main series book (not including the first arc or Dawn of the Clans). I really liked Bristlefrost's death and I think it was very well written. I also think it's kind of poetic that she saved the cat she would soon fall in love with from drowning, and later drowned to save everything that she loved. I'm glad that her death is permanent, too; it gave the battle higher stakes. Usually I don't really care when a cat dies because I know I'll see them again in Starclan, but with her death being permanent, her sacrifice actually felt meaningful. I'm also glad Rootspring didn't die trying to save her, so he can fight to help other cats that are in love with someone in another clan. My biggest complaints are that Shadowsight didn't really get to do anything and that the book moved a bit too slow in my opinion.

[@purrsnickety8398]

I agree with you. This was also definitely one of my favorite series books :)

[@danamullins1275]

What do you think of the sixth arc?

[@groudonvert7286]

About the epilogue, I just want to point something important : the final battle actually began in book five when they entered the Dark Forest and fought for their surviving (especially Rootspring who never went out of it before the epilogue), we can say it's the longest final battle ever written ^^ That gives plenty of time to finish the story arc of all characters where the other books like that (arc 1 and 4) were finished very quickly and disapointing by the fact there's no real conclusion, they won, that's it.

[@mayzcantdraw]

I mean, if you HAD to kill off one of the protaganists (that was a bad idea in the first place), I would've chosen Shadowsight. Why Bristlefrost??? I mean, Shadow was the one most involved in the Ashfur-imposter shenanigans, and it would've been more meaningful if Shadowsight would've been the one to take down Ashfur. Or would've been relevant to this damned book's climax at all. I need justice for Shadowsight ;-;

[@thelanktheist2626]

Yes! Shadowsight was actually openly affected by Ashfur. Bristlefrost was… his deputy? Or a few months? Woe is me! Shadowsight only had to deal with him for most of his life!

[@thelanktheist2626]

@Oreoflurry Yes, but so was Shadowsight, way worse, to the point he was hated by every medicine cat and forced to become an apprentice again.

[@thelanktheist2626]

@Oreoflurry Yes, but I feel like the one who was effected most should be able to have a final blow. Whether it be Shadowsight or Ashfur.

[@mayzcantdraw]

@Oreoflurry yeah, I get that! i would've been fine with either Shadowsight or Sqilf to sacrifice themselves. They were the two cats who had the strongest connections with him, Squilf for obvious reasons, and Shadow because he was the one who unintentionally brought Ashfur back to power, the one manipulated in his dreams, the one gaslighted by Ashfur, the one cast aside by his Clan because they thought it his fault. It would be very symbolic if Shadow was the one to start this mess, so he would be the one to finish it. That, in my opinion, would've been a great ending. But just scratch out the part where he dies forever, I want my floofy boi to find peace in Starclan ;-; Thank you for coming to my ted talk :)

[@mayzcantdraw]

@Oreoflurry Yeah, fr! :)

[@snowflower6412]

Look I had gotten into Danganronpa like three days before reading this book so all the hope and despair talk distracted me

[@maxliu1099]

I have many problems with the seventh arc in general but many were highlighted in this book. Firstly, I never liked the starclan trial gimmick and I never will. In the Forgotten warrior Bluestar tells Jayfeather that if a cat finds his way to starclan that must mean that they are worthy. She says that it is not starclan’s place to judge cats. I liked this because it keeps starclan at a respectable level, and it keeps starclan as a mystical and righteous place, it’s a place good cats go after death. But by making it so that the starclan cats decide this is horrible. This removes the warrior status quo. Starclan has been the only consistent concept and group in the series and now that’s no longer the truth. Now this makes us rethink everything we know about starclan and removes the status quo “of good cats go to starclan”. By removing this, starclan fails to be what it originally was supposed to be, a cat heaven full void of judgement and rivalry. Secondly, it’s like watching a tennis game. The whole book goes in a cycle. Fight Ashfur, run, encounter new dead cats, think positive and repeat. The whole book is like this and it’s even more frustrating because the last one was repetitive as well. Thirdly, this book completely destroys the concept known as starclan. In the first series, starclan was a heaven devoid of negativity and full of happiness and wisdom. The second series makes it less far off and mystical but doesn’t change much. The third and fourth series keep with this idea but showing that starclan cats aren’t angles, and that they can make mistakes too. The fifth series doesn’t do anything and the sixth expands the spirit world. The Broken Code though, oh boy. It completely destroys starclan’s mysticism and turns the spirit world into nothing more than an over glorified version of the living world. In OotS they let the spirit cats manifest physically, which already lessened their appeal in the story as wise spirits living in cat heaven. Then this book happens. They go in and out in the fifth and sixth book of tBC so much that it just feels like tribe territory. Oh and also this book might contain Firestar’s worst chapter currently in existence. Fourthly, this book seems to hero worship both Graystripe and Bramblestar. It’s always “this great cat” or “how could Mistystar doubt the great Brambestar”. It acts like Greystripe is the greatest warrior the clans have seen and that Bramblestar used to walk on water. They’re are both just average and Bramblestar is arguably a horrible person Fifth, this book creates a bunch of new unexplored lore. It’s like OotS all over again except it makes less sense, and is more often than not contradicting. Sixth of all, the book kills the main characters. Bristlefrost dying is fine. She had been rotting since the third book(tho also, Moonkitti totally predicted it). No, the problem is that it makes reading the Bris and Rootspring chapters actual work. They are completely the same down to the thoughts and everything. They’ve lost all they’re charm and they were just extremely bland. Seventh. They’ve somehow made this a TRAVELING book. Except it’s somehow WORSE than all the other traveling books. Because the characters they meet will never make a reappearance, at least without seriously damaging the series as a whole. In addition, it doesn’t have the merits of traveling books, like different experiences, fast pacing, fun adventures, new territory and the general upbeat-ness. Instead everything is dreary and seems the same. Eight, this book brings back Darktail which, I don’t even know what to say. It’s sort of alright when you’re using cats like Tigerstar and Brokenstar who’ve been gone for a generation. But bringing back Draktail last second only one arc later to have him face the exact same cats he faced in the living world is just lazy. It’s almost like we’ve got to worry about every villain coming back after death now, which would be horrible. Nine. Ashfur no longer being interesting in the slightest. Now he just wants revenge. b e c a u s e i s n t t h a t a n e w c o n c e p t. Ten. The fact that there were no living cats actually being part of the plot. In conclusion, this book sucks

[@g.d.graham2446]

Agreed, and I appreciate all the effort put into this comment 😁

[@Nicodemus-1004]

Maybe the fading stuff is to do with cats memory of spirit cats and maple shade is in full form bc the great battle but before that bearly anyone knew who maple shade was as seen by sandstorms encounter with her so i dont think thats an error that shes in full form again

[@purrsnickety8398]

Overall I personally really liked this book. Bristlefrost dying was a huge plot twist for me, and it meant so much more that she was gone forever (I was SO VERY SAD WHEN I READ THAT. I was right there with Rootspring in his sadness). It was super climatic for me. I also thought Graystripe's death was done really well. I wouldn't have wanted him to just die a simple death, because he has been so important through all of Warriors that he deserves a good, memorable scene for his death. He went out from battle, and went on to StarClan to see all his dead loved ones (I would imagine it was similar to Crookedstar's death when he got to see everyone he'd known who died before him greet him in StarClan) Of course there were things I didn't like about this book, like Bramblestar and Squirrelflight's irrelevance and the pointless arguments and. how Bristlefrost "lives on in the cats who loved her," (I think it should've been that she literally did by being able to talk to Rootspring like Firestar did, just something I'd thought of) but overall I enjoyed it very much. I have to say its definitely one of my favorite series books!

[@Baby_Bebbi_The_Fur]

I agree with almost *everything* in this comment!! However, I thing Graystripe should have had a nice, calm death in the elder’s den, so he could die peacefully surrounded by all his clan mates, instead of torn apart by Ashfur. Just my opinion!

[@g.d.graham2446]

I loved this series until this book, tbh

[@brookk110]

I thought I was the only one that hated this book xD the dark forest sections seemed to drag on soooo long and the arguing by the moonpool was in circles and pointless. And yeah Bristlefrost’s death didn’t make much sense to me. At least let her go to StarClan like wtf xD

[@g.d.graham2446]

Let Shadowsight die in her place, at least, or Rootspring diving in to save her

[@whatdididonow7373]

One thing I really like about these books is they teach you so much about how NOT to write. I've come up with a system of keeping track of characters/plot based on the problems I've seen in the Warrior Cat books. I mean I love the characters and the story lines, but I read it as much as for what's WRONG with the books as is what's right with them.

[@g.d.graham2446]

Agreed

[@Rain_fawn]

there is a detail that annoyed me so much that should be a runner up in this video and that is... SprieSight's involvement . somewhere in book 3 -BrambleStar- AshFur said something along the lines of "ill manipulate you just as I did to the skinny black tom with the yellow eyes" infering SpireSight had some big involvement with Ashfur. but this was completely forgotten! we got no real ending to that and it just annoys me.

[@Eclipse-mf6hc]

I love how a chunk of this book just felt like the Harry Potter reunion. As soon as I realised Onestar was coming along into the Dark Forest I was like “umm…” then Feathertail and Silverstream “oh boy… what did we just walk into to”

[@ZirconiaGacha]

Spoiling The Broken Code for myself watching this: I just want to see the issues in the end and now I’m really disappointed. They could have done so much better. Also, Firestar has had his time as protagonist. A whole arc of just him as main character and now he gets spoiled with another main character chapter/chapters. They should have let Some other cat do the job or had Rootspring as protagonist, but Firestar gives him some sort of ability to do the job himself. I get the dark water if Bristlefrost is pinning Ashfur in the dark water, essentially killing himself to make sure Ashfur is indeed dead.

[@ZirconiaGacha]

Edit: Autocorrect made herself “himself”.

[@TS2dethmonkey]

I second on the motion of Firestar giving power/ability to Rootspring. He could be like: "Rootspring! My presence will give you a power boost and I will help give you advice and warnings. But otherwise it is up to you kid. You can do it! I have faith in you!"

[@ZirconiaGacha]

@@TS2dethmonkey Yep. They should have left possession (pretty much) alone at that point and let Rootspring be the true hero. As mentioned, Firestar has had his time, give to the guys who’s been protagonist this whole time.

[@TS2dethmonkey]

@@ZirconiaGacha Agreed. I love Firestar, but like any other former protagonists I like, when their "turn" is done, the new kids got to do the job. Sure stay relevant/important but don't have them take the glory from the newbies when its their story. This was problem with the Old/Legends Star Wars Expanded universe stories after the Return of the Jedi era. Stories would set up these new protagonists, only for Luke and the original series heroes to swoop in, fix the problem and hog the spotlight.

[@ZirconiaGacha]

@@TS2dethmonkey Yep. You don’t do that without some sort of backlash. YES, have references or appearances from the old characters, but let the new kids do the jobs.

[@tailsakita7381]

I agree with A LOT of this. Bristlefrost's death destroyed me, I don't think it should have have happened. I think it would have been more impactful if Shadowsight or Squirrelflight killed Ashfur. If Rootspring can swim up from the dark water because of love and hope, why couldn't Bristlefrost? She was clearly thinking of her love for Rootspring as she was drowning. Did she have to die that way? She couldn't at least go to Starclan? There's more I can write but I don't want this comment to go on forever.

[@g.d.graham2446]

Agreed, it should have been Shadowsight

[@Corpse701]

With shadowsight's ending, I'm really hoping they're setting him up to either be a villain in the next arc, or still be important.

[@madithornbury3363]

What was difficult for me to understand about Bristlefrost dying forever because she died in the dark forest, was that Willowshine also died in the dark forest, but she just became a spirit and then made it to StarClan. Were they trying to say that if you die in the dark water, THEN you die forever?

[@Rootspring.]

No, Willowshine died before it by death berries, however, she was separated from her body by Ashfur, killing her.

[@biddoughnut9548_belltover]

All my friend said was: "'Well, if there are multiple protagonists, then it is very likely one of them will die.'"

[@slashercat8649]

i actually liked the Firestar possession moment, but I think it would have been better if that's all he appeared in the book. Just a cool cameo where he interacts with Darkstripe (an OG character) and references his lines from the original books. Besides, how funny would it be if Firestar shows up, roasts the dark forest guards, kills a man, and then peaces out of the book. also I know they added Graystrupe in simply because they wanted to kill him but there were so many ways to do that. Bramblestar himself didn't have to show up but not having Squirrelfight there was just stupid.

[@mysryuza]

Gotta love how every time Ashfur dies, it’s near a body of water Ngl, Squirrelflight looks badass

[@__Skorm__]

I was Sad about Snowtuft, I wanted him to Kill Ashfur but he died along with Ashfur, But Chapter 3, Disappointment 😞

[@AR-K9]

Rootspring should have died with Bristlefrost in his attempt to save her honestly. Violetshine holding him back was such a weak excuse, especially when he fell in and pulled himself out of the water before. That, or Shadowsight should have been the one to die pushing Ashfur into the water - it would have been so much more meaningful since he was the one who was manipulated all series by him. Bristlefrost’s permanent death leaves us so empty because it feels like she dies to save Shadowsight, only for Starclan to tell him he’s literally useless in terms of connecting with them and that he’s done his part in life. It really rubs me the wrong way, so I hope he plays a bigger role in future books.

[@mutedchroma]

Y’know, book are supposed to go through at least 2 editors who aren’t biased, and they’re supposed to be read through and double checked for mistakes etc. It seems like the Erins just started writing, stopped and swapped notes, then started writing on the wrong notes. The book doesn’t make sense, and who’s idea was it to have Firestar save the day AGAIN? They already did it three times. I guess he’s a big character and what not, but he died, and you didn’t even see him! It would have been better if Snowtuft was the one to save the day in redemption for attacking Rootspring or something. But Firestar? Might as well send another prophecy saying “WELP! WE MESSED UP SO GET ANOTHER DEAD CAT TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS” If someone like YellowFang died, or if The Three got their powers again or something, so Jayfeather could possibly boss his way through or SOMETHING! Not Firestar suddenly coming with all the secrets.

[@Justyouraveragechaosenjoyer]

6:20 This. This would have redeemed a fair section of it for me. Even if they died together, it'd be at least a tad more forgivable. Or looking at the point that follows- the idea of it coming full circle is an awesome idea. Bristlefrost should have lived. Still salty. If they killed anyone off, I feel like it should have been Shadowsight. Hear me out: He finally gains a wave of strength, and in a fit of rage and desperation, he takes Ashfur down, finally feeling as though he's redeemed himself. I'd still be upset, but at least it'd be a tiny bit more fulfilling. Instead the authors made him useless and gave him mountains of survivors guilt and an empty prophecy but oh at least he's aCcePtEd noW right?? angy.

[@g.d.graham2446]

Yeah it was bullshit, and Shadowsight should have been the one to die

[@northwindy]

Bristlefrosts death seriously made me angry. Theres a difference between death, and deleting a character. The whole arc it was setting up Rootfrost, and ngl, I was invested. Really invested. They were the couple that would explore cross clan relationships on another level, help change the warrior code and lead warriors into the future. But they just.. got rid of her? Her death made me visibly upset because she.. just gone.. No starclan, no spirit, nothing. Shes not even in the earth. I was super excited to see them as a future couple but she doesn't exist anymore. They deleted a good character that they invested so much time and character development in. A wasteful death, Shadowsight of all characters should've died, not Bristlefrost.

[@g.d.graham2446]

Yeah, what a shitty end to such a solidly developed relationship. WTF were these writers thinking? 😢🤦

[@g.d.graham2446]

Also agreed with Shadowsight taking the blow vs Bristlefrost

[@DarkQuilava13]

Okay i actually really liked the broken code and i actually liked the final book, i do agree with some of your points but others didnt bother me as much ^^ this isnt to undermine your opinion more so put out my own? The arguing yeah, I really think the arguing was stupid but it was prevlant thoighout the entire arc so it didnt really phase me here. I breezed through the Epilouge in kknd of denial of Bristle dying, but the code I think isnt fully changed yet and i think the next arc will play on that more heavily. Like this was yeah okay the code needs changed anf the next arc will be "the mess that is changing the code" The fading i feel was retconned a while ago with the dawn of the clans cats i just remeber those cats showing up before liek in squilfs hope, mapleshades fading i feel like reveresed after her partaking in OotS Shadowsight made me sad as well. The darkwater is lame frankly but the violence has toned down alot, and snowtuft's also made me sad. :c I think the twist may come in a more proper reincarntation for bristle (not that cinderheart bs), but honwstly i found this series even this book more climatic than omen of the stars as a whole. So much of it felt like stalling aside from ivy's chapters so this felt like Oots's plot but the actual conflict with the bad dead cats being more of the main focus ironically. As for him not diving in for her was DEFS BS. I remember Bristle was oretty wounded so i thought she was close to death before she went after Ashfur, so i think her forever death was intentional, so im still expecting her to pop up again, abd if not.... as devastated as I was that Bristlefrost died, its felt like forever since they had the guts to do this to a not ancient af character yeah we had needletail but other thsn that no important characters that werent super old have gone since around the first arc. :/ (albeit i havent read much of dawn of the clans) It left with this very bittwersweet feeling that i felt like wouod leave an impact on the next arc. But thats me xD Also all the stuff witg graystripe and firestar was like "oh my god, really?" Like i get the characters logic fof not having squolf and bramble face ashfur, but from the authors standpoint, yeah no, it was bull. Like I got it from, yeah logistocally the cats around them wouldnt let them go but like??? :/

[@idkgato]

I feel like Bramblestar should have been the one dying while killing Ashfur, and the three protagonists should have lived.

[@raihan6908]

That's still anticlimactic

[@danslyy]

I have a feeling this book is one of the BIGGEST MISTAKES Warrior Cats has. (Yes, I'm upset that Bristlefrost DIED FOREVER and that it wasn't Squirrelflight who killed Ashfur in an epic battle and said something to him like: "My love was never yours, and it never will be. And you won't be able to dream that we'll be together anymore. " or something like that.) (Are Ashfur's deaths related to water? The first time he died it was near water and the second time is in dark water.)

[@Megweave]

I was so mad about Graystripe and Bristlefrost! I was so sad! Bristlefrost was my favorite, and Graystripe was the last cat from Firestar's generation, in Thunderclan that is. I really had a bunch of problems with this book. Like why did Graystripe have to die, and it was so sad how Bramblestar reacted. Also, I agree, why did Shadowsight have to say, "Whaaa, I'm not a medicine cat anymore". I actually thought it would be cool if borders/the code went away. Also if Bristlefrost somehow ended up in Starclan. I don't know why the death of Bristlefrost didn't have to be someone like Tigerstar #2 finally being honorable. I also with Lightleap had been the one to go to the dark forest, she seems like an interesting character. I'm just really mad about the ending. Actually the whole book.

[@g.d.graham2446]

Yes

[@g.d.graham2446]

Proper ending to story: 1. Bramblestar involved for payback for taking over his body 2. Shadowsight does with Ashfur 3. Same as book, but Rootspring saves Bristlefrost from drowning (especially considering how she saving him from drowning was LITERALLY how they first met each other!) God, this series was doing so well and then they ABSOLUTELY BLEW IT with this book 😡😡😡

[@sarastefan4049]

I have one more problem with it and it is very childish, but that's fine. My problem is that bramblestar was barely involved but still he is on the cover. I know it's the smallest problem or not even a problem but it still annoys me. Sorry for bad english by the way

[@juniper5604]

Theory: bris's spirit was saved by the same higher power that gave the three their powers, and was shoved into... Frostpaw. Hear me out here. Bris is telling this kit things that she wouldn't know otherwise, and frosp is telling others these things. They think she has a 'special connection with starclan', hence the ederweiss blurb (thanks to that blurb we know rc is the starless clan) and of course, as the blurb hints, Mothwing and/or Mistystar die, making frosp the only medicine cat when she's not fully trained. Since it's just bris in her head and not an actual starclan cat she DOESNT have a special connection to starclan, and can't communicate with them, leaving riverclan without their ancestors to guide them. So bris and frosp go on this epik adventure and probably fight somewhere in between and eventually bris splits up from frosp, going to either starclan or becoming ghost or, much less likely, being revived and getting together with rootspring. Don't forget her visions of a family with root, guys! Anyway, some neat little quirks of this character: Bris can possess frosp, probably to fight since she was a warrior and frosp is a med. She usually asks to do this, but one time she does it forcefully making frosp angry and having a dramatic fight until they need bris I think a main villain might be finchpaw, since Kate cary says she wouldn't trust her even tho she has no control over the books. Flamepaw would defeat his sister and hopefully pull a fireheart. This does mean squilf will die/retire, though. -and bramblestar but I don't think anybody reasonable cares- Supporting evidence: Pelts same color, symbolism Eyes same color, symbolism Similar names, symbolism Ederweiss Blurb I wouldn't mind if this isn't real though, what a way to end an arc.

[@S0me0neElse.]

HELP I FINISHED IT AT 2am LAST NIGHT AND CRIED TILL 3am AND HAD A GODAMN IMPORTANT MATHS TEST TODAY WHICH I PROBABLY FAILED BECUASE I GOT NO SLEEP AND FELT EMPTY AFTER THE ENDING!

[@Povejmikatrina]

I didn't hate the book but seriously, only TWO living cats dying? I mean, at least Graystripe is finally gone, but there are still too many useless or old cats around. Bramblestar and/or Squirrelflight should have died. They should have killed off more cats. Like, Crowfeather was right there. I adore him, but he's really old. Just take the opportunity and kill him.

[@shadeslayer1592]

Crowfeather isn't that old he's around the same as as squirrelflight

[@Shadowfate93]

You call Crowfeather old when Mistystar was literally there too? She's so old that she was a warrior long before TPB

[@KaysontheJackal123]

@@Shadowfate93 She’s like 14 years old lol

[@crispyshallots668]

I still want to see Crowfeather become Crowstar so I hope they don't kill him off just yet.

[@kairhys124]

Intersting video but I disagree with a few points; Bris' death here was probably the best conclusion she would have gotten. She got to die a hero and actually doing something for the plot and her clan. If she didn't die here she would have just ended up another washed up former POV wife that loses any and all personality, and ends up dying in between arcs 15 books from now. She was already reduced to a pretty useless character around book three when she just became Rootspring's GF and that was all the personality she had. Squilf not being the person to kill Ashfur was also fine with me. Graystripe said it best, her just ignoring his existence entirely was the most savage thing she could do to him. He'd have probably found some satisfaction in making her be the one to end him. And overall I thought Firestar's appearance was fine. He wasn't some secret hero who suddenly stole the plot. He showed up for like 4 pages, acted snarky and murdered Darkstripe. Overall, despite initially rolling my eyes when I realised he was the spirit, I liked the few pages more than I expected, it was a fun way to use his character. He really wasn't as important or plot deciding as this video makes him seem. Overall like a 6/10 book. Had lots of problems but what was mentioned in the video wasn't what I found gripes with. That would be the surprising amount of injustice towards the actually pretty repentant DF cats. And the pacing.

[@arcturus9366]

Bristlefrost's death was sad and I think she could've gotten the motivation to swim back up to the surface and climb out by focusing on her love for Rootspring, the whole time I was like, you made it all this way and you can't even try and get out after pushing Ashfur even deeper into the water. She just accepts it and I legitimately thought they would use that hope mentioned only a few times in this book to give Bristlefrost a chance to escape. They basically pulled a Bluestar on her.

[@Malanchuk_Diana]

Why u call her squilf, this famous call her like that?

[@Blaze_the_cat_]

I cried reading the final chapters after bristlefrost died like I was so into the bristlefrost x rootspring as the first change to the warrior code

[@mythdragon3297]

I was very sad about losing graystripe :(

[@g.d.graham2446]

At least his death was earned/fitting, unlike Bristlefrost's bullshit drowning

[@gilramanujan8826]

Honestly, even though I haven’t gotten to the broken code yet. I think Graystripe role in this arc (let alone this book) was the most well handled from him confronting Ashfur in book 3, to his super edition, to his role in this book. I think in a way his death feels the most satisfying because he had a good end to his story and it feels earned because of all he did in this arc and we feel grateful that he can rest easily in StarClan now. I feel like with Graystripe as much as I personally didn’t want him to die, it felt like an earned death and a Warrior’s death for that matter.

[@jl4215]

We need a traveling back in time arc where they go back and save Bristlefrost 💔

[@Ravenwinds]

Skystar is still around because SkyClan was never completely forgotten, Skywatcher and presumably a few other SkyClan descendants we never met kept the the barest memories of SkyClan alive. If a Clan is remembered, it makes sense that the spirit of the cat that the Clan is named after is still around. As for Gray Wing, WindClan probably tells stories about him, probably almost as much as Windstar and Moth Flight.

[@sunkatt]

This is all so true!!! I hated Bristlefrost’s death so much, It felt like such a waste and she was an amazing character! It would have been cool if Rootspring could have pulled Bristlefrost’s spirit from the dark water when Ivypool and Fernsong asked for him to call for her, it still would’ve been sad that she wasn’t alive but just to have her there as a spirit would have made it so much better. Some really great points on all this stuff though.

[@ChaseFromSpace]

It’s so stupid how Bristlefrost can’t swim although she saved a cat who is known to have fallen into water and couldn’t swim, and that same cat fell in the water and swam out easily, but when Bristlefrost try’s to swim out, she can’t and dies forever

[@foreverawarriorcat4451]

I liked Firestar coming back at the end but I also see your point too

[@Oasisplaystoca-boca]

Like i agree But when i layed in bed this night reading de part that firestar was back i got Happy tears😊

[@beetleboii]

This arc started off so strong and REALLY fizzled out. That and the fact we had two antagonists in a row die by drowning is kinda crappy. Bristlefrost's death made sense. She was one of Ashfurs most loyal followers so it's cool she seems to be the one that took him down. Personally though, they should've gone the route of all the protagonists dying or none of them. With Bristlefrost permadead Rootspring is just a flat out depressing character. Shadowsight.... he's just seemed useless (at least in my opinion). Kinda worried about the next arc, but I'm still gonna give it a chance, more than likely wont finish the broken codes 6th book

[@allura9163]

also 'loved ashfur'? I never got the vibe that Squirrelflight was into Ashfur. She hung out with him, was friendly with him, but having re-read TNP a few months ago, nowhere in it does anything about her having feelings for him beyond friendship. He just assumed that she did - which was a mistake on his part. I hate the narrative that a guy and a girl can't be JUST friends. So when Squirrelflight didn't seem to show any feelings other than friendship towards Ashfur, that was a relief. Like i felt bad that he liked her and got hurt, but how he reacted to it and everything after just shows he was always unstable. And mistystar going to the dark forest is one thing - RiverClan wasn't in turmoild. ThunderClan was literally ripped apart from the inside by what was basically a civil war. I would have been appalled if either Bramble, Squirrel, or even worse, BOTH, had went gallivanting off to the Dark Forest . the odds of one or both of them dying would not be worth it, seeing as we've now seen exactly how poorly ThunderClan would be off without proper leadership

[@jennyclark2090]

Akira please please do a new `What books to read` vid! The last one helped so much! But now there are new books! (if you have time) Thankyou. Love the content!

[@micaiahvenn3185]

I had a much better idea for Ashfur just now! So there’s this Greek myth about these bulls that are impenetrable, so the only way to kill them is by leading them into a pit, making them choke on their own rage. I think the writing team could have used this premise. Like, what if the protagonists somehow got Ashfur into a pit and he choked on his own loathing and obsession? I would imagine this in the form of dark fog or gas instead of water. Ashfur fell into the ditch with a thud. The gray tom scrambled to his feet, panic flashing in his eyes. He tried to escape, desperately clawing at the dry walls around him, only to be stopped by the clan cats, Starclan cats, and friendly Dark Forest cats. Ashfur’s eyes darted around, frantically looking for an escape, to no avail. He couldn’t fight, the other cats had the high ground. He couldn’t control the spirit cats or climb his way out, the pit was too deep. Any sane cat would’ve crumbled. Would’ve surrendered, much less turn a whole entire endless forest into….whatever it was now. But by now, every cat knew that Ashfur was far from sane. Ashfur went crazy. The tom yowled into the empty ditch, ripping up the small clumps of grass in the pit, sending deep scratch marks into the earth. He threw himself at the walls, covering himself in dirt. The scene would’ve been amusing, if it wasn’t so disturbing. “I treated her well. I was there for her when no one else was. I tried my best, and what do I get? Murdered by a half-clan cat and thrown into the river!” he screeched. The whole forest seemed to shake. Dark gas seeped from the ground, the trees, and the nearby black water. It swirled menacingly around the cats, though thankfully staying away. The gas seemed to have a different target. As Ashfur continued his rampage, the gas gathered into the bottom of the pit, like a rainy day in the marshlands of Shadowclan territory. The dark cat’s thrashing threw the even darker gas higher into the air, now reaching his haunches. “I escaped Starclan, clawed a tunnel between our worlds! I distorted the visions of a medicine cat, I bent the clans to my will! I am ten times as powerful as your precious Starclan!!” With each declaration the fog seemed to get thicker. It smelled of sour sickness, like a sore that has hidden, festering till it couldn’t be hidden any longer. “I’m more powerful then Squirrelflight, I’m more powerful the Bramblestar, I’m more powerful then Starclan, I control all the clans’ magic! I DESERVE HER!” At last, the gas had risen to Ashfur’s face. His icy blue eyes now glowed dark purple. The dark gas now seemed to be coming from him, like it was trying to escape by any means necessary. It seeped from his mouth and nose, and floated off his matted pelt. He was now surrounded by a pool of his own making. The gray tom screeched, continuing to claw at nothing. He screamed curses up at the cats, hissing and spitting. You could barely see his outline anymore. Ashfur started to wheeze, screaming and hissing in between coughing fits. The fog was up to the top of the ditch now. The dark tom’s yells could barely be heard now. Mostly echoes. Then coughing, gagging. The fog became still, and all you could see was smoke. Hoo, that took a little bit. I like this ending, cause it’s a lot more interesting then drowning. It’s weird, Warrior Cats never really shied away from gruesome deaths before, now it’s most greencough and old people disease. Also, this scene avoided Bristlefrost’s death, could lead into a better resolution to Shadowsight’s arc, and I think it really fits Ashfur better. So yeah, sorry for the long comment, lol

[@M4t_P4tGT]

That was actually beautiful! I WISH this was the canon ending now! It’s too good!

[@micaiahvenn3185]

@@M4t_P4tGT awww tysm!!

[@Dragonemperess]

Wait, I don't understand how Bristlefrost is gone forever. Didn't Beetlewhisker die in the Dark Forest and come back as a Dark Forest cat? Is there something special about Dark Water? Haven't read the books past the 3rd in AVOS yet, but I don't care about spoilers.

[@DoedelStuff]

I haven't read the book so don't understand a thing, but still give it a like (:

[@KohakuAmber22]

Just read the book and like three cats died in a "fight to the death" so I'm not sure what you mean. Darkstripe, Darktail, and I think one other Dark Forest ghost died by neck bite. I agree with a lot of your points, but I'm not sure I feel like it was rushed or that seeing after the battle was bad. We had two whole books of going in and out of the Dark Forest leading up to the end battle. I think that's enough. It's nice to see how the characters feel after the battle. Maybe the code change could have waited until the next book, with them just quickly mentioning there will be changes in this one, but I think putting something that is so massively impactful to the series in a novella would be a very bad idea. Bristlefrost did swim briefly, but she was too far from the surface and knew she wouldn't make it. She pushed Ashfur down too far and even with hope she could only hold her breath so long. I personally am ok with her dying, but I do see where you're coming from with the other two options. I disagree with it being important that Squirrelflight be there. The entire point was her NOT being there and allowing him to control her actions. She's saying she's done with him and his bullcrap. As Moonkitti said, she's breaking up with him over text. It's a total power move. I loved it personally. Overall though I agree the book had massive problems, but what Warriors book doesn't XD