Into The Wild by Erin Hunter
Fantasy; 272 pages
For generations, four clans of wild cats have shared the forest. When their warrior code is threatened by mysterious deaths, a house cat named Rusty may turn out to be the bravest warrior of all.
Sam’s review:
This first book in the Warriors series started an Erin Hunter empire eleven years ago, and with good reason. Into the Wild is just as riveting to read today as it was when it first came out in 2003. The book opens with Rusty, a “kittypet,” restlessly eyeing the woods beyond the boundaries of his owners’ house. When he follows the call to explore the woods, Rusty gets a surprise attack from Graypaw, a Thunderclan apprentice. The leader of Thunderclan, observing secretly, is impressed with Rusty’s reactions and invites Rusty to join the clan. Thus, Rusty becomes Firepaw, and the real adventure begins. Four clans have lived in the woods for generations, following strict laws passed to them from their ancestors. Recently, though, Shadowclan has forced Windclan off their land and is threatening both Thunderclan and Riverclan. As Firepaw learns the ways of the clans, he is plunged into danger and treachery and must prove himself in many ways. The characters of Firepaw and the other cats are well drawn, and their difficult lives lead them to need each other and to try to know who to trust and who to shun. As they prepare for battles, they also maneuver for power within the clan and beyond. Be warned that the authors do not sugarcoat the cats’ battle injuries or the results of their war. Also be warned that once you start this book, it’s really hard to put it down!