Forest of Secrets

October 1, 2003
Warriors: Forest of Secrets by Erin Hunter is the third title in the series about warring clans of feral cats. Food is scarce, so tensions escalate between the four clans of the forest, and young Fireheart suspects the loyalty of his own ThunderClan deputy, Tigerclaw.

October 1, 2003
Gr 5 Up-As this third book in this series begins, Fireheart, former house pet turned warrior cat, continues to be torn between his allegiance to his Thunderclan and his suspicions that Tigerclaw is planning to take over as its leader. When Fireheart gets proof of his deceit and presents his findings to the clan's wise and compassionate leader, she refuses to believe him. Tensions are already running high between the clans because the cats are getting sick from fish from the polluted rivers, flooding is widespread, and they must invade each other's territory for food. The tragic death of Graystripe's mate as she's giving birth and his betrayal of the clan by loving a cat from an enemy clan bring the simmering tensions to a boil as both groups claim rights to the kits. Other secrets come to light as Tigerclaw, exiled in disgrace, vows revenge and Fireheart becomes the new deputy. This exciting book is not for the faint of heart as it is often violent. It is reminiscent of Greek drama, with its huge cast of characters (a chart of allegiances is included), intrigues, divided loyalties, star-crossed lovers, and parents murdering their offspring. Fans of the series will lap it up while impatiently awaiting the next entry.-Sharon Rawlins, Piscataway Public Library, NJ

Copyright 2003 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2003
Gr. 6-9. Following " Fire and Ice" [BKL Ag 03], this third book in the Warriors series finds the cat Firepaw still suspicious of Tigerclaw, the deputy to the leader of ThunderClan. For his part, Tigerclaw continues to have it in for Firepaw, and as Firepaw investigates the death of ThunderClan warrior Redtail, a number of secrets are revealed--to the dismay of many clan members. Hunter adds to the mix a devastating flood, shifting alliances between clans, treachery within and without ThunderClan, and attempted murder--a combination that makes for another dynamic episode sure to please series fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2004
Feline warrior Fireheart feels burdened by secrets: his lovesick best friend, Graystripe, has fathered kits with a cat from a rival clan; his leader has a secret past; and Fireheart believes the clan's deputy is a traitor. The author deftly balances the major conflicts with descriptions of daily life as a forest-dwelling cat. This third book in the series is as engaging as the first two.

(Copyright 2004 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)