Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Schultz
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cat clans mirror human issues in exciting fantasy saga.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 50 parent reviews
Parents say that, while this series is beloved by many young readers for its engaging storylines about cat clans and adventures, it also contains significant themes of violence, death, and difficult topics such as abuse and misogyny that may not be suitable for younger children. Some reviews highlight that the storytelling is compelling and serves as a catalyst for discussions about social structures and moral dilemmas, but the graphic nature and emotional weight of certain scenes have caused distress for some readers, particularly sensitive ones.
- violence and death
- engaging storytelling
- suitable for older children
- controversial themes
- emotional impact
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 385 kid reviews
Kids say that this book series, while engaging and imaginative, contains significant violence, graphic deaths, and mature themes that may not be suitable for younger readers. Many enjoyed the complex plots and character development, but caution is advised for sensitive audiences due to the frequent portrayal of brutality and death among the cat clans.
- violence content
- age recommendations
- complex plots
- character development
- reader engagement
- emotional impact
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The original series of Warriors books, first published in 2003, has expanded with four main spinoff series of novels (The New Prophecy, Power of Three, Omen of the Stars and Dawn of the Clans), as well as other limited series and one-offs. All of the books take place in world of cat characters, which belong to different "clans" that have developed different talents, abilities, and loyalties. Though the cats do not display human physical abilities, they think and feel the way humans do, harboring feelings of love, loyalty, and prejudice toward members of other clans. They engage in numerous wars and battles, and develop friendships and romantic relationships. The books explore ideas concerning nature vs. nurture, prejudice, and the dubious merits of war/violence.
Is It Any Good?
The extensive Warriors series of fantasy books provide almost limitless entertainment for middle graders. While the writing is not of the highest literary standard, the characters are engaging, the cat world is well realized, and the situations are compelling. Like many of the best book series for this age group, the novels include strong male and female characters, and storylines designed to appeal boys and girls. Also, the situations involving cross-communication and relationships between members of different clans create a made-to-order opportunity to speak with kids about cultural differences and prejudice.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the clans iin the Warriors series. Which ones adapted to their surroundings? Which seem like human cultures you've learned about? Can you think of some examples of people who eat fish because they live near water?
Do you like reading books that are part of a series? What other series have you enjoyed?
What do you think the authors want readers to understand about war and fighting?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Wayne McLoughlin
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Animals , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Publishers
- Publication date : January 21, 2003
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 12
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle, App
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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