Warrior Cats books: where to start
Begin with Into the Wild, book one of The Prophecies Begin. The official reading guide recommends meeting the Clans through Rusty before tackling the prequel arc or character backstories.
Last checked: 2026-10-24. Facts below were re-read on 2026-10-24.
Evidence and limits
The official catalogue lists nine main arcs. Its first eight contain six novels each; Changing Skies currently lists four. Side books expand the world, but a new reader does not need to buy the whole catalogue.
Main arcs in publication sequence
Read each arc in its numbered order. Dawn of the Clans is the fifth published arc but takes place before the others.
| Arc | First novel |
|---|---|
| 1. The Prophecies Begin | Into the Wild |
| 2. The New Prophecy | Midnight |
| 3. Power of Three | The Sight |
| 4. Omen of the Stars | The Fourth Apprentice |
| 5. Dawn of the Clans | The Sun Trail |
| 6. A Vision of Shadows | The Apprentice's Quest |
| 7. The Broken Code | Lost Stars |
| 8. A Starless Clan | River |
| 9. Changing Skies | The Elders' Quest |
Which kind of book do you want?
- Main arcs: linked six-book stories, following successive generations of cats.
- Super Editions: longer side novels about a character, group or turning point.
- Novellas: shorter stories, often collected three to a volume.
- Graphic novels: either adaptations of the main novels or separate side adventures.
- Field guides: reference books that can reveal later plot events.
A practical first reading plan
Borrow Into the Wild and continue with Fire and Ice. Finish the original six-book arc before choosing a prequel about one of its cats. Use the reading-order guide for spoiler-safe side-book placement.
The official franchise announcement describes a catalogue of more than 100 books. That broad figure is not an exact count of unique stories or ISBNs. See the counting guide for the difference.
Questions people ask
Who writes Warrior Cats?
Erin Hunter is the collective pen name on the books, not a single author.
Do I need to read everything?
No. Start with a main arc; add side books when their characters interest you and you have reached a safe spoiler point.
Is the game the first book?
No. Clans of the Forest advertises original stories in the Lake Territories, rather than a chapter-by-chapter retelling of Into the Wild.
Sources
- Official book catalogue
- Official reading guide
- Official announcement: more than 100 books
- Steam: original game stories