Warrior Cats reading order
For a first read, follow main-arc publication order, starting with Into the Wild. Chronological order starts much earlier in Clan history, but can reveal secrets before the original story introduces them.
Last checked: 2026-10-24. Facts below were re-read on 2026-10-24.
Evidence and limits
The official guide recommends Into the Wild, not an absolute ban on starting elsewhere. Story chronology and a spoiler-safe reading order are different: a prequel can disclose events from a later-set book.
The first six books, in order
These are novels, not the separately numbered graphic adaptations.
- 1. Into the Wild
- 2. Fire and Ice
- 3. Forest of Secrets
- 4. Rising Storm
- 5. A Dangerous Path
- 6. The Darkest Hour
All nine arcs in publication order
Finish each arc before moving to the next row. The first eight have six novels each; Changing Skies is still in progress.
| Order | Arc | Book 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
When to add side books
These stopping points follow the official reading guide, not just the dates when their stories take place.
| Side book | Recommended stopping point |
|---|---|
| Bluestar's Prophecy / Yellowfang's Secret / Crookedstar's Promise | After The Darkest Hour |
| Firestar's Quest | Set between arcs 1 and 2; the guide recommends reading at least Midnight first because of minor spoilers |
| SkyClan's Destiny | After Firestar's Quest |
| Bramblestar's Storm | After Omen of the Stars, before A Vision of Shadows |
| Squirrelflight's Hope | After A Vision of Shadows, before The Broken Code |
| Graystripe's Vow | After Veil of Shadows in The Broken Code |
What changes in chronological order?
Dawn of the Clans moves to the beginning, followed by early Clan stories and character prequels. The present-day narrative still runs from The Prophecies Begin through Changing Skies. Some side novels span several eras, so a single timeline slot cannot guarantee a spoiler-free read.
For a detailed story timeline, use the official chronology. For a first read, keep Dawn of the Clans after Omen of the Stars, as that guide recommends.
Questions people ask
Can I start with the graphic novels?
Yes. The official reading guide treats The Prophecies Begin graphic adaptations as stand-alone entry points. Their volume numbers are not the same as the six novel numbers.
Do I have to read every Super Edition?
No. They add context and sometimes bridge arcs. The table identifies a few useful stopping points rather than treating every side story as a prerequisite.
Is Dawn of the Clans book one?
It comes first in story history, but it was the fifth arc published. Into the Wild is the recommended first novel for new readers.