Book Review: Rising Storm

Author: Erin Hunter
Title: Warriors: Rising Storm Book 4
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publish Date: Feb 15, 2005
Rating: 5 Stars
Book Blurb: The cat Fireheart and his fellow ThunderClan members are back in the fourth installment of the Warriors series. In this episode, Fireheart has been deputized to replace the ousted rogue cat Tigerclaw, but his new job is made harder by the lingering apathy of the clan's leader. Fireheart must overcome doubts about his ability, struggles with his apprentice, a deadly fire that threatens to finish off the clan, a potential new love, and an enemy that returns from his past. Hunter once again tells a good, suspenseful adventure story that urges readers onward, and teens may find their own journey toward adulthood echoed in the protagonist's struggles and self-doubts. Although background from earlier books may be useful, this can be read on its own; a handy list of characters at the beginning of the book will help readers keep track of Hunter's large cast.

Review:  Book four of the first Warriors series will have you crying more often than not, especially if you have fallen in love with the cats of ThunderClan. I know I have. I started the first book in series one last week and I'm starting book 5 today!

Book 4 is the most dramatic so far. There's a lot of action and a lot Clan Cats going to StarClan. So if you are a crybaby, and I am, you will be sniffling through this book.

There's also a blossoming love, which is nice. This book needed a bit more happy.

This story also sets the stage for what's to come. Readers already know Bluestar's secret, but after the betrayal she suffers at the end of Forest Of Secrets she's changed and not for the better. The actions in the last book have taken a lot out of her. It is a good thing that Fireheart is such a strong character, even though he still falters now and then.

The bright stop in this book? Cloudpaw, the kittypet, kitten, that is Fireheart's nephew. He's so silly and arrogant, that you have to adore him.

This series is addicting. I really can't wait to continue on with the books. They are fast and fun reads and they make you wonder if your cats are really thinking some of those things!