Skyclan's destiny

Gr 4-6-Hunter continues the series with this book that unveils the future of the new Skyclan. Leafstar is uncertain of her leadership abilities. Though the Clan chose her to lead the mixed pack of cats that make up Skyclan, she wonders if her decision to include kittypets and Twolegs is weakening it. When Sharpclaw, her deputy, begins to keep information from her and override her authority, she questions whether she can trust him. Then there's the growing affection between Leafstar and Billystorm, a day warrior who lives between two worlds. When the Twolegs ask for the Clan's help to defeat their enemies and free their homeland, Leafstar must rely on Starclan to give her direction and wisdom to make a choice that might endanger them all. The author continues to generate interest in these cats and their battle to survive in the wild. The characters are skillfully developed, with a range of emotions and thoughts that draw readers into their dilemmas. Hunter provides a satisfying conclusion where the traits of maturity, compassion, loyalty, and strength are upheld as desirable. She demonstrates through Leafstar that being a leader does not require coercion or bullying but that humility and relying on others is vital to the welfare of all. The manga at the end is an added bonus, providing a mini-adventure in cartoon form. "Warriors" aficionados will bury their noses in this super volume and won't emerge until they have whetted their appetites for the next installment with the sample chapters at the end of the book.-Debra Banna, Sharon Public Library, MA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This third "Super Edition" focuses on the re-created Skyclan and its leader, Leafstar, who is trying to build her clan's identity and decide how it will relate to outsiders. When some city cats come to learn from Skyclan, Leafstar must decide how much to accept and help them. Fans of the series will appreciate the (increasingly familiar) themes, adventures, and battle scenes. (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.