Rising Storm

January 1, 2004
Gr. 6-9. 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.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2004, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2004
Fireheart, new deputy of the ThunderClan cats, faces great trials as the tribes elderly leader, Bluestar, descends into paranoia. The ThunderClan cats flee a forest fire and face a pack of ferocious dogs while dealing with traitorous Tigerclaw. The fourth and fifth entries in the series continue the development of the complex, dynamic characters.

(Copyright 2004 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)