Updated for 2025

Warrior Cats Books in Order

The complete guide to Erin Hunter's Warriors series. Find the best reading order, chronological timeline, and full book lists.

How Many Warrior Cats Books Are There?

As of 2025, there are over 100 books in the Warrior Cats universe! This includes:

  • 9 Main Story Arcs (54 books)
  • 16+ Super Editions
  • Multiple Novellas and Field Guides
  • Graphic Novels and Manga

With so many titles, new readers often ask: "What is the best order to read Warrior Cats books?"

The Best Reading Order (Publication Order)

For most readers, especially beginners, the Publication Order is the best way to experience the story. This avoids spoilers and introduces characters and lore exactly as the authors intended.

Into the Wild cover (Arc 1: The Prophecies Begin)
Arc 1: The Prophecies Begin
1. Into the Wild
2. Fire and Ice
3. Forest of Secrets
4. Rising Storm
5. A Dangerous Path
6. The Darkest Hour
Midnight cover (Arc 2: The New Prophecy)
Arc 2: The New Prophecy
7. Midnight
8. Moonrise
9. Dawn
10. Starlight
11. Twilight
12. Sunset
The Sight cover (Arc 3: Power of Three)
Arc 3: Power of Three
13. The Sight
14. Dark River
15. Outcast
16. Eclipse
17. Long Shadows
18. Sunrise
The Fourth Apprentice cover (Arc 4: Omen of the Stars)
Arc 4: Omen of the Stars
19. The Fourth Apprentice
20. Fading Echoes
21. Night Whispers
22. Sign of the Moon
23. The Forgotten Warrior
24. The Last Hope
The Sun Trail cover (Arc 5: Dawn of the Clans)
Arc 5: Dawn of the Clans
(Prequel Series)
25. The Sun Trail
26. Thunder Rising
27. The First Battle
28. The Blazing Star
29. A Forest Divided
30. Path of Stars
The Apprentice's Quest cover (Arc 6: A Vision of Shadows)
Arc 6: A Vision of Shadows
31. The Apprentice's Quest
32. Thunder and Shadow
33. Shattered Sky
34. Darkest Night
35. River of Fire
36. The Raging Storm
Lost Stars cover (Arc 7: The Broken Code)
Arc 7: The Broken Code
37. Lost Stars
38. The Silent Thaw
39. Veil of Shadows
40. Darkness Within
41. The Place of No Stars
42. A Light in the Mist
River cover (Arc 8: A Starless Clan)
Arc 8: A Starless Clan
43. River
44. Sky
45. Shadow
46. Thunder
47. Wind
48. Star
The Elders' Quest cover (Arc 9: Changing Skies)
Arc 9: Changing Skies
49. The Elders' Quest
50. The Paws of a Warrior (TBA)
(Ongoing series)

Chronological Order (For Re-readers)

If you want to read the story from the very beginning of the timeline, start with Dawn of the Clans. However, this is not recommended for new readers as it spoils the mysteries of the Clans' origins revealed in later books.

Timeline Start:
1. Dawn of the Clans (Arc 5)
2. Moth Flight's Vision (Super Edition)
3. Cloudstar's Journey (Novella)
4. Mapleshade's Vengeance (Novella)
5. Tallstar's Revenge (Super Edition)
6. Yellowfang's Secret (Super Edition)
7. Crookedstar's Promise (Super Edition)
8. Bluestar's Prophecy (Super Edition)
9. The Prophecies Begin (Arc 1) - The original start!

Essential Super Editions

Super Editions are standalone books that are longer than regular books. Some are crucial to the main plot:

  • Firestar's Quest: Read between Arc 1 and Arc 2.
  • Bramblestar's Storm: Read between Arc 4 and Arc 6.
  • Squirrelflight's Hope: Read between Arc 6 and Arc 7.
  • Crowfeather's Trial: Read after Arc 4.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first Warrior Cats book?

The first book published is Into the Wild (19-2003). It is the best starting point for new readers. Chronologically, the first book is The Sun Trail from the Dawn of the Clans arc.

Do I need to read the Super Editions?

While not strictly mandatory, Super Editions like Firestar's Quest and Squirrelflight's Hope contain major plot points that bridge the gaps between main arcs. They are highly recommended.

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