This book was read by my son whose account is connected to mine! ( )

Discover the origins of the warrior Clans in the third book of this thrilling prequel arc from mega-bestselling author Erin Hunter. The Dawn of the Clans series takes readers back to the earliest days of the Clans, when the cats first settled in the forest and began to forge the Warrior code.

I continue to read this series with an anthropological perspective: examining how it presents myths which dissolve unconsciously into a worldview, a conventional understanding of how things work, how things should be. Wondering what of this will filter down to R, shape her way of living in the world, after the manner my reading shaped mine.

This installment offers (without naming it as such) a comparison of authoritarianism and communitarianism, and shows how close the two are, how similar their origins and the intentions of those pushing for them. Along the way the story displays the delusions all manner of person will insist upon, will rely upon, how we see what we expect to see and then align our behaviour such that what we merely thought, in the end comes to pass. How fear can be malevolent or compassionate, but is equally destructive whichever strain is used. (Tall Shadow said, cats are mean out of fear or greed ...).

There is in this installment more of the dreaming which links Gray Wing and Stoneteller. More narrative from Clear Sky's perspective (his doubt, his seeming well-intended desire to protect himself from fear, but disguise it as leadership, as caring for his tribe, as raising strong, secure kits). There is in the tensions between the two camps a setup for justifying social rules: they remove the emotion which can disrupt communication, and thereby lend security. Social Contract theory!

Intriguingly, the battle dead seemingly become Star Clan. And there are hints of the growing significance of Pebble Heart's dreams, what they hold in store for the Clans.

There is in this story so much mean-ness, though, at times it is difficult to read. This series is not mere piffle, though it could be read for that only.

//

R assigned Summer Reading (3 of 3: pick your own chapter book) ( )

Clear Sky and Gray Wing's rivalry between each other has driven a wedge between the forest cats. Clear Sky's son, Thunder, and Gray Wing are struggling to find a path where the future does not hold bloodshed. But Clear Sky seems to be working against them. he has become crueler each day. Banishing any cat who could not contribute to the group. He has also resorted to killing. Time is running out. If Gray Wing and Thunder can't find a solution soon, more blood will be shed and lives will be lost.

Another awesome book! I love the big battle at the end. It follows what happens in clan history. The big battle that helped shape the clans! How exciting! I loved this book so much! It follows exactly what is supposed to happen in the correct way. They got all of the details right. I can't wait for book four! ( )

Rating: 90% (4.5 stars) ( )