Rating: 7 out of 10
Overall, this was a pretty good compilation. It had stories from three different characters and time periods, which made it a more diverse read. All the novellas were short enough for one sitting and interesting. However, my opinions on them vary from one another, so here are my reviews for each of them:
Redtail's Debt: 3 out of 10
While I’m glad the authors decided to give Redtail a personality of his own and I liked the way he was portrayed throughout the book, I just wasn’t able to take the huge mistakes committed at the few last chapters. Ravenpaw couldn’t have acted more out of character, and I don’t even want to mention the huge problem with Oakheart’s death in here. I usually can pass some minor details or wrong recaps of less important information, but these mistakes happened at the climax of the book and made it annoying at best and painful to read at worst. Adding to that, the incorrect events were very, very essential plot points of the first series, especially the one regarding Oakheart. Worse even, they were the main mystery of the first three Warriors books! That’s not something someone can easily forget.
Despite those issues, the first half or so of this novella was entertaining and that’s the reason I gave it two stars. The relationship between Redtail and Tigerclaw was complex and interesting to read about, and I liked the hints to Bluestar’s Prophecy that appeared now and then. Redtail’s internal struggle was surprisingly well handled too, even if it didn’t make the novella in general worth the read. I personally recommend skipping this one, or at least stopping before the battle for Sunningrocks for a better experience. If you want to read it from start to finish, I warn you that you should keep a really open mind for this kind of mistakes, something I sadly didn’t have myself.
Tawnypelt’s Clan: 7 out of 10
This story was the reason I read the compilation in first place. I adore Shadowkit deeply and The Broken Code arc is quickly putting modern ShadowClan between my favorite Clans, so you can understand I had to read this one.
I was surprised to learn this book dealt with more things than just going to the Tribe, which was what I was expecting originally: it also explored Tawnypelt’s thoughts on the changes ShadowClan was experiencing at the time, on Dovewing and her new family, and on all the friends and family she had lost in previous books, especially her mate Rowanclaw. She learns some lessons about love and change, and I think it was very sweet seeing her form a strong bond with Dovewing, who she didn’t like at the start of the book. As someone who also disliked Dovewing when she was first introduced in OotS, I can relate to Tawnypelt slowly beginning to see the good qualities in her and ending up admiring her as time passed. Probably my only complaint is that I didn’t quite like her stepping down from her position; I understand the reasons why she decided to do it, but I still rooted for her as deputy and it kind of disappointed me.
Of course, Shadowkit was there, and I know I am definitely biased here but all his dialogues and appearances enlightened my reading. It was great fun to see him that young, little and happy, it melted my heart exactly like I wanted it to. I recommend this novella to everyone, I believe it’s one you shouldn’t miss for anything.
Shadowstar’s Life: 10 out of 10
Dawn of the Clans is one of my most loved Warriors arcs, and I like Shadowstar a lot, but at first I was hesitant to read this story; I just didn’t have any idea of what could be said about her and her life that hadn’t been said before. Even though it took me some time to gather the strength I needed to read it, I finally did... and I couldn’t be more glad, because it was fantastic.
It starts as some sort of murder mystery, but later on changes to a more political plot in which the main character and the reader both know who did it, but it seems like no one wants to believe the protagonist. It was a ride full of tension, betrayal and lies, and I enjoyed every single page of it. The action scene at the end was great and the perfect way to end the story, and the little part in StarClan was excellent as an end to the compilation.
Something else I liked was that one of my favorite cats from DotC, Pebble Heart, played a major role in this novella. He always stood as a great support for Shadowstar when she didn’t know who she could trust and cared deeply about his Clan, and I’m happy he was given the recognition he deserves. Shadowstar herself showed great courage and faith during this book, even when others would have lost faith, and I adore her for that. Also, it was so satisfying to learn that Skystar finally, finally, learned his lesson, after so much time of wrongdoings, ending his character arc for once and for all.
This story had twists and turns in every chapter, and although I don’t know if every Warriors fan will enjoy it as much as I did, you should definitely give it a try and read it for yourself.
So, are these novellas that important? Actually, no, and you don’t need to read them to understand any of the other books, as they are just companions to the main books.
But, should you read them? Absolutely yes! They won’t take much of your time, and they delve into these characters, their lives and thoughts more deeply, making this book an addition to the series almost every reader will appreciate.