The Darkest Hour

I finished this book super fast. Easily the best book in the series.

This book lacked the anticipated BS from the previous books with surprising twists, thank Starclan!

Fireheart didn't have issues with Bramblepaw as anticipated. Their heart-to-heart near two-leg place was super sweet and I actually re-read it like 3 times before continuing. I anticipate that FH will be his father figure now.

Fireheart faced less opposition this book from his clan compared to the previous installments. Not that he didn't face any hardship, but it was believable and flowed nicely. Darkstripe's betrayal and trying to kill a kitten was disgusting, and his ending at Fireheart's claws was well-deserved.

Tigerstar's ending though? Pure shock. He bit off more than he could chew, that's for sure. But after what I saw him do to Stonefur, I can't say that I will miss him. This book took a surprisingly dark turn during those chapters with Tigerstar leading Tigerclan alongside Riverclan. Mindlessly killing prey and stacking their bones into a pile?... creepy!

Fireheart is an excellent leader. I am so proud of how far he has come! I was heartbroken to see Whitestorm die, but I anticipated that. And Graystripe, who I was pissed off at due to his betrayal of Thunderclan, has become the cat I always expected him to be.

Biggest disappointment in the series.... Leopardstar. I had high expectations for the Riverclan leader, and watching her do nothing as Stonefur was killed.... Disgusting. She should be ashamed of herself. Asking Mistyfoot to be her deputy was bold, but I have a feeling that Mistyfoot will be Mistystar in the future.

All the pieces have come together. Bluestar is redeemed, Graystripe is back with Fireheart, Fireheart has Sandstorm and a new, promising apprentice in Bramblepaw. The future looks bright for all five of the forest clans!

Thank you Starclan!