The preview chapters for Warriors: Changing Skies #4: Guiding Light were released recently, giving readers their first look at the continuing arc with the Allegiances, Prologue, and first three chapters. The book comes out on October 6th of this year, leaving about a month and two weeks until then.
With all the Warrior Cats news lately, like the TV show and video game, it is good to dive back into what started it all: the books. I was already excited for the upcoming Super Edition Darktail’s Judgement (check out my review on those preview chapters), which releases before Guiding Light on September 8th. Now, I’m pumped for the next Changing Skies book as well.
Spoilers ahead for Guiding Light, as well as all of the Changing Skies arc. Other than that, some specific spoiler mentions (whole series up to this point) are made to events from Graystripe’s Super Edition.
Before I get into why I’m so happy with these chapters, here’s a reminder of the blurb:
Erin Hunter’s #1 bestselling Warriors series continues with the fourth book in the Changing skies arc. How long can the Clans endure life without StarClan’s guidance?
Moonpaw, Morningkit and Goldenpaw have made their choice, and there’s no going back. But while Morningkit is happy to be free of the cats who judged her, Goldenpaw struggles with his decision. Racked with guilt, Moonpaw is torn between pleasing her mate and placating the sister who refuses to leave her side.
Meanwhile, Tawnypelt has finally convinced the Clans to agree to look for a new connection to StarClan. Leading a team of cats to SkyClan’s old gorge, she hopes that the Whispering Cave will offer guidance. But as the quest begins to wear on the cats, she worries that the gorge may not hold the answers they seek and that their connection with their ancestors may be gone forever.
Punished for speaking out at the last gathering, Starlingpaw fears that he is the only cat in SkyClan who understands what the prophecies mean for them. With the support of his mother and a few Clanmates, he seeks out a larger role in the Clan, hoping to influence Hawkwing and Leafstar. But will he be able to alter SkyClan’s course before the cat from the prophecies appears?
Before-before I actually get into it, I want to give a shout out to Rosie Best. Who’s that? I didn’t know at first! She is credited as the author for Guiding Light, being her first written Warriors book. Don’t worry though, she’s no stranger to writing or even the Warrior Cats universe. Previously, Best helped Vicky Holmes with Warriors fanmail. She also wrote a Survivor book and seems to be the main writer for the Bamboo Kingdom series.
From this small peak into Guiding Light, I can see that Best has the chops to be a Warriors writer. She has that old-school whimsical writing that I crave in these feline-focused books. She’s using some more cat-centered language and phrases, like “chewing his tail” for irritating a cat. Her descriptions are also nostalgic to me. Thank you, Rosie Best!
Now, let’s get into it.
I’m shocked by the prologue. My initial thought was to wonder what Monkeystar and WarriorClan have to do with the plot. Would they be integral to finding the next StarClan connection? Would Tawnypelt or Moonpaw run into them in their separate journeys?
After finishing the prologue, I’m confident in my guess. Moonpaw and Goldenpaw will likely be helped from warriors of this kittypet Clan, given they were captured by the end of Chapter One by a friendly Twoleg. I’m not sure what this connection might do for the plot. I personally think Monkeystar and her Clan are super cute, so this cameo isn’t one I’m upset about, only curious. I do wish they would’ve included them in the “Allegiances.” It wouldn’t have been much of a spoiler since they appear so fast.
More than that, I’m wondering if Monkeystar or a warrior from WarriorClan could be the cat with “one paw in each world.” They’re a warrior but also a kittypet, two worlds of cats. It might be a stretch, but it’d be such a fun tie-in.
It still seems most likely that the prophecy talks about Moonpaw, even if readers don’t understand what it means for the Clans yet. As for her first chapter, I’m underwhelmed. Her and Goldenpaw are fine; they’re cute, he treats her well and I love that she adores him. However, I still cannot get over hating how two apprentices are “mates” already. I want more build-up in their relationship before it gets to this point. At least be young warriors before it happens!
Otherwise, the chapter doesn’t provide much. Morningkit is being herself, though happier. The mention of the Twoleg with eyeliner/makeup on was adorable. It was also such a classic move that the friendly Twolegs captured the poor stray cats. I’m still more interested in Tawnypelt and Starlingpaw’s POVs.
The real meat of the story came, as usual, from Tawnypelt’s chapter. I was shocked to my bones to find out that they skipped the actual journey to SkyClan’s old gorge territory. Chapter Two starts right off with them on the outskirts, with Tawnypelt traveling with Leafstar, Harrybrook, Frecklewish, Frostdawn, Brightheart, and Breezepelt. I was so convinced a majority of this book was going to be this journey, so I’m not sure where that leaves readers.
Either way, I loved the chapter. Leafstar reminiscing about her territory was so bittersweet. She’s in such a good mood, it warms my heart. Her teasing to Tawnypelt plus the nonchalance and joking manner she’s taking her impending death was such a mixture of emotions. As a long-time Warriors reader, I found myself getting choked up at the images of SkyClan’s old territory. The Whispering Cave especially reminded me how beautiful it all is. I can’t blame Leafstar for missing this place with everything in her soul.
Also, the insane revelation that leaders will die of old age eventually, regardless of how many lives they have left is wild. I found myself nearly gasping that Leafstar lost a life on the journey but only told Frecklewish. To die peacefully in her sleep, see Billystorm and StarClan’s hunting grounds, then come back? I can see why she is being so normal about dying soon. She wants to be there.
As for the Whispering Cave not being the answer they wanted, I’m disappointed and confused. What else were the elders dreaming about? I suppose that’s for readers to find out in the book. Regardless, thank StarClan for this character-centered chapter.
Finally, we get to Starlingpaw. Poor, poor little menace of an apprentice. His character is genuinely cracking me up lately. His ego is huge after the most recent events, and he goes on and on about how he wants to undermine Hawkwing, move back to the old SkyClan gorge, and, gasp, become leader one day! I have little to say about his chapter, other than the cliffhanger at the end.
What does Starlingpaw plan to do with the dead fox? Right before finding it, he was talking about needing to impress Hawkwing to become a warrior early. Will he pretend that he killed the fox and protected the Clan? Pretend that this was the snuffling around camp and he saved them all? I could see it happening.
I want him to, honestly. I’m loving how mischievous and tricky he is. He is giving some “villain vibes,” which I think the fandom will be sniffing out by now. I almost wonder if he is the cat from the prophecy. While I don’t expect the Hunters to seriously play him as a villain, I wish they would. How neat to see a villain blossom before our eyes, with great intentions that quickly spiral as he gains more control and influence.
Looking ahead, I have one more teeny-tiny prediction. Could the next StarClan connection be a tree? In Starlingpaw’s chapters, the SkyClan elders are thinking back to their old territory and mention the “moon trees.” While Cherrytail and Sparrowpelt assure Starlingpaw that the trees were not a StarClan connection, merely a spot to see the moon through branches, it makes me wonder if this is meant to be foreshadowing.
I can’t wait to dive into Warriors reading again soon. Look out for my review of Darktail’s Judgement and Guiding Light this fall!
Check out the pre-order list of future Warriors books:
Warriors: Super Edition #19: Darktail’s Judgement: September 8, 2026
Warriors: Changing Skies #4: Guiding Light: October 6, 2026
Warriors Graphic Novel: The New Prophecy #2: March 23, 2027
Warriors: Changing Skies #5: False Dawn: March 30, 2027
