DARK RIVER
A review written by Blizz, 2007

The second book in the third series of Warriors titles, was by no means the best, but was not all that disappointing either. While some of the writing and story seemed choppy and of no real consequence (giving it the feel of filler) there was also dark, chilling undertones that made the story come to life.

We follow again the apprenticeships of Lionpaw, Jaypaw, and Hollypaw, all who struggle with their own problems, finding they can rely on their siblings less and less. The two warriors must question the code they live by, while Jaypaw delves deeper into secrets beyond his reckoning, and the meaning of a skill he has only just yet to grasp.



The development of Jaypaw was very good in this book, and he seems to be evening out more, yet becoming more and more interesting. His confrontations with his mentor (Leafpool) and StarClan are heated and mysterious, and it was good to see more of Yellowfang, who it would seem is keeping an eye on the blind medicine cat apprentice.

Lionpaw's story, on the other hand, seems to have gone full circle in this book, leaving me to wonder if his story (Dark River's main plot) was merely just filler. The same can be said for the subplot of Hollypaw in this book. Both of which led to a climax and ending that wrapped themselves up rather neatly. The character development of Hollypaw can only be viewed with a critical eye, and her ranking in fans may drop considerably. Lionpaw, on the other hand, made an interesting choice that may go down well with fans of the series.

The real 'saving grace' of this story was the familiar dark undertones that returned from the end of The Sight. Among them, Tigerstar's return, the naivety of the three apprentices, and especially the story of those who came before the Clans, doomed in an unforgiving trial of darkness and water . . .