Sunrise (novel)
Final book in the Warriors: Power of Three series.
Sunrise, the sixth and final installment of Erin Hunter's *Warriors: Power of Three* series, is a children's fantasy novel released by HarperCollins on 21 April 2009. The story follows Jayfeather, Hollyleaf, and Lionblaze as they seek the real killer of Ashfur. Originally, the book was going to be called *Cruel Season*, but the publisher changed the title because it seemed too grim.
In the plot, Leafpool performs a ceremony to send Ashfur to StarClan and finds a tuft of fur in his claws, recognizing it without saying whose it is. ThunderClan suspects a WindClan cat killed Ashfur, but Onestar denies this. Ashfoot then reports seeing Sol near the body, shifting suspicion to him. A patrol including Hollyleaf and Lionblaze finds Sol in Twolegplace with Purdy, who is persuaded to join ThunderClan as an elder. Sol denies the murder and is kept under guard.
Jayfeather investigates his own origins after Mousefur mentions a strange herb Leafpool once used. He identifies it as parsley, which stops milk production in a queen whose kittens die. This clue, along with a memory of Leafpool traveling with him as a kitten, reveals that Leafpool is his true mother. Hollyleaf also learns this and confronts Leafpool, who confesses that Hollyleaf killed Ashfur—the fur in his claws was hers.
Yellowfang tells Jayfeather in a dream that StarClan kept secrets too long, leaving a crow feather to indicate Crowfeather as their father. At a Gathering, Hollyleaf announces the truth. Crowfeather denies having other kits and says Leafpool and her kits mean nothing to him. Brambleclaw ends his relationship with Squirrelflight over the deception. Hollyleaf runs off into tunnels, which collapse on her, and she is presumed dead. Jayfeather and Lionblaze realize they are only two of the prophecy’s Three, but Jayfeather sees that one of Whitewing’s kits—Cloudtail’s granddaughter and Firestar’s great-niece—will be the third.
A review from *Children’s Literature* noted that while the many characters might confuse new readers, they would quickly become absorbed in the cats’ adventures and look forward to future books.
- published
- 21 April 2009
- publisher
- HarperCollins
- series
- Warriors: Power of Three
- author
- Erin Hunter
- original_title
- Cruel Season (changed due to being too dark)
- genre
- Children's fantasy novel
Lore & Background
The plot follows Jayfeather, Hollyleaf, and Lionblaze on their quest to find Ashfur's true murderer. The story begins with Leafpool performing a ritual to send Ashfur to StarClan, during which she discovers a tuft of fur in his claws. ThunderClan suspects a WindClan cat, but Onestar denies it. Ashfoot then reports seeing Sol near the body, leading many to believe Sol is the killer. Firestar sends a patrol to find Sol, who is brought back to camp but denies involvement. Meanwhile, Jayfeather investigates his own origins, learning through Mousefur and Littlecloud that Leafpool is his true mother. Hollyleaf also discovers the truth, and Leafpool confesses that Hollyleaf killed Ashfur. Yellowfang reveals in a dream that Crowfeather is the father of the Three. At a Gathering, Hollyleaf publicly reveals the secret; Crowfeather denies them, and Bramblestar breaks up with Squirrelflight. Hollyleaf flees into tunnels, which collapse on her, and she is presumed dead. Jayfeather realizes that only he and Lionblaze are part of the prophecy, but he sees that one of Whitewing's kits will become the third.
Reader's Guide
Sunrise serves as the climax and resolution of the Power of Three arc, resolving the mysteries of Ashfur's murder and the parentage of the three protagonists. The novel's revelations—that Leafpool and Crowfeather are the true parents, and that Hollyleaf is the murderer—fundamentally alter the characters' relationships and the clan's dynamics. The book also sets up the next series by hinting at a new third cat for the prophecy. A lukewarm review from Children's Literature noted that while the numerous characters may confuse newcomers, readers quickly become enthralled. The novel's original title, Cruel Season, was changed by HarperCollins for being too dark. Sunrise is significant for its dramatic plot twists and its role in transitioning the Warriors series to the next story arc.
Did You Know?
- The novel was originally to be titled Cruel Season, but HarperCollins changed it because the name was too dark.
- Leafpool reveals that Hollyleaf killed Ashfur, and the tuft of fur found in Ashfur's claw belonged to Hollyleaf.
- Yellowfang appears in a dream to Jayfeather and reveals that Crowfeather is the father of the Three.
- Hollyleaf is presumed dead after a tunnel collapses on her while she is fleeing.
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