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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 16, 2021 4:57:09 GMT -5
So I'm a pretty avid rereader of books I like. I've read Po3 perhaps a hundred times, no exaggeration. TPB and OotS are pretty far up there as well.
But while I have read TNP more than once, it's definitely my least reread and the longest since I have. I think I was 10 years old the last time I did a full reread of this arc, which means it's been a decade. So I was thinking I would start up a new reread, and document my thoughts here. See what I remember, what I don't, and my overall opinions on it now that I'm an adult.
Keep in mind that I do engage with books quite heavily, so this will essentially be a chapter-by-chapter commentary, depending on how much I have to say. I'll be not only commenting on what I like and don't, but will discuss how my opinions may have changed, and possibly compare the arc to others I've read more recently. In light of the current arc I'll also be paying special attention to Ashfur, where I probably wouldn't if this was a standard read-through.
I fully expect this thread to get no responses and just be me shouting into the void, but comments are totally welcome.
Context: I've only read Moonrise twice, both when I was a kid. Midnight and Dawn have also been a really long time. However, I did reread both Starlight and Sunset last year, so when I get to those books, I may skim through them a bit faster.
Alrighty, here we go.
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 16, 2021 5:02:42 GMT -5
So far I'm about halfway through chapter 6 of Midnight and here's what I noticed so far:
The characterizations are done really well. Within the first chapter, Brambleclaw talks to about eight different cats in ThunderClan, and each one has a unique voice and character, and as such Brambleclaw has unique and memorable interactions with them.
Holy shit I hate Squirrelpaw. I remember her being annoying, but hell, not that annoying. I was actually physically angry reading some of her lines. But at the same time I feel really sorry for her. Everyone in ThunderClan hates her. She's genuinely not had a single positive interaction with anyone including her own parents so far, and that's pretty sad.
The comedic timing is excellent. I actually think this is something sorely lacking in the later arcs. Cats have very natural back-and-forth witty responses with each other, sometimes to the point where I laugh aloud. It helps that Dustpelt, Thornclaw, and Cloudtail have all had prominent roles so far and those are all particularly witty cats; but Tawnypelt and Brambleclaw and even Leafpaw have their moments too. It's not just in dialogue either. The narration often describes funny events quickly and evenly, which makes for a really pleasant reading experience.
On that note, Leafpaw is a queen and I love her. I know she's often characterized as sweet and gentle and kind, but... I honestly don't see it so far. I've said before that in Po3 Leafpool is really not that sweet, but I didn't realize that's been a consistent thing. I don't know man, I just get the feeling she's a really intelligent, witty character. She's not snappy or rude, but she is quick to figure out others' intentions and respond accordingly.
One thing I hate is the POV shifting. In both of Leafpaw's chapters so far there's been a POV shift to Brambleclaw just... in the middle of the chapter. The second time it at least had a line break, but the first time it just... changes. No warning. Like one sentence in Leafpaw's POV ends and the next one begins in Brambleclaw's. It's jarring and confusing.
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 16, 2021 18:31:31 GMT -5
Thoughts after hitting chapter 10:
I really like Tawnypelt. I know everyone says she's boring, but she has a distinctive personality to the other five journey cats, and her relationship with Brambleclaw is very sweet.
Related; I like how different the six journey cats are. I won't go into a full analysis, but there are already large differences in how they handle pressure and respond to others, and I'm interested to see that dynamic once the journey starts.
While I really like Leafpaw as a character, her chapters are starting to feel like crutches. She only gets a perspective chapter when we as the reader need to know something that Brambleclaw doesn't know. She doesn't yet have an arc of her own. It also makes Brambleclaw come off as stupid when he's actually acting completely reasonably (more on this later).
The chapter where Brambleclaw's rounding up the other journey cats is very rushed and full of conveniences. I feel like he should have at the very least needed to run or hide from an enemy patrol, given that he's, y'know, trespassing on everyone's territory. He just happens to run into Storm and Feather immediately, and Tawny is the first cat he sees on ShadowClan territory. Feels too convenient. The rushed feeling continues as we head into the separation drama between Bramble and Squirrel, and I'm honestly getting the feeling the author went "oh shit, there's supposed to be a journey in this book, we'd better get there soon".
That being said, I did enjoy the separation drama. It's written very well in the sense that I can feel Bramble's frustration, and I like the conflicting feelings he has over being relieved he doesn't need to speak to Squirrel while also being incredibly frustrated he can't speak to Squirrel.
I wish we didn't know about the Fire and Tiger sign. It only serves as an explanation to the reader for why Firestar's acting so weird. My knowledge of the sign made the reading experience more frustrating because now I know this is all based around a miscommunication and everyone being confused. I would rather have been with Bramble the whole time, see Firestar's shift in behavior, and be speculating along with him as to what could be causing it. As it stands I'm just frustrated that no one's telling anyone anything; whereas if I didn't know about the sign, I would be curious.
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Asexual
#07B04C
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Name Colour
Ṣanɗypaw™
The Shiny User
🎵Guess that's just the way it goes, easy come, easy go🎵
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Post by Ṣanɗypaw™ on Jul 16, 2021 18:40:38 GMT -5
So far I'm about halfway through chapter 4 of Midnight and here's what I noticed so far: -cut for space- One thing I hate is the POV shifting. In both of Leafpaw's chapters so far there's been a POV shift to Brambleclaw just... in the middle of the chapter. The second time it at least had a line break, but the first time it just... changes. No warning. Like one sentence in Leafpaw's POV ends and the next one begins in Brambleclaw's. It's jarring and confusing. I remember that scene! The first time I read Midnight, I was really confused by the very sudden, very random POV switch. It involved me flipping back and forth through the book several times in confusion lol. Even weirder that the POV switch doesn't happen again in the book, and the rest of the arc (to my knowledge). I wonder what the Erin's intentions were when they wrote that in.
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 16, 2021 19:13:02 GMT -5
Brief comments from Chapters 10-13;
I honestly live for the social drama in Warriors. I absolutely loved Leafpaw's chapter immediately after Squirrel and Bramble leave, and seeing the "gossip fly".
It's also interesting watching Leafpaw, knowing how she's going to end up in the third and fourth arcs. She's already starting to become a good liar under the weight of not only Squirrel's secret, but Firestar and Cinderpelts' as well.
The mood is really well-set as the cats leave for their journey. I'm reminded of the typical epic fantasy campaign where the party stays at the inn (RavenBarley's Barn) before setting out on their epic quest. I'm shivering with anticipation, lol.
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 16, 2021 19:18:58 GMT -5
So far I'm about halfway through chapter 4 of Midnight and here's what I noticed so far: -cut for space- One thing I hate is the POV shifting. In both of Leafpaw's chapters so far there's been a POV shift to Brambleclaw just... in the middle of the chapter. The second time it at least had a line break, but the first time it just... changes. No warning. Like one sentence in Leafpaw's POV ends and the next one begins in Brambleclaw's. It's jarring and confusing. I remember that scene! The first time I read Midnight, I was really confused by the very sudden, very random POV switch. It involved me flipping back and forth through the book several times in confusion lol. Even weirder that the POV switch doesn't happen again in the book, and the rest of the arc (to my knowledge). I wonder what the Erin's intentions were when they wrote that in. Unfortunately I can't think of a way to make it better. Both Leafpaw and Brambleclaw had important things to do at that Gathering that didn't involve each other in any way, so I don't see a way around the POV shift. There just should have been at least a line break to signify it. And honestly, I'm only put off by line-break POV shifts because of the later arcs, lol. Midnight was the first book released that had more than one POV, so it could have set a precedent for a more omniscient narration, something I think would benefit the later books so they're not locked into the POV of the same three characters. But that's not what happened, so going back and reading it now is pretty weird when I'm used to a character getting an entire chapter to themselves.
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 18, 2021 5:05:47 GMT -5
Chapters 14 and 15: Gonna be real, I was so hyped for the quest, and then as soon as it started, I suddenly remembered... I hate quests. XD I never considered myself much of a Mothpool shipper, but rereading this today... holy hell, man. Vicky was lying when she said Leafpaw didn't have a thing for Mothwing, because she clearly has a thing for Mothwing. At least a crush, come on. Also, Ṣanɗypaw™ , I found the missing line break from chapter 3! It's in chapter 15: just randomly in the middle of the page. No time skip, just... a random line break. For no reason.
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 18, 2021 6:23:33 GMT -5
Chapters 16-21
I don't have much of importance to say. I'm just enjoying the ride right now, and I honestly think that's a massive point in the book's favor. It's hard for me to get to the point where I'm just reading and not analyzing, but I've managed to do it here.
I was pretty bored by the journey until Purdy showed up. Don't know what it is about that cat, but he makes everything better. I didn't even mind the journey chapters after that.
The rat battle is really well-written. I don't think we've had a good rat battle since this, honestly.
I feel like leaders should just not let warriors talk at Gatherings anymore. It never ends up well. Hawkfrost was just so cringe in this scene.
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Non-binary
#F4B548
Name Colour
Dark Sun
Sage of the Stars
I'm devious, I'm devilish, I'm ever so deliciously evil
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Post by Dark Sun on Jul 18, 2021 6:35:00 GMT -5
(I would send a quote but I'm on my phone and it's really clunky, I'm so used to being in a mouse and keyboard! Anyway, to quickly put this in, I fully agree, it should be an unofficial but still very respected rule that only leaders should be able to speak at Gatherings with no exceptions; there should be scoldings for Warriors that interrupt their leaders or that even utter a word at all, and of course harsher punishments for cats that kept the behavior up, such as being forbidden from attending x number of future Gatherings. A lack of this shows that the leaders are not in full control of their cats, leading to failing respect by the other leaders, and as a leader this is the last thing you would want. Of course they could give permission for their medicine cats and even their deputies to speak if the situation required it, but under no circumstances should they let their ordinary, average warriors have any word. They don't allow it in Clan meetings, so why should it be permitted at Gatherings? It says in the Warrior Code that the word of the leader is law after all; the purpose of a Warrior is to obey their leader and to serve their Clan to the death of necessary, *not* to feel special or influencial, because they are simply not. Anyway, carry on!
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 20, 2021 20:05:44 GMT -5
So I actually finished Midnight two days ago (the same night I last posted here), but school suddenly got busy. I haven't started Moonrise yet.
It was a good book. Not blast-it-out-of-the-park amazing, but also not bad at all. I wasn't particularly bored by anything, and like I said above, eventually I was absorbed into the pages and just along for the ride with the characters. I can't ask for anything more of a book than that.
I like the attention paid to character here. While the story is without a doubt plot-driven, it's the good kind of plot driven where the characters have to actually make decisions and figure out what to do. They all have distinct personalities and the line-level writing is so good I can actually feel what Bramble is feeling at any given moment. On a similar note, I like the narration. It's a really good example of what third-person narration should be. Everything is filtered through Bramble's perception without me even noticing Bramble is thinking. It's also somewhat humorous and just overall a pleasant read.
My biggest criticism of the book is its pacing. It started off fantastic, but around the time Bramble gets the second dream, it just starts sprinting. We're not given nearly enough detail to make the scenes satisfying, and it very much feels like they just had way too much content to cram into the book. I haven't yet reread Moonrise and Dawn, and I'm very aware of the context surrounding the release of this arc. However, if I could have changed something, I think I would have rather had Book 1 be exclusively set-up, with the ending being the scene where they look out past Highstones and set out on their journey. That would give way more time to character events (perhaps even including POVs from other Clans), make the plot set-up not as rushed, and let Bramble actually process each event as it happens instead of just being thrown around.
As far as Book 1s go, I would say Midnight is better than The Fourth Apprentice, The Sun Trail, and The Apprentice's Quest, but not quite as good as Into the Wild, The Sight, and Lost Stars. Which... places it exactly in the middle, lol.
I'll be starting Moonrise tonight. I'm pretty excited for it, because I remember nothing from this book, lol. I know Feathertail dies, and I have like... a little bit of recollection of that, but I genuinely haven't read it in 13 years, so hopefully it'll be surprising and exciting even though I know the climax already.
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 20, 2021 20:19:05 GMT -5
Oh my god, guys, you can TELL that I haven't read this book as much as the others. All my other books have bent covers, torn pages, all manner of hell that they've been through, but Moonrise is practically pristine. Yellowed pages from being on the shelf for more than a decade, but clearly in better condition than the others by like a whole category, lol.
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Post by nowarriornameshere on Jul 20, 2021 20:36:21 GMT -5
I hate the Fire and Tiger sign in general. From beginning to end, it feels shoehorned in to create drama that afflicts Brambleclaw and Squirrelpaw before they've even left, and also give an excuse for Squirrelpaw to want to run off into the great unknown without telling anybody because she would have been the cruelest piece of shit ever if her relationship with her family was just fine but then she still ran away without telling anyone anyway. But hey she and Firestar were constantly at each other's throats so it's fine!
I also really hate what they had it to for FIRESTAR. He might have gotten suspicious, sure, but that level of paranoia and bitchiness from him was just over the top and uncharacteristic of him.
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 20, 2021 21:20:50 GMT -5
I hate the Fire and Tiger sign in general. From beginning to end, it feels shoehorned in to create drama that afflicts Brambleclaw and Squirrelpaw before they've even left, and also give an excuse for Squirrelpaw to want to run off into the great unknown without telling anybody because she would have been the cruelest piece of shit ever if her relationship with her family was just fine but then she still ran away without telling anyone anyway. But hey she and Firestar were constantly at each other's throats so it's fine! I also really hate what they had it to for FIRESTAR. He might have gotten suspicious, sure, but that level of paranoia and bitchiness from him was just over the top and uncharacteristic of him. I don't mind its mere existence. I'm okay with Bramble and Squirrel dealing with the drama of it, and said drama is honestly one of my favorite parts of the book. But yes, Firestar was acting about 8 notches above what he usually works with in terms of anger, and it genuinely felt like a different cat. That's probably the worst part of it for me-- they could have had Firestar and Squirrelpaw get into arguments and even have Firestar separate Bramble and Squirrel without changing his entire character. I also wish we hadn't found out about it until later, as I talked about in this thread. I feel like it would have been more interesting to see Firestar act (slightly) out of character and wonder along with Bramble what had caused it.
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 20, 2021 22:18:01 GMT -5
Prologue- Chapter 4
I have a special place in my heart for Book 1s, and honestly introductions in general. I always feel like the first few chapters of a later series book are lacking, and Moonrise is no exception. I would have liked to see a little more re-characterization and less summary from Stormfur's POV, since it's new.
To expand on that a bit; both Stormfur and Feathertail are interested in an apprentice from another Clan. In Midnight I think that was portrayed pretty well. Very subtle, but still there. Here Stormfur basically announces to the reader that he wants to be Squirrelpaw's mate within the first few pages and it's like... dude. You need to take several steps back.
Reading this book knowing what's going to happen makes it very obvious that Midnight is pushing Feathertail to her death in a way very similar to Rock pushing the Three in the fourth arc. It's a bit frustrating that the cats didn't decide to go through the mountains organically.
So... when did the whole "warriors aren't allowed to attack medicine cats" become a thing? Because I swear that's a thing in the third arc onward. I thought it was a thing in the first arc too, but I could be misremembering. Because within the span of 24 hours, Leafpaw gets attacked by both a ShadowClan and a WindClan patrol, and that struck me as incredibly odd. (Cinderpelt and Mothwing were also attacked, so it's not that they didn't know she was an MC)
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Cloudy Sky
*briefly emerges from under my massive pile of schoolwork* I LIVE
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Post by Cloudy Sky on Jul 21, 2021 1:01:24 GMT -5
So... when did the whole "warriors aren't allowed to attack medicine cats" become a thing? Because I swear that's a thing in the third arc onward. I thought it was a thing in the first arc too, but I could be misremembering. Because within the span of 24 hours, Leafpaw gets attacked by both a ShadowClan and a WindClan patrol, and that struck me as incredibly odd. (Cinderpelt and Mothwing were also attacked, so it's not that they didn't know she was an MC) I don't think it was ever an actual rule, but more like something that's looked down on as they're considered non-combatants. But there's also nothing stopping you from attacking a medicine cat if that's what you want to do.
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 22, 2021 20:01:00 GMT -5
Chapters 5-10
So apparently there was even more of a cultural shift after the exodus than I remembered. In the third and fourth arcs, medicine cats are granted more respect and given more leeway to do what they need to. Here, they're attacked just like warriors, expected to follow the same rules as warriors, and have limited reign of territory even when traveling to the Moonstone. They're essentially just like warriors, but they know herbs and are considered the "default" cat for StarClan messages to go to. At least this is what Leafpaw's POV is telling me.
I do find the POVs in this arc really good so far. Stormfur's in particular is a very character-focused perspective despite the number of action scenes, and I really like that.
Feathertail is an interesting character. She's someone who has a big heart and lets it get in the way of her logic, and she occasionally snaps into fits of rage without explanation. That's... a super interesting character type. I have issues with the way she's portrayed though. I wish the authors would trust themselves to convey Feathertail's character using concrete detail rather than just telling us that her snappy moments are weird. This is the second time I've noticed the word "uncharacteristic" used to describe Feathertail's actions, and in general I'm not a big fan of novels telling me a character is acting out of character. Just let the actions speak for themselves. I think this is why so many people considered Feathertail a "nice girl" like pre-death Spottedleaf. The narrative tells you that's what she is, but her actions contradict that.
More of a silly one here, but it's really fun reading this for what feels like the first time when I know so much about Po3 and OotS. In Po3 there's a scene where the TNP cats are telling the apprentices stories about the mountains, particularly the one where they all went over the waterfall. So when I read that scene here, I was all giggly as if I were an apprentice who'd heard stories about this event. Pretty cool experience, lol.
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Post by vectoring34 on Jul 22, 2021 22:52:29 GMT -5
So much of this. I swear people look back on the past with rose colored glasses whenever they fantasize about the supposed glory days where medicine cats were respected.
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 22, 2021 23:58:50 GMT -5
Chapters 11-15: (this one is numbered by point because I had a lot to say here and didn't want to make a wall of text) 1. Hey, did you guys know Stoneteller has nine lives, just like a Clan leader? Neither did I! The book glosses over this as if it's not surprising. And I guess it's not, but... I'm surprised. 2. Sometimes these books try to explain "Twoleg things" in cat words and from a cat's perspective. And sometimes I... literally have no idea what they're trying to describe. Is it common practice to poison the wildlife in a construction site? Talking about WindClan's plight here. The main construction area is clearly in WindClan's territory, and Barkface says the Twolegs have "done something to the rabbits", causing them to die. Any cat who eats a poisoned rabbit also dies. Anyone have any clue what this is? Because I'm apparently just dumb, lol. 3. I did really like Stormfur's plotline with the Tribe. It's paced well and full of emotion, but I do feel like I missed the climax. There's one moment where Stormfur gets betrayed by Crag and Brook, and afterward it's very emotional and well-written and I really felt for him, but... I missed the actual moment of betrayal? Call me simple, but I would have liked a line or quip from Crag or Brook that was the definite turning point, rather than Stormfur just realizing they weren't on his side. Would have been a lot more effective. Also, I just want to share this line because it's my favorite line in the whole arc so far: 4. Feathertail's POV honestly threw me out of the loop. I really don't like when a book has finished its setup with established POVs and then randomly tosses in another one in Act 2 or later. If you want fluid POV, keep the POV fluid from the beginning. I also feel like Feathertail's POV is far less character-focused than the other three we've had so far. This could be cool if it's trying to imply Feathertail isn't as introspective as the others, or acts before she thinks, but given the placement of this chapter, I honestly think it's just because the author put less effort into it because she wasn't a "main" character. The chapter is pretty clearly a crutch: it feels like the author doesn't actually care about putting us inside Feather's head, they care about showing us events we couldn't have seen if we stuck with Stormfur. (This is the same complaint I had about Leafpaw in the last book). While those events are interesting, it's incredibly jarring for a new POV to be added more than halfway through the book. I think more effort should have gone into making Feathertail a protagonist in her own right rather than a crutch POV. She could have had some of Storm's chapters in the beginning, making it less jarring. 5. That first battle with Sharptooth (and I know it's the first one, because Feathertail hasn't died yet) is one of the best battles I've read in a while. I didn't cry, but I came very close, and I feel completely torn in two because I sympathize so hard with both sides. In the end I'm rooting for the Clan cats and against the Tribe, but that doesn't mean Star's death wasn't heartbreaking. Well done, Erins. I've mentioned before on this site that I remember Moonrise making me cry, but I couldn't remember why, and it wasn't Feathertail's death. I think that battle might have been it, because even as an adult, I've got something in my eye.
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 23, 2021 1:08:43 GMT -5
Chapters 16-21
I remember now why I never reread this book (compared to the others). It's just damned depressing. ThunderClan cats are dying left and right, Tribe cats are dying up and down, we've got all the directions of death covered. And it freakin' hurts man.
I am a little peeved that Stormfur just... goes back. After his friends risked their lives to bust him out of there. I understand it's the noble thing to do, but I was totally with Tawnypelt on that one. Especially knowing that Clan cats are dying with every step you take, fools. I love you, Stormfur, but your personal growth and epiphany is not worth 5+ lives. Get a move on.
I don't have anything else to say, I'm just sad now.
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 23, 2021 1:49:11 GMT -5
Well, I finished. Can't say I'm happy about it. The last few chapters of this book just beat me into the ground. I don't feel good. I feel distressed.
I'll get a "review" (similar to the one I posted for Midnight-- positive, negative, overall opinion, and a ranking against other Book 2s) up sometime tonight, after I pull this twisted knife out of my chest.
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 23, 2021 2:47:06 GMT -5
I can't believe I didn't say this before, it's been in my head the whole time.
After having finished the book, I'm almost ashamed to admit this, because it was not only obvious, but directly stated and an integral part of the book, but I didn't actually remember Feathertail and Crowpaw being romantically involved. I remember Crowpaw had a crush on Feathertail and was devastated at her death, but since I blocked this book out of my memory (more on that next post), I didn't remember Feathertail returning those feelings, so I always thought Crowfeather was pretty weird for still being obsessed with her into the third arc. After finishing the book, while I can't say I ship them, I did like their dynamic, and her super cliche rule-of-3 dramatic irony last words to him just absolutely destroyed me.
Also, while I'm making random notes outside of chapter commentary: I know I said in the first post I would keep an eye on Ashfur. And I have! He's just such a nothing character there's nothing to say. He's been on a few patrols, said a generic line or two about the Twolegs being crazy, and... that's it. One time in Midnight he told Squirrelpaw she should probably head back to camp. That's the extent of his significance.
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 23, 2021 3:00:55 GMT -5
Okay, review time.
Moonrise isn't nearly as strong as Midnight, but it is good. It's not quite as cohesive, but makes up for it with imagery and emotional punches, which masks any structural problems. It did make me quite depressed, which I believe is the reason I never picked it up after reading it for the second time. Something within me was just blocking this book out of my memory, and now I see why. (I was 6 when I read this for the first time, guys). I guess that's technically a good thing, but it doesn't feel good right now.
Moonrise truly excels when it comes to imagery and emotional writing. Single sentences managed to punch me in the gut more times than I could count, and the writer absolutely nails descriptive passages. I really felt everything this book wanted me to feel, and I was on the verge of tears for the entire back third.
The tone is wielded excellently as well-- somehow those last few chapters with Leafpaw felt truly and utterly bleak, even when action sequences happened, so that last glimmer of hope in the last sentence hits you all the harder. I really like the contrast between this and the last book. Midnight had a light tone to it despite the warnings of danger. While the characters were worried about the prophecy, they were still living normal lives when they left, and the narration is light and humorous to reflect that, which sets the perfect stage for Moonrise to be the complete opposite of that-- dead, dark, bleak, hopeless.
As for negatives, the main one has to do with Feathertail's character. I understand what they were trying to do, but I honestly think there was a better way to go about it. Moonrise has all the materials for a solid character arc, but the end product, while technically there, is a bit forced and ill-defined.
This is because the book gave Stormfur an arc instead of Feathertail, when Stormfur is very much not the protagonist. I understand they wanted a fake-out, but it would have been far more effective to give both siblings POV chapters from the beginning and give Feathertail a proper set up. It would have made her sudden realization at the climax so much more satisfying, her penultimate words to Stormfur more heartbreaking, and still given the audience that WTF moment they were going for. This also allows both cats to have well-defined character arcs, with Stormfur finding a reason to help those that betrayed him, and Feathertail finding and accepting her destiny. While Feathertail does technically have an arc already, it all but happens in the background, and the foreshadowing in her chapter isn't quite enough to drive the message home. I would have loved to see more inside her head, and really feel her come through as the protagonist that she is.
Where does Moonrise stand amongst the other Book 2s in the series? I would place it at a solid #2, right behind Dark River, but ahead of all the others.
I'll be starting Dawn tomorrow evening.
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Bisexual
#ffc5c5
Official Queen of Fan Clans
Name Colour
ʀᴀɪɴʟᴇᴀғ 🍁
Official ThunderClan & ElmClan Leader
Easing back in
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Post by ʀᴀɪɴʟᴇᴀғ 🍁 on Jul 23, 2021 4:21:43 GMT -5
Reading this thread honestly makes me want to kinda "forget" the entire series and reread it? As much I ended up hating some characters in TNP, it's rated high up there for me. It could be because of nostalgia and Warriors kinda anchored me as a way to escape a deep hole I wad in during the first time I got into the second arc.
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Post by 🔥Firestar🔥 on Jul 23, 2021 5:57:50 GMT -5
Prepare yourself for how scary Dawn is, Skypaw! When i read it myself it was chilling.
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Post by vectoring34 on Jul 23, 2021 8:22:53 GMT -5
Not all the time but construction sites use all kinds of heavy metals and toxic chemicals which can spill into the local environment. Some of them may use pesticides too for rodent control and that can also transfer its way up the food chain.
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Post by Mothdapple on Jul 23, 2021 8:54:48 GMT -5
This is a nice thread, especially since I’m considering rereading the arc myself!
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 24, 2021 0:30:02 GMT -5
Prologue- Chapter 4:
I'm noticing a slight tonal shift from the end of Moonrise. While that ending was bleak and hopeless, Dawn is giving more of a desperate, fighting feel. I like this, it makes the books feel distinct from one another even though Dawn picks up almost immediately where Moonrise left off. Leafpaw's chapters are significantly bleaker than Squirrel's, giving the sisters' POVs distinction as well.
Speaking of Squirrel's POV, it isn't quite as character-focused as the other (main) three, and there's a lot of filtering going on. While I like her as a person (cat) a lot-- a big change from the beginning of Midnight-- I'm not loving her POV so far. I'm hoping as the book goes on it starts to feel more natural, because the writer did an excellent job with Brambleclaw and Stormfur in the last two books.
The scene where they discover the empty ThunderClan camp was fantastic. It felt so surreal, almost like a dream.
It's pretty weird to me how everyone in ThunderClan is focusing so much on Squirrelpaw being back and just forgetting Brambleclaw exists. Cats are spitting hatred at her and staring at her, but no one says a word to or about Bramble until Firestar shows up.
Ashfur is the first cat who's genuinely happy Squirrelpaw is back. He stands out because at this point Squirrel's heard abuse from even the softest cats in the Clan, so him welcoming her is actually pretty nice. Immediately after this, she talks to Shrewpaw, and while he's cordial with her, he seems on edge in a way Ashfur wasn't. (I wouldn't mention this if I weren't on Ashfur Watch, lol)
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Post by Skypaw13 on Jul 27, 2021 18:40:26 GMT -5
Just a quick update: I am still reading, but I try to only post every 4-5 chapters so I'm not spamming the thread. I've only gotten to chapter 6 so far because I have finals this week, and that's taken the majority of my time. Once Friday comes, I'll be free and this will speed up a lot.
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Post by Katanaheart on Jul 28, 2021 4:46:59 GMT -5
Spam the thread, updates are needed!
I’ve also been lurking and have been enjoying the analysis and journey.
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Aroace
#ffa100
Name Colour
𝕱𝖑𝖚𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖋𝖆𝖑𝖑
Villain Enjoyer
Taking a break from the forums because my cat died. Will probably be back mid to late October.
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Post by 𝕱𝖑𝖚𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖋𝖆𝖑𝖑 on Jul 28, 2021 10:33:35 GMT -5
I also really adore this nostalgic thread so much! Especially because TNP is my most beloved arc and the book that you are currently on (Dawn) is just my favorite one ever.
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