My Shadow Thread (Updated Review)
Apr 14, 2023 11:06:23 GMT -5
vectoring34, valleylight, and 1 more like this
Post by BҽɾɾყႦʅσσɱ on Apr 14, 2023 11:06:23 GMT -5
Me being late to the party of actually reading the ASC books upon release continues on. Just like with River back in spring of last year, Shadow arrived on April 14th for me this time around as well.
As with the previous two entries of this arc (and the remaining three to come), I'll be posting a picture of my cat with the book in question, will then read the book, and finally update this thread with my review either later today/tonight or by tomorrow.
I'm honestly so excited and hyped to read this book for myself since I've seen quite a few positive reactions to it so far (and also read the spoiler thread as well as already discussed things happening in it on here).
Without further ado, here's my cat (Momo) seemingly already having taken a liking to Shadow:
And another one because she was just giving me such good posing variety (lol):
Just like on my River and Sky review threads, please note that these are just some of my own personal thoughts/opinions on the book and that this is not a professional review of it or even a full analysis about the contents of any kind.
My Shadow Review
As an intro, I want to say that while I've previously been a bit disappointed that there was no battle in this book, after actually having read it now, I'm actually glad there wasn't and also that there was not yet a full resolution to the RiverClan conspiracy or the temporary ShadowClan "Not a takeover, I promise you!" situation lead by Tigerstar. This arc is called A Starless Clan, after all. So it's good to see that the conflict isn't just resolved or even at its peak by book three.
Pros:
- Splashtail revealing himself to be even more sus
- Berryheart becoming more antagonistic while also having her motivations be clearly explained/shown
- Bramblestar retiring (hope he actually gets to rest as an elder)
- Tigerstar getting dragged by Leafstar at least twice (hoping for Squirrelflight to join her more next book lol)
Somewhat Cons:
- most of Nightheart's chapters focusing on his tasks to become a ShadowClan cat although his reunion with ThunderClan at the end as well as his conversations and relationship dynamics with Bramblestar, Sparkpelt and Finchlight did make up for it imo
- most of Sunbeam's chapters focusing on Nightheart's tasks but also making up for it by showing her reconciling with Lightleap and more of her relationship dynamic with Berryheart
I referred to these two points as somewhat cons because it's understandable that the "Nightheart wants to join ShadowClan and has to complete three tasks" storyline would take up the majority of his chapters (and be relevant in Sunbeam's chapters as well, considering the reason he's joining).
Plot Points:
The RiverClan vs ShadowClan conflict
I'm firmly on RiverClan's side here. That is, aside from the cats involved in the RiverClan conspiracy and whoever killed Reedwhisker and possibly might've lured the dogs to kill Curlfeather on purpose, although the latter is still only a theory and has not been confirmed (yet). As well as them most likely destroying Cloverfoot's nest in the leader's den and leaving crowfood around there for her to find. And yes, I know they are rightfully upset at the situation of ShadowClan cats staying in their camp. But this just seems petty. Then again, the cat they are truly upset at (Tigerstar) is not there for them to let their anger out on in this manner so I guess going for his deputy who is also staying in their leader den does make sense (to whomever is doing it). As for Tigerstar himself, it's clear that he truly belives he's doing the right and correct thing (he gets referred to as him being hard-headed in this book multiple times). Who knows what it will take fior him to admit this was the wrong way to "help" RiverClan. I've got a bad feeling it'll be yet another tragedy for his family ngl.
Nightheart x Sunbeam (Clan-switching/tasks)
As for Nightheart and Sunbeam specifically, I still thought it more believable that Nightheart switched Clans to get away from ThunderClan rather than him actually wanting to join because he loves Sunbeam. But perhaps, I'm just too biased against this ship for it to make sense to me that they are truly in love, at this point. On Sunbeam's side, it's interesting that her own mother Berryheart pointed out to Nightheart (during their "little talk" that she herself sees Sunbeam trying to move on with Nightheart basically as a rebound on her part from Blazefire as well (as I and other readers pointed out). While it does take at least some time for Sunbeam to come around to even consider her actually liking or even loving Nightheart, I still thought it felt off when she eventually did come around. No idea if it was as sudden as with Bristlefrost suddenly reciprocating Rootspring's feelings after spending almost three books being embarrassed and annoyed by everyone and him pointing it out to her, though I don't exactly recall the exact moment it changed from possibly being able to like/love Nightheart to her saying it at the end (when she joined ThunderClan).
Regarding the Clan-changing/tasks, Nightheart failing the third task on purpose and Sunbeam wanting to leave ShadowClan to be with him in ThunderClan at the end was certainly an interesting twist (and surprising as well at least when it came to Sunbeam's decision, kind of shocking in a way and possibly a tad sudden/out of nowhere which was probably the point). The three tasks were a fun concept but took up quite a bit of page time at a certain point. I'm hoping that Sunbeam's tasks will be over with sooner in the next book (if she really decides to stay). My final thoughts on the new tasks system is that Tigerstar is a fool for letting Berryheart be in charge. Oh well, it was for plot reasons anyways, probably.
The RiverClan conspiracy (Reedwhisker's death/Frostpaw getting attacked)
I've got not as much to say on this since there weren't that many developments other than confirming that Reedwhisker was indeed murdered by someone he knew and did not want to hurt as well as fully revealing Splashtail to be a suspicious character and not so subtle manipulator when it comes to Frostpaw. It's safe to say that SplashFrost will thankfully not be a thing though, I think. Phew. Oh, and Frostpaw getting attacked by someone at the end of this book. Splashtail is the most likely suspect and will probably be the one who did it and also killed Reedwhisker (this is Warriors after all, which is known for being rather predictable, at least most of the time). But still, it would be neat if he was a red herring (albeit obviously still a sussy and manipulative one) while the one (ore ones) who killed Reedwhisker and tried to kill Frostpaw (would also be neat if those were to different cats tbh) are then revealed to be someone else other than him.
Frostpaw deciding to become a warrior apprentice
I'll be looking forward to see her stay as one, to be honest. Yes, she does get real visions and such and will probably go back to being a healer but my hopes for her to be destined to lead RiverClan instead will only die once there's an actual cat with nine lives and the -star suffix in the allegiances of her Clan. Just saying.
Bramblestar and Squirrelflight
I'd lie if I said that there weren't once again some tears in my eyes while reading Nightheart's interactions with Bramblestar and generally seeing Bramblestar be so tired but also honest with himself and others about no longer wanting to fight. He wants to be at peace. He wants to rest and deserves to do so.
As for Squirrelflight becoming leader after him, I'm still thinking that she'd be much better off joining Bramblestar in the elder's den rather than her becoming Squirrelstar. If she does become leader, I'm not going to be upset about it though since I do think she'd make a good or at least decent one. That is, if the writing doesn't ruin her. Which is one of my concerns about the concept of a canon Squirrelstar. The other two being her also being affected by what Ashfur did as well her having been a spotlight character for multiple arcs now (and I mean full spotlight not just: former protagonist gets a few lines in sideways per book like Ivypool and Twigbranch, for example). And yes, the same goes for Bramblestar too. As well as the controversial ship between them that is BrambleSquirrel. Let them both, as well as their arguments as mates, retire already.
Main Character Development
Frostpaw
Her decision to become a warrior apprentice was great for her character development, in my opinion. There was a lot of inner (and sometimes outer) conflict on her part and I'm very glad that this book showcased how she's able to stand up for herself (she did so to Splashtail and Crowfeather, for example).
Sunbeam
Her characterization mostly focused around Nightheart as well as Berryheart in this book. As stated somewhere above, I did think her going from being unsure if she loved or could love Nightheart to "I love you and want to be with you in ThunderClan." (paraphrasing here once more) did feel a bit contrived. Although not in the way it happened with Bristlefrost and Rootspring imo. Since she was shown to warm up to the idea and have multiple open conversations about it with him before he failed the final task, she had her dream of seeing him with that Silverstream clone and then decided to join ThunderClan out of her love for him. Speaking of which though, I did feel like the chapter from her perspective, when Nightheart failed and went away while she got consoled by Berryheart, did end on a rather ominious note of her possibly joining her mother's cause (thinking that Berryheart had a point) after being heartbroken about Nightheart leaving her behind. So seeing her next chapter of once again being against her mother's ways of trying to steer her into a relationship with "a nice ShadowClan mate" (paraphrasing all day every day btw) did feel a tad bit off imo.
Nightheart
His moments with Bramblestar as well as his reconciliation with his mother, sister, grandmother and most of ThunderClan at the end, were the best parts for him in this book. Although I did like seeing him perform the tasks to join ShadowClan very effectively here as well. All in all, I'm very glad he's back in ThunderClan now (it's what I had hoped for/wanted, after all) and I'm hoping to see him communicate more with his family from now on so that he understands them and they understand him better, rather than just being (passive) aggressive with each other and having miscommunications/misunderstandings. Still excited to see what his storyline(s) will be in future books as well though. And also slightly terrified things will get ruined again in Thunder when it comes to how his character and others will be portrayed. Please, have mery on them all, Kate Cary.
TL;DR: I quite enjoyed this book despite my gripes with the NightSun ship. Giving it a solid 8/10. Best ASC one so far.
As with the previous two entries of this arc (and the remaining three to come), I'll be posting a picture of my cat with the book in question, will then read the book, and finally update this thread with my review either later today/tonight or by tomorrow.
I'm honestly so excited and hyped to read this book for myself since I've seen quite a few positive reactions to it so far (and also read the spoiler thread as well as already discussed things happening in it on here).
Without further ado, here's my cat (Momo) seemingly already having taken a liking to Shadow:
And another one because she was just giving me such good posing variety (lol):
Just like on my River and Sky review threads, please note that these are just some of my own personal thoughts/opinions on the book and that this is not a professional review of it or even a full analysis about the contents of any kind.
My Shadow Review
As an intro, I want to say that while I've previously been a bit disappointed that there was no battle in this book, after actually having read it now, I'm actually glad there wasn't and also that there was not yet a full resolution to the RiverClan conspiracy or the temporary ShadowClan "Not a takeover, I promise you!" situation lead by Tigerstar. This arc is called A Starless Clan, after all. So it's good to see that the conflict isn't just resolved or even at its peak by book three.
Pros:
- Splashtail revealing himself to be even more sus
- Berryheart becoming more antagonistic while also having her motivations be clearly explained/shown
- Bramblestar retiring (hope he actually gets to rest as an elder)
- Tigerstar getting dragged by Leafstar at least twice (hoping for Squirrelflight to join her more next book lol)
Somewhat Cons:
- most of Nightheart's chapters focusing on his tasks to become a ShadowClan cat although his reunion with ThunderClan at the end as well as his conversations and relationship dynamics with Bramblestar, Sparkpelt and Finchlight did make up for it imo
- most of Sunbeam's chapters focusing on Nightheart's tasks but also making up for it by showing her reconciling with Lightleap and more of her relationship dynamic with Berryheart
I referred to these two points as somewhat cons because it's understandable that the "Nightheart wants to join ShadowClan and has to complete three tasks" storyline would take up the majority of his chapters (and be relevant in Sunbeam's chapters as well, considering the reason he's joining).
Plot Points:
The RiverClan vs ShadowClan conflict
I'm firmly on RiverClan's side here. That is, aside from the cats involved in the RiverClan conspiracy and whoever killed Reedwhisker and possibly might've lured the dogs to kill Curlfeather on purpose, although the latter is still only a theory and has not been confirmed (yet). As well as them most likely destroying Cloverfoot's nest in the leader's den and leaving crowfood around there for her to find. And yes, I know they are rightfully upset at the situation of ShadowClan cats staying in their camp. But this just seems petty. Then again, the cat they are truly upset at (Tigerstar) is not there for them to let their anger out on in this manner so I guess going for his deputy who is also staying in their leader den does make sense (to whomever is doing it). As for Tigerstar himself, it's clear that he truly belives he's doing the right and correct thing (he gets referred to as him being hard-headed in this book multiple times). Who knows what it will take fior him to admit this was the wrong way to "help" RiverClan. I've got a bad feeling it'll be yet another tragedy for his family ngl.
Nightheart x Sunbeam (Clan-switching/tasks)
As for Nightheart and Sunbeam specifically, I still thought it more believable that Nightheart switched Clans to get away from ThunderClan rather than him actually wanting to join because he loves Sunbeam. But perhaps, I'm just too biased against this ship for it to make sense to me that they are truly in love, at this point. On Sunbeam's side, it's interesting that her own mother Berryheart pointed out to Nightheart (during their "little talk" that she herself sees Sunbeam trying to move on with Nightheart basically as a rebound on her part from Blazefire as well (as I and other readers pointed out). While it does take at least some time for Sunbeam to come around to even consider her actually liking or even loving Nightheart, I still thought it felt off when she eventually did come around. No idea if it was as sudden as with Bristlefrost suddenly reciprocating Rootspring's feelings after spending almost three books being embarrassed and annoyed by everyone and him pointing it out to her, though I don't exactly recall the exact moment it changed from possibly being able to like/love Nightheart to her saying it at the end (when she joined ThunderClan).
Regarding the Clan-changing/tasks, Nightheart failing the third task on purpose and Sunbeam wanting to leave ShadowClan to be with him in ThunderClan at the end was certainly an interesting twist (and surprising as well at least when it came to Sunbeam's decision, kind of shocking in a way and possibly a tad sudden/out of nowhere which was probably the point). The three tasks were a fun concept but took up quite a bit of page time at a certain point. I'm hoping that Sunbeam's tasks will be over with sooner in the next book (if she really decides to stay). My final thoughts on the new tasks system is that Tigerstar is a fool for letting Berryheart be in charge. Oh well, it was for plot reasons anyways, probably.
The RiverClan conspiracy (Reedwhisker's death/Frostpaw getting attacked)
I've got not as much to say on this since there weren't that many developments other than confirming that Reedwhisker was indeed murdered by someone he knew and did not want to hurt as well as fully revealing Splashtail to be a suspicious character and not so subtle manipulator when it comes to Frostpaw. It's safe to say that SplashFrost will thankfully not be a thing though, I think. Phew. Oh, and Frostpaw getting attacked by someone at the end of this book. Splashtail is the most likely suspect and will probably be the one who did it and also killed Reedwhisker (this is Warriors after all, which is known for being rather predictable, at least most of the time). But still, it would be neat if he was a red herring (albeit obviously still a sussy and manipulative one) while the one (ore ones) who killed Reedwhisker and tried to kill Frostpaw (would also be neat if those were to different cats tbh) are then revealed to be someone else other than him.
Frostpaw deciding to become a warrior apprentice
I'll be looking forward to see her stay as one, to be honest. Yes, she does get real visions and such and will probably go back to being a healer but my hopes for her to be destined to lead RiverClan instead will only die once there's an actual cat with nine lives and the -star suffix in the allegiances of her Clan. Just saying.
Bramblestar and Squirrelflight
I'd lie if I said that there weren't once again some tears in my eyes while reading Nightheart's interactions with Bramblestar and generally seeing Bramblestar be so tired but also honest with himself and others about no longer wanting to fight. He wants to be at peace. He wants to rest and deserves to do so.
As for Squirrelflight becoming leader after him, I'm still thinking that she'd be much better off joining Bramblestar in the elder's den rather than her becoming Squirrelstar. If she does become leader, I'm not going to be upset about it though since I do think she'd make a good or at least decent one. That is, if the writing doesn't ruin her. Which is one of my concerns about the concept of a canon Squirrelstar. The other two being her also being affected by what Ashfur did as well her having been a spotlight character for multiple arcs now (and I mean full spotlight not just: former protagonist gets a few lines in sideways per book like Ivypool and Twigbranch, for example). And yes, the same goes for Bramblestar too. As well as the controversial ship between them that is BrambleSquirrel. Let them both, as well as their arguments as mates, retire already.
Main Character Development
Frostpaw
Her decision to become a warrior apprentice was great for her character development, in my opinion. There was a lot of inner (and sometimes outer) conflict on her part and I'm very glad that this book showcased how she's able to stand up for herself (she did so to Splashtail and Crowfeather, for example).
Sunbeam
Her characterization mostly focused around Nightheart as well as Berryheart in this book. As stated somewhere above, I did think her going from being unsure if she loved or could love Nightheart to "I love you and want to be with you in ThunderClan." (paraphrasing here once more) did feel a bit contrived. Although not in the way it happened with Bristlefrost and Rootspring imo. Since she was shown to warm up to the idea and have multiple open conversations about it with him before he failed the final task, she had her dream of seeing him with that Silverstream clone and then decided to join ThunderClan out of her love for him. Speaking of which though, I did feel like the chapter from her perspective, when Nightheart failed and went away while she got consoled by Berryheart, did end on a rather ominious note of her possibly joining her mother's cause (thinking that Berryheart had a point) after being heartbroken about Nightheart leaving her behind. So seeing her next chapter of once again being against her mother's ways of trying to steer her into a relationship with "a nice ShadowClan mate" (paraphrasing all day every day btw) did feel a tad bit off imo.
Nightheart
His moments with Bramblestar as well as his reconciliation with his mother, sister, grandmother and most of ThunderClan at the end, were the best parts for him in this book. Although I did like seeing him perform the tasks to join ShadowClan very effectively here as well. All in all, I'm very glad he's back in ThunderClan now (it's what I had hoped for/wanted, after all) and I'm hoping to see him communicate more with his family from now on so that he understands them and they understand him better, rather than just being (passive) aggressive with each other and having miscommunications/misunderstandings. Still excited to see what his storyline(s) will be in future books as well though. And also slightly terrified things will get ruined again in Thunder when it comes to how his character and others will be portrayed. Please, have mery on them all, Kate Cary.
TL;DR: I quite enjoyed this book despite my gripes with the NightSun ship. Giving it a solid 8/10. Best ASC one so far.