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Post by Purdyisbestboi on Apr 1, 2024 17:41:56 GMT -5
I can’t wait to get the book to read it myself!
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Post by lilythorn on Apr 2, 2024 20:22:47 GMT -5
Thank you for the summaries! I was able to read the book for myself, and I have to admit that I personally wasn't a particularly big fan of the book, with the exception of the first three chapters and the final three chapters. Some other chapters were interesting, it definitely wasn't all bad, but I found parts to be underwhelming. I found a lot of conversations and plot points to go around in a circle. Like Squirrelflight and Tigerstar had the same exact conversation about Splashtail two or three times. Even outside of that it felt like the plot wasn't actually properly moving until near the end of the book. I would have liked to see more of Splashtail as leader too.
That being said, while I wasn't a fan of the book it had some good points as well. I found the character interactions to be very likeable and fun, and the final three chapters were easily excellent. I even thought it was nice that Harestar actually got a scene that wasn't him just being spineless. I think I just expected more from this book. And that's just a personal opinion. It's totally great if anyone likes it!
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Post by ~Phoenixwing~ on Apr 3, 2024 1:18:20 GMT -5
I cannot believe just how laughably cartoon villain Splashtail is. Once again, we get a good premise, with awful execution. At this point there's a valid argument to be made for not relying so much on star clan, and how star clan doesn't always have the living's best interests in mind- and how living cats should be able to think for themselves and, hell, be able to appoint a leader without divine intervention, but.. of course they can't write a nice, nuanced story about complex issues. Nope, just starclan good, atheism bad, and Mothwing, what have they done to you? This plot had your name written all over it. What happened to 'They're just dead cats!'?. Why do you suddenly care what the heavens think, you should know who'd be best for your clan. Just a shame.
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Pixie
2024 is already bad; 2025 will be my year fr
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Post by Pixie on Apr 3, 2024 9:09:25 GMT -5
I cannot believe just how laughably cartoon villain Splashtail is. Once again, we get a good premise, with awful execution. At this point there's a valid argument to be made for not relying so much on star clan, and how star clan doesn't always have the living's best interests in mind- and how living cats should be able to think for themselves and, hell, be able to appoint a leader without divine intervention, but.. of course they can't write a nice, nuanced story about complex issues. Nope, just starclan good, atheism bad, and Mothwing, what have they done to you? This plot had your name written all over it. What happened to 'They're just dead cats!'?. Why do you suddenly care what the heavens think, you should know who'd be best for your clan. Just a shame.
It’s the way he was manipulative and coolish in the first four books too. He could’ve had the same charismatic charm as Hawkfrost or Darktail, but no. 😭
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#add8e6
Name Colour
*Ravenpaw*
Warrior Fanatic
*reads books in a corner*
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Post by *Ravenpaw* on Apr 3, 2024 19:37:16 GMT -5
I got the book yesterday! So shiny.
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Post by iceheart on Apr 3, 2024 21:53:32 GMT -5
I cannot believe just how laughably cartoon villain Splashtail is. Once again, we get a good premise, with awful execution. At this point there's a valid argument to be made for not relying so much on star clan, and how star clan doesn't always have the living's best interests in mind- and how living cats should be able to think for themselves and, hell, be able to appoint a leader without divine intervention, but.. of course they can't write a nice, nuanced story about complex issues. Nope, just starclan good, atheism bad, and Mothwing, what have they done to you? This plot had your name written all over it. What happened to 'They're just dead cats!'?. Why do you suddenly care what the heavens think, you should know who'd be best for your clan. Just a shame.
Glad I'm not the only one who agrees. He's every generic cartoon villain ever. He's not even manipulative like Hawkfrost is. A storm ruins the camp and he just... does nothing about it? Just starts ordering the cats to fight? Then kills a dude in the middle of the camp? This is a joke.
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Post by Flamefrost on Apr 4, 2024 9:18:08 GMT -5
I reaaaally enjoyed this book until that literal last chapter. What a shame, they made what was potentially none of the most interesting, charismatic villains, into a complete idiot in one swift blow. My heart dropped the moment I read that he was "moving in a deranged manner" or whatever, this character's integral personality is that he's outwardly cool-headed and insanely manipulative. I wish it was a scene where he managed to gaslight the Clan into believing Harelight was a traitor too - frankly imagine if he started acting like a cult leader, wouldn't that be so so good?? Sigh.
I'm actually really annoyed that RiverClan didn't stand up to him then and there, it makes all of RiverClan look like complete cowards. It's one guy who doesn't even have 9 lives. It's not a Brokenstar/Tigerstar situation, who had StarClans Blessing and a large group of thugs. Splash literally just has 2 allies.
Also, unless Book 6 changes things up, will this officially be the arc with the lowest kill count? We're only up to 4 deaths, 3 of which occured in the first book.
On the positives, I adored every other character in this book, especially our protags. It is so refreshing to hear actual maturity and growth, and hearing cats talking to each other instead of all the usual secrecy. I was initially against Squirrelstar due to age but I actually really enjoy her character. NightSun has become my favourite ship for how genuinely mature and sweet they are, and Frostpaw has slowly grown to become my favourite character in the series. Even "antagonists" like some of the medicine cats were understandable in their decisions, and not just comically evil/stupid.
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Post by Saint Ambrosef on Apr 4, 2024 9:53:11 GMT -5
Flamefrost You just have to manually type the code: [spoiler]Write your spoilers here[/spoiler]
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Post by Flamefrost on Apr 4, 2024 10:10:03 GMT -5
Flamefrost You just have to manually type the code: [spoiler]Write your spoilers here[/spoiler] Thank you! I've fixed it now
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#a3c5e6
Name Colour
𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵
Warrior Fanatic
All hail me, the flower-flushing queen of Prague
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Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Apr 4, 2024 10:32:09 GMT -5
I reaaaally enjoyed this book until that literal last chapter. What a shame, they made what was potentially none of the most interesting, charismatic villains, into a complete idiot in one swift blow. My heart dropped the moment I read that he was "moving in a deranged manner" or whatever, this character's integral personality is that he's outwardly cool-headed and insanely manipulative. I wish it was a scene where he managed to gaslight the Clan into believing Harelight was a traitor too - frankly imagine if he started acting like a cult leader, wouldn't that be so so good?? Sigh.
I'm actually really annoyed that RiverClan didn't stand up to him then and there, it makes all of RiverClan look like complete cowards. It's one guy who doesn't even have 9 lives. It's not a Brokenstar/Tigerstar situation, who had StarClans Blessing and a large group of thugs. Splash literally just has 2 allies.
Also, unless Book 6 changes things up, will this officially be the arc with the lowest kill count? We're only up to 4 deaths, 3 of which occured in the first book.
On the positives, I adored every other character in this book, especially our protags. It is so refreshing to hear actual maturity and growth, and hearing cats talking to each other instead of all the usual secrecy. I was initially against Squirrelstar due to age but I actually really enjoy her character. NightSun has become my favourite ship for how genuinely mature and sweet they are, and Frostpaw has slowly grown to become my favourite character in the series. Even "antagonists" like some of the medicine cats were understandable in their decisions, and not just comically evil/stupid.
To be fair, Splashtail literally claimed he got his nine lives, so as far as RiverClan knows, he's their true leader. At least before now, they had no reason to trust Frostpaw's word, and Tigerstar even less for obvious reasons. Also, even real cults have been known to rule through fear, an emotion that's as crippling for morale as it is a powerful motivator, so I can definitely see the aftermath going either way, if not there being a split. RiverClan is clearly desperate, we just don't know to what extent.
That being said, as someone who's enjoying Splashtail, I definitely agree that it would've been nice to have had a villain who's actually cool-headed all throughout their appearance instead of it just being a mask or throwing it away in exchange for a more aggressive personality. The closest who comes to mind is Sol, and even then, he ended up being more pathetic than anything.
I feel like having a new RiverClan PoV, even as a guest, could've helped as well. All we really have are glimpses, that being two rigid training sessions (we even see RiverClan supporting it the first time it's shown) and the ending, which would of course be enough to at least convince them that Frostpaw had been right after all. It's implied Mothwing, Icewing, and Duskfur were barely having any luck convincing the others of the truth and it's pointed out a little before Squirrelstar sends Nightheart and Sunbeam with Frostpaw that decent Sneezecloud and Gorseclaw have become more hostile since Splashtail took over, but that's all the context the book gives. Nothing too specific on the resistance itself.
As for kill counts, that actually goes to PoT, with Ashfur and Honeyfern.
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Post by ❅Maplefrost❅ on Apr 4, 2024 11:34:20 GMT -5
I cannot believe just how laughably cartoon villain Splashtail is. Once again, we get a good premise, with awful execution. At this point there's a valid argument to be made for not relying so much on star clan, and how star clan doesn't always have the living's best interests in mind- and how living cats should be able to think for themselves and, hell, be able to appoint a leader without divine intervention, but.. of course they can't write a nice, nuanced story about complex issues. Nope, just starclan good, atheism bad, and Mothwing, what have they done to you? This plot had your name written all over it. What happened to 'They're just dead cats!'?. Why do you suddenly care what the heavens think, you should know who'd be best for your clan. Just a shame.
Glad I'm not the only one who agrees. He's every generic cartoon villain ever. He's not even manipulative like Hawkfrost is. A storm ruins the camp and he just... does nothing about it? Just starts ordering the cats to fight? Then kills a dude in the middle of the camp? This is a joke. He's just above Slash in that category imo, they were doing so good with him... I hope the next book at least makes him more appealing again?
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Post by iceheart on Apr 4, 2024 11:38:42 GMT -5
You can tell that they obviously tried to recreate the Bonehill scene with Firestar/Ravenpaw/Graystripe but with Frostpaw/Nightheart/Sunbeam. But, this time, it absolutely fails because Splashtail is a raging lunatic who just kills because he wants to, in the mean time Tigerstar had a "trial" and got his Clanmates to chant filth, even Leopardstar and his own deputy. Then he ordered Stonefur to kill two actual children, Stonefur turned, Darkstripe attacked, and then Blackfoot killed him. They tried to replicate that but failed in the worst way possible.
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Post by Flamefrost on Apr 5, 2024 4:40:39 GMT -5
I reaaaally enjoyed this book until that literal last chapter. What a shame, they made what was potentially none of the most interesting, charismatic villains, into a complete idiot in one swift blow. My heart dropped the moment I read that he was "moving in a deranged manner" or whatever, this character's integral personality is that he's outwardly cool-headed and insanely manipulative. I wish it was a scene where he managed to gaslight the Clan into believing Harelight was a traitor too - frankly imagine if he started acting like a cult leader, wouldn't that be so so good?? Sigh.
I'm actually really annoyed that RiverClan didn't stand up to him then and there, it makes all of RiverClan look like complete cowards. It's one guy who doesn't even have 9 lives. It's not a Brokenstar/Tigerstar situation, who had StarClans Blessing and a large group of thugs. Splash literally just has 2 allies.
Also, unless Book 6 changes things up, will this officially be the arc with the lowest kill count? We're only up to 4 deaths, 3 of which occured in the first book.
On the positives, I adored every other character in this book, especially our protags. It is so refreshing to hear actual maturity and growth, and hearing cats talking to each other instead of all the usual secrecy. I was initially against Squirrelstar due to age but I actually really enjoy her character. NightSun has become my favourite ship for how genuinely mature and sweet they are, and Frostpaw has slowly grown to become my favourite character in the series. Even "antagonists" like some of the medicine cats were understandable in their decisions, and not just comically evil/stupid.
To be fair, Splashtail literally claimed he got his nine lives, so as far as RiverClan knows, he's their true leader. At least before now, they had no reason to trust Frostpaw's word, and Tigerstar even less for obvious reasons. Also, even real cults have been known to rule through fear, an emotion that's as crippling for morale as it is a powerful motivator, so I can definitely see the aftermath going either way, if not there being a split. RiverClan is clearly desperate, we just don't know to what extent.
That being said, as someone who's enjoying Splashtail, I definitely agree that it would've been nice to have had a villain who's actually cool-headed all throughout their appearance instead of it just being a mask or throwing it away in exchange for a more aggressive personality. The closest who comes to mind is Sol, and even then, he ended up being more pathetic than anything.
I feel like having a new RiverClan PoV, even as a guest, could've helped as well. All we really have are glimpses, that being two rigid training sessions (we even see RiverClan supporting it the first time it's shown) and the ending, which would of course be enough to at least convince them that Frostpaw had been right after all. It's implied Mothwing, Icewing, and Duskfur were barely having any luck convincing the others of the truth and it's pointed out a little before Squirrelstar sends Nightheart and Sunbeam with Frostpaw that decent Sneezecloud and Gorseclaw have become more hostile since Splashtail took over, but that's all the context the book gives. Nothing too specific on the resistance itself.
As for kill counts, that actually goes to PoT, with Ashfur and Honeyfern. Fair point, I forgot RiverClan believes in the 9 lives, although I still think murdering your deputy in cold blood in front of everyone would be reason enough to maybe start believing the other half of the Clans who think he's lying. Brokenstar was a more established leader with thugs, and got thrown out the moment he was found out for killing his own Clanmates, even though he still was blessed with lives. ShadowClan literally had to turn to an elder for leadership, but they had the courage to do it anyways. I understand a rule of fear like Tigerstar, but Splashtail is like 2 years old and has not once been described as a formidable/large warrior, and only has Berryheart and Podlight.
I get at this point it's an endowment effect - the RiverClan cats don't want to be proven wrong, because it would show the other Clans that they can't take care of themselves.
I honestly find the characterisation Splash made of RiverClan as "too easygoing/going with the flow" interesting, bc that's exactly whats happening here with a lot of the Clan. As far as we can tell, a lot of the cats, even at the start of the arc, are PAINFULLY passive. I mean, our 3 potential leaders (Frost/Dusk/Ice) are literally just the only RC cats aside from Splash and Moth who've done ANYTHING out of their own volition this arc. I agree that I wish we had a RiverClan PoV, it could make the Clan feel a lot less helpless.
And wow, I never realized how few deaths PoT had. I guess both arcs take place in a very short space of time. I guess it's bc a lot of cats died/disappeared between TNP and PoT, like Goldenflower and Rainwhisker, which I subconsciously attribute to the latter arc.
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Post by dahliadove - #1 nightpelt fan on Apr 5, 2024 5:04:43 GMT -5
And again, they bring up Nightpelt. What's with that? I swear the new authors know nothing about the previous arcs and yet he gets brought up every book. I swear if this is a build-up to his spirit being killed off I'm gonna be so mad
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Post by Jaysnow on Apr 5, 2024 13:05:32 GMT -5
And again, they bring up Nightpelt. What's with that? I swear the new authors know nothing about the previous arcs and yet he gets brought up every book. I swear if this is a build-up to his spirit being killed off I'm gonna be so mad It's probably just a coincidence.
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Post by Purdyisbestboi on Apr 5, 2024 16:42:59 GMT -5
And again, they bring up Nightpelt. What's with that? I swear the new authors know nothing about the previous arcs and yet he gets brought up every book. I swear if this is a build-up to his spirit being killed off I'm gonna be so mad I’d say that’s hilarious but then I’d realize how worried I’d be if this happened to purdy
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Post by Chicken on Apr 6, 2024 15:33:44 GMT -5
Thanks for posting these
Did Mallownose or Scorchfur do/say anything in this book? I ask because their family members are key players in the drama, and they're usually some of the most vocal in their clans
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Post by Hollyfall on Apr 6, 2024 15:42:17 GMT -5
Thanks for posting these Did Mallownose or Scorchfur do/say anything in this book? I ask because their family members are key players in the drama, and they're usually some of the most vocal in their clans Not really. I'm pretty certain they're only mentioned in the allegiances.
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Post by Chicken on Apr 6, 2024 15:47:21 GMT -5
Thanks for posting these Did Mallownose or Scorchfur do/say anything in this book? I ask because their family members are key players in the drama, and they're usually some of the most vocal in their clans Not really. I'm pretty certain they're only mentioned in the allegiances. That's surprising, thanks for responding
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Post by Jaysnow on Apr 6, 2024 15:55:43 GMT -5
What are your thoughts on the book, how would you rate it (out of 10) and rank it among the other A Starless Clan novels?
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Post by Chicken on Apr 6, 2024 19:35:56 GMT -5
I have another question, does Minnowtail do/say anything? She was Splashtail's mentor and is also one of the more relevant RiverClan cats, or are there any signs to which side she aligns to?
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#a3c5e6
Name Colour
𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵
Warrior Fanatic
All hail me, the flower-flushing queen of Prague
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Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Apr 6, 2024 19:42:41 GMT -5
I have another question, does Minnowtail do/say anything? She was Splashtail's mentor and is also one of the more relevant RiverClan cats, or are there any signs to which side she aligns to? She's only in the allegiances.
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Post by Chicken on Apr 6, 2024 19:57:10 GMT -5
I have another question, does Minnowtail do/say anything? She was Splashtail's mentor and is also one of the more relevant RiverClan cats, or are there any signs to which side she aligns to? She's only in the allegiances. Thanks
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Post by dahliadove - #1 nightpelt fan on Apr 7, 2024 2:33:58 GMT -5
And again, they bring up Nightpelt. What's with that? I swear the new authors know nothing about the previous arcs and yet he gets brought up every book. I swear if this is a build-up to his spirit being killed off I'm gonna be so mad It's probably just a coincidence. it better be 😭
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Post by NightFrostSun on Apr 7, 2024 12:18:53 GMT -5
I got Wind the day it came out and finished it Thursday. It was good but intense. I found the moonpool scenes, gathering scenes, and of course Harelight’s brutal death very difficult to read. Overall I’d probably give it a 9/10.[\spoiler]
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#add8e6
Name Colour
*Ravenpaw*
Warrior Fanatic
*reads books in a corner*
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Post by *Ravenpaw* on Apr 7, 2024 15:20:17 GMT -5
You know, something's bothered me since the beginning of ASC. How the flip do these cats know that Nightpelt lied about getting his nine lives? I thought only a few cats knew. Did I forget something?
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Post by Purdyisbestboi on Apr 7, 2024 17:27:33 GMT -5
8/10 The tiniest step down from Thunder, which I loved. Unlike most people, I like that splashtail is so “cartoony”
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Post by Mistybreeze on Apr 7, 2024 20:15:47 GMT -5
You know, something's bothered me since the beginning of ASC. How the flip do these cats know that Nightpelt lied about getting his nine lives? I thought only a few cats knew. Did I forget something? I think the question is, do the editors know only a couple cats are supposed to know the truth?
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Post by Chicken on Apr 7, 2024 23:28:56 GMT -5
8/10 The tiniest step down from Thunder, which I loved. Unlike most people, I like that splashtail is so “cartoony” I like that a lot as well, I find it much more entertaining than a villain with a sad tragic backstory who is super powerful, there's been a lot of those villains, it's cool to have something different. His whole premise of him being a villain is hilarious, he's barely a warrior, so he might have started his route to villainy as an apprentice or maybe sooner, and he's just some random dark brown tabby kit of Sneezecloud, why couldn't Fognose be the villain? It would have been less obvious, and Fognose, she obviously suffers from allergies like her father, and maybe that put her in a bad mood, it's more of a motive than Splashtail has lol
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#add8e6
Name Colour
*Ravenpaw*
Warrior Fanatic
*reads books in a corner*
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Post by *Ravenpaw* on Apr 8, 2024 15:44:48 GMT -5
You know, something's bothered me since the beginning of ASC. How the flip do these cats know that Nightpelt lied about getting his nine lives? I thought only a few cats knew. Did I forget something? I think the question is, do the editors know only a couple cats are supposed to know the truth? Probably not, but I'd expect Cherith and Kate to know at least.
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