Warrior Cats: A Starless Clan, is the eighth arc of the Warrior Cats franchise.
A few moons following the events of Warrior Cats: The Broken Code. The Clans are revising the rules of the warrior code, making changes both big and small, though some of the changes aren't to the liking of other cats. The arc revolves around Nightheart, a young ThunderClan warrior struggling with trying to live up to the legacy of his more famous ancestors such as Bramblestar, Squirrelflight, and Firestar. Sunbeam, a warrior of ShadowClan who is a stickler to the rules, but finds herself at odds with her best friend Lightleap, who's actions are becoming increasingly more toxic, manipulative, and even outright dangerous. Lastly, Frostpaw of RiverClan, a young Medicine cat apprentice who serves as the Clan's sole connection to StarClan, but Frostpaw finds herself more than what she bargained for when RiverClan experiences a sudden succession crisis.
As usual, there are six books in the arc.
This series provides examples of:
- A Child Shall Lead Them: Downplayed. When all candidates for RiverClan's leadership suddenly die, Frostpaw, a very young medicine cat apprentice is appointed as RiverClan's leader. Downplayed in that this is a position she shares with her mentor Mothwing, and that Mothwing will be the one making more of the leadership choices due to her experience and age. Also worth mentioning that this is agreed to be a temporary decision until a suitable successor can be found.
- Nepotism: Cats in RiverClan start expressing concerns about Frostpaw's suggestions for their new leader being based on who's related to her rather than by StarClan's approval or proper merit, as Curlfeather and Owlnose are respectively her mother and uncle. Neither officially become leader; Curlfeather dies before receiving her extra lives, and Owlnose is so indecisive and uncertain that StarClan never gives him extra lives and he quickly steps down.
- Spin-Offspring:
- Nightheart is the nephew of series six protagonist Alderheart, grandson of series two protagonists Squirrelflight and Bramblestar, and great-grandson of series one protagonist Firestar.
- Downplayed, but Sunbeam is the daughter of Berryheart, who served as the protagonist of the manga for Tigerheart's Shadow. She's also the younger sister of Needletail, an important character in A Vision of Shadows.
- Succession Crisis: Both Mistystar and Reedwhisker, leader and deputy of RiverClan respectively, die suddenly in this book. With no obvious option to lead RiverClan, Mothwing briefly takes over as interim leader until one can be found. Frostpaw then receives a vision declaring Curlfeather as their next leader, but unfortunately Curlfeather is killed before she can receive her nine lives. After that, the Clan is unsure who to pick, and collectively agree that for the time being, Mothwing and Frostpaw will be their leaders.
- Surprisingly Sudden Death: Mistystar, arguing with Duskfur, suddenly collapses and dies. Reedwhisker as well, as he suddenly went missing and is found dead in a gorge days later.
- Time to Step Up, Commander: Mothwing, following the deaths of Mistystar and Reedwhisker, is agreed to be made temporary leader of RiverClan as with their deaths, she is the one with the most authority.
