Warriors: Omen of the Stars #6: The Last Hope

Wow. This book was great! The book, The Last Hope, is the last book of the Warriors series, in which the clans must unite and fight for their very survival against the cats of the Dark Forest. I actually really enjoyed this book. The Warriors series had begun to disappoint me, but it made an amazing comeback in this last book. The battle was epic and intense. The deaths were full of nobility and beauty. I liked how we really touched with the first six books. I like how we were finally reminded of Firestar and Graystripe's friendship, which had been buried underneath the new plot. I like how we heard him tell Sandstorm he loved her. I like how we were reminded of the prophecy that started it all, fire alone will save our clan. The fact that Firestar was the fourth prophesied cat was completely unexpected. I was almost certain it would be Mothwing. I also like how all the enemies from so so long ago returned. I remember Darkstripe and Brokenstar. I liked how Firestar finally got to destroy Tigerstar forever, as it should have been instead of Scourge ripping away Tigerstar's nine lives. The very ending was beautiful, how the cats lost in the final battle walked away to the stars. I like how Erin Hunter brought back so many cats that I had come to love so long ago: Runningwind, Lionheart, Spottedleaf, Yellowfang, etc. I liked how Cinderheart finally detached from Cinderpelt and became a Warrior truly. Really, I wasn't too pleased with the Power of Three and Omen of the Stars series as part of the Warriors series. But this book really tied it together. It was a fantastic ending to such a great series. The memories of those who had brought despair to the Clans were destroyed forever. I feel like all conflicts were resolved. Hollyleaf died a warrior, Brambleclaw forgave Squirrelflight, Jayfeather and Lionblaze forgave Leafpool for her mistake. I felt contented with the ending. I was really scared that this book would disappoint me, but it really pulled through. The way the four Clans stood together really impressed me. I was so upset when Firestar died. I knew that this book would be his last because of all the memory Erin Hunter brought back about him. But when he did, it was such a shock. I grieved, which I hadn't done for any Warrior's death in such a long time. I remember being shocked in the first book when Ravenpaw announced Redtail's death, but I grew used to the fact that cats would die and eventually stopped caring. But when Firestar died, that was it for me. I had recently reread the original six books, and the fact that this cat was gone hurt me inside. Mousefur too. I like how Erin Hunter brought back the original series with this book, to make sure that we never forgot how it all began. Wonderful ending to the Warriors series. Can't wait to read the new series about dogs, Survivors. Let's see how this one goes :')

The Last Hope is the wrap up for the entire Warriors saga, not just the Omen of the Stars series. Considering how much time (and love) my 11 year old son and I have wrapped up in these characters, and considering some of the missteps in previous books, I was very concerned that this final chapter would be an epic disappointment. Epic, yes. Disappointment, absolutely not. This book is every bit as good as anything since the end of the first series, and very nearly as good as that. Loose ends are tied up. There are only a couple of continuity lapses (one of my pet warriors peeves - and, let's face it, the Erin Hunter team has to keep track of a LOT of closely-related cats, so the mistakes are bound to happen). I counted only one thesaurus fail (where part of a cat's name is also used as a noun or a verb in the same sentence), which I believe is a new post-Midnight record. In other words, the Last Hope is a lovely book to read. The characterizations moved forward nicely without any interference from unlikely plot devices or inexplicable failures to ask the easy questions or volunteer the necessary information. There was only one plot progression that seemed out of character to me, and even that one kind of made sense in terms of the histories of the clans. Sorry for being cryptic - the Erin Hunter team has worked hard to build the drama and suspense for this ending, and I'd hate to spoil it for the reader. The ending felt emotionally satisfying to me, even though not everything turned out the way I wanted it. My son felt the same way. He's grown up with these cats. They taught him to read :) The suggested ages for reading this book are accurate. Children as young as eight should be able to manage the vocabulary. However, there are some concepts, such as war, religion, family obligations, honesty, and fate vs. free will, that you may want to discuss with your child. This is one of the bloodier books since the first series, so you'll want to be aware of that. However, if you're thinking of reading this book, you probably already know how fighting and death are handled in the Warriors universe. Speaking of which, this is NOT the place to start your Warriors journey. Out of all the books in all the series, this one, more than any other, depends on information given in earlier books.

*This review was originally published on RachelPoli.com. BOOK COVER As soon as I picked up this book, I knew exactly who the cat on the front cover was. And I cried. I had spoiled something for myself a while ago and, with the content of the Omen of the Stars books, I knew something was coming. The title alone says it all. PLOT This is the final book in the Omen of the Stars series. This particular series of Warriors has been my favorite so far because it had so many Harry Potter vibes. I’ve been with these characters since I was 11-years-old and this plot wrapped everything up so nicely and punched me right in the gut. This would have been the perfect ending to the series as a whole. Of course, there are three series (at the time of writing this review) after this one. So, this book serves as an ending and new beginning. WRITING STYLE This book, as I said earlier, punched me right in the gut. I don’t even know how to write this review because of spoilers… though, based on my blog audience, I’m not sure how many of you will actually go read these books. Still, I took out the character section due to spoilers because I don’t know what to say. I cried throughout the majority of this book – that’s how good the writing is. I’m still crying even while writing this review. OVERALL This was a wonderful ending to a new beginning. I’m glad the series is still going, but I would have been satisfied if this was the final book in the Warriors series. I’m looking forward to reading a brand new generation of Warriors. Favorite Quote: “I would have taken your place if you had let me.” -Erin Hunter, Warriors: The Last Hope (Omen of the Stars 6)

This whole series has just got to be the very best of books I have ever read. It started back with the first series Warriors #1 Into The Wild then went to then into The New Prophecy series then into Power of Three series and ending with Omen of the Stars series. Each book in all 4 series is a story unto itself, but reading the whole from the very beginning which I did, it pulls you in. You begin to feel like you are a part of Thunder Clan. You feel joyous when they are happy and quests turn out well, and sad when one of the clan cats is lost in battle with another clan, sickness, or one just disappears. There is an undercurrent of evil throughout the whole series, but mostly, until the last book, some parts actually made me burst out laughing like when one of them seems always getting herself stuck somewhere and the others have to get her untangled to set her free. Firestar becomes the leader of the clan after Bluestar loses her last life. Only the leaders have nine lives. The others only have one each. So much of it is cute and funny, but also a break from worrying about what's next. I will not tell you how it ends, but I was sobbing through the last few chapters and in the end, the clan and their ancestors, Star Clan, go on just as we all do. I'm not that good at giving book reports and I don't report on every one I read, but this one is truly special. It deals with love, loyalty, trust and a strong warrior heart to get through it all. I hope that everyone who reads these books enjoys them as much as I have. By: Mikki McBride

I am sorry for the spoiler, but I have to get this off my chest! I enjoyed this book although I was heartbroken over the ending; it was very bitter-sweet. I agree with the other reviews in the fact that I too think this book ended rather abruptly. But endings are inevitable, and I had a feeling that the flamepelt kittypet named Rusty that this entire Warrior series (all 4 so far) revolved around would have his final battle in this book; it was emotional but not too bad; There was not a lot of lingering over the losses and even though all of the clans were fighting the Dark Forest, the ending focused only on Thunderclan...there is no closure really, so it makes me hope that the writers will continue the Warrior Cat stories. A lot of good cats die but also a lot of bad cats die and I am glad that Tigerstar and Brokenstar finally got their just deserts! but what happens to Firestar has me stumped...it is not very clear what really happened...Lightening hits a tree? really? Anyway, I find it interesting that Tigerstars offspring and Firestars offspring end up being clan leader and deputy of Thunderclan. The Erin Hunter writers are also working on a new series called "Survivors" and the characters are dogs, so there will be something for dog lovers soon. Although I doubt I will read the Survivors series, I certainly hope there will be more Warrior Cat books but I would be OK with it if the writers decide to end it here; if they do continue I just wish they would focus more on substantial issues and endeavor to not have the disconnects they had in the previous books with names and events (etc), and perhaps they can give us a little comfort where Firestar is concerned by letting us get another glimpse of him in future books, just to ease the pain. Perhaps, with the strange circumstances surrounding Firestar's death, Starclan plans on giving him another chance at life like they did for Cinderpelt? that would certainly be interesting. :)

Look at Firestar in that new cover. So intense! I mean, just at the cover for Into the Wild and this one, you can see just how much he’s grown. I love that they almost mirror each other. So good. This will always, always, always be the most emotional book of the Warriors series. It’s pretty much come full circle and I’m honestly surprised that the authors are still writing for it. I feel like this would have been a pretty good ending with a super edition after. But, I am glad about The Dawn of the Clans series. It took me three days to get through this book. Not because of anything bad. I’m sure I could have finished this book in a day but once I got to chapter 20, I didn’t want to read anymore because I knew what would happen. I won’t say who but there are quite a few deaths in here. Of course there are, it’s the climax of the big battle. A few of those deaths tore my heart out when I was already trying not to cry. Though I wasn’t the biggest fan of the fillers, I applaud the authors for creating a world that captures the readers attention and hearts. Not an easy thing to do. Even though I’ve given some of the books in all four parts a bit of a low rating, I would always recommend reading every one of these. Thank you for reading my review. -Sam

Okay so first of all I hope that my kits don't hear this or they will have nightmares, yea I'm a nursing queen. This book is sssooo sad. I cried all day when I read it. Skykit, go back to sleep. When you start this book, you'll be like Yahoo! I can read it I can read it! Just to warn you, have a tissue box or two ready just in case. This is the saddest book I have ever read. if you don't count Seekers The Quest begins... Anyways! When you read this book be ready to cry your heart out. ***SPOILER ALERT*** saddest parts in the book include- 1. Firestar died! NNNOOOO! 2. Hollyleaf is dead 3. goodbye Mousefur, let your spirit travel safely to StarClan 4. Ferncloud died ( poor Dustpelt ) 5. Spottedleaf is dead killed by Mapleshade in battle trying to protect Sandstorm Happy parts include- 1. Cinderheart is with Lionblaze! <3 2. TIGERSTAR IS DEAD BYE BYE! ( : XD 3. Hawkfrost is dead 4. Mapleshade was killed by Sandstorm. 5. Dovewing and Bumblestripe are a couple now ( : Oh well my kits are waking up now and you know how kits are in Greenleaf. Goodbye for now I hope to see you at the next gathering.

Ok so first off, although I got my kindle taken away for bad grades.... I got the kindle app on the iPad because I couldn't wait another second to finish the book ( I was at 13%). Never before have I finished a book in 5 hours (sadly I did not sleep...). This book has now made me obsessed with warriors! Although the tragic ending of Firstar's life happens, I can not begin to tell you how wonderfully Erin chose him to die. We all saw it coming... He had to go. But the only reason I couldn't get upset was because he died saving the clans. Now looking back at the series, the whole thing concludes Tigerstar's hatred for the once to be kitty pet Rusty. Which doesn't make a lot of sense considering tiger kit almost died as a kit but Shadowclan saved him from the fox and then he said he would always be their friends.....and Tigerkits father left to be a kitty pet........... Throughout the book I almost cried. I can't decide if it was the battle, or the bringing together of everything. No, it was everything. Yeah everybody growl at the author for making ole rusty die? Or congratulate her for making me cry and letting him die in such a noble way. I couldn't have asked for a better ending to read. Of coarse i am about to read it again.... Then get all the extra books.........then read the next arc.... So yeah ERIN HUNTER HAS NOT FAILED ME!!! :)