Beyond the Code

Warriors Manga: SkyClan & the Stranger #2

by Erin Hunter, James L. Barry

A graphic novel adventure from the world of Erin Hunter’s #1 nationally bestselling Warriors series!

In the second book of the SkyClan and the Stranger manga arc, set after the events of Warriors Super Edition: SkyClan’s Destiny, SkyClan faces new dangers—and welcomes a new Clanmate.

With Leafstar’s encouragement, Sol, a former kittypet, has joined the ranks of SkyClan. He dreams of becoming a great warrior, and promises to be helpful and brave. But Leafstar soon begins to wonder if Sol respects the rules of the warrior code. And when Sol’s actions lead to a perilous disaster for SkyClan, Leafstar has to figure out whether he can be trusted—before it’s too late.

Genres: Manga, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Animals, Comics, Cats, Middle Grade

89 pages, Paperback

First published November 22, 2011

About the author

Erin Hunter is the pseudonym of five people: Kate Cary, Cherith Baldry, Tui T. Sutherland, Gillian Philip, and Inbali Iserles, as well as editor Victoria Holmes. Together, they write the Warriors series as well as the Seekers and Survivors series. Erin Hunter is working on a new series now called Bravelands.

Erin Hunter is inspired by a love of cats and a fascination with the ferocity of the natural world. As well as having a great respect for nature in all its forms, Erin enjoys creating rich mythical explanations for animal behavior, shaped by her interest in astronomy and standing stones.

Reviews

[Kirsti · Rating 4 out of 5]

REREAD 3/9/18
Having read this one a few years ago, it was nice to revisit the story by reading these in order instead of this one on it's own. This is still a great series, and definitely made more sense this time around!



I love the Warriors books, and have quite a few of these manga in my to-read pile. Today I actually culled out all of the shorter books so that I had less books in the giant pile in the front room. Surprisingly it made a difference!

The art seems quite good, although not exactly as I picture Warriors. I guess nothing can compare to the beautiful covers of the books. The story isn't one I've read yet with the Warriors novels, so that was a plus for me too. I'm guessing since it's about Skyclan, that it's set in the Dawn of the Clans books which I haven't finished yet. It was different reading it with the pictures to compare as well.

I quite liked this, and will have to check out which of the other books I own. Four stars.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

These mangas are honestly too short, they’re really good, and the art is a very different, but nice style. I have a feeling that these books will be the closest warriors will get to a super edition for Sol, but they are still really great.

[Amory · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was also fine, I think I just don't care enough about Sol to be interested in this trilogy.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the mangas explain sub-characters lives. It really helps the reader to understand them more. This is about the life of Sol he has a hard childhood, which would explain why he is the way he is in the main series. While reading this manga I kept thinking "In order for you to help people, they must first be willing to help themselves." (I find myself thinking that a lot.)

Nice quick read. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has read the rest of the warrior series. If you skip the mangas you are doing yourself a disservice.

[Jim Shaner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters have such human-like qualities and experiences! This makes it easier to recognize and relate, through our human quality of empathy. I especially appreciate the illustration of Sol, whose erstwhile warrior skills are somewhat lacking. True self-evaluation takes time and insight, and Sol would benefit from Leafstar's frank assessment of his ability. Now if only he would understand... and accept a different role.

[jamie-ashton fabian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good, not too much happens here until the end, but still good development and an interesting story. RIP Lichenfur 💔💔

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Skyclan and the Stranger series of manga/graphic novels, which details the experiences of Skyclan when they meet a kittypet who ends up becoming the rogue Sol.

This is an entertaining story and gives the reader more background about Leafstar's experiences as both a mother and a clan leader. As a working mother, I can empathize with her torn loyalties and angst about trying to be great at both.

The plot of the series shows how the clan matures and comes together when tragedy strikes. It also continues exploring the clan's struggles to maintain unity with daylight warriors (half warrior, half kittypet) as part of the clan.

It's a fast read and the illustrations are very good. Our youngest really enjoyed reading this book and we are both looking forward to reading the last of the Warriors Manga graphic novels. We hope that more of these stories are published soon.

[Historyprincess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Premise: Now that Leafstar is safely back with SkyClan, she must face the difficult task of dividing her time between leading her Clan and raising her kits. It certainly doesn't get any easier when the Clan cats living in the gorge find themselves facing a long and scorching summer. Moreover, Sol, a newcomer to SkyClan, is eager for his leader to make him a warrior. But Leafstar doesn't believe he'll be ready until he proves his loyalty to and respect for the warrior code. And if he ultimately can't, what will that mean for both SkyClan and Leafstar?

Story/Writing: Ever since I finished the first part of the "SkyClan and the Stranger" trilogy, "The Rescue," I was more than eager to read the second part. And not only did I find it as good as the first volume, in some ways the second one was even better! Mostly because there were things in it that I didn't really see coming. Then again, I probably would've if there'd been an author's note in the beginning. They have those at the beginning of the individual volumes, but I got the trilogy in a pack, and for some reason it doesn't have the author's notes. Anyway, I found it after I finished this, and I liked how the authors called back to how Bluestar was ultimately forced to give up her kits in order to become deputy of ThunderClan, and how they were comparing that to Leafstar's situation. But I also like that, just as they don't put in any double standards about medicine cats having mates and kits – when it comes to gender, anyway – neither do they put any in this case either. Firestar and other male leaders in the series have had kits. So why shouldn't female leaders be allowed to have kits as well? Yes, I know, females are a bit more limited by their biology, but still. That said, I do know that Bluestar didn't just give up her kits simply to become deputy, but to stop Thistleclaw from becoming deputy. Leafstar's situation is much more ideal. But moving on, I once again love how organic life in the Clan feels. The cats have to deal with things I suspect most of us wouldn't think of, yet feel completely natural. I just love how detailed this world is.

Artwork: Speaking of detail, as always, the artwork is fantastic. And the color really does bring out more details than the usual black-and-white would. I like the way the colors are used to really convey and remind of us of the fact that these cats live in a gorge, an exposed area that's not exactly an ideal place to live in during extreme weather. I also liked the way the flashback sequence into Sol's past used these drab and diluted and depressing colors. Not just because it's a flashback sequence but because it really matches the mood of the story Sol is telling to Leafstar. It makes it both look and feel dirty and unappealing. Once I got past the sequence it felt like a relief to get back to the bright and vibrant colors of present-day SkyClan.

Leafstar – If there's anything that Leafstar has shown me through this story, it's that animals tend to be better working moms than most people are! By that I don't just mean hunting for her kits. She has to look out for them as well as her Clanmates. But of course, for any working mother, that's not always easy. If anything, as SkyClan's leader, her Clanmates are like an extra set of kits. Anyway, it's clear though that she was prepared for a challenge like this, probably as much as she's been for any other challenge. But there's also the matter of Sol. And this is where I think Leafstar once again proves why she's the leader of this Clan. She's moved by Sol's story, but she doesn't use that or his simple (or not so simple) desire to be a warrior as an excuse to make him one.

Various Other Characters – Speaking of Sol, man am I glad we got to see more of him in this! At first, he seems to be just an unruly and undermining cat…which he remains to the end. But we also get his backstory. And not only was I not expecting any backstory at all, I was especially not expecting this kind. If he and his family were people, they'd probably be in severe poverty (if not homeless) and maybe even on welfare. And while I don't think Sol's father was exactly right to leave Sol's mother, I can't say I blame him, given how unbearably complaintful she was. I also won't say whether or not Cinders did the right thing by leaving Sol and his siblings at Twoleg houses, 'cause Sol himself said she didn't want them to begin with. And yet, while this backstory is certainly heartbreaking, something in me doubts Sol is telling the truth. Even if he is, one can have a tragic backstory and still be a villain. I did think it was interesting though that Sol complains the same way his mother did when Leafstar refuses to make him a warrior. It made for an intriguing parallel. Probably my other favorite character though is Billystorm! Leafstar has shown as much great wisdom in choosing a mate and father for her kits as she's done in leading her Clan. Billystorm to me is one of the sweetest toms in the series! He really reminds me of Micah from "Moth Flight's Vision." Just always supportive and always willing to be there for his love. He may be a daylight-warrior, but he has the heart of a wholly Clan cat!

Overall: I was very intrigued and invested in this story, especially when I got to when Sol tells his backstory. It kept me guessing and curious all the way through, and I can't wait to see what becomes of all these great characters at the end of volume three!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read July 26, 2022.

I was so impatient to read this one, yet it took me ages to actually start it! Go figure. It was nice to go back to SkyClan and see how they’re doing (which is something I think I say every time we get SkyClan screen time, oops) even if it was a little odd timeline-wise, given that this takes place before where the main series is at. Warriors continuity be wonky, y’all.

I thought it was neat to see a bit of Sol’s true background! Though honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was all a lie to convince Leafstar to let him stay, given his track record. I do not trust that cat. If it is true though, I kinda feel for the guy. His mom certainly isn’t winning parent of the year anytime soon, and I’d love to get more background on his siblings and the like. Overall though, it felt kinda forced and not like the Sol we know so I’m waiting for it to be revealed as fake.

As for Leafstar’s struggle between being a new mom as well as leader of her Clan, I have… mixed feelings. I understand that being a leader is demanding, and so are her kits, but… isn’t that what Sharpclaw (her deputy) and the rest of her Clanmates are for? It’s not like she couldn’t leave them with the elders or with Clovertail for a bit while going on patrol, or get Sharpclaw to cover for her while she takes some time with the kits. And I mean, what exactly does a leader do that takes so much time compared to their warriors? I dunno, it just feels like a forced/sexist conflict to me. A tom would never be subjected to such a dilemma if he had kits, so why is it an issue for the queens? (Warriors is highkey sexist is why, but I won’t get into that here.)

In any case, as much as I feel the “should female leaders have kits??” trope is overplayed, I do love seeing the kits themselves. They’re so CUTE. I still have my own gripes with the name Harrykit (name him Albus Severuskit, why don’t you…) but Firekit and Stormkit are perfectly good names for perfectly adorable kits. I do really love Dan Jolley’s style of drawing the characters and the care he puts into making sure they’re identifiable, too.

I was a little let down by how abrupt the ending for this one was, and I am once again impatient to read the next volume! But alas it is time for The Last Hope, to finish off the OotS arc! I’m kind of terrified and don’t want to do it, but time stops for no one, am I right? And it’ll be nice to finally get that closure since I never read it when it came out like ten years ago. Hopefully it’s a fun time and I don’t cry too much!

[Kurami Rocket · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

Pretty standard for a Warriors book, especially for these short manga.

In this nothing truly exciting happens, but we finally do get to see Sol's past and the beginning of why he hates the clans so much. However, even his past, like I said, is pretty standard. Nothing really unique or that truly stands out.

Sol was essentially born from a litter of four to a loner whose mate was essentially a dead beat dad who would visit them every couple of months, bringing one measly scrap of prey that wasn't even edible. Sol's mother struggled very much to find them shelter and food. Eventually the dad comes back and announces he found a new mate and pretty much abandons them. This causes the mother to have an even more despondent and bitter outlook on life, but Sol clings on to the stories his mother told him: Of cats who could turn as huge as lions, catch prey like tigers and could run as fast as cheetahs; warriors who were noble, kind and helpful. But his mom scoffs that they are just stories. One by one she leaves each of her kit at a human's doorstep and leaves forever. This was where Sol grew up with a two leg when he found out Skyclan was real. It's the reason he wants so badly to be a Warrior despite his lack of fighting and hunting talent.

Now while this backstory is sad, it just feels like your typical tragedy. So, it feels meh, but at least we finally know why Sol hates the clans so much and wishes to see them destroyed. However, we still need to see what ultimatley leads him to leave Skyclan in the next part.

The only thing I do wonder, though, is where his mother heard the story of these warriors? They are very much legends that are told by the clans. I guess, since she was a loner that likely roamed many places, they were stories that got passed down. Maybe even by the old Skyclan who used to live in the gourge. Who knows.

All in all. An okay book. Pretty subpar. And a quick read.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was also wonderfully illustrated (I particularly love the depiction of the kits!), and a good follow-up to the previous installment. This book poses a big challenge for SkyClan, as a massive flood hits near the end of the book, devastating the clan's home and taking the life of one of the elders.

Leafstar's welcoming nature may pose a problem, as there are suspicions set up in this book that indicate trouble on the horizon, surrounding Sol, an overconfident, lazy, and kinda helpless character.

Overall, it was very well written, and the graphic novel provided a unique outlet for Leafstar's story to be told.

[Erin Estes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better than the first, but still pretty bad. They really had to kill off the only good character in the whole book. Come on, all the other people are just annoying, and my one source of good character? Dead as a doornail! Thanks a lot. Also, what was this incredibly basic tragic backstory? Did a teenager on wattpad write this? Probably! At least give credit lol. The whole flood schpiel was very confusing. What even happened? Anyway, Billy Ray Cyrus or whatever needs to stop being the way that he is because he is just working my last nerve...

[Stacey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sol is trying to fit in to Skyclan, trying to become a warrior. But he's struggling with their ways. When food is scarce he wants to be the one who helps the clan to prove that he is a part of it. But Leafstar finds out he has been stealing food which goes against the code that the warriors live by. Sol tells Leafstar about his past making her understand his strong desire to become a warrior cat. It still doesn't erase what he did, stealing food and putting the entire clan in danger. Besides fighting for their territory and their lives the clan's home is threatened by an awful flood.

[Emy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Times are hard for Leafstar leader of Skyclan with three of her own young kits and leading the clan. Sol who wanted to became a Skyclan cat has caused some trouble in the clan, leading two foxes to the camp and wanting training. Also the biggest problem Leafstar has faced: a giant flood comes to the camp killing elder Linchenfur, after a huge storm.

I'm defiantly going to read the next book as I was left hanging wanting to find out what happens next.

[Sky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leafstar is less annoying in this one. Despite the books best attempt though I still don't like our "newcomer" and im still annoyed he's here at all. It also loses a star for being a bit sloppily made as we first had Clovertail depicted as described, colored with a white underside but for some reason in this one we changed it to where she's a solid tabby identical to Echosong. How and why is beyond me.

[ʟ ᴇ ᴀ ʜ ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing these in the wrong order. :3

I still don't like the art. But obviously it's not going to change, hehehe.

I liked it as much as I liked the next one (3), which I reviewed before this one here.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the events covered in the Warrior graphic novels could quite easily be done in one book rather than split into three.

I enjoyed this. I do like returning to SkyClan and Leafstar. The introduction of Sol in the first book definitely made me eager to read this. Erin Hunter always finds a way to make me feel for the villain, like with Scourge in The Rise of Scourge , and now again with Sol's backstory.

[Sarah E Mudge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

A great quick read. It's good to take a quick break from the main series and get caught up on the goings on in SkyClan. Looking forward to seeing what StarClan has in store for this clan in the seasons to come.

[Hannah Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book is a little more action packed compared to the first one, and even more problems arise for SkyClan. Read the book and find out how Leafstar manages to solve them. Or crumble under them.

[Niffty · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

-i like how the whole clan immediately help out when Leafstar is having trouble between being a leader and her kits.
-leafstar is a great leader
-a lot of the characters do need to be development more

[Rainflight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad!! I liked it!

[Leni_and_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ich mag das Buch sehr.., gerade auch weil ich schon oft von Sol gehört habe..,und jetzt weiß wer er wirklich ist😆😳❤️😍

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this one less. Leafstar’s kits are really cute, but the general plotline didn’t interest me as much as in the first book. I really don’t like Sol, even though I feel bad for him.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

[Liam M · Rating 5 out of 5]

These graphic novels are good

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This manga series is hands down my favorite out of all of them.

[Krys · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars according to my 6yo

[TreeSpright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wonder if sol is telling the truth about his mother in this one. I'm pretty sure this is before power of three.

[Lauren T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh kinda boring, Still like it though