The Short Version
Did you just finish Warriors, Into the Wild, and now you are staring at the shelf, wondering what on earth could follow it?
I have six books for you. They are all spoiler free, and they all share what makes Erin Hunter’s first Warriors book work: animals with real hunger and real danger, a young hero in a big, wild world, and a sense of belonging that has to be earned.
Some are gentler, some are tougher, and I will tell you which is which. Let’s go.
One quick note first. Every one of these is a real book that I picked because it gives you something specific that Warriors does. I will tell you what that is each time, so you can choose by mood.
Redwall
Number one is Redwall, by Brian Jacques, from nineteen eighty six.
It is set in and around a peaceful abbey, home to mice and other woodland creatures. A young mouse named Matthias is a novice there, and he dreams of adventure. When a ruthless rat named Cluny the Scourge marches on the abbey with his horde, Matthias has to find the courage and the lost sword of the abbey’s legendary warrior.
What you get is a hero who starts small. It is a classic of animal fantasy, and the closest cousin to Warriors in spirit. There are feasts, battles, riddles, and brave little heroes. It is a touch more old fashioned than Warriors, but the danger is real. And if you like it, there is a long shelf of sequels waiting.
Watership Down
Number two is Watership Down, by Richard Adams, from nineteen seventy two.
A young rabbit named Fiver senses terrible danger coming for his warren. Nobody listens, except his brother Hazel and a handful of friends. They set out to find a new home, and they face predators, rival warrens, and a long, dangerous journey.
This is the great grandparent of every animal adventure. Rabbits have their own language, stories, and myths. It is longer and more literary than Warriors, and it can be quite violent. Think of it as a step up for older teens, or a shared read with a parent.
Wings of Fire
Number three is Wings of Fire, The Dragonet Prophecy, by Tui T. Sutherland, from twenty twelve.
Five young dragons are raised in a hidden cave by guardians who say they are chosen by a prophecy to end a war. They are not sure they believe it. When they escape, they find out that the truth is much more complicated.
If you liked the prophecy and the Clan rivalries in Warriors, this is a great next step. Each dragon belongs to a tribe with its own culture, which will feel familiar to any Clan fan. It is faster, with more humor, and a bit lighter in tone.
Guardians of Ga’Hoole
Number four is Guardians of Ga’Hoole, The Capture, by Kathryn Lasky, from two thousand three.
Soren is a young barn owl who loves his family’s old stories about brave owls who protect the world. Then he is taken from his home, and drawn into a dark place where he needs all his courage, and a few new friends, to stay himself.
This one came out the same year as Into the Wild. It has a strong mythology, a heroic cast of owls, and beautiful descriptions of flight. What you get is a young hero, a secret, and a world of ancient legends. That is a very Warriors kind of feeling. It is a bit darker, and it has a thoughtful tone. If you like the lore in Warriors, the Guardians series offers plenty.
Silverwing
Number five is Silverwing, by Kenneth Oppel, from nineteen ninety seven.
Shade is the smallest bat in his colony, a runt who gets into trouble. During the long autumn migration, a storm separates him from his family, and he has to find his way alone across a vast and dangerous world.
It is a shorter, quicker adventure, with a warm heart. I love the way it makes bats feel like real animals, with their own beliefs about the sun and the night. If your reader enjoys a nature setting with a clear quest, this is a great pick. It is also a lovely gentle way to talk about being different, and finding where you fit.
Seekers
Number six is Seekers, The Quest Begins, by Erin Hunter, from two thousand eight.
Yes, it is by the same pen name. Three bear cubs, a polar bear, a grizzly, and a black bear, start out alone. They meet, and set out on a long journey together, and each one has a very different idea of where home is.
If you enjoyed how Erin Hunter builds a whole animal society, you will feel at home here. It has the same rhythms, with strong friendships and tough choices. It is a good bridge if you want something new but familiar. I would say it is the best pick for a reader who just wants more of the same style.
Which One To Read First
So where should you start?
If you want the closest feel, start with Redwall or Seekers. If you want the biggest world and a faster pace, go for Wings of Fire. If you want a poetic, thoughtful read, pick Guardians of Ga’Hoole or Silverwing. And if you are an older teen who wants the grand old classic, read Watership Down.
All of these have sequels, so you will have plenty to read. And of course, the Warriors series itself has many more books, and I have a video on the reading order.
Tell me in the comments, which one would you read first? Or did I miss your favorite animal adventure? Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next one.
