With the release of The Fourth Apprentice, Warriors fans have begun to cook up new and exciting theories and possibilities about the rest of the series...Warning! Spoilers ahead!
Theory #1 - Forbidden Love?
Perhaps one of the most probable theories is the DovepawxTigerheart theory. During various points of The Fourth Apprentice possible hints are dropped.
On page 131 of The Fourth Apprentice, Tigerheart says to Dovepaw: "Don't worry, I'll protect you." Throughout the book he continues to tell Dovepaw he will keep her save. Dovepaw, however, does not return his feelings. She seems annoyed, claiming that she can protect herself.
Perhaps the largest hint is when the journeying cats are saying their farewells. Tigerheart's farewell towards Dovepaw is especially warm:
"With a sidelong glance at his Clanmates, Tigerheart bounded up to Dovepaw and rubbed his muzzle against hers. "I'll miss you," he whispered. "I'll see you at Gatherings, right?"
Dovepaw had just enough time to reply, "Yes, I'll miss you, too," Before Toadfoot beckoned the younger warrior away with a jerk of his head." - Page 288 of The Fourth Apprentice.
Hmm... more forbidden love?
Theory #2 - Leafpool's End?
Leafpool fans where disappointed in The Fourth Apprentice - Leafpool was little more then a side character, appearing only a handful of times in the entire book. This brought up the question - could the Erins be getting ready to permanently retire Leafpool?
Rumors have been flying around that Leafpool will die a heroic death in the next Warriors book, Fading Echoes. One of the most popular rumors is that Leafpool will die saving Icecloud - because she sees how much Lionblaze loved Icecloud.
Another possibiliy is that Breezepelt will murder Leafpool. In The Fourth Apprentice Breezepelt is furious about Jayfeather and Lionblaze being kits of Crowfeather and Leafpool. Breezepelt attempts to murder Poppyfrost during The Fourth Apprentice as a way to hurt Jayfeather. Perhaps Breezepelt would find that killing Leafpool would be a perfect way to truly hurt Lionblaze and Jayfeather?
Theory #3 - New Enemies?
In The Fourth Apprentice Honeyfern tells Jayfeather that the cats from The Place of No Stars are breaking through the barrier, and soon there will be an all out war between StarClan and the Dark Forest. Brokentail helped Breezepelt try to kill Jayfeather. It is suspected that Breezepelt is now on the Dark Forest's side.
Lionblaze becomes concerned when he sees Tigerheart fighting during the book. Lionblaze tells Jayfeather that Tigerheart was using a battle move Tigerstar had taught him. The two suspect that Tigerstar walks in Tigerheart's dreams.
It seems as if the cats of the Dark Forest are recruiting living allies. Who else will be drawn into the conflict? Theories have surfaced about Ivypaw being a recruit. This could be possible... Ivypaw isn't very happy in The Fourth Apprentice when Dovepaw is chosen to go on the journey to find the beavers. I would imagine that Ivypaw would be pretty jealous should she discover her sister's part in the prophecy...
Do you have any theories about the new series? Post here! More theories will be posted soon! Also keep a look out for Ravenpaw theories - to be posted soon!
-Sorrelpaw
