How Many Books Are in the Warriors Series
The Warriors series is a long-running collection of novels about wild cat clans, written primarily by Erin Hunter. As of now, the series includes several distinct arcs and many published titles. If you are asking how many books are in the Warriors series in total, the answer depends on whether you count main arcs, super editions, novellas, and future plans. This article provides an evergreen, detailed overview so you can understand the full scope, reading order, and what each section covers.
Primary Author and Overall Structure
While the brand “Erin Hunter” represents a shared world, the books are written by a small team: Cherith Baldry, Kate Cary, Tui Sutherland, and formerly Victoria Holmes. The series is organized into story arcs, each with a central narrative and multiple books. Some standalone novellas and companion novels exist outside the main arcs but extend the total count. The evolving nature of the series means new titles can be announced over time.
Main Published Arcs and Book Count
The core of the Warriors catalog is a handful of major arcs. Each arc focuses on a different set of characters, time periods, and conflicts, while sharing the same world. Below is a concise overview of the principal arcs, how many books each contains, and their general focus. This helps readers understand scope without revealing every minor subplot.
Original Sixteen Books Arc (The Prophecies Begin)
The first arc introduced the classic four clans and followed Firepaw’s journey from kit to warrior. It established many of the series’ enduring themes, such as loyalty, destiny, and the balance between clan law and individual choice. This arc remains a foundational starting point for new readers.
The New Prophecy Arc (Six Books)
After the original arc, the series shifted to a new setting and new protagonists. This collection explores the consequences of prophecy, migration, and the tension between tradition and change. It deepened the mythology and expanded the cast of recurring characters.
Power of Three Arc (Six Books)
Focusing on three medicine cats, this arc examined faith, duty, and the ripple effects of individual choices across the clans. It intertwined personal growth with major world events, offering insight into how beliefs shape a society.
Omen of the Stars Arc (Six Books)
This arc followed a new prophecy and a fresh group of warriors as they confronted looming threats. It emphasized strategic alliances, leadership challenges, and the cost of war, while laying groundwork for later phases of the series.
Dawn of the Clans Arc (Six Books)
Set in the earliest era, this arc explored how the clans first formed, how rules emerged, and how early conflicts shaped the world. It blends origin storytelling with character-driven drama, showing how foundational decisions echo through later books.
A Vision of Shadows Arc (Six Books)
Centered on Alderheart and other medicine cats, this arc examined themes of destiny versus free will, as well as the moral ambiguity of prophecy. It advanced long-running mysteries and delivered consequential turning points for major characters.
The Broken Code Arc (Forthcoming)
Announced in advance, this upcoming arc will focus on codebreakers and the consequences of hidden truths. Details are limited to preserve impact, but it is expected to address unresolved threads from earlier storylines while introducing new perspectives.
Super Editions, Novellas, and Companion Books
In addition to the main arcs, the Warriors series includes longer special editions, shorter novellas told from single characters’ viewpoints, and companion novels that explore side stories. These add depth to the world and increase the overall number of published titles. While not required to follow the principal arcs, they offer extra context and character development.
Notable Examples and Formats
- Super editions that expand on a single warrior’s life story.
- Novellas presented in e-book and collected paperback formats.
- Omnibus volumes bundling multiple books for convenience.
- Early arrivals that align with major story moments.
Reading Order and How to Approach the Series
For new readers, the recommended path is to start with the first arc and proceed chronologically through the published arcs. This preserves surprises and ensures that character introductions and world rules make sense. Readers who prefer focused perspectives can choose arcs based on their interest in specific clans, roles, or themes, though this may reduce continuity.
Summary Table: Key Published Segments at a Glance
| Arc or Segment | Number of Books | General Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Original Sixteen Books | 16 | Foundation, clans, and early prophecies |
| The New Prophecy | 6 | Migration, change, and evolving prophecy |
| Power of Three | 6 | Medicine cats, faith, and consequences |
| Omen of the Stars | 6 | New prophecy, alliances, and war |
| Dawn of the Clans | 6 | Origins, clan formation, early conflicts |
| A Vision of Shadows | 6 | Destiny, medicine cats, moral ambiguity |
| The Broken Code (upcoming) | TBD | Codebreakers and hidden truths |
| Super Editions and Novellas (cumulative) | Variable | Character-specific stories and side arcs |
Planning Your Reading Journey
Whether you want to experience the full sweep of the Warriors world or dive into a particular arc, understanding how many books are in the series helps you set expectations. Main arcs offer structured, evolving narratives, while super editions and novellas provide additional texture. Keeping an eye on future announcements ensures you stay informed about new directions while appreciating what has already been published.
Final Takeaways
To directly answer how many books are in the Warriors series: the core arcs total more than forty main books, with additional super editions and novellas increasing the overall count. The exact number will grow as new arcs are released. By focusing on arcs, reading order, and formats, you can navigate the series confidently and find the approach that matches your interests and reading style.