Book Summary – Warrior Cats: Leafpool’s Wish – Tales from the Clans – Book 2
- Jason Montero
- Aug 24
- 10 min read
Updated: Aug 26
Book summary by chapter of Leafpool’s Wish. Includes spoilers from the first visions to the end of the book. Between dreams with Lionheart and nightmares of forbidden paths, Leafpool walks an impossible line—secretly a mother, openly a healer. Her bond with Crowfeather blooms beneath snow and silence, love cloaked as duty, devotion reshaped as denial. As she gives away her kits and deceives her Clan, Leafpool becomes the shadow who heals while aching from afar.
Introduction – Warrior Cats: Leafpool’s Wish
The snow hadn’t yet fallen when Leafpool’s heart began to tear between loyalty and love. In this chapter-by-chapter book summary, a hidden tale unfolds within the Warrior Cats universe—one where duty to the Clan collides with soul-deep bonds beneath the watchful stars. What seemed like a straight path as a medicine cat twists into a crossroads of visions, silences, and impossible choices.
Warrior Cats: Leafpool’s Wish, written by Erin Hunter, draws us into ThunderClan’s most delicate moment—between the end of The New Prophecy and the rise of Power of Three. This isn’t a tale of great battles or loud betrayals, but of quiet gestures, buried truths, and invisible motherhood that reshapes the Clan’s fate. Each chapter reveals not only what happened—but what was never meant to be known.
Because some decisions are born in the shadows and shine only in the dark. To explore this saga in the right sequence, start here: Reading Order of Warrior Cats: Novellas ➤
Want to see all the summaries from this series?
Click here to access the Complete Reading Order. 👇
Chapter Navigation
Chapter 1 Summary – Leafpool’s Wish – Visions Beneath the Stars and Shadows of the Past
Leafpool tends to Birchpaw, whose injured eye is still healing after the badger attack. As she cares for him, she painfully remembers the battle in which Cinderpelt died, giving her life to protect Sorreltail during childbirth. Still haunted by not being there, Leafpool reaffirms her commitment to ThunderClan. She watches with concern the closeness between Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw, knowing that he was trained by Tigerstar in the Dark Forest. Despite her fears, she had a vision of them walking together under the stars, which she shared with her sister, helping her choose Brambleclaw over Ashfur. That night, Leafpool dreams of Bluestar, Yellowfang, and Lionheart, who tell her that her path will be unusual for a medicine cat. Though no clear answers are given, their guidance comforts her. Upon waking, she renews her loyalty to ThunderClan and her decision to leave her past with Crowfeather behind.
Chapter 2 Summary – Leafpool’s Wish – The Consequences of Bloodshed
One moon after her dream with the three starry cats, Leafpool tends to Firestar, who lost a life after being trapped by Hawkfrost, only to be saved at the last moment by Brambleclaw. The fulfillment of the “blood will spill blood” prophecy confirms Brambleclaw’s role as the new deputy. Leafpool treats her father with honey and poppy seeds, reflecting on her role as medicine cat and ensuring her duties are not derailed by past emotions. While assisting with daily tasks, she talks with Brackenfur about Graystripe’s absence and the need for strong leadership. In the nursery, she watches kits like Berrykit, Cinderkit, and their siblings, sensing something unusually wise in Cinderkit. Suddenly, a twist in her belly forces her to accept the truth: she is expecting Crowfeather’s kits. Though she tries to hide it from Sorreltail, her body betrays her. Troubled, she buries herself in her role, struggling to keep the secret.
Chapter 3 Summary – Leafpool’s Wish – Truths at the Moonpool and Echoes of the Past
Distressed by her secret pregnancy, Leafpool decides to visit the Moonpool seeking guidance. Firestar grants permission, unaware of her true motives, and through an icy storm she reaches the sacred place, exhausted and drenched. As she sleeps, she relives joyful moments with Crowfeather, climbing trees and playing together, until a violent wind drags the warrior away, waking her in distress. There, Spottedleaf awaits, painfully scolding her for becoming pregnant as a medicine cat. Yellowfang intervenes, revealing she too once had a secret kit: Brokenstar. She reminds Leafpool that loving her kits does not mean loving her Clan any less, but she must bear the consequences. With tender reassurance, she urges Leafpool to be wiser than she was. Upon waking, Leafpool accepts that she must remain a medicine cat, though unsure how to do so with kits on the way. She decides to trust her only constant companion: her sister Squirrelflight.
Chapter 4 Summary – Leafpool’s Wish – The Secret Revealed to Squirrelflight
Leafpool confides in Squirrelflight that she is expecting Crowfeather’s kits, trusting her sister to help protect her role as a medicine cat. The conversation takes place while gathering moss, after a tense exchange with Mousefur about her appearance. Though shocked, Squirrelflight promises to support her however she can. They reflect on their complicated relationships, especially with Brambleclaw, and the challenges of motherhood in ThunderClan. Leafpool insists she cannot abandon her position, as there is no time to train a new medicine cat. Squirrelflight’s reaction is a blend of disbelief and sisterly love. She understands Leafpool is torn between loyalty to the Clan and duty to her unborn kits, and agrees to help her hide the pregnancy, even though both know it will be nearly impossible. Leafpool feels hope, fragile like the lights over the lake.
Chapter 5 Summary – Leafpool’s Wish – Painful Decisions and Forbidden Encounter
While helping Berrykit with a thorn, Leafpool feels overwhelmed by her secret and the growing fear of being discovered. Though Brightheart assists with medical duties, she refuses to be Leafpool’s apprentice due to family commitments. Leafpool feels isolated, especially seeing Crowfeather seemingly moved on with Nightcloud. When Whitepaw is injured during a patrol, Leafpool skillfully diagnoses and treats a dislocated tail, earning Sandstorm’s admiration. However, she fears her mother might suspect the truth. While collecting yarrow near WindClan territory, Leafpool encounters Crowfeather. Though he expresses a desire to be with her, Leafpool refuses, reminding him of her duties. She sends him away with pain, knowing that if she loses her place in ThunderClan, she won’t be able to protect her kits. Alone and desperate, she decides to return to the Moonpool to beg Yellowfang for a way to face what lies ahead.
Chapter 6 Summary – Leafpool’s Wish – Yellowfang’s Message
Exhausted after caring for Whitepaw, Leafpool decides to visit the Moonpool for guidance from StarClan and asks Squirrelflight to accompany her. The journey is difficult due to her condition, but upon arrival, Squirrelflight is awestruck by the place. As they sleep beside the water, Yellowfang appears and suggests that Squirrelflight raise the kits as her own to protect Leafpool’s reputation and secure her place as medicine cat. Squirrelflight resists, anguished by the lie it would mean for Brambleclaw, Firestar, and the entire Clan. Yellowfang reveals that Squirrelflight will never be able to have kits of her own, making the decision even more weighty. Though honored by the request and deeply loving her sister, Squirrelflight ultimately cannot agree to raise the kits under such a painful lie. Leafpool wakes with hope, but Squirrelflight confirms she cannot do it, leaving her devastated and unsure of her future as a mother and medicine cat.
Chapter 7 Summary – Leafpool’s Wish – Lies to Save Her Kits
After returning to camp exhausted, Leafpool pretends to Brightheart and Firestar that she needs to search for a special herb outside the territory, knowing she’s actually fleeing to give birth. The lie weighs heavily on her, especially using StarClan’s name as an excuse, but she sees no other choice. Firestar agrees with conditions, and upon learning the truth, Squirrelflight decides to accompany her. Brambleclaw tries to persuade Squirrelflight to stay, but she insists. The sisters leave, crossing territory borders into distant lands. Leafpool hurries, driven by an instinct to get away from everything and everyone. Squirrelflight supports her unquestioningly, and when they find an abandoned den, Leafpool anxiously rejects it. Finally, guided by need, they reach an old hollow tree covered in ivy. In this strange yet safe place, Leafpool, filled with pain and uncertainty, knows this will be where her kits are born.
Chapter 8 Summary – Leafpool’s Wish – Birth Amid Snow and Shadows
While seeking shelter, a fox attacks a badger about to harm them. The sisters hide in a burrow and spend the night in silence, surrounded by danger. Deeper in the tunnel, Leafpool finds an injured vixen nursing her cubs—a vision that awakens tenderness and understanding of the maternal bond. At dawn, labor begins. Despite the cold and exhaustion, they search for a safe spot until finding a hollow tree. Amid contractions and spasms, with Squirrelflight doing her best to assist, Leafpool gives birth to three kits. One seems in danger, but Yellowfang appears from StarClan to guide the birth. The elder cat helps with firmness and saves the litter. Exhausted but filled with love, Leafpool watches her kits as snow falls outside. Then, Feathertail’s visit confirms their importance and pleads with Squirrelflight to raise them in ThunderClan. Deeply moved, Squirrelflight finally agrees.
Chapter 9 Summary – Leafpool’s Wish – Lionkit, Hollykit, and Jaykit
After the birth, Leafpool and Squirrelflight care for the three kits, amazed by their beauty and energy. The first, a black she-kit, is named Hollykit, the strong golden one is Lionkit, and the last, with jay-blue eyes, becomes Jaykit. They grow quickly, playing in the snow and showing unique personalities: Lionkit is impulsive, Hollykit protective, and Jaykit observant. Leafpool begins to notice Jaykit doesn't react like the others; he feels with his whiskers and doesn’t focus his eyes. A test with leaves confirms her suspicion: Jaykit is blind. Though Squirrelflight worries about his future, Leafpool insists he’ll have a full life. She sees how his siblings already care for him, unaware of his difference. With deep love, Leafpool promises to always be there for Jaykit, in spirit if not in presence, and to protect them all from the shadows, even if it means hiding her motherhood.
Chapter 10 Summary – Leafpool’s Wish – The Silent Return
As the snow melts, Leafpool and Squirrelflight prepare to return with the kits. Now stronger, the little ones play and explore, unaware of what awaits. Leafpool, happy to see them grow, suffers over the coming separation. When Jaykit falls into a hole, she rescues him and confirms his blindness with a leaf test. Though Squirrelflight worries about his future, Leafpool reaffirms their worth and place in the Clan. They decide to return before the kits remember too much. The sisters know the time has come. In her mind, Leafpool lovingly names Jaykit, recalling his father Crowfeather. With every step, the medicine cat sheds her role as mother to return to healer, but her heart remains forever marked by the love for her kits and the promise to protect them from the shadows.
Chapter 11 Summary – Leafpool’s Wish – Leafpool’s Final Sacrifice
The return to ThunderClan is exhausting, with snow making progress hard and the kits growing tired. Squirrelflight lovingly cares for them, carrying Jaykit when needed. As they rest, Leafpool describes the Clan as a warm, lively place. Jaykit asks about his blindness, and Leafpool, heartbroken, admits she cannot cure it. Near the territory, Lionkit climbs a log to see the lake and falls. Squirrelflight rushes to help, and Leafpool, resigned, yields the visible role of mother. They part in silence, and Squirrelflight crosses with the kits. Leafpool erases her scent with snow and herbs, keeping the secret. From outside, she hears the Clan’s welcome, where Brambleclaw is called father. Jaykit, confused, finds her before entering, and Leafpool explains her role as healer. The little one accepts without question. Finally, Squirrelflight enters with her “kits,” and Leafpool, alone outside the camp, wishes them a happy life. Though her heart aches, she knows she did the right thing.
Conclusion – Warrior Cats: Leafpool’s Wish
And so ends one of the most intimate threads in the Warrior Cats universe—a line stitched between devotion and sacrifice. Across these eleven chapters, the chapter-by-chapter book summary of Leafpool’s Wish has shown how a medicine cat can love in silence, how a sister can carry a lie out of love, and how an entire Clan can move forward without ever knowing the full truth. Erin Hunter doesn’t build a war epic here, but an emotional one.
What Leafpool did for her kits cannot be measured in visible deeds, yet each page leaves sweet scars—like pawprints on fresh snow. This story bridges two generations and plants the seeds for what’s to come: the mystery, the power, and the new prophecies surrounding Lionkit, Hollykit, and Jaykit. Their hidden origin is only the beginning.
If you want to continue this secret lineage, follow the next story: Chapter-by-Chapter Summary of Dovewing’s Silence ➤
FAQs – Chapter by Chapter Summary – Warrior Cats: Leafpool’s Wish
Where does Leafpool’s Wish fit in the timeline, and why does it matter?
It unfolds after The New Prophecy and before Power of Three, a quiet hinge where private choices redirect the Clan’s fate. The book trades battles for secrecy—hidden motherhood, strained loyalties, and groundwork for Lionkit, Hollykit, and Jaykit’s era. Knowing this slot clarifies later motives and the origins of the next wave of prophecies that shape the following generation’s storylines.
Why does Squirrelflight end up raising the kits, and who pushes the decision over the edge?
Leafpool’s healer vow and lack of time to train an apprentice force an impossible choice. StarClan’s counsel weighs heavily: Yellowfang points toward sacrifice, and Feathertail underscores the kits’ importance, tipping Squirrelflight into accepting the burden so the litter can grow within ThunderClan. The lie preserves Leafpool’s post and the kits’ safety, at the cost of long-term emotional fallout for everyone involved.
Is Jaykit truly blind, and how is that revealed in the story?
Yes. The reveal is intimate and practical: he navigates by whiskers and doesn’t focus his gaze. A simple leaf test confirms Leafpool’s suspicion, and later, on the journey back to camp, Jaykit asks about his blindness—an exchange that hurts but also reframes his path. The narrative treats blindness not as a limit but as a different way of perceiving, shaping his training and role in the Clan.
What role does the Moonpool play in Leafpool’s choice to remain a medicine cat?
The Moonpool is where rebuke and comfort meet. There, Leafpool hears that loving her kits doesn’t diminish love for her Clan—yet choices have consequences. That counsel steadies her: she will stay a medicine cat, even if it means hiding her motherhood and bearing the weight of that decision in silence. The scene gives moral clarity without erasing the cost.
Does the Clan really believe Brambleclaw is the father—and what fallout follows?
Yes. When the kits arrive, the camp welcomes them and Brambleclaw is publicly named as their father. The ruse protects Leafpool and secures the litter’s place in ThunderClan, but it seeds long shadows: identities masked, trust strained, and revelations deferred. That moment is a load-bearing lie whose consequences echo into the next generation’s choices.
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