Book Summary – Warrior Cats: Sign of the Moon – Omen of the Stars – Book 4
- Jason Montero
- Jul 7
- 16 min read
Book summary by chapter of Warrior Cats: Sign of the Moon. Includes spoilers from the first omen to the end of the book. Every star in the feline sky mirrors a past burning in Jayfeather’s soul, whose time-bending journey awakens ancient memories and ties the Clans’ fate to the mountain’s ancestral echo. With an eagle’s fall and Swoop’s sacrifice, the cycle renews as Crag is named Stoneteller, and the prophetic thread glows once more amidst snow and sorrow.
Introduction – Warrior Cats: Sign of the Moon
Some journeys cross territories—others pierce through time, dreams, and the ancient memory of the Clans. In Warrior Cats: Sign of the Moon, book four of the Omen of the Stars arc, heavenly signs merge with echoes of the past, and Jayfeather must confront a fate he’s already lived… under a different name.
As the Dark Forest grows stronger and the future fractures, Dovewing and Ivypool fight to hold hope in a world where trust fades by the day. Far beyond the lake, the mountains hide truths that could reshape everything: a tribe without a guide, a forgotten lineage, and a secret buried deep beneath the snow. In this story, battles are fought not just with claws—but with memories, visions, and impossible choices.
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Chapter Navigation
Prologue Summary – Sign of the Moon – Tension Rises in the Mountain
Deep inside the cave protected by the waterfall, two Tribe kits play with feathers as Stoneteller, an elderly tabby, watches silently from the shadows. Brook gently scolds them and talks to Pine and Lark about their future as cave-guard or prey-hunter. Stormfur returns from patrol with Brook, Screech, and Swoop, reporting signs of intruders and eagle feathers, but Stoneteller firmly interrupts, forbidding further patrols. After the tension, Bird That Rides the Wind confronts the elder, demanding he name a successor before dying. He angrily refuses to admit his time is ending, but when the night of the new moon arrives, he promises to look for signs in the water. However, once alone, he breaks the surface of the pool and renounces the ancient spirits, blaming them for abandoning the Tribe and for making them dependent on Clan customs.
Chapter 1 Summary – Sign of the Moon – Dovepaw’s Evaluation
On a frosty newleaf morning, Dovepaw nervously heads into the forest for her warrior assessment, accompanied by her sister Ivypaw and their mentors. Though she should be excited, she can't stop worrying about Ivypaw, whose fatigue shows the toll of secret training in the Dark Forest. Despite her efforts to focus, Dovepaw fails to catch a squirrel, distracted by her special senses as she follows her sister. Later, she must lead a team hunt with Icecloud but notices that the ground beneath her paws sounds strange. Alarmed, she runs just in time to see Icecloud fall into a hidden tunnel. Though she tries to save her, the ground collapses and she can't hold on. Icecloud disappears in the dust and rubble. Horrified, Dovepaw calls for help, forgetting her evaluation, overwhelmed by the urgency to save a clanmate’s life.
Chapter 2 Summary – Sign of the Moon – Icecloud’s Rescue
Lionblaze arrives at the edge of the hole just as Icecloud vanishes underground. Recognizing the tunnel as the same one where Hollyleaf was lost, fear grips him. As Spiderleg runs for help, Dovepaw tries to comfort Icecloud, who can barely move due to a shoulder injury. Cloudtail, Birchfall, and Foxleap soon arrive; they try using a vine to pull her up, but she can't hold on. Dovepaw, being the lightest, volunteers to go down and tie the vine. Jayfeather approves, knowing she can do it. Dovepaw descends successfully, wraps the vine around Icecloud, and the warriors lift her out safely. Though in pain, Icecloud can walk with help, while Jayfeather eyes the hole, suspecting deeper secrets underground. When Dovepaw is pulled up, Lionblaze praises her bravery, though her warrior assessment seems forgotten. The Clan begins building a barrier around the hole to prevent future accidents.
Chapter 3 Summary – Sign of the Moon – Secrets Underground
In the calm after the accident, Jayfeather tends to Icecloud and Briarlight in the medicine den, relieved that Icecloud's injury is healing well. Still, his mind is fixed on the hole and what it might reveal. At dusk, he convinces Lionblaze to accompany him to the tunnel. Ignoring the silent watch of Dovewing and Ivypool, they sneak out of camp in the rain and reach the hole. Using a makeshift log, they descend into the tunnel where Jayfeather senses echoes of the past and the presence of ancient cats. Digging through rock and earth, they find a tuft of black fur, a sign that Hollyleaf may have survived. Jayfeather can't detect her scent but realizes the collapse didn’t trap her. Lionblaze, filled with hope, concludes their sister is alive. Jayfeather, shaken by the possibility, begins to suspect that his fate and the answers to the prophecy lie in the mountain depths.
Chapter 4 Summary – Sign of the Moon – Visions of the Mountain
After finding Hollyleaf's fur, Jayfeather wavers between joy and uncertainty. Despite past memories and emotional wounds, he considers the possibility she’s alive. They plan to explore more, but rain halts them. Back at camp, Jayfeather tries to rest but is drawn into a dream where he walks the tunnels and meets Rock. The ancient cat scolds him for breaking the stick with historical markings, reminding him that the past can't be ignored. Rock tells him his destiny lies in the mountains, where it all began. Jayfeather then meets Fallen Leaves, who guides him to the starry sky. Waking disturbed but resolute, Jayfeather rushes to tell Lionblaze they must go to the mountains, convinced they’ll uncover the prophecy’s origin and the key to what lies ahead.
Chapter 5 Summary – Sign of the Moon – Ivypool in the Darkness
Ivypool, exhausted from her vigil, falls asleep beside Dovewing but once again wakes in the grim landscape of the Dark Forest. There she sees WindClan and ShadowClan warriors training, including Tigerheart, who confronts her and accuses her of betrayal. Hurt, Ivypool blames him for using Dovewing to gather information. Thistleclaw then subjects her to brutal training alongside Antpelt, who ends up severely injured. When she helps him escape the dream, she gains Mapleshade's approval, who declares her worthy to fight with them. Waking up, Ivypool sees the peaceful ThunderClan camp, but her mind is haunted by visions of the looming conflict. The violence of the darkness contrasts with the daylight’s tranquility, and she wonders if she’ll be able to save her Clan when the battle arrives. The burden of her double life weighs heavily, while danger grows each night.
Chapter 6 Summary – Sign of the Moon – Shadows at the Clan Gathering
As Dovewing grooms herself before the Gathering, Ivypool’s absence—still recovering from her secret Dark Forest wounds—troubles her. Visiting her, Dovewing pleads for her not to return, but Ivypool insists it's necessary to uncover details about the coming battle. At the Gathering clearing, Dovewing senses hostility, especially from ShadowClan, and avoids meeting Tigerheart’s gaze. Clan tensions are clear: groups remain separate, greetings are cold, and news is brief. Firestar proudly announces Dovewing and Ivypool’s warrior names, but Ivypool’s absence raises questions. Later, Dovewing speaks with Bumblestripe, distressed about his injured sister Briarlight. Seeking privacy, Dovewing overhears WindClan warriors mention Antpelt, gravely injured without explanation. On returning, Tigerheart confronts her, trying to explain past actions and casting suspicion on Ivypool. Confused, Dovewing returns home sensing something dark is approaching.
Chapter 7 Summary – Sign of the Moon – The Call of the Mountains
Jayfeather insists on speaking with Firestar, revealing he must travel to the mountains after receiving a message from a very ancient cat. Though hesitant, Firestar eventually agrees but forbids Lionblaze from going, fearing to leave the Clan vulnerable to the Dark Forest threat. Jayfeather is annoyed to learn he’ll travel with Dovewing, Foxleap, and Squirrelflight, especially due to their strained relationship. Informing Lionblaze he can’t come, the warrior is frustrated but accepts his duty to protect ThunderClan. That night, Jayfeather dreams of Yellowfang, who chastises him for leaving while the Clans are in danger. In the dream, he sees several StarClan cats, including Ashfur, and realizes that the responsibility to protect lies with all the Clans. On waking, he prepares for departure, gives instructions to Briarlight, and gathers the traveling party, though a shadow of doubt lingers over him.
Chapter 8 Summary – Sign of the Moon – Between Fates and Memories
Lionblaze leads a hunting patrol with Cinderheart, Birchfall, and Leafpool, trying to focus after Jayfeather’s sudden departure. Conversation turns to the mountains and the memory of the Great Journey, but tension rises when Cinderheart says Lionblaze can’t have a mate or kits because of his prophetic role. He wants her to see him as an ordinary cat, but Cinderheart insists his destiny is greater. After an argument, she leaves him disheartened. Leafpool appears and invites him to continue hunting together. Walking through the forest, she reveals she misses her role as a medicine cat and, despite past mistakes, believes each cat must follow their heart. While gathering coltsfoot flowers for Mousefur, she reflects on her past with Crowfeather. Calmly, she assures Lionblaze that while destiny plays a role, personal choices define the true path.
Chapter 9 Summary – Sign of the Moon – The Journey and Echoes of Pain
At the start of the journey to the mountains, Dovewing struggles to control her special senses amid the flood of unfamiliar stimuli. Extending her perception, she hears from afar the death of Antpelt, whose wounds from Thistleclaw in the Dark Forest have finally overcome him. Horrified, she senses Breezepelt and others still loyal to the enemy even after the loss. Though she wants to warn Ivypool, she’s forced to move on. Jayfeather helps her regain control after a sensory overload from a hilltop. Moving forward, they face an encounter with dogs, but thanks to her ability, they anticipate and hide. The incident shows the constant danger beyond known territory. Dovewing begins to adapt to the environment and briefly enjoys herself with Foxleap, though she still feels distant. Reaching open fields, they lose sensory connection with the lake for the first time, making her feel farther from home and her Clan than ever.
Chapter 10 Summary – Sign of the Moon – Ivypool and the Dark Army
Ivypool wakes in the Dark Forest and watches training where Hawkfrost demonstrates a deadly battle move to many young warriors from all Clans, including Tigerheart, Breezepelt, and Sunstrike. Despite her doubts, Ivypool joins and is forced to fight them all at once. Later, Brokenstar arrives with a new apprentice: Blossomfall from ThunderClan. Ivypool is shocked to see her but hides her reaction. When Blossomfall is brutally attacked by Ratscar, Ivypool intervenes, claiming loyalty to her “Clanmates” and avoiding punishment. She then meets Antpelt, now dead and part of the Dark Forest, who says he chose to remain there. The revelation shakes Ivypool, who soon receives a new apprentice to train: Hollowpaw, a naïve young cat seeking defense against bullying in his Clan. Realizing the growing army the Dark Forest is assembling, Ivypool fully understands the grave risk all the Clans are facing.
Chapter 11 Summary – Sign of the Moon – Meeting in the Snowy Mountain
Dovewing, Foxleap, Squirrelflight, and Jayfeather move through icy mountains, increasingly awed by the vastness of the Tribe of Rushing Water’s territory. As they climb steep slopes, they cross snow and cutting wind, with no trees for shelter or prey in abundance. They eventually reach a frozen pond on the edge of Tribe land, where a young black cat, Dark Shadow on Water, mistakenly attacks them. Wing Shadow Over Water and Sheer Path Beside Waterfall soon arrive and recognize Squirrelflight and Jayfeather, confirming the visitors are welcome. After a tough ascent, they are led to the hidden cave behind a towering waterfall. Inside, they reunite with old acquaintances like Crag, Brook, and Talon. Squirrelflight learns that Brook has two kits and that Stormfur is on patrol. Though the welcome is warm, Stoneteller appears weak and hostile, questioning their presence. Jayfeather tries to calm him, assuring that their visit is peaceful, which momentarily eases the tension.
Chapter 12 Summary – Sign of the Moon – The Value of Fighting as a Team
In the forest, Lionblaze leads a patrol with Cinderheart, Toadstep, and Rosepetal. While demonstrating hunting techniques, Toadstep shows excessive enthusiasm for fighting, admiring Lionblaze’s skills. When a dog bursts into the clearing, Bumblestripe tries to confront it but ends up fleeing and climbing a tree. Lionblaze steps in, drawing the dog away, while Toadstep disobeys orders and joins him. The chase leads them to the lake, where a Twoleg eventually retrieves the dog. Later, they discover Bumblestripe secretly brought Briarlight to the forest, as she longed to feel useful despite her paralysis. Though risky, Lionblaze and Cinderheart understand her need to participate in Clan life. Briarlight expresses frustration at feeling useless, and Cinderheart promises to help her find a purpose. Back at camp, Millie receives her with anxiety. Cinderheart and Lionblaze agree that Briarlight needs hope and support to keep going.
Chapter 13 Summary – Sign of the Moon – The Call of the Mountains
Jayfeather wakes in the Tribe’s cave after a troubling dream. Embarrassed for scaring the kits, he’s reassured when Dovewing tells him she’s been invited to patrol with Crag. Squirrelflight and Brook go hunting with Stormfur. Left behind, Jayfeather notices Stoneteller’s absence. Reflecting on his mission, he remembers his bond with the Tribe’s ancestors. He later visits Stoneteller in the Cave of Pointed Stones, trying to convince him to choose a successor, but the old Healer, disillusioned, says the Tribe is doomed. Jayfeather then has a terrifying vision of Clan and Tribe cats falling into a dark waterfall, including Firestar and Lionblaze. He wakes in a vision of the past, where he is recognized as Jay’s Wing by Half Moon and the ancient cats who fled the lake. Ashamed, he pretends he followed them by choice. The encounter rekindles his connection to the past and the Tribe’s origins.
Chapter 14 Summary – Sign of the Moon – Courage Under the Snowy Sky
Dovewing and Foxleap join a Tribe patrol through frozen, rugged terrain. Dovewing, exhausted, slips into a crevice, but Splash risks her tail to help her out. Despite her fatigue, she continues across snow-covered peaks under the threat of eagles. Crag leads them to a border marker, and Dovewing is amazed by the vastness of the Tribe’s land. Using her sharp senses, she detects intruders beyond the border, but they seem non-hostile. She finds a vole, but Stormfur stops her before she risks the ice. Gray and Splash hunt together and catch it, showing the Tribe’s teamwork method. Splash, intrigued, asks about Clan life. Dovewing explains their differences and reveals the existence of StarClan. Though they respect each other’s cultures, Splash admits her fear for the Tribe’s future if Stoneteller doesn’t choose a successor.
Chapter 15 Summary – Sign of the Moon – Avalanche of Destiny
Jayfeather, still as Jay’s Wing, faces growing discouragement among the Tribe’s ancient cats as cold and scarcity weaken them. Chasing Clouds leads a hunting patrol with Stone Song, Half Moon, and Jayfeather. Despite harsh weather, Jayfeather guides them to shrubs where they flush out prey, but fail to catch it, adding to their frustration. On the way back, an eagle attacks and captures Half Moon. Jayfeather holds on tightly, aided by Chasing Clouds and Stone Song, and frees her. In retaliation, the eagle grabs Chasing Clouds, but they fight together and save him. Then, an avalanche sweeps over them. Jayfeather is swallowed by snow, spinning out of control, unable to see his companions. Amid the chaos, he realizes the true danger threatening the Tribe and the urgency of finding a way to secure their future in the mountains.
Chapter 16 Summary – Sign of the Moon – The Mysterious Tunnel Underground
Ivypool wakes restless after sleepless nights due to Dovewing’s absence and growing pressure from secret Dark Forest sessions. Seeing Blossomfall limping and tired, she suspects she’s also been training there. During a patrol with Sandstorm, Thornclaw, and Blossomfall, she tries to talk to her, but the conversation is delayed when they reach the hidden tunnel where Icecloud fell. Curious, they descend using a branch, but Ivypool falls and they become trapped. The darkness and ominous atmosphere deeply unsettle Ivypool. Exploring, they find an underground cave lit by a hole in the ceiling, with a dark river and strange surroundings. Seeing recent pawprints, Ivypool insists on leaving, but Blossomfall is excited. They move deeper into the tunnel, hoping to find a way out, unaware they’ve entered a hidden territory full of dark secrets.
Chapter 17 Summary – Sign of the Moon – The Battle Against the Eagle
Jayfeather awakens buried in snow after the avalanche triggered by the eagle attack. Fighting to escape, he frees Stone Song and together they rescue Chasing Clouds, injured but alive. They later find Half Moon, also trapped but conscious. Jayfeather identifies nearby ragwort and gives them the herb to regain strength. Back in the cave, the cats react with horror to Chasing Clouds’ wounds, reviving fears of mountain life. Frustrated by the group’s passivity, Jayfeather acts as a makeshift healer, using moss to stop the bleeding. Despite fear, he proposes splitting roles into hunters and defenders, like the future Tribe of Rushing Water. But Furled Bracken plans to return to the lake. Jayfeather tries to persuade them to stay, but they reject the idea. Only Half Moon supports him. Together, they explore the Cave of Pointed Stones and share an intimate moment that strengthens their bond.
Chapter 18 Summary – Sign of the Moon – Lost in the Darkness
As they explore the underground tunnel, Ivypool and Blossomfall face cave-ins and the confusion of the twisting passages. Blossomfall is injured by a rock and, while recovering, admits her resentment toward Briarlight, jealous of the attention her injured sister receives. Wracked with guilt, she confesses she feels unworthy of StarClan and that Hawkfrost’s promise made her feel valued in the Dark Forest. Ivypool tries to comfort and motivate her to find the way out. A strange ginger cat briefly appears and gives cryptic instructions to escape but disappears before guiding them. Another mysterious cat later leads them through tunnels to the surface. Exhausted, wounded, and disoriented, they return to camp and make up a story to avoid questions. Millie harshly scolds Blossomfall, reinforcing her feeling of neglect. Ivypool worries how easily more cats could fall into the Dark Forest’s temptation when faced with their Clan’s indifference or scorn.
Chapter 19 Summary – Sign of the Moon – The Fate of Half Moon
Jayfeather, still trapped in the past, begs Rock to let him stay with Half Moon and live a normal life with her. But Rock insists his destiny is to guide her to become Stoneteller, the spiritual leader of the Tribe. Disappointed and angry, Jayfeather accepts his role and returns to the cave, where the cats celebrate their first successful hunt after defeating an eagle. Inspired by his vision of the Tribe’s future, Jayfeather takes Half Moon to the Cave of Pointed Stones and reveals her destiny to lead and protect her group. Though Half Moon reacts with pain and anger, the birth of Shy Fawn’s kits interrupts the conflict. Jayfeather helps with the birth, recognizing one kit as Lionblaze, and Dove’s Wing as her future sister. He realizes the Power of Three has begun. Sadly, he bids farewell to Half Moon, who accepts her role as the first Stoneteller, marking the origin of the Tribe of Rushing Water.
Chapter 20 Summary – Sign of the Moon – Nighttime Strategies
During a nighttime training exercise organized by Firestar, two ThunderClan patrols compete to capture and defend the old Twoleg nest. Sorreltail leads one group with Lionblaze and Ivypool, while Brackenfur leads the other. Ivypool shows great tracking and stealth skills—taught in the Dark Forest—which unsettles Lionblaze. Thanks to her strategy, they ambush Brackenfur and win the drill. During the group debrief, the warriors share their mistakes and lessons. Brackenfur praises Ivypool for her brilliant tactics. In private, Lionblaze expresses his admiration but also concern about her dream training. Ivypool admits feeling torn, using Dark Forest techniques to protect her Clan. Though she avoids answering whether other ThunderClan cats are there too, her silence leaves Lionblaze uneasy. He suspects more warriors are secretly training and fears the growing threat looming over all the Clans.
Chapter 21 Summary – Sign of the Moon – Swoop’s Sacrifice
Dovewing, Foxleap, and the Tribe cats patrol during an unrelenting snowfall, struggling through deep snow while the Tribe cats move with surprising ease. Along the way, Dovewing falls into a snowdrift, and Crag rescues her. They soon spot a burned tree, the midpoint of their route, but the real danger appears when an eagle attacks intruders in the mountain. Though the Tribe cats hesitate to intervene, Foxleap insists on helping and charges alongside Crag, Splash, and Swoop. The battle is fierce; the eagle injures several cats and manages to capture Swoop after releasing Flora. Despite their efforts, the eagle flies away with Swoop, and her cry echoes hauntingly in Dovewing’s mind. Back at the cave, Stoneteller blames the visitors for the tragedy. Jayfeather takes responsibility, acknowledging that his decision to come caused the disaster.
Chapter 22 Summary – Sign of the Moon – The New Teller of the Pointed Stones
After Swoop’s death, Jayfeather feels the weight of destiny and confronts Stoneteller, urging him to name a successor. But Stoneteller, hopeless, withdraws and dies during the night. Tormented by guilt, Jayfeather dreams of the Tribe of Endless Hunting and receives the task of choosing the new Healer. There, Cloud, mother of the deceased Stoneteller, appears and guides him to fulfill his duty. Jayfeather returns to the physical world just as Wing discovers the Healer’s death, and amid the tribe’s mourning, he declares that Stoneteller did name a successor. In a solemn ceremony atop the cliff, Jayfeather names Crag as the new Teller of the Pointed Stones. The Tribe honors him and accepts his leadership. Before departing, Jayfeather senses Half Moon’s presence as she whispers that he chose well and reminds him he must find the fourth cat in the prophecy. With his duty fulfilled, Jayfeather and his companions prepare to return to the lake.
Conclusion – Warrior Cats: Sign of the Moon
Warrior Cats: Sign of the Moon marks the moment where past and present collide like a mountain storm. Jayfeather doesn’t just uncover the origins of the Tribe of Rushing Water—he realizes that his role as guide transcends time itself. In his personal sacrifice, a new leader is born, and the prophecy’s path continues.
But not all battles are over. Ivypool has seen how the Dark Forest recruits more cats, while Dovewing feels her senses falter under growing fear. The enemy is no longer a whisper—it walks among them, disguised as Clanmates, mentors, and friends. The true war hasn’t even begun.
To follow the next step in this rising darkness, read the Chapter-by-Chapter Summary of The Forgotten Warrior ➤
FAQs – Chapter by Chapter Summary – Warrior Cats: Sign of the Moon
Why does Jayfeather feel so deeply connected to the Tribe of Rushing Water?
Because in his dreams, he relives memories of a past life as Jay’s Wing, one of the Tribe’s earliest ancestors. This bond pulls him back into their origin story, awakening emotions and duties that transcend his current life. His spiritual role goes beyond ThunderClan—he is tied to a forgotten lineage that needs rebirth.
What does Swoop’s sacrifice in the eagle battle symbolize?
It represents the cost of brave action when others hesitate. Swoop doesn’t just die a warrior’s death; she becomes the spark that drives change. Her loss pressures the Tribe to evolve and accept new leadership under Crag. Her scream echoes in Dovewing’s memory as a call to face fear with strength.
What is Ivypool’s internal struggle throughout the book?
She’s torn between two worlds: the Dark Forest, where she is pushed and praised, and her Clan, where she feels overlooked or judged. This secret double life wears her down, yet makes her an essential spy against the enemy. Her loyalty is tested nightly, shaping who she is becoming.
How does Jayfeather’s mountain mission change after his visions?
He realizes he’s not just seeking answers—he’s meant to sow a new future. By naming Crag as the new Stoneteller, Jayfeather completes a cycle started in his past life. His journey stops being personal and becomes historical: he’s there to ensure memory and leadership endure beyond the snow.
Why does Dovewing feel so distant during the journey?
Because the senses that once kept her connected now overwhelm her—or go silent. Being far from the lake and facing uncertainty around Tigerheart makes her feel like an outsider, even among allies. The physical cold mirrors her inner confusion: who can she truly trust now?
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