Overview
Byx is the youngest member of her dairne pack. Believed to possess remarkable abilities, her mythical doglike species has been hunted to near extinction. After her pack is hunted down and killed, Byx fears she may be the last of her species. She sets out to find safe haven, and to see if the legends of other hidden dairnes are true. Along the way, she meets new allies who each have their own motivations for joining her quest. And although they begin as strangers, they become their own kind of family—one that will ultimately uncover a secret that may threaten every creature in their world. Building on the success of her critically acclaimed novels The One and Only Ivan, Crenshaw, and Wishtree, while also returning to her action-packed fantasy roots of Animorphs, the Endling series is Katherine Applegate at her finest. With its enthralling characters, unique setting, and gripping adventure, this series is the perfect next read for fans of Rick Riordan and Tui T. Sutherland.
Reviews
“Applegate effortlessly constructs her fantasy world, briskly moving readers through its imaginative details while creating winning, unique characters. This epic series starter is a bracing, propulsive read that will be a challenge to keep on the shelf.” —ALA Booklist (starred review), on the English-language edition
“Fantasy lovers are in for a treat with this smartly paced, enthralling adventure. The heart and courage Byx and her companions must find as they stand up against unimaginable odds will inspire and delight. A sweeping fantasy epic that will have readers clamoring for a follow-up.” —School Library Journal (starred review), on the English-language edition
“Applegate skillfully builds a fully realized world of intrigue and wonder without ever letting up on the story’s quick pace. Themes of genocide, conservation, and magic are interwoven, providing thought-provoking questions for astute readers. A savvy choice for readers of fantasy.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review), on the English-language edition
“A suspenseful, tautly drawn quest.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review), on the English-language edition
“Endling: The Last blends careful and often lovely prose into a wild, fast-paced fantasy. Readers will fall in love with Byx and race with her through Nedarra, breathless and eager, thinking deeply all the way.” —New York Times Book Review, on the English-language edition
“The first book in a new series, this volume will whet readers’ appetites for more of Byx’s fascinating world and the next stage of her quest. Give this to lovers of animal fantasies and environmentally minded readers.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, on the English-language edition
Author Biography
Katherine Applegate is an award-winning author of many books, including the Roscoe Riley Rules series, The Buffalo Storm, Home of the Brave, and Newbery Medal Winner The One and Only Ivan.