The First

Starred review from May 1, 2019
In this second installment, the dairne Byx's quest is far from over. Applegate continues her otherworldly saga in this second installment of the Endling series. (Yes, the second book is called The First, while the first book was called The Last. Just go with it.) Here readers follow doglike Byx and her companions--humans Khara and Renzo, catlike Gambler, and the small and furry Tobble--as they attempt to find the traveling island of Tarok and, they hope, more dairnes, saving Byx from being the last of her species. Along the way, Applegate shifts focus from the first outing and uses Byx's narration to explore Khara's transition from a young girl to a leader. This change serves the story well, pulling readers further into the political turmoil of the land. The current reigning dictator, the Murdano, will soon be under attack by the no-less-vicious Kazar Sg'drit, who is enslaving other sentient species in his quest to build an army. Against this backdrop, Khara must rise as a leader and raise an army to stop a war even as Byx evolves from a pup to a leader in her own right. Themes of conservation, war, and human trafficking are skillfully interwoven into a world of magic and wonder. This second installment will have readers salivating for a third. Khara is explicitly described as having brown skin; absence of such specificity implies Renzo's white. Simply sublime. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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May 17, 2019

Gr 3-7-The second in Applegate's "Endling" series continues her enchanting world-building with a cast of characters that support and bring out the best in each other. Byx, possibly the last of her magical kind, continues her journey with a pack of unlikely confederates in hopes of finding at least one other dairne like her. Dairnes always know when someone is telling the truth, and the ruling despot wants to use this to his advantage. But he also wants to controls their population. Byx's faithful group of human and animal friends intrepidly venture through tunnels, volcanoes, and even to the depths of the sea to find a rumored colony of dairnes. Along their travels they meet different species who subvert their preconceived notions, or are experiencing abuse and enslavement in the midst of the nascent war. The strength and talents of the group are tested, sometimes violently, against magical obstacles and sharp arrows. Each member of Byx's band has a moment of doubt regarding their ability in the face of danger, and readers will appreciate their inner and outer journeys to become heroes in their own right. VERDICT Timely issues combine with dynamic action and charming characters in this captivating sequel. The backstory provided makes this a solid read even for those who haven't read the first entry. Make some shelf space for multiple copies of this series.-Lee De Groft, Jamestown High School, Williamsburg, VA

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