JUNE 2019 - AudioFile
Lisa Flanagan welcomes listeners back to the Endling world with her second narration in this series. She meets the challenge of new characters and maintains fluidity and connection with those listeners already know. The main character, Byx, who recounts the adventure, believes herself to be an endling—the last of her species. Flanagan gives her a range of tones that express her timidity, longing to find others like herself, and gratitude to fellow questers. Byx’s companions from the first story are clearly represented, most adorably the squeaky-voiced Tobble. As Byx becomes a brave leader, Flanagan believably builds intensity. Threats and triumphs are satisfying, and listeners will be left eager for the third adventure. S.W. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
Praise for Endling #2: ★ “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. Simply sublime.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Themes of truth, sacrifice, and unity are pitted against that of corrupt power fueled by murder and ideas of species superiority. Applegate’s commentary on the need for diversity and understanding is clear but not heavy handed. Byx must learn to lead herself—and readers will follow without hesitation.” — ALA Booklist
“Endling: The First has so much to offer: suspense, drama and deep emotion, not to mention high stakes. It’s set to be the book of the summer.” — New York Times
Praise for Endling: ★ “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)
★ “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)
★ “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)
★ “The gripping first installment of Applegate’s new fantasy trilogy assembles a motley crew in a suspenseful, tautly drawn quest. Persuasive emotional underpinnings give depth and urgency to the adventure as the team unites against sinister forces.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“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
“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
Praise for The One and Only Ivan: ★ “Will capture readers’ hearts and never let go. A must have.“ — School Library Journal (starred review)
★ “Exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
★ “Animal-loving youngsters and their adults will find plenty of food for thought in Ivan’s extraordinary story.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
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.
New York Times Book Review
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
Endling: The First has so much to offer: suspense, drama and deep emotion, not to mention high stakes. It’s set to be the book of the summer.
ALA Booklist (starred review)
Praise for Endling: ★ “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
Themes of truth, sacrifice, and unity are pitted against that of corrupt power fueled by murder and ideas of species superiority. Applegate’s commentary on the need for diversity and understanding is clear but not heavy handed. Byx must learn to lead herself—and readers will follow without hesitation.
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
★ “Animal-loving youngsters and their adults will find plenty of food for thought in Ivan’s extraordinary story.
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
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
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 (starred review)
★ “Animal-loving youngsters and their adults will find plenty of food for thought in Ivan’s extraordinary story.
Booklist
Themes of truth, sacrifice, and unity are pitted against that of corrupt power fueled by murder and ideas of species superiority. Applegate’s commentary on the need for diversity and understanding is clear but not heavy handed. Byx must learn to lead herself—and readers will follow without hesitation.
School Library Journal
05/17/2019
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
JUNE 2019 - AudioFile
Lisa Flanagan welcomes listeners back to the Endling world with her second narration in this series. She meets the challenge of new characters and maintains fluidity and connection with those listeners already know. The main character, Byx, who recounts the adventure, believes herself to be an endling—the last of her species. Flanagan gives her a range of tones that express her timidity, longing to find others like herself, and gratitude to fellow questers. Byx’s companions from the first story are clearly represented, most adorably the squeaky-voiced Tobble. As Byx becomes a brave leader, Flanagan believably builds intensity. Threats and triumphs are satisfying, and listeners will be left eager for the third adventure. S.W. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2019-04-14
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)
