Endling #1: The Last

In this first book of an epic middle grade series, Katherine Applegate takes us on an unforgettable journey.

A New York Times bestseller from the beloved author of the action-packed Animorphs series and the award-winning The One and Only Ivan.

Byx is the youngest member of her dairne pack. Believed to possess remarkable abilities, her mythical doglike species has been hunted to near extinction in the war-torn kingdom of Nedarra.

After her pack is hunted down and killed, Byx fears she may be the last of her species. The Endling. So Byx 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—both animals and humans alike—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, Brian Jacques, and Tui T. Sutherland.

Don't miss the second book in Katherine Applegate’s “simply sublime” (Kirkus) epic middle grade animal fantasy trilogy, Endling #2: The First, plus the concluding volume, Endling #3: The Only. Read all three!

BUY THE BOOK

416 pages

Average rating: 9

5 RATINGS

|

Community Reviews

meledden
Dec 31, 2022
10/10 stars
I read this with my seven year-old son. He was immediately drawn into the story and really enjoyed learning about the dairnes and all the other "governing species". Katherine Applegate always creates such fantastic characters and such thought-provoking, emotive storylines. This is a great first installment in an epic fantasy series suitable for elementary school-aged kids. If your child is a sensitive reader, however, then you might want to wait a little as the book deals with some fairly heavy topics (war, death, genocide etc.). For me, I am of the opinion that books are a useful way for children to explore these concepts in a safe environment with the opportunity to discuss any questions that arise with an adult. We started with the audiobook but then finished with the hardcopy (when the former had to be returned to the library before we were finished). The audiobook was well-read and I had to work hard to continue the good narration!

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.