Review: The Last ✭✭✭✭

The Last by Katherine Applegate
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Byx may be the last creature of her type to exist on earth. Byx is a young dairne, an animal that resembles a dog, yet can stand on two legs, glide short distances, and speak. Dairnes also have the ability to detect lies from humans which becomes very important later on in the story. Early on, Byx briefly roams away from her family only to return to a scene of unspeakable tragedy. Byx's heartbreak is genuine as she realizes she is the only remaining member of her family. As she sadly leaves the scene, Byx encounters a cute Wobbyk named Tobble who becomes her sidekick. As they move away from the danger, Byx is suddenly captured by Khara, a young rebel who has interest in claiming the last dairne on earth. But what is Khara's motivation? Will Byx learn to trust her captor?

Byx, Khara and Tobble begin a treacherous journey through unfamiliar land with the thin hope of finding a very remote moving island. Legend has it that may be inhabited by more dairnes. The journey is difficult; and the group soon realizes that they have dangerous enemies out to kill Byx.

Katherine Applegate has written some wonderful books including The One and Only Ivan, Crenshaw and Wishtree. It's exciting to know that this book is the start of a very promising series. Check out the May 25, 2018New York Times book review for more detailed information about The Last. Another series your reader might like if they enjoy Endling #1, is The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson.

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