First - (Endling) by Katherine Applegate (Hardcover)

About the Book

The second book in Newbery Medalist Applegate's new Endling series follows Byx and her friends into the snow-covered mountains of the country of Dreylnd, where they hope to uncover the truth behind the legend of a hidden dairne colony.

Book Synopsis

Endling #2: The First is the second book in an epic middle grade animal fantasy series by Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The One and Only Ivan, Wishtree, and Crenshaw!

To learn if she truly is the last dairne in the world--the endling--Byx and her friends must travel into the snow-covered mountains of the country of Dreyland, where they hope to uncover the truth behind the legend of a hidden dairne colony. But the threat of war across the lands continues to grow with each passing day.

As the group confronts untold dangers at every turn, they will ultimately uncover a treacherous plot that involves the other powerful governing species. With both her dreams and all the creatures of Nedarra on the brink of extinction, Byx and her friends are determined to never give up hope.

Soon they find themselves the unlikely leaders in a simmering rebellion that risks everything they hold dear. Byx may be the last of her kind, but will she also be the first to lead the revolution?

Beloved author Katherine Applegate concludes her "simply sublime" (Kirkus) epic middle grade animal fantasy trilogy with Endling #3: The Only. Read all three!

From the Back Cover

IN BOOK TWO OF KATHERINE APPLEGATE'S EPIC FANTASY ADVENTURE, BYX WILL BECOME THE FIRST TO LEAD A REVOLUTION.

Byx never expected she'd be the first.

The first of her pack to befriend a human.

The first to defy the ruler of their kingdom and live to tell the tale.

Byx always feared being the last dairne. The endling.

Now she is the first to journey into the unknown.

And the first to uncover a deadly secret.

She will become the first to change everything. BYX fears she's the last of her kind, the endling. But legend tells of a place with a hidden dairne colony. So she's on a journey into the snow-covered mountains of the country of Dreyland to find them, along with her friends:

Loyal TOBBLE,

Brave and resourceful KHARA,

Wise but deadly GAMBLER,

and RENZO the magical thief.

As the threat of war grows across the lands, they will face untold dangers at every turn. And when a treacherous plot that could bring both Byx's dreams and the creatures of their world to the brink of extinction is revealed, they may just become the unlikely leaders of a rebellion.

Review Quotes

★ "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)

★ "Exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage."--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)

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)

Praise for The One and Only Ivan: ★ "Will capture readers' hearts and never let go. A must have."--School Library Journal (starred review)

"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

"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

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)

"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

★ "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)

★ "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)

"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