The Last Wild - by Piers Torday (Paperback)

About the Book

"Originally published in Great Britain in a slightly different form by Quercus Books, 2013"--Title page verso.

Book Synopsis

"A hugely inventive adventure."
--Eoin Colfer, New York Times bestselling author of the Artemis Fowl series

In a world where animals are slowly fading into extinction, twelve-year-old Kester Jaynes feels as if he hardly exists either. He's been locked away in a home for troubled children and is unable to speak a word. Then one night, a flock of talking pigeons and a bossy cockroach come to help him escape, and he discovers that he can speak--to them. And the animals need him. Only Kester, with the aid of a stubborn, curious girl named Polly, can help them survive.

The animals saved Kester. But can he save them?

"When ninety-nine pigeons smash through the windows of Kester's prison and carry him North to the last of the animals.... it's a moment as thrilling as when James flies off in the Giant Peach. Highly recommended"
--The Times (UK)

"Combines a great fondness for animals with an appreciation of the freakish.... The reserved narrative tone and tender yet peculiar view of animals give this piece its own offbeat flavor."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Alternately somber, thrilling, and silly."
--Publishers Weekly

Review Quotes

An Indie Next List Selection

"A hugely inventive adventure."
--Eoin Colfer

"Splended stuff."
--Eva Ibbotson

"A whimsical yet thoughtful tale that brings to mind the smarts and silliness of Roald Dahl and Norton Juster."
--The New York Post

* "Alternately somber, thrilling, and silly, filled with eccentric human and animal characters with distinctive voices."
--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Should have broad appeal. Recommend this book to readers who like the Books of Ember series by Jeanne DuPrau."
--VOYA

"Combines a great fondness for animals with an appreciation of the freakish."
--Kirkus Reviews

"An enchanted adventure with a message of empowerment and hope that ought to sweep readers along."
--Booklist

"When ninety-nine pigeons smash through the windows of Kester's prison and carry him North to the last of the animals.... it's a moment as thrilling as when James flies off in the Giant Peach. Highly recommended"
--The Times (UK)

About the Author

Piers Torday was born in Northumberland, which is possibly the one part of England where more animals live than people. After working as a producer and writer in theatre, live comedy and TV, he now lives in London - where there are more animals that you might think. The Last Wild is followed by the sequel (and concluding volume) The Dark Wild. You can find out more about Piers and follow his blog at www.pierstorday.co.uk.