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?
Katherine Applegate is the author of The One and Only Ivan, winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal. Her novel Crenshaw spent over twenty weeks on the New York Times children's bestseller list, and her first middle-grade stand-alone novel, the award-winning Home of the Brave, continues to be included on state reading lists, summer reading lists, and class reading lists.
Katherine has written three picture books: The Buffalo Storm; The Remarkable True Story of Ivan, the Shopping Mall Gorilla (often used as a companion book to The One and Only Ivan for younger readers); and Sometimes You Fly (publishing in spring, 2018). For beginning readers, Katherine wrote Roscoe Riley Rules, a seven-book series.
With her husband, Michael Grant, Katherine co-wrote Animorphs, a long-running series that has sold over 35 million books worldwide.
Katherine lives in Marin County, California, with her family and assorted pets.
There was a lot about this installment I really liked. I really liked how dedicated the group of characters is to helping Byx as she tries to find others of her species. I really liked how many underdog moments there were in this. Partially related, I thought Katherine Applegate did some clever things with expectations not always meeting with what reality has in store.
I enjoyed the new characters in this and that Byx was forced to step out as a leader herself, instead of always being comfortable as a follower. The characters relationships grow much stronger, and overall, I enjoyed Byx's story in this.
My one complaint would be that it seemed like Byx's story is being overshadowed a bit by Khara's story which isn't what I wanted. Khara is of the species (humankind) that is desolating most of the other species of intelligent beings, and now the story has started to shift to Khara's epic adventure. I like Khara fine enough, but I really like Byx, Gambler, and Tobble more. I'm more interested in seeing the actual underdogs do it themselves rather than follow a human with a magic sword and a prophecy because the latter has been played out so many times before.
I really liked the first book in this series so I was really excited to read this one.
Maybe this is stupid of me (considering who the author is) but I guess I didn't realize this was going to be a long series. Now that I look it up, its labeled as "an epic middle grade animal fantasy series". I just felt like the books are too long and the plot is not that big to keep my attention for a whole big series. (Granted, I'm 34 - clearly not the target audience for this. Maybe for MG readers it's different?). Plot spoilers below.
The continuing story of the intrepid team of Byx (the Dairne), Tobble (the Wobbyk), Khara Donati (human), Renzo (human thief), and Gambler (the Felivet) to find out if Byx is the last of her species as they seek Dairneholme, a mythical sentient island. Meanwhile, war is coming between species and Khara believes this is senseless, and wants her friends' help to avoid calamity. As they trek, they make new friends of an insect species (the Terramants), water creatures (the Natites), and Sabito Seventalon (the Riverhawk.) The team has to split up to pursue separate agendas, with Khara seeking to lead her clan and unite with age-old rivals, while Byx, Maxyn, and Sabito continue to search for dairnes. Applegate's imagination for creatures is great, and the camaraderie among her characters make this series memorable (think Lord of the Rings.)
Language: Clean Violence: Clean, mentions of blood, people dying, but not too graphic. Magic: A little bit of magic, just mentions of small spells. like a concealment spell on sword and small stuff, nothing weird. Eeee!!! Yay! I loved this!!!!!!!!💖💖💖 Renzo is the bestest-bestest-bestest!!!!!🥰 I love that guy!!!! Khara was nice in this one, but so oblivious to Renzo's feelings, oh dear😂 Tobble is just..ejcjdjsk.....the best friend I think anyone could have!!! Gambler was still AWESOME!!!!💖🥰 I didn't like Byx as much as I did in the first book but she is still a great character! Great development! Maxyn and Sabito were a nice touch to the group! I loved the theme of this one a lot!!! Very powerful! Beautiful character arcs!!!!!! The action was well placed and it is definitely one of those books were you just keep reading! It is really easy to read and I liked those books every now in then so this is a great series!!!! Awesome book!!!!!💖💖👏👏👏 10+
Yo diría que, aparte de lo genial que es la trama, lo que más me gusta de estas novelas son sus personajes: de diferentes razas, en principio, también de diferentes "estatus", pero al final el grupo principal ha logrado crearse una pequeña familia, pese a chocar de vez en cuando, y me encanta cómo ha ido evolucionando cada uno, así como las relaciones entre ellos, sobre todo entre Tobble (el conejillo?? de la portada) y Gambler (la pantera). Son tan achuchables todos. Reseña completa: http://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/202...
I truly enjoyed Endling The Last. Frankly, I didn't expect to enjoy the second book in the series as much as the first - often the first book is the best. However, Applegate has another incredible book on her hands! I don't know how she does it but this book was simply enthralling. She's woven such a fascinating fantasy world with characters full of depth and complexity that I was on the edge of my seat, enthralled and dreading the ever nearing end of the novel. Her message of unity and connectedness is powerful while the writing is vivid and brilliant. I found myself cheering characters on, recognizing and sympathizing with their foibles, and sorrowing for their losses. I expect it will resonate strongly with my fifth graders and I cannot wait to share it with them! This isn't even officially released yet but I'm eagerly awaiting the next book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! I prefer the 3rd one (next uppppp :D) but it was still top tier!!
My only issue is that Khara and Renzo <333 were not in the last 70~ish pages. But thats fine, since in the 3rd book (again, the next one uppppp) has SOOOO many Kenzo moments ;DDD
I just love this series sm you don't understand :`))
I have to thank Byx and his friends for the 3 hours of sleep that I got the other night. When I finally shut off the light early in the morning, I couldn’t get Byx and his journey off my mind so I woke up early grabbed my book light and finished it.
I only had to reread a small section of this book as I got confused with all the different character names and the different places but otherwise, I enjoyed it and I really enjoyed the relationships within it. I thought the novel ended with a small cliffhanger, so yes, I am anxiously awaiting until the next book comes out but I can’t find anything telling me when this is going to occur. I just hope I don’t cry when it does.
This book begins exactly where book one left off at, as we have Byx and his friends out on their journey, searching for more dairnes. This book does a great job of setting up the novel, as it reintroduces the characters and the plot from the previous book. I would suggest reading book one as it will provide a more complete background on the story and will help set the tone but you can just read this book on its own and not be lost.
As the group makes their way, they come upon Razorgulls (you have to love all the creative creatures that are in this series). This is just the first set of such creatures that the friends will have to deal with as they search for more of Byx’s kin. Coming upon a village, they realize that it is ran by natites. The travelers had hoped that they could cruise past this village but the natites aren’t letting them leave until they get what they want. Now it’s up to Byx and his friends to do exactly what the natites want so they can continue on.
I enjoyed how each of them pulled for one another, they backed each other up and they wanted each other to succeed. Each of them, gives it their all, in everything that they do and they appreciate each other. They’re like a band of brothers. I am really enjoying this series and can’t wait for the next book.
Que j'aime cette série ! ♥ Cf. Le monde de Nedarra, tome 1 : Celle qui reste Sa parution VF a hélas correspondu avec le chaos que l'on sait donc accordez-lui une petite chance d'exister. Encore un tome pour connaître son dénouement. Argh. #frustration
Actually more like 2.5 stars. Not as good as the first book. Still enjoyable, but missing the novelty of the first book, and replaced instead with lots of introspection about the nature of fear, courage, and leadership....and those parts read like a teacher's lecture. I didn't enjoy them, and doubt my students would.
I'm also seriously bothered by the plot loophole that I shared after reading Book #1. So much hinges on the honesty of this species of animal--and their ability to detect lies in others--but the animals themselves are capable of lying and the main character does indeed lie to protect herself and her friends. I cannot imagine that no one else in this world has ever questioned this. It's like having an entire world founded on a belief that if you negotiate in front of a lie detector, you can be assured that the lie detector will keep everyone in the room honest.....but all along, the lie detector can itself give false information about whether others are lying. No one in this world doubts the lie detector species, and the lie detector species has, for the most part, remained honest....but they are not always honest.
This book also touches on the nature of war, and when war is justified, and examines the idea of collateral damage. All interesting ideas that would be good for a classroom discussion, but like the whole fear/courage question, the voice rang false to me as I read these parts. I felt like I was reading a scripted lesson plan instead of a fantasy novel.
There's still another book in this series, so I'm going to maintain my hope that some of these things get resolved in the next book.....but if they don't, I'm going to be pretty disappointed by the whole series.
I don't even know how to put my love for these books into words. I read the first book not even two month ago and I already want to reread it. To be fair, I did enjoy the first book more but I obviously still loved this one. I just feel so comfortable with these characters and OF COURSE I love Tobble ...I mean how can you not? Miss Applegate is really on the best way to become my favourite author. So excited for the third book!
Another fantastic book in this series, but I still want even more from this author and this world. Although this only came out in May, I am more than ready for another book and to continue this story! It has such captivating characters, and is just so unique in the world of fantasy that it's a real stand out. I did feel like the final chapters and situations came across as a little rushed, but overall I was satisfied with the book and it didn't drop my rating. I ended up having to buy this as an ebbok because no where had the paperback/hardcover locally, but I still want a physical copy one day to match in with my set.
This is a fantastic Middle Aged Fantasy but I still feel like at times it veers more in YA territory (I have no problem with that, just a fact) just because the story is about what looks like a walking, talking dog doesn't mean you should underestimate this story or the fullness of this world. I absolutely adored it and I think everyone should be reading it! Five stars.
While the group continues their search for Dairnes in Dreyland, they come across greater dangers than the ones they faced in Nedarra. As war brews between the two nations, they find themselves in the midst of a rebellion.
I ended up loving the First even more than the Last. It was nearly impossible to put down as the excitement continued to build up. I was fully engrossed in this enchanting and beautiful world that Applegate has created. The world is so vibrant and full of life and the characters were just as interesting. They all continued to develop throughout the novel. Byx had to learn to lead and trust in her own judgement and Tobble was able to show more of his unique abilities. Khara got to show more of her strength and her dedication to the future of Nedarra and her family. There was never a dull moment and I’m excited for the battles and adventures to come.
Nice segway to the next book in the series though it did end on a bit of a cliffhanger. I enjoyed this book though I didn’t love it quite as much as the first. It was entertaining, full of adventure and moved at a quick pace. The audiobook was over before I knew it. However it didn’t elicit as many or as deep feelings as the first book did from me. Can’t wait for the next one.
This series is truly something special. Wonderfully written, with multi-faceted characters, a magical world, and most of all, a big heart. I am so glad the second installment rose to the high bar set by the first. I really hope ENDLING gets more attention from young readers.
These books are written for middle grade readers but they deal with many things I experience as a teenager: worrying and feeling inept when faced with increasing responsibility, struggling to find your people, messy friendships. Byx and Tobble are relatable and down to earth, even though they are made-up creatures. Ironically, Khara, who is another main character and a girl close to my age is very difficult to relate to and less realistic than her not real creature friends, if that makes any sense! She's so mature and capable that it makes her great accomplishments feel melodramatic instead of inspiring. The plot isn't comfortable for me either. It's totally action-packed — something tragic or terrifying or unbelievable (or all three) has to happen every few chapters. For someone as low-key as I am, that's exhausting even to read about. I definitely wouldn't have read this series without a friend's recommendation, but I'm so grateful that she recommended it insistently. I needed up loving this series in spite of, or perhaps because of, the crazy plot that pushed me outside my comfort zone.
En resumen, La primera es una segunda parte de La superviviente a la altura de la primera, ideal para cualquier lector, permitiéndonos conocer más su mundo, presentándonos a nuevos personajes y dejándonos con la miel en los labios de lo que será el tercer libro.
¿Les duele saber que ya llega el final de una trilogía que aman?
Simplemente, algo maravilloso. Una historia que va mejorando a medida que pasan las páginas. Quiero destacar el progreso y desarrollo que tuvieron sus personajes. Desde Byx como una cachorra insegura pero inteligente, hasta que se encaminó en una aventura, determinada y con una postura que poco a poco fue alcanzando un rol de líder. Hasta Tobble, una criatura indefensa que se ganó el respeto de todos. Kharu una ladronzuela que rastreaba hasta ser una verdadera guía. Cada uno de sus personajes tiene lo que muchas novelas de fantasía carecen: una voz propia. Un arco digno. Esta segunda entrega supera por mucho a la primera. Se torna algo más oscura (como las verdaderas aventuras deben ser) y a su vez, continúa siendo una historia preciosa con enseñanzas y mucho terreno por llenar. El mundo continúa creciendo en desarrollo y descripción y es algo increíble. Aún posee ese aspecto de novela infantil/juvenil que impide que adopte un tono más caótico. Es decir: algunas cosas se solucionan muy fácil y choco con eso un poco, ya que en la guerra no todo es cuento de hadas (aunque hay varios momentos que intentan y logran demostrar eso, aunque falte más). La historia fue mejorando poco a poco y continúa con los sucesos de la primera entrega. Es una novela lleva de esperanza y dinamismo. No me queda más que decir que, espero con ansias leer la tercera parte y ver dónde desemboca todo. La autora tiene un manejo de su pluma que no deja nada que desear y te atrapa en su telaraña; llegando a sospechar el futuro mismo de sus personajes. La historia puede tomar cualquier rumbo en cualquier momento (y ahí es cuándo choco contra la pared y necesito que se vuelva un poco más adulta en ese aspecto). Una secuela que alucina, atrapa y no puedes soltar hasta llegar al final.
De Eindeling deel 1 vond ik een groot avontuur. Ik leefde helemaal mee met Byx. Ik hoopte dat deel 2 nog beter was. En dat was het grotendeels! De spanning wordt goed opgebouwd, halverwege denk je dat Byx haar doel al heeft bereikt, maar dat blijkt niet helemaal zo te zijn. Daardoor weet je eigenlijk niet wat het verhaal verder gaat brengen. De eerste helft is vrij voorspelbaar, maar daarna niet meer.
Op de achterkant schrijft Billy Bones altijd drie woorden die het verhaal omschrijven. Deze keer zijn dat de woorden: avontuur, spanning en verslavend. Hier ben ik het zeker mee eens! Ik zou nog een vierde woord willen toevoegen: vriendschap. Vriendschap is namelijk een groot thema in deze serie. Kan je vrienden worden met iedereen? Zijn ze te vertrouwen?
Ten Strijde is weer een avontuur voor Byx, met vreugde, tegenslag en verrassingen. Byx groeit van onzekere pup uit tot een zelfverzekerde dariene. En niet alleen door wat ze doet, maar ook met wie ze alles onderneemt. Op een bepaald moment in het boek had ik wel meer vreugde verwacht, maar het bleef een beetje koeltjes. Verder vond ik dit weer een geweldig avontuur! Alle avonturenverhalenlezers zouden deze serie moeten lezen!
Op een voorkant staat een sticker met de tekst “VOOR STOERE LEZERS getipt door fans van De Grijze Jager”. Ik heb van Grijze Jager ooit een boek gelezen, maar was daar zelf nooit op gekomen om mee te vergelijken. Die boeken zijn volgens mij ook heel avontuurlijk, dus dat zal wel goed zitten 😉 Ik denk dat mensen die van Bravelands houden, deze Eindeling serie ook kunnen waarderen.
Bix and his friends are determined to find out if there is more Dairne or not. As the story progresses, so does the war, something Khara wants to avoid. This time, we see how all the characters must face their doubts and fears for themselves and evolve. A clear example is Tobble, and the protagonist Bix, who must become the leader of her group and make decisions for which she does not believe she is ready. Just as we meet many new characters, the story becomes more complex, and leaves you wanting to know more.
Bix y sus amigos están decididos a averiguar si hay más Dairne o no. A medida que avanza la historia, también lo hace la guerra, algo que Khara quiere evitar. En esta ocasión, vemos cómo todos los personajes deben enfrentarse a sus dudas y miedos por sí mismos y evolucionar. Un ejemplo claro es Tobble, y la protagonista Bix, que debe convertirse en el líder de su grupo y tomar decisiones para las que no cree que esta lista. Asi como conocemos muchos personajes nuevos la historia se hace mas compleja,y te deja queriendo saber mas.
As good as the first, although I only cried half the time instead of the whole time, which was a welcomed relief. Same themes come alive with lovable characters: friendship, courage, loyalty. This one introduces an emphasis on respect, tolerance, leadership, the interdependence of species, and all of the ethical questions that come with war. Does the end justify the means? Is it possible to fight a just war? What makes a good leader? Readers will see tyrannical monarchs fighting for power and when considering which side to choose, will see that there is another option. I genuinely look forward to the third book even though this is a kid's book. It's that good.
"(...) Si eres fan de las novelas de fantasía con animales antropomórficos, sin duda es una trilogía a la que darle una oportunidad, con un nivel de lectura al estilo de los dos primeros libros de Harry Potter. El estilo de Katherine Applegate es especial y tiene la capacidad de crear mundos mágicos y personajes complejos a diferentes niveles y con un gran corazón."
I really liked this book! The plot was fast and surprising and simple, yet the depth was unmistakable. I'm SO ready for the third book! (I know, short review, but when the book is so good, words are hard to find)
Anytime there is a book with a quest, I'm in. (I re-read The Hobbit once in a while!) Yes, I finished this one and now how long might be the wait for the next adventure for brave, growing-up and now adventurous Byx and her companions, humans Khara and Renzo, catlike felivet Gambler, and the small and mighty Tobble? They have continued their journey to find the traveling island of Tarok, hoping to find more dairnes, saving Byx from being the last one of her species. The plot expands into political strife and danger in the land with the reigning dictator, the Murdano, gearing up to fight the other vicious Kazar Sg’drit, enslaving species to build his army. Connections to today's political challenges including war, prejudices of 'other', and human trafficking may go unnoticed by children, but not by adult readers. Khara is rising as a leader in the coming war and her companions, including Byx, will face the battle with her. Now we must wait for number three! Katherine Applegate's imagined world in this series is extraordinary!
Another superb story from Katherine Applegate! As the second installment in the Endling series, this is best read after The Last. Accessible and appropriate for all ages, this would be a wonderful book to read aloud with your child. The bigger life issues are handled with insight and tenderness that really brings it down to a child's level of understanding, yet has adult wisdom. Easily a 5 star rating. This is a series you want on your shelf.
Even though this book is with ‘young reader’ books, the characters are well formed and the story is quite compelling. She doesn’t shy away from showing the complexities of what it means to fight back when attacked - because by surviving, others may be hurt or killed. Though, since it is aimed at younger readers, death and wounds are not described in any great detail. After reading books 1 and 2 I would say this series seems to be around the reading level of the first few Harry Potter books. Maybe one level below. But, I still think it’s a worthwhile read for adults who love fantasy novels. And, if you loved Animorphs as a kid, I think you’d love this completely new world of Applegate’s.