Endling
Book 1: The Last (Book 1)
If you are interested in purchasing a copy of this book, consider using my Amazon affiliate link here: https://amzn.to/3BYgnt9
Endling: The Last by Katherine Applegate is the first in a three-part fantasy series. This 2018 novel is recommended for ages 9 to 11. However, I will discuss a few darker descriptions and elements that may be sensitive topics or images for certain readers, especially those on the younger side.
The premise of this fantasy novel is Byx, a dairne is quite possibly the last of her kind. The first person narration opens with Byx defying protocol and venturing just a little bit further than she should from her family’s den. As a result, she is attacked by poachers and inadvertently saves a wobbyk in the process of her escape. After evading the poachers, Byx along with the wobbyk track back to her family’s den where she is shocked to find that her family is currently being killed by the Murdano soldiers. While attempting to run at the soldier’s she is attacked and sedated by another mysterious guide.
Byx is momentarily taken captive by a girl, disguised as a boy, who intends to take the last dairne to the island of scholars in an attempt to preserve her life. Pretty much from here the story begins to rise and take shape as the girl - Khara befriends Byx and Tobble, the wobbyk. The trip to the island doesn’t go as expected at all and two more companions are added to their odd crew - a boy named Luca and a felivet named Gambler. Upon escape, they are traveling north in an attempt to find other dairnes, if it is at all possible. Unfortunately, with a Knight of Fire after them and a capture by the leader Murdano, nothing is at all easy or simple. War is brewing, other creatures are at risk of extinction, and Byx must come to terms with the loss of her family, but the gaining of a new one found in her friends.
While the novel is clean in regards to language and romantic relationships, there is magic in this book with a few mentions of spells and their usage throughout. The magic is used by helpful characters and villains as well.
Key quotes and mentions for this novel:
“Dairnes do not lie. There would be no point, since we can always detect an untruth, not just from our own kind, but from anyone” (11). The fact that the Dairnes cannot lie is what makes their appeal to people who are attempting to gain power as they can detect whether someone is telling the truth or not.
“It’s never wrong to hope, Byx,” said my mother. “Unless the truth says otherwise” (12).
Murdano’s soldiers are described as mayhem, blood, and darkness (45).
When Byx’s parents are murdered, the description states “They were piled on the ground like discarded hides, blood pouring, white and pearly, soaking the leaves, eyes glassy and open, mouths open. Torn and stabbed” (46).
Byx describes her feelings afterwards as “I didn’t care. I didn’t want to heal. I wanted to kill, or to die, and the two things were one in my mind” (55).
Khara changes her dress many times between a girl and her disguise as a boy because girls have less rights and abilities. “Girls aren’t allowed to hunt. Girls aren’t allowed to do many things. Most things” (67). [...] “If we were to run into the wrong sort of person [...] being female might get me hurt [...] Even killed” (68).
The spells and incantations are referred to as “Theurgy” in the novel (90). Khara is unsure how much of it works because a person must be fifteen in order to begin training in Theurgy (97). One of the villains in the story has tattoos that are “powerful theurgic charms” so that she cannot be killed (196). Khara’s sword is camouflaged by spells (213). There is also a mention of characters created by evil theurgy in the region known ad Dreyland (351).
“I love that you ask so many questions, my mother had said to me. That’s how we learn” (117).
“There are many scholars, but few seekers after truth. Humans believe the things that make them feel safe. They care little for difficult facts” (174).
ISome of the darker description is when Khara is speaking about her family history, she shares that “[Her great-grandfather] was roasted over a slow fire for days, screaming in agony, before they finally cut off his head” (212).
One of the wise significant quotes underpinning themes within the novel appears when a raptidon is speaking to everyone, “One thing is certain: the world grows emptier with each day. The causes are many–disease, famine, outright slaughter. But behind each cause there is a single perpetrator: the human who styles himself Murdano and his murderous young Seer. These humans do not understand the balance in life. They do not understand that their will to dominate and control, to use and abuse, is destructive to all” (248).
“In truth lies strength” is another quote that supports some of the themes within the novel (266).
When the characters are taken captive by Murdano, Gambler is planning essentially suicide. He cannot return to captivity from whence he came, so he plans to attack one of the guards knowing that he will be killed for his action. Byx manages to get him to agree to three days before doing such a thing, buying time to manage a way out from their current situation. Fortunately, it is successful, but the mention of suicide with young readers is a sensitive topic that families should be aware of (299).
Another dark portion of the book is when Khara devises a plan to deal with the Knight of Fire once and for all. She fills a gully full of stakes and uses the Knight’s pride against him. He falls into the gully and is pierced through by the stakes. There is a mention that the Knight died instantly, but his horse did not and Gambler jumps into the gully in order to put the horse out of its misery (371 -372).
“The Murdano was not just the enemy of the dairnes. He was the enemy of all living things who would not bend their knees to him” (380).
Magic aside, the novel is highly engaging for readers with the action constantly moving and shifting with twists and turns that the readers will not see coming –I know I was taken off guard in a couple of places. If parents are interested in finding fantasy fiction, this might fit the bill provided some of the previous mentions are not ones that are too much for young or sensitive readers.
Endling: The First (Book 2)
If you are interested in purchasing a copy of this book, consider using my Amazon affiliate link here: https://amzn.to/4ga09Ln
Endling: The First by Katherine Applegate is book two in this middle school fantasy series. Recommended ages 9-12 and told in the first person narration, Byx is on a mission to discover if she truly is an Endling - the last of her species. In this installment of the series, Byx discovers twice that is not the last after all, but that realization is stifled by a looming war that may put more than one species on the brink of extinction.
Picking up where book one ends, Byx and her friends on their way to discover a floating sentient island where the last known dairnes are thought to live. Readers are immediately immersed in action as the group is attacked by Razorgulls and must escape. Finding a cave and no other option than the Razorgulls, they proceed deeper and deeper into the recesses underground. Before too long, they walk into a large cavern inhabited by natites who promise them death unless they help to retrieve legendary items from a place they cannot go. Without much options otherwise, the group proceeds to retrieve the items but soon realize that they are inside a volcano and the items will not be easy to retrieve. The items they eventually retrieve are a jeweled crown, a shield, and an eye (a spy glass). Instead of returning the items, the group finds an alternative exit from the volcano and leaves with the items determined to use them to help purchase their needs along the way.
In one of their stops at a small village, the group of five learns that the looming battle between Murdano and Dreyland is not exactly what they thought. The old leader of Dreyland is no more and the one replacing him is a felivet (like Gambler), but he is beyond evil and terrible. He is using terrible tactics to force other sentient creatures and people to do as he demands. He is even more terrible than Murdano.
Despite this news, the five continue on their way through many perils, one in which resulted in the release of the traitor Luca and his ultimate demise. Another causes the death of many men and a dairne on the island of Tarok. Maxyn, from the island of Tarok, joins Byx and the rest of them to return to Nedarra. Once there, Khara leads everyone to her father and her people. Once there, she learns of her father’s failing health, determines to take leadership of her clan, and sends Byx, Tobble, and Maxyn on their own to finish out the second part of their journey to discover another colony of dairnes heard about on the island of Tarok.
In this departure, Byx must lead and struggles with her doubt and unworthiness to lead. Maxyn is captured and a horse is killed under her leadership. Ultimately, she does find the colony of dairnes, and it is her plan that releases them from being starved to death by a group of men.
There continue to be many mentions of theurgy within the book - which is a reference to spells and enchantments. The volcano, objects, lands, and characters are said to have elements or traces of theurgy throughout the novel. The characters also have a spell used on them by the natrites when they are taken underwater for a special meeting with a leader.
“There are times when a valtti rises–a felivet who provokes hatred of other species and convinces other felivets to join him. Those who will not join are silences, by either fear or by imprisonment. It is a sort of madness, one that can seize hold of the weak-minded” (69).
There is reference to fate and higher powers in this book. Tobble’s species has a belief in Hanadru “the great artist who lives in the clouds and paints the fate of all on her great easel” (72). In response, Renzo claims he doesn’t “believe in fate” [...] Fate is for people afraid to take responsibility for their own lives” (73).
“We all have our own particular fears, Byx. One can be brave nine times and be a coward the tenth time. This is true of all living things capable of thought” (142).
One thing good about this series is the many themes presented and most importantly the value of life - animal and human. There are many parallels or ideas that I think Applegate is intending to communicate that allow readers to consider the lives of other animals and humans through the exploration presented in this fantasy. These are worthy ideas and topics for families to discuss - whether fate or the need for species to rely on one another in an ecosystem that no one fully understands the repercussions of what the decimation of one will do to the others. There are many instances in which this value of life is present.
Chapter 12 details the circumstances surrounding Vallino’s departure from the group when Khara must let him go. This chapter gave me a few tears as it was very sweet.
In Chapter 13 Renzo relates his story and the lashes from his beatings are evident to everyone in the group. He ultimately turned the tables on his “gang” leader due to his abuse. He states on page 86 - “Don’t let anyone ever tell you that revenge is empty.”
There is an odd conversation - not sure if it was meant to be a nod to evolutionary ideas or not. Luca states, “Species come, species go. [...] No need to take offense. New ones replace the old. It’s the way of the world. [...] They’re [humans] just more efficient than nature” (101).
Remembering her lessons from the past, Byx remembers wise words from Dalyntor sharing that every part of nature serves a purpose (118).
On page 245 there is a great discussion about the sacrifices that need to be made in war and who decides those sacrifices. “In any war, it is good to have someone ask the hard questions, the ones that defy easy answers”.
“Don’t let the complications stop you from taking a stand, Tobble. When you know in your soul that something is evil, you must fight it. But you fight with honor. With mercy. With fairness” (246).
“Nothing is possible without truth. Truth is everything” (281).
While there is an appreciation for life, when it is taken or when certain battles happen, the descriptions could be a bit much for younger readers.
On page 113 there is reference to “Luca’s bloodied body dropp[ing] into the pit.”
In chapter 36 Khara kills a few soldiers and is covered in blood when she must get everyone through a guarded gap.
In chapter 40 there is a battle for leadership. Tobble attacks the second of Albrit and there is talk of biting his ear, blood oozing, and Tobble’s attack in general.
On page 338 a horse falls in a gap and is killed.
On page 365 when Byx helps save the dairnes from the men seeking to starve them to death there is a solemn mood over the loss of life. “We were stopped cold by the sucking sound of rushing water, followed by the terrified yells of desperate men. The Marsonian ships were going down, and with them, perhaps, many souls. We fell silent, chastened and grave.”
When Maxyn is rediscovered at the end, he has been abused by his captors - eyes are swollen, hands red, and clear beatings about his body.
There are few harmless mentions of possibly romantic mentions. Renzo clearly has a crush on Khara, but it is not explicitly stated, but the animals are aware that there is something Renzo feels for Khara. On page 229, Maxyn and Byx create a nest and sleep in it for one night.
Overall, I have really enjoyed the series so far. I like the focus on the value of life for all animals and the symbiotic relationship of living things. The need and desire to protect life at all cost, but also the stand to defend against evil even if it means putting your own life in danger. There is also the focus on the need for truth to be your strength, along with loyal friends. Additionally, the importance of taking leadership roles when you are called upon, as well as that courage is not the absence of fear, but not allowing the fear to stop you from doing what you need to do. These are good ideas and themes for readers to dwell on and consider for themselves.
Endling: The Only (Book 3)
If you are interested in purchasing a copy of this book, consider using my Amazon affiliate link here: https://amzn.to/3WCfjSu
Endling: The Only is book three of the Endling series written for middle-grade readers and recommended for ages 9-12. The final installment of the series opens on the brink of battle between the Dreylanders and Murdano’s army. Khara is leading the Army of Peace with the goal of stopping the coming war in order to save many lives.
Byx is now Khara’s ambassador and is sent to speak to the Natites, specifically their queen. Khara is seeking an alliance with the Natites to prevent the Nadean army from making their way to Dreyland. After securing the assistance of Natites, Tobble and Byx travel to Bossyp to get help from the other wobbyks. Once their assistance is also secured, raptidons carry the wobbyks and Byx to Khara and the Army of Peace. From there the rest of the story unfolds with battles and courage to save all species.
Throughout this particular book there is the budding romance between Khara and Renzo. There are a few flirtatious comments that are harmless and the realization of the others about what is taking place between them. Renzo is deeply protective of Khara and there is a moment before she leaves for battle in which Renzo kisses Khara - to her shock and others (211). In the end of the story, the two are married with twin children (there is an epilogue of 10 years later). In addition to their relationship, a felivet by the name of Naleese enters the story. She is a previous mate to Gambler and lets him know that he has three kits. The two end up staying together by the end of the novel.
This particular installment is a bit more violent than the others which is to be expected given the nature of the plot and the coming war between three armies. Nevertheless, I’ve included some particulars just in case the descriptions could be a bit much for younger readers:
While the raptidons and wobbyks are on their way to the Army of Peace they must pass through a storm. Some of those traveling are struck by lightning and burst into flames as they fall from the sky (168).
During battle, a spear hits a vulture who then falls from the sky to be impaled on a spear (176).
Tobble kills a man in battle. He says “I killed a man, Byx. I could have stopped, you know. He was defeated and I could have stopped. But I didn’t, Byx. I didn’t stop until he stopped breathing” (183).
An arrow is shot into Khara’s chest by bandits (218). Renzo comes to her aid, but must push the arrow fully through her back in order to get it out and must burn the skin to cauterize the wound (222-224).
There is a creepy creature created by Murdano that Khara fights. In battle, she proceeds to chop off his arm and “blood sprayed like rain, and bellowed in anguish” (249). She also impales him on her sword (253).
The final battle to kill Murdano is between him and Byx. When she kills him, it is full with rage and revenge for her murdered family when she plunges the sword in his chest (257). “As I’d watched his eyes grow dull, I’d recited the names of my family members, one by one. Was it revenge? I suppose. But was it also justice? Yes. I hoped so, anyway” (261).
Theurgy, magic, continues to be a component of this story - particularly as Byx and her envoy are taken to the palace of the Natite queen without getting wet and more specifically when Renzo is attempting to heal Khara after she is wounded by bandits. These general references to Theurgy occur throughout, so it isn’t exactly possible to give every mention, but a few appear on page 42, 105-117, 222-223. In chapters 15 and 16, Byx and Tobble travel through a dark forest that is enchanted with dark theurgy. Specifically, Byx and Tobble encounter a spirit/person trapped in a tree. This spirit/person speaks to Byx and Tobble explaining what happened to cause him to be in his current state.
“Closest to us was what appeared to be a human skeleton several feet off the ground. A foot protruded through dark leaves. Out of a low branch, a bony hand seemed to point to the sky. When I focused my unwilling eyes, a skull stared vacantly back at me from just inside a deep cleft in the tree” (109).
There is also a mention of five elements - fire, soil, water, wind, and spirit. “But it’s spirit that unites them all. Fire, soil, water, and wind have no meaning if we don’t understand them. It’s spirit that gives us understanding, and curiosity, and courage” (214).
Noteworthy quotes:
“Eshwins dig up the roots of burrell trees, which helps the trees reproduce. And burrell trees, in turn, are home to many other species. No creature is useless, Byx. Each is a piece of a puzzle so vast that none can see it all” (12).
“I’ve learned a little about humans recently. Their desires can be powerful, but their fears are for more so” (13).
“[...] a wise ruler, knowing the temptations of power, will resist it and devote herself to her people.” “Yeah, I’d like to see that sometime,” Renzo continued [...] “But in my experience, people with power just spit on those like me” (65).
“I was beginning to suspect that while titles can be impressive, they can also be a prison. Once you acquire a label, certain things are expected of you” (94).
“How many fantastic creatures, how many wonders, how much wisdom has been lost because of those who have the power to destroy?” “They make the world a sadder, emptier, uglier place so that they will fit in,” Tobble said (117).
“Humans, most especially, seemed to have a need to see themselves as alone in the world. Being isolated from other species made it easy for them to hold others in contempt, to destroy my people, to hem in the felivets, even to try to dominate all of nature” (154).
“All good creatures of any species seek peace, Ambassador.” His voice was as gentle as it could be, given the limits of raptidon speech. “And yet war comes. And when it does, there can be only one goal: victory. I suspect the Lady knows this in her heart” (182).
“He said the greatest mercy is the one you show to your enemy” (184).
Overall, I enjoyed the series and while there is some violence and magical elements the messages and themes are worth exploring - particularly to the symbiotic relationship to this world God created with man and animals. While Byx did kill a person and the aspect of revenge is mentioned, in the closing of the book Byx is not happy with having killed him. However, there wasn’t a choice when it was kill or be killed. The idea of defense of life and hard situations can be a great opportunity to explore with readers what they think about those topics and situations within the story. As far as middle-grade fantasy goes, this is one I did enjoy and would recommend with caution regarding the magic and violence for those that may find it a bit much.
