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The Last Wild | March 26, 2014

by Piers Torday (Viking Children’s Books/Penguin Group, March 2014)

In a world full of dystopian YA fiction, The Last Wild is like a fresh crisp breeze blowing from the land of middle grade. It is the first in what promises to be an exciting series by new author Piers Torday.

In a land where animals no longer exist, killed off by a mysterious disease known as the red-eye, Kester Jaynes lives a miserable existence in Spectrum Hall Academy for Challenging Children. Taken from his scientist father and unable to speak since his mom died, Kester discovers his ability to communicate with animals, namely a flock of pigeons and a militaristic roach (because in this animal-less future only the varmints have survived). Kester is rescued by an army of roaches and flown to the last wild where he discovers that all the animals haven’t died and they need his help.

The Last Wild is exciting, thoughtful, and original! It grabs your attention from the start and doesn’t let go. Both human and animal characters are dimensional and likable (or completely unlikable as every good villain should be). And for all you map lovers out there, Torday has embraced the tradition of including a wonderfully-illustrated map of his carefully imagined world. We wait with bated breath for the next in this series!

 

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