The Last by Katherine Applegate captivates readers with its imaginative world-building and strong, relatable characters. Positive feedback praises its emotional depth and engaging plot. However, some critique the pacing as uneven and the ending as slightly rushed. Overall, it is a compelling read for middle-grade audiences, blending adventure with meaningful themes.

Readers who relish adventurous, heartwarming animal tales like Kathryn Lasky's Guardians of Ga'Hoole or Erin Hunter's Warriors series will find themselves captivated by Katherine Applegate's The Last. Ideal for middle-grade readers who appreciate themes of friendship, bravery, and survival in richly imagined worlds.

In Katherine Applegate's Endling: The Last, Byx, a young dairne—an intelligent, dog-like creature—embarks on a perilous journey after her pack is killed by the Murdano's soldiers. Rescued by Khara, a girl posing as a boy to work as a poacher, and accompanied by new friends including Tobble the wobbyk, Byx seeks to uncover the truth about her species' survival amidst threats and dangers. Themes of loss and violence against animals.

Adventurous / Emotional / Inspirational / Hopeful

**Byx**  
A young dairne, a dog-like creature with opposable thumbs, who embarks on a journey after her family is killed, displaying innate bravery and truth discernment as she seeks others of her kind.

**Kharassande Melisandra/Donati (Khara)**  
A skilled poacher's guide who disguises herself as a boy and becomes the leader of a group of companions on a mission, showcasing her expert tracking, hunting, and leadership skills.

**Tobble**  
A small, round wobbyk with big ears, known for his loyalty and friendship to Byx, who evolves from comic relief to a brave and vital member of the group.

**Gambler/Elios Str’ank/Hadrak the Third, Lonko of the Dread Forest**  
A formidable felivet with formidable senses and a predatory reputation, who offers wisdom and protection to Byx and her friends while demonstrating strong loyalty.

**The Thief/Renzo**  
A charming and charismatic thief who is candid about his profession, joining forces with the group and developing a potential romance with Khara, while revealing his knowledge of the art of theurgy.

Study Guide

Book Brief

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Book Brief The Last

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Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The End Begins”

Part 1 The Last Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Captives”

Part 2 The Last Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “My Funeral”

Part 3 The Last Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Allies and Enemies”

Part 4 The Last Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “The Beginning Ends”

Part 5 The Last Part 5 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Last Character Analysis

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Themes

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Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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Katherine Applegate

Middle grade

Novel

Endling

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The Last: Endling #1

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The Last

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