The Dark Wild

Gr 5–8—In this sequel to the futuristic thriller The Last Wild (Viking, 2014), Torday again wields a winning combination of science fiction and animal adventure: noble animals fighting for just causes—reminiscent of Brian Jacques's "Redwall" series (Philomel)—blended with the Orwellian authority of today's popular YA. Kester Jaynes has saved his Wild from the dreaded red-eye virus that wiped out much of the plant and animal life on earth. Victory is short-lived, however, as Kester, his animals, and his new friend Polly soon find themselves embroiled in humanity's struggle over opposing plans for the future. A Dark Wild is rising, a group of animals preparing to overthrow the humans who have wronged them. The leader of the Dark Wild, a viciously abused dog named Dagger, provides a compelling alternate perspective to the loving animals that follow Kester without question. The juxtaposition of a Fagin-like thief lord and his hardened band of thieves, the machinations of the evil corporation, and the justified anger of the Dark Wild add timely but never strident political and moral values to the tale. The plot twists start on the first page and don't let up, while the terrible treatment of animals and refugee humans alike is conveyed in kid-friendly, action-packed language. This is a great choice for younger readers hungry for dystopia but not quite ready for the violence of Suzanne Collins's "The Hunger Games" (Scholastic) or James Dashner's "The Maze Runner" series (Delacorte).—Elisabeth Gattullo Marrocolla, Darien Library, CT