Middle Grade Monday and Audiobook Review: The First by Katherine Applegate

The First by Katherine Applegate. Endling series #2. Unabridged e-audiobook. ~8 hours. Read by Lisa Flanagan. HarperAudio, May, 2019. 9780062911889. (Review of e-audio borrowed from public library.)

Middle Grade Monday features The First by Katherine Applegate. Fans of Applegate's The Endling series may do a double-take as the first book in the series was called The Last and its sequel is called The First. They surely will not be disappointed as the worldbuilding continues to be inventive and intriguing. Byx and her friends face many dangers in their quest to find out whether she is the last of her kind. The journey to Dreyland is arduous and not only are they being hunted, but other dangers lurk in the mountains. 

Applegate proves that a fast-paced, suspenseful story need not be merely plot-driven. The writing is lovely. The characters are complex, flawed, and unsure. Ms. Flanagan continues to deliver a well-paced, engaging narration. 

I wonder what book three will be called and when it is slated for publication because I cannot wait and neither can my students!