The Last Wild, the first book in author Piers Torday's trilogy entitled The Last Wild, tells the story of Kester Jaynes, a young boy who lives in a world where nearly every animal is extinct because of the so-called Red Eye virus. Kester has been committed to a school for troubled children because of profound trauma that has left him unable to speak. Kester quickly learns, however, that he is able to speak with animals because of a unique ability that seemingly only he possesses. Armed with his ability, Kester, with the help of his animal friends, must save the animals from surefire obliteration.
The Last Wild received overwhelmingly positive reviews when it was released. Erin Colfer, the author of the massively successful Artemis Fowl series, wrote that The Last Wild is "A hugely inventive adventure." Publisher's Weekly called the book “Alternately somber, thrilling, and silly.” Kirkus Reviews spoke most positively of the book, writing that the novel “Combines a great fondness for animals with an appreciation of the freakish…. The reserved narrative tone and tender yet peculiar view of animals give this piece its own offbeat flavor.”
