The Wild Ones

felicisowl - "I promise, heart to snap." Can you imagine a world where animals roamed without fear, but they were divided among two sides? On one side are the Wild Ones, consisting of rats, weasels, raccoons and pretty much everything in between - but on the other side are the bloodthirsty Flealess, People's pets who aren't as cuddly and soft as you imagined. Both sides are about to get in a bitter war about possession over Ankle Snap Alley, the most rundown, Slivered Sky-reminiscent place you could imagine - but still, a home for the Wild Ones. Meanwhile, a young, carefree raccoon named Kit thinks he's the farthest away as possible from Slivered Sky life. His parents are historians, travelling all over the world to find artifacts related to Azban, the first Raccoon. But when his parents die at the hands of bloodhounds, Kit must follow his mother's last words - he must protect the Footprint of Azban at all costs and find his uncle Rik. Kit doesn't know why his parents had to die protecting the Footprint of Azban - for all he knows, it's just an artifact, nothing important! But suddenly Kit finds out a shocking secret about his parents and the Footprint of Azban.. and suddenly, Kit finds out that he's the only one who can uncover the secret that gives Ankle Snap Alley to the Wild Ones.. but will he die at the hands of the Flealess trying to uncover it? An almost worthy successor to the great adventure novels that were Redwall, this novel has a big heart and a great bit of adventure. In one word, I think this book is refreshing. A fresh breath of spring air in an alley, you could say. I love how this book takes the "animal" genre towards a new direction, focusing not on dogs, cats, and the like, but on other animals that deserve the spotlight for a change! That being said, I love how this book has such a diverse cast of animals! Another thing I love about this book is the unlikely (at the beginning) friendship of Kit and Eeni. I'm also relieved there isn't a romantic relationship between any of the characters (except Kit's parents, of course), because it's honestly becoming cliche. I loved how their friendship was genuine, not some plot twist where one betrays the other, because honestly I've read too many of those books lately.. The character development and details really pulled me into this world of ragtag animals.. I think that the only thing that negatively surprised me was the surprising amount of violence (don't be turned away from this book because of that, there's only a little), I think I was expecting a feel-good, family book but there was actual hunting/war/violence and even a death at the beginning (not too many details) But what can you say - this book really tugged at my heart with its adventurous spirit. This book delved into a cutting-edge storyline.. but it also explored the true feelings of its characters, and that might be why I loved this book.

July 13, 2015
When Kit and his parents, "Big Sky raccoons," are attacked in the woods, Kit flees for his mother's hometown of Ankle Snap Alley and an uncle he's never met. The Wild Ones of Ankle Snap prove to be a motley group of "thieves and crooks and cheats," but they are nothing compared to the Flealess, ruthless indoor pets determined to take back the Alley thanks to a promise made long ago. When Kit realizes his parents were attacked because of a clue from the legendary First Raccoon, Kit, Uncle Rik, and new friend Eeni race to find the Bone of Contention, a hidden contract extending the Wild Ones' stay. London (the Dog Tags series) delivers a classic hero's journey, with adventure and danger waiting behind every tree trunk and garbage can. As Kit contends with dangerous characters like Gayle, a ravenous alligator, he discovers the courage and sensibility necessary to lead the residents of Ankle Snap. The sharp, lively descriptions ("like dynamite in a silk purse") shine while the exhilarating finale illustrates that home is wherever your "howl to snap" friends live. Ages 8â12. Agent: Robert Guinsler, Sterling Lord Literistic.

April 15, 2015
Treacherous urban pets try to renege on an ancient deal with the wild residents of a city alleyway, and a young raccoon finds himself caught in the middle in this all-animal dramedy. His parents done in by a pack of hired bloodhounds, Kit flees his beloved woodlands for squalid Ankle Snap Alley, a wretched hive of scum and villainy, where he immediately falls afoul of a pair of raccoon hustlers and the feared Rabid Rascals gang. Worse yet, he is also targeted by miniature greyhound Titus, leader of the Flealess (or house pets), and vicious cat Sixclaw. They think he carries a possible clue to the whereabouts of the missing Bone of Contention that accords the alley's formerly feral residents a right to settle there. Fortunately, Kit not only falls in with Eeni, a savvy rat who vows friendship "from howl to snap" (i.e., birth to, well...), but finds other allies too while proving himself no slouch when it comes to quick thinking and courage in the clutch. Despite metal traps springing and some spilled blood, the tale features but one onstage death; London further lightens the load with references to such appetizing alley cuisine as Daily Trash Casserole plus a diverse supporting cast highlighted by evangelical church mice and a retired fighting cock-turned-hairdresser. Bold deeds, betrayals, and buffoonery kick off this series with gusto. (Animal fantasy. 10-12)

COPYRIGHT(2015) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 1, 2015

Gr 3-6-A turf war is about to erupt in Ankle Snap Alley. The People's pets are determined to rid the city of the wild ones, and are willing to do anything to bury an ancient truce-the Bone of Contention-that allows for their coexistence. When Kit, a young raccoon, gets his paws on an artifact connected to Azban, the First Raccoon, that is a clue to the bone's whereabouts, his life is torn apart. The People's pets destroy his home and kill his parents, leaving Kit to traverse the unfamiliar city in search of an uncle he's never met and a bone few animals believe really exists. With the help of a rat named Eeni, Kit is determined to ensure that his parent's death wasn't in vain and keep the alley forever wild. London packs the story with adventure and a lively assortment of characters. Readers will root for Kit as he tangles with scoundrels, liars, and even a hungry crocodile. Kit is a likable main character who exemplifies the importance of perseverance and bravery. VERDICT A promising new series for fans of animal adventure.-Beth Cuddy, Seward Elementary School, Auburn, NY

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.