The Wild Ones

The Wild Ones #1

by C. Alexander London

For fans of Warriors, Spirit Animals, and Redwall--the next great animal fantasy adventure is here!

Kit is a young raccoon who has lived his whole life under the Big Sky. But when a pack of hunting dogs destroy his home and kill his parents, Kit needs to escape.
 
He finds himself in Ankle Snap Alley, a city in the midst of a turf war between the Wild Ones and the people's pets who call themselves The Flealess. There he uncovers the secret that they died for--an ancient truce that gives Ankle Snap Alley to the Wild Ones. But the Flealess will stop at nothing to keep that secret buried forever, and Kit is in serious danger. Only the brave of heart and quick of paw can save the Wild Ones now.

Perfect for fans of the Warriors, Spirit Animals, or Redwall series, this first book in the Wild Ones epic is sure capture young readers' imaginations and take them on a great adventure.

Praise for The Wild Ones:
 
* "The action is fast-paced, the dialogue hilarious, and the supporting characters true to their animal personalities. Animal fantasy lovers will frequently chuckle; younger children may enjoy hearing the book read aloud."--School Library Connection *STARRED REVIEW*

“Raccoon hero Kit and his ragtag community of creatures will sneak their way into your imagination and steal your heart. They may pick your pocket, too, but they’ll take you on an adventure you won’t soon forget. This is a fantasy that kids will adore (and quick-of-paw parents will steal). A wild ride from a wildly imaginative author.”--Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal-winning author of The One and Only Ivan and the bestselling Animorphs series

"Bold deeds, betrayals, and buffoonery kick off this series with gusto."--Kirkus Reviews 

"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."--Publishers Weekly

"Readers will root for Kit as he tangles with scoundrels, liars, and even a hungry crocodile....A promising new series for fans of animal adventure."--School Library Journal 

"With rich vocabulary, a satisfying quest, and some dastardly villains, this will be an easy pick for middle-graders who love animal adventure stories."--Booklist




From the Hardcover edition.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Animals, Adventure, Childrens, Fiction, Young Adult

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Victoria Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had visions of writing the world's longest review detailing my love of this book, but my own deadline calls. So I'll simply say this--THE WILD ONES is one of the most imaginative books I've read in a long time. I loved every single character, even the villains, and the pages turn themselves. See? I'm full of cliches writing this. Just read this, m'kay? A book hasn't made me cry since Cynthia Hand's UNEARTHLY, but I cried with joy and sorrow for these furry animal creatures with big attitude and big heart. I adored this book, howl to snap. If you read ONE book this year based on a review I wrote, let this be it. You won't be disappointed. Oh, and this book is for all ages. Trust me!

[Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this went pretty much as I expected. Some fun adventure, some cute/maybe not so cute world-building with anthropomorphic animals, and some education of morals and vocabulary. I really liked Kit as a main charcater. London was really able to deliver some fantastic messages without being overly preachy through Kit and the supporting characters. I loved the messages of being environmentally aware. I think it does a good job of showing how having common goals can help people overcome differences, and it shows how with understanding, "people" can learn to work together. I loved the pets cast as the bad guys, and I'm curious on how my own dog would be portrayed in this world. He'd probably be a goofy enemy that doesn't really do much and accidentally helps Kit. Overall, super fun, and I think he does a good job of mixing human traits into his characters while still showcasing their animal quirks. The "A" hand formation had me laughing, as they do that all the time!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many years ago in the solitude of several summer days I journeyed to a world fashioned by the words of Brian Jacques in his Redwall series. I still remember how captivated I was by those mice and the other animals populating their lives. Books like Jacques' titles alter your perspective. (I have since made sure every home of mine is mouse-proof. I can't bear the thought of harming one.)

Imagine my happiness at reading a dedication in one of my most recently read books:

To Brian Jacques, whose books made me a reader,
and to Mr. Xanders, who made me read them.

This first book in a new series, The Wild Ones (Philomel Books an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), August 25, 2015), written by C. Alexander London takes me back to those summer days in an extraordinary new adventure with a young raccoon as the central figure. It's a doorway into a realm of wondrous possibilities.


My full recommendation: http://bit.ly/1KBTABs

[Book Riot Community]

How can you not love a book with animal gangs and a raccoon in a jaunty cap??? From the author of Proxy comes a fantastical story of animals struggling for control of a city. Kit is a young raccoon forced from his home after a seemingly random attack that kills his parents. Struggling to survive in the city, he learns about the turf war between the wild animals, The Wild Ones, and people's pets, The Flealess. He also learns the reason behind his parents' deaths - a reason that dangerous people will do anything to keep hidden. This book is lots of fun, and London knows how to tell a great tail, er, tale.



Tune in to our weekly podcast dedicated to all things new books, All The Books: http://bookriot.com/category/all-the-...

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story for kids 8 and up - the charming characters, adventure-driven story, and clever writing will appeal to a huge range of readers. London doesn't shy away from putting young Kit into sticky situations, but he doesn't linger too long on anything upsetting, and there's lots to cheer for by the end of the tale. Can't wait for more in this series.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kit is a young country raccoon forced to escape from his country home in "the Big Sky" when a pack of dogs kill his parents. He travels to Ankle Snap Alley in search of the "Bone of Contention" honoring his mother's last request. Entering this contentious alley where the Wild One's fight the People's Pets, Kit quickly learns he must think carefully using his clever raccoon tricks to survive. Reminiscent of the Redwall series the animal characters in this story convincingly come to life. Kit is a hero to root for, combined with all of the action and suspense this tale is impossible to put down. I especially enjoyed the lively action at P. Ansel's Sweet and Best Tasting Baking Company, Possum Ansel and Otis the badger are full of surprises and tasty delights for starving Kit. Hungry readers will require a sequel.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I typically don't even like "animals as characters" stories, but London's characters and writing and story convinced me I need to get past that. These characters are endearing, varied, and entertaining. The setting and world building is phenomenal and humorously detailed. The story has gravitas and keeps the plot moving with adventure and twists to keep the reader turning pages. It's a fun read with enough excitement to keep intermediate grades kids hooked and has subtle messages and lessons from characters who the reader cares about that make it an instant classic. I will be gifting this to nieces and nephews for sure.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kit, a young raccoon, must find the missing Bone of Contention that guarantees the Wild Ones a peaceful home. Kit is an appealing hero similar to Martin the Warrior (Jacques) or Hazel in Watership Down. A well written fast paced animal fantasy adventure that will be appreciated by middle grade readers who enjoy Erin Hunter's Warrior series. Howl to snap forever!

[Shannon McNeice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not usually a fan of books with animals as characters, but this book totally won me over. From the very beginning, London throws the animals into desperate, wild, sometimes violent situations, but beneath the action is wonderful characterization and world building!

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

That makes 7!!!

This book was adorable!!!!!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE WILD ONES by C. Alexander London is an enjoyable middle grade adventure fantasy featuring an epic conflict between wild and domesticated animals.

House pets known as The Flealess are planning to attack Ankle Snap Alley and break the treaty with The Wild Ones. Kit, a young raccoon in the city for the first time must find the Bone of Contention and stop the turf war.

Librarians will find the blend of witty humor with the well-developed animal characters to be a draw for youth who enjoy anthropomorphic stories. Fans of Redwall, Warriors, Spirit Animals, or any of the other animal series books will enjoy the diverse cast of animals.

Published by Philomel, an imprint of Penguin on August 25, 2015.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A definite "next read" for fans of the Warriors series and a gateway to Redwall.

The worlds of the Flealess and the Wild Ones are well drawn, along with their conflict over Ankle Snap Alley. How Kit manages to manipulate things to his benefit, despite being a naive newcomer to this world, will engage readers as much as the different animals we meet (the headlines blurted out by the finches are so funny and the evil of the Rabid Rascals is perfect).

Will this be a series? I do hope so.

ARC provided by publisher.

[Scott Robins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic addition to the 'animals as protagonists' genres of children's lit. Despite being set in 'our world', London successfully builds a unique mythology and world of two factions of warring sets of animals - the ones in the wild and the ones owned by people. Great characters and action packed, I'm already looking forward to the sequel. Not sure if it was just me, but I was getting a Stonewall allegory by the end of the novel and if this was intentional or not, it's something that stood out for me.

[Rayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son (8yrs) and I just finished reading The Wild One and we both loved it. My son was drawn to the rich lives of the animal characters, I appreciated the original story and we both had the urge to read just one more page...chapter. And we often did, staying up past bedtime on a few nights to do just that. This story will appeal to boys and girls alike. Parents this is one of those books you will want to read right along with your children. #howltosnap

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex London remains as excellent and bloodthirsty as always in his middle-grade books. Expect a similar number of characters to be eaten as you normally see in the adult SF of John Scalzi, and you've got a good handle on what to expect, with the addition of religious scribe mice, a terrifying Rat King, and an art-appreciator alligator who wants people to come see her art (and to eat them).

[Katya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goofy and fast, with intentional echoes of so many good stories, from Redwall to Uncle Remus. A few genuinely eerie moments lend depth to a classic new-kid-in-town turf battle. I may never think of popcorn in quite the same way again.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to say whether this is theme, action, or character driven because all aspects are present in full force! Many pages dog eared because of memorable dialogue or characterization. Compares to Voight's Young Fredle, and O'Brien's Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIHM.

[Rain Misoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Alex London!

To read my full review, click here.

[Dandelionsteph · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main character is described as wearing clothes in the book, yet is not wearing clothes in the illustrations inside and is only wearing a hat on the cover page.

[Sammy Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

So. I can't believe I found a book about raccoons. I am so excited read this gem!

For y'all who don't know, I have a pet raccoon named Sassy :)

[Kelsey Argyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The wild ones

Kit, the young racoon, is spending a carefree life under the big sky when one day he is chased by hunting dogs that are working for a dangerous orange cat that wants him distinguished.He is sent by his mother to the Ankle snap valley, which is no better off. the little rock that his parents died for, might be the only way to find the solution to the constant threat of war to the animals of ankle snap valley. Nowhere is safe. There is no one to trust.This one, tiny racoon will have to be the one to save them all.

In this moving book there are many similes and metaphors including, “still as stone” as he adventered into the city, “It was brown an notty,like a branch broken off and oak tree” in the dark sewers, “You are a leash lover!” kit insults the gang leader, “I am death destruction, and despair” the crocodile bellows ,and “words were another game to play” There were many elements to this book,.

What was liked, and disliked. I liked the cleverness of kit. He always had another answer. I did not enjoy the roughness of the city folk, and the ways they lived by. It was very adventurous and it make you think and predict about what will happen next. Overall I would rank this book a 3 and a half. This is a book to get your mind churning and your body tingling. You never know what is around the corner.

[Kristen Fort · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book thinking of a future 11-year-old getting into the story, and after reading what I had gotten for the future 9-year-old, I started reading this with the deadline of the 9-year-old's birthday - this Saturday. I'll give him the okay, mediocre-for-me, Rocket and Groot books. Because...

This book starts out scary! First, it's the deal between a dog and a cat, and right away, you can tell that these are the bad guys. Then, how Kit becomes an orphan. Then, Kit's arrival in Ankle Snap Alley and meeting its sneaky residents.

I really enjoyed the language used in the book. It's great, with some puns, a decent amount of vocabulary that the 11-year-old will be able to grasp. So, I'm glad to be gifting it to the 11-year-old for his birthday in October.

[Red · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of those books that really has a nice cover and nice illustrations and a lovely, yet whimsical, world. Kit is a raccoon whose world is flipped. He has to head to the city and discover deeper things than he ever expected. The rest is a fun ride between action and communication, a survival of animals who must learn to coexist, and a deal struck between ancestors.

This book includes a cat who loves eating animal heads, a badger and a possum pair(or they both read as such) who are male, a dog named Rocks, and much more. There's a variety of characters.

Added bonus to this book for starring a raccoon, and such a nicely written one at that!

[Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute animal adventure, just what you think it is. All of the characters and the setting of Ankle Snap Alley is charming, and I think even the antagonists are fun.
The story is fast-paced and to-the-point, but it works for this world. Kit is a lovely protagonist and hero, clever and sympathetic.
A fun story! I know this story is a series, but I think this book also works as a contained story on its own as well!

[Elizabeth Atwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a great story-line and an amazing plot. And instead of taking over the world, the flealess are trying to take over the ally. And like it said on the back of the book, Kit and his friends might pick your pocket. But they are the best characters I have ever read about about. With good hearts; too good for ankle snap ally. I don't really like how Sixclaw dies. But I think it's a really great story.
I would give it four and a half stars, but it won't let me.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read this, it made me think of an urban setting for Redwall. There is lots of adventure and action. Sometimes it is a little gruesome in its description. There is a cat who says he likes to eat heads. It becomes a bit of a joke in the story, but at first it seems kind of weird. There is death of parents and animal violence but nothing is very descriptive.

Found in L4M YT Volume 63.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book but because it was so interesting anyone who wants to read it should'nt read it before bed because its so stimulating. I personaly could not fall asleep! my favorite part was when the wild ones were losin the battle and eleni came out of the sewers riding gayle.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun characters in a fun world. Though it can feel a bit tropey sometimes, the stakes are real and is a fun read overall!

Props to making me hate the antagonist too.
Antagonist: kills a bird
Me: "...and I took that personally"

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story’s urban wilderness and the plight of a scrappy raccoon made for an exciting twist on animal fantasy. It offers a very different setting than most woodland adventures but still channels that sense of unity and resilience I admired in The Five Lamps by Sacha Margerius

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars