Epic Kids, January 2022

Book Club

THE WILD ONES

AUTHOR: Nafiza Azad

GENRE: Young Adult Fantasy

AGES: 12+

RATING: (1-5 stars) AAAAA

SYNOPSIS:Meet the Wild Ones: girls who have been hurt, abandoned, and betrayed all their lives. It begins with Paheli, who was once betrayed by her mother and sold to a man in exchange for a favor. When Paheli escapes, she runs headlong into a boy with stars in his eyes. This boy, as battered as she is, tosses Paheli a box of stars before disappearing. With the stars, Paheli gains access to the Between, a place of pure magic and mystery. Now, Paheli collects girls like herself and these Wild Ones use their magic to travel the world, helping the hopeless and saving others from the fates they suffered. Then Paheli and the Wild Ones learn that the boy who gave them the stars is in danger. He’s on the run from powerful forces within the world of magic. But if Taraana is no longer safe and free, neither are the Wild Ones.

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS BOOK WAS: The found family aspect was my favorite thing about The Wild Ones. Seeing a strong group of girls build each other up was refreshing and the sort of representation needed in young adult literature.

MY FAVORITE CHARACTER IN THIS BOOK WAS: I adored all the characters but Paheli is definitely my favorite! She is a wonderful role model –– confident in her femininity and protective of her family with the intent to help others.

FANS OF THIS BOOK MAY ALSO LIKE: We Set The Dark On Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia, Seafire by Natalie C. Parker, Furyborn by Claire Legrand.

Avery, 15, is an avid reader and book reviewer. When not reading, you can find her playing volleyball, hanging out with friends, or with one of her pets! You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok at @ readbyfin.