From the Publisher
Deep characters, a complex plot, rich mythology, and a stunning setting. Wild and wonderful.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
School Library Journal
07/01/2017
Gr 3–6—When his father is killed and his pride scattered, lion cub Fearless is discovered by the Brightforest Troop of baboons, who raise him along with their own young. Although his baboon friends Thorn and Mud do their best to include him in their lives, Fearless increasingly feels the pull of his lion instincts as he grows older. After a change in leadership, Fearless is forced out of the baboons' troop and must find a way to live apart from them. Learning that his sister and mother are still alive, now part of the pride led by Titan, the cruel lion who killed his father, Fearless is desperate to make contact with them, despite the danger of encountering Titan's wrath. Interwoven throughout Fearless's narrative are a story line involving Thorn and the Brightforest Troop and a plot thread about a young elephant named Sky and her grandmother, the Great Mother of the savanna. Although the novel sometimes veers into Lion King territory, Hunter has created complex creatures who retain believable animal instincts along with their anthropomorphic characteristics. From start to finish, this is a riveting tale, complete with fight scenes, political intrigue, personal vendettas, and unfinished story lines that will lead right into the next volume. VERDICT Fans of Hunter's previous series will not be disappointed, and they will be anxious for the next installment in this new series.—Sarah Reid, Four County Library System, NY
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2017-05-01
When a rival lion violently assumes leadership of a pride, Fearless Gallantpride, son of the fallen leader, is forced to run. But how can one young cub survive on his own?Fearless is taken in by a troop of baboons, but even though he has his friends, Thorn and Mud, he is forever an outsider. Thorn is similarly challenged. Kept from the one he loves by caste law, he needs to find a way to elevate his status or change the tradition. Fearless and Thorn decide to visit the Great Mother of Bravelands during the Great Gathering in order to ask for her help. There they meet Sky, a young elephant, who sees visions whenever she touches the bones of the dead. The trio must use all of their gifts if they are to avoid the terrible future that Sky has seen for all—grass-eaters, flesh-eaters, and rot-eaters alike. Deep characters, a complex plot, rich mythology, and a stunning setting all come together to prove once again that the Hunter collective are master storytellers. Fans of Warriors will thrill at the opportunity to travel from the forest to the savanna in this brand new series. Wild and wonderful. (Fantasy. 8-12)
