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Wild Born (Spirit Animals #1) - By Brandon Mull

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Brief synopsis (no spoilers): In this fantasy world when children come of age (11) they take a drink of Nectar and see if they will bond with a spirit animal. This spirit animals give guidance and physical/mental strength to those they bond to. The four main characters bond to special animals, The Four Fallen. With this event the Devourer returns and a new age is begun. These youth must decide if they will join in the fight.  


Category: Junior/ Young Adult


Why I chose this book: Been on my list for a while, the author (who I actually had confused with another author, Brandon Doman), it's like other multi-author young adult books I've read in the past (39 clues, Infinity Ring, etc)


My personal opinion (the review): I expected this to be a bit cheesy, bonding with animals and all, but it actually turned out pretty cool. I like that the author didn't make everything easy for the characters.For example, Meilin is frustrated that her spirit animal isn't more of a fighter. Rollan is having trouble bonding with his and he isn't sure about the whole situation anyway. Also, all of the kids are taken from homes they know and understand and must deal with all that that means.   


Warnings
Language: None
Violence: Hand to hand and sword combat
"Adult" situations: None 
Death: Some, mostly glossed over. One of a significant character (not graphic)

Movie rating equivalent: PG-8


Protagonist description:
Rollan: Having grown up in poverty he is kind of shifty, he's not sure he wants to be a part of everything that is happening yet. 
Conor is going to be the brave one who holds everyone's morals up and keeps them honest. 
Meilin: Having been trained by her military father she is confident, quick, and able. She struggles that her Spirit animal isn't exactly what she wants it to be. 
Abeke: We don't know too much about her yet, but she is the most closely connected to her Spirit Animal. 


Point of view of story: Switches between the four main characters. 


Book length: Short


Story flow: Somewhat episodic as it switches between characters


Grammar and spelling issues: None


Character connection (no spoilers): I would like to know more of Tarik's background
Available through Overdrive: Yes

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