Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 04/01/2026 Gr 5–7—In this second "Last Immortals" installment, readers meet Zephyr, a captive-born axolotl living peacefully with his sister Luna until humans drug and transport them for sale as pets. When their vehicle crashes, the siblings' box spills onto the roadside. Zephyr hides under a leaf until rain sweeps him into a lake—but where is Luna? Zephyr's desperate search becomes a survival adventure. He learns to feed himself, evade predators, and discern which wild axolotls are trustworthy. He encounters three factions: the Rebels, led by shady, mobsterlike Jasper, who promises to find Luna if Zephyr becomes his "second" and uses violence to recruit others; the Immortals, led by Ariel, who follow rigid, religiouslike tenets, including prioritizing the group, regeneration of limbs, and attaining immortality; and a small, unaffiliated group avoiding the political nastiness. All agree humans pose the greatest threat through pollution, water toxicity, and deadly algae blooms. This title keeps students reading to discover Luna's fate, which faction prevails, and whether Zephyr's choices keep him safe. The life-or-death action reads like a mystery-crime mob thriller while weaving together ethical and moral themes. The closing "Axolotl Facts" section provides information on this critically endangered, mythic animal. VERDICT Middle grade students will enjoy Zephyr's journey, which combines adventure, ecological themes, and the universal importance of family, friends, and belonging into a compelling narrative.—Ruth Quiroa - Copyright 2026 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.