This is the 6th book in the original Spirit Animals series. This one is written by Eliot Schrefer. There is a period of a few months that go by in the book from the 5th book to this 6th one. This book focuses on Cabaro, who is the Great Lion, and reigns over the kingdom of animals. He fiercely guards his golden talisman and no human has set foot in his territory. The path to get there is nearly impossible. The world is falling apart and the team has scattered all over the place. The hunt for all the talismans has taken its toll on the heros and their spirit animals. They are tired and they have been betrayed. They have to make more sacrifices if they want to finish this journey.

Young readers need to start with the first book in this series or they will not be familiar with the characters or the setting. There is a lot going on in this adventure and you need the backstory. This series has spun off into several similar series, so you have to be careful when purchasing for your school library. This is a good choice for readers who like series and who like animal adventures. There is nothing controversial, but this book is a little sadder than some of the other ones. There are some plot twists and readers will be engaged with the story and the companion website if they choose. It’s a good addition to a upper elementary school library. It will appeal to readers who like books about animals. The covers would make for an attractive display. ( )

Deep in the desert there sits a beautiful oasis, ruled by a monarch unlike any other in Erdas. His name is Cabaro, the Great Lion, and he reigns over a kingdom of animals, jealously guarding his golden talisman. No human has ever set foot in the Great Beast's territory. The journey to his oasis is impossible. As a team, Conor, Abeke, Meilin, and Rollan have achieved the impossible before. But now that team is broken--the friends scattered by a devastating betrayal. The young heroes and their spirit animals have already sacrificed much in their quest for the talismans. But with the world crumbling all around them--and a ruthless enemy opposing their every move--their greatest sacrifices are yet to come.