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kate_ever's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Well, this was an unsettling read, as the world feels like it is descending further into chaos, this kind of situation appears a lot closer to being a possibility which gives the story an extra edge when reading. I shall set aside the terrifying nature of that thought for a second to say that I really enjoyed the story concept.
The mix of an almost end-of-the-world situation, a rural hotel with people from all walks of life and nationalities, dwindling supplies, a body found where it shouldn’t be, and fear of the unknown, creates a wonderfully tense story with a chilling and uneasy atmosphere.
The story is narrated by Jon an academic who decides it prudent to keep a historical record of what happens after the nuclear bombs have hit. I enjoyed exploring the group dynamics through Jon’s eyes, seeing which people gravitated toward each other and how the dynamics shifted as things became more desperate.
The one thing I wasn’t keen on was the mystery of the body found. I appreciated the idea of Jon feeling like he didn’t want this death to be overlooked just because of what else was happening around them, however, I feel like the execution wasn’t quite right.
There were so many other horrors around them that this part of the storyline could have been left out or changed to fit the other situations the hotel was facing. It’s hard to explain without spoiling it but the explanation for what happened felt a little tacked on to the end when there were other opportunities to have Jon pursue these same ideals in a way that would have made more sense considering the rest of the storyline.
I think what really got to me every time I went back to this book was the doubt that came with every decision the characters made. It made me think about how the fear of the unknown can hold us back, and how we all cling to a routine to be able to keep functioning. It is such a thought-provoking story in that way, it was a little daunting thinking about what would I do in that situation.
The Last is a story that I won’t forget in a hurry, it is tense and thrilling with a harrowing atmosphere (although I definitely chuckled at the ending), and clever writing that makes the story authentically chilling.
the_sunken_library's review against another edition
2.0
Although compelling, the ending was really disappointing and unbelievable. It felt lazy. I also disliked the super unsubtle "all men are bad" theme that ran throughout.
kolemich's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lordsunkist's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
cindynapkins's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
rjdey's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
feelingpeachygreen's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
4.0
Semi-reluctant 4*; it's not genre-starting or breaking as a piece of apocalyptic fiction, and it's also not what the blurb describes.
It directly alludes to the big hitters - referencing The Road and The Handmaid's Tale, without ever reaching their heights.
But I did finish it in a huge binge this Sunday, and I enjoyed it too.
It's cosy catastrophe with serious, eerie and creepy elements.
The characters are all deeply unlikeable and the problematic narrator is interesting too - but not dislikable in an enraging way, dislikable in a REAL, human way.
There's also a bizarrely spiritual twist which I quite liked.
You can tell it's written in response to the 2016 election - not a criticism, but it's an American book at its heart, despite the setting.
It directly alludes to the big hitters - referencing The Road and The Handmaid's Tale, without ever reaching their heights.
But I did finish it in a huge binge this Sunday, and I enjoyed it too.
It's cosy catastrophe with serious, eerie and creepy elements.
The characters are all deeply unlikeable and the problematic narrator is interesting too - but not dislikable in an enraging way, dislikable in a REAL, human way.
There's also a bizarrely spiritual twist which I quite liked.
You can tell it's written in response to the 2016 election - not a criticism, but it's an American book at its heart, despite the setting.
jenhurst's review against another edition
3.0
3.5.
I love the idea of a murder mystery and post apocalyptic combined. This was a lot of fun and was fast moving. The ending wasn’t great though.
I love the idea of a murder mystery and post apocalyptic combined. This was a lot of fun and was fast moving. The ending wasn’t great though.