Elizabeth R. (esjro) - , reviewed on 6/25/2016 + 948 more book reviews

You may read the description of this book and ask yourself "Do I really need to read another Hunger Games-type reality show/dystopian tale?" In the case of "The Last One," the answer should be "Hell, yeah!"

Twelve contestants are participating in a Survivor style reality show. The story is told in alternating chapters. One chapter focuses on the group as a whole, and the next tells the story of Zoo, a female contestant, after the teams have been disbanded. Interspersed are comments posted by viewers watching the show.

The challenges become more extreme and the contestants are given less help as time goes on, so when the world outside of the game begins falling apart, the players are unaware that their experiences are no longer being controlled by the show's producers.

"The Last One" stands out from other books in the overcrowded genre of dystopian fiction with its strong characterizations and present day setting. The protagonist in particular has very real and adult motives for appearing on the show; this is no YA book, though younger readers will likely enjoy it too because of the fast pacing. If the reader can manage to avoid spoilers before picking up this book, he or she will become immersed in the game, and experience the same shock as Zoo when the real world intervenes.

Highly recommended!

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advanced electronic copy of the manuscript in exchange for an honest review.

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