AUDIO

The Last One

by Alexandra Oliva
10 CDs. 12:30 hrs. Books on Tape. Jul. 2016. ISBN 9780147522665. $45. digital download. F
COPY ISBN
Twelve strangers selected for a wilderness survival challenge with a $1 million prize go in expecting a standard reality-show environment: dramatic but not life or death. Unknown to them, a mysterious disease changes the game into a battle for literal survival. One contestant, Zoo, stumbling through the mostly dead world, interprets the devastation around her as props in a game. Narration alternates between Mike Chamberlain, reading scenes about the contest, and Nicol Zanzarella, the voice of Zoo during her solo journey. While plot and style are strong, the story starts at an inexplicable midpoint of Zoo's challenge, transitions to a group scene near the beginning, and is hard to interpret until at least an hour into the audio.
VERDICT This complicated construction might make some wish to select the print version, although listeners who stick with it will be rewarded with a fine story and excellent performances.
Reviewed by Janet Martin, Southern Pines P.L., NC , Nov 01, 2016
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

MEDIA

The Great Divide
by Henríquez, Cristina
MEDIA

Bride
by Hazelwood, Ali
MEDIA

What Feasts at Night
by Kingfisher, T.
MEDIA

A True Account: Hannah Masury’s Sojourn Amongst the Pyrates, Written by Herself
by Howe, Katherine
MEDIA

Fourteen Days: A Collaborative Novel
by Atwood, Margaret & others
MEDIA

The Black Box: Writing the Race
by Gates Jr., Henry Louis
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?