Book Review: The Last One by Alexandra Oliva

The Last One by Alexandra Oliva is basically Bear Ghrylls meets The Hunger Games in this apocalyptic psychological thriller told through flashback and current events... Astounding !


A reality TV survival show ppits contestants against each other in a series of physical challenges.  Then the contestants are split up and are finally on their own until ultimately a 'winner' is announced.
With a series of flashbacks alternating between the  pre- competition backstories of each contestant and their struggle during the competition slipped in, the main story is told from the point of view of Zoo as she struggles on in 'game' mentality, isolated from the external events that have corrupted the whole process.  This is a harrowing investigation of what might happen in these extreme conditions..
The contrast, witnessed only by the reader, between the contest and the reality give the story an edgy authenticity.  The writing is thrillingly convincing and each clue was placed with chilling precision prompting the reader to pause and question the psychology of Zoo's decisions.
Not my usual sort of read but one I'm really glad I picked up- definitely recommended.
 Available on Amazon kindle £4.99 or PB £7.99 Click here