By Lee Bacon
3 Stars
Lee Bacon's The Last Human is a great book on a dystopian future where robots have taken over, and humanity is almost extinct. The plot follows XR_935, a robot who discovers Emma, the last human on Earth, starting off a journey that challenges everything XR_935 has been programmed or commanded to believe.
The book excels in its world-building, painting a great picture of a robot-dominated world with extremely strict rules and an anti-human mentality. Bacon's writing is engaging and fast-paced, making it easy to get lost in the story. The similarities and differences between XR_935 and Emma are particularly compelling, as it explores themes of trust, friendship, teamwork and what it means to be truly alive and happy.
One of the strengths of The Last Human is its ability to balance humour and heart, which is a pretty good combo. The robots' misunderstanding of human culture leads to several laugh-out-loud moments or humorous ones. Yet, the story never shies away from the more profound, emotional beats, making the story an almost perfect balance. This balance makes it an enjoyable read for both younger audiences and adults.
However, the book isn't without its flaws. Some of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped and left in the dark, and a few plot twists are somewhat predictable. Additionally, while the ending is satisfying, it leaves a few threads unresolved, which might frustrate readers looking for complete closure for all characters.
Despite these minor issues, The Last Human is a thought-provoking and entertaining book. It's perfect for fans of middle-grade science fiction and those who enjoy stories about unlikely friendships and challenging societal norms. Bacon's storytelling provides both a thrilling adventure and a subtle commentary on our relationship with technology and each other. Overall, it's a delightful read that will resonate with a broad audience.
Reviewed by Yash
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