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The Final Six #1
The Final Six
When Leo, an Italian championship swimmer, and Naomi, a science genius from California, are two of the twenty-four teens drafted into the International Space Training Camp, their lives are forever altered. After erratic climate change has made Earth a dangerous place to live, the fate of the population rests on the shoulders of the final six who will be scouting a new planet. Intense training, global scrutiny, and cutthroat opponents are only a few of the hurdles the contestants must endure in this competition.
For Leo, the prospect of traveling to Europa—Jupiter’s moon—to help resettle humankind is just the sense of purpose he’s been yearning for since losing his entire family in the flooding of Rome. Naomi, after learning of a similar space mission that mysteriously failed, suspects the ISTC isn’t being up front with them about what’s at risk.
As the race to the final six advances, the tests get more challenging—even deadly. With pressure mounting, Naomi finds an unexpected friend in Leo, and the two grow closer with each mind-boggling experience they encounter. But it’s only when the finalists become fewer and their destinies grow nearer that the two can fathom the full weight of everything at stake: the world, the stars, and their lives.
For Leo, the prospect of traveling to Europa—Jupiter’s moon—to help resettle humankind is just the sense of purpose he’s been yearning for since losing his entire family in the flooding of Rome. Naomi, after learning of a similar space mission that mysteriously failed, suspects the ISTC isn’t being up front with them about what’s at risk.
As the race to the final six advances, the tests get more challenging—even deadly. With pressure mounting, Naomi finds an unexpected friend in Leo, and the two grow closer with each mind-boggling experience they encounter. But it’s only when the finalists become fewer and their destinies grow nearer that the two can fathom the full weight of everything at stake: the world, the stars, and their lives.
338 pages, Hardcover
First published March 6, 2018
367 people are currently reading
18170 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Monir
10 books1,690 followersAlexandra Monir, Iranian-American author and recording artist, has published seven popular young adult novels to date, beginning with her internationally-bestselling debut, TIMELESS (a Barnes & Noble Bestseller and an Amazon.com “Best Book of the Month”). She published the hit sci-fi novel THE FINAL SIX with HarperCollins in 2018, with Sony Pictures optioning the film rights in a major pre-empt deal. A sequel, THE LIFE BELOW, followed in 2020 and the series has been published in numerous countries and languages.
Alexandra was recently selected to write the first-ever YA novel about DC Comics superhero Black Canary, joining global bestsellers Leigh Bardugo, Marie Lu, Sarah J. Maas and Matt de la Peña as the fifth author writing for the New York Times-bestselling DC Icons series, published by Penguin Random House. BLACK CANARY: BREAKING SILENCE was released on December 29th, 2020 to rave reviews from critics and comic book fans alike, and a new paperback edition arrives in December 2021. Alexandra was also selected by Disney to write a historical fantasy YA novel about Princess Jasmine, which will publish in Fall 2022 as the third book in The Queen's Council series.
Alexandra is additionally a screenwriter, recording artist and composer, with both screenplay and musical adaptations of her own work in development. Her musical roots run deep, as she is the granddaughter of the late Monir Vakili, Iran’s foremost opera singer. She is a frequent public speaker at book festivals and literary conferences, fan conventions and schools. Alexandra currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, toddler son, and one fluffy Shih Tzu, where she is at work on her next novel.
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AUTHOR LINKS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexandraMon...
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/TimelessAlex
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AlexandraMonir
Alexandra was recently selected to write the first-ever YA novel about DC Comics superhero Black Canary, joining global bestsellers Leigh Bardugo, Marie Lu, Sarah J. Maas and Matt de la Peña as the fifth author writing for the New York Times-bestselling DC Icons series, published by Penguin Random House. BLACK CANARY: BREAKING SILENCE was released on December 29th, 2020 to rave reviews from critics and comic book fans alike, and a new paperback edition arrives in December 2021. Alexandra was also selected by Disney to write a historical fantasy YA novel about Princess Jasmine, which will publish in Fall 2022 as the third book in The Queen's Council series.
Alexandra is additionally a screenwriter, recording artist and composer, with both screenplay and musical adaptations of her own work in development. Her musical roots run deep, as she is the granddaughter of the late Monir Vakili, Iran’s foremost opera singer. She is a frequent public speaker at book festivals and literary conferences, fan conventions and schools. Alexandra currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, toddler son, and one fluffy Shih Tzu, where she is at work on her next novel.
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AUTHOR LINKS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexandraMon...
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/TimelessAlex
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AlexandraMonir
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,126 reviews
May 3, 2018
RATING: 4/5
*I recieved an e-ARC from Edelweiss and HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review*
This is a fast-paced dystopian/sci-fi novel with an interesting concept and a lot of romance.
Our main characters, Leo and Naomi, are competing to become one of The Final Six (teenagers who will be sent to Jupiter's Moon ''Europa'', in hopes of making it a safe place for mankind). In order to be chosen, they'll have to overcome obstacles and pass certain tests.
I really enjoyed this book. I think the plot and the concept were my favorite thing. I also love the main characters. Their interactions were always full of romantic tension and they had some very VERY sweet moments.
Overall, this was really enjoyable, and I definitely recommend you pick it up March 6th, when it releases!
*I recieved an e-ARC from Edelweiss and HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review*
This is a fast-paced dystopian/sci-fi novel with an interesting concept and a lot of romance.
Our main characters, Leo and Naomi, are competing to become one of The Final Six (teenagers who will be sent to Jupiter's Moon ''Europa'', in hopes of making it a safe place for mankind). In order to be chosen, they'll have to overcome obstacles and pass certain tests.
I really enjoyed this book. I think the plot and the concept were my favorite thing. I also love the main characters. Their interactions were always full of romantic tension and they had some very VERY sweet moments.
Overall, this was really enjoyable, and I definitely recommend you pick it up March 6th, when it releases!
August 10, 2018
This was everything I wanted out of this story y’all it was so interesting and my scifi heart is super content 👏🏼 I have to say though the ending did seem a bit rushed and there were some areas I wish had been explored more in depth but I am still looking forward to the next book which I’m sure will be even more exciting to read about :)
February 7, 2025
A decent apocalyptic book- astronaut prep to ready for earths evacuation. 🤨 cliff hanger ending… 🙄
March 27, 2020
There’s some challenges, teen angst, sabotage, alien stuff and kissing!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
April 10, 2018
3.5*
It was a very interesting and emotional story!
It was a very interesting and emotional story!
March 6, 2018
*WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!*
So, I'm not a huge fan of sci-fi.
Sure, I enjoyed reading Your One and Only by Adrianne FInlay and Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, but sci-fi in general is not my type of book? (Ugh what am I talking about please ignore my rambling.)
The cover is so beautiful! I love galaxy backgrounds <3 (My old Wattpad account username was galaxywifi. Apparently galaxy backgrounds and Wi-Fi were two of my favorite things back when I was in the fifth grade.)
To be honest, I didn't really connect with Leo at the beginning. I thought he was living in Ancient Rome (yes, that was how clueless I was), and I did not really know what was going on? When I started reading Naomi's POV I began to understand what was happening and from then on I was hooked. It was hard to put the book down, because I needed to know what happens to Leo and Naomi!
One of my favorite things about The Final Six is that the story is told in multiple POVs. THE MUTUAL PINING HAHAHAHA! I loved reading about Leo and Naomi falling in love with and getting nervous around each other. I LIVE FOR THIS KIND OF STUFF IN BOOKS. <3 I
The setting of this book reminded me of The Hunger Games and Divergent. The selected participants are all very competitive, and they would do ANYTHING to get into the Final Six. + Huge bonus: Diverse characters! The participants are from different parts of the world, and it was fun to get glimpses of their culture when reading about them.
THE CLIFFHANGER ENDING KILLED ME. I was screaming when I reached the end because I NEEDED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT LEO AND NAOMI! I need a sequel. Please. (I was also disappointed because I was actually looking forward to reading about the characters' experiences in space. However, the whole story took place on boring ol' Earth.)
Overall rating
★★★★.5
Diverse characters + space travel + romance. THIS BOOK IS JUST SO GOOD PLEASE GO READ IT.
So, I'm not a huge fan of sci-fi.
Sure, I enjoyed reading Your One and Only by Adrianne FInlay and Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff, but sci-fi in general is not my type of book? (Ugh what am I talking about please ignore my rambling.)
The cover is so beautiful! I love galaxy backgrounds <3 (My old Wattpad account username was galaxywifi. Apparently galaxy backgrounds and Wi-Fi were two of my favorite things back when I was in the fifth grade.)
To be honest, I didn't really connect with Leo at the beginning. I thought he was living in Ancient Rome (yes, that was how clueless I was), and I did not really know what was going on? When I started reading Naomi's POV I began to understand what was happening and from then on I was hooked. It was hard to put the book down, because I needed to know what happens to Leo and Naomi!
One of my favorite things about The Final Six is that the story is told in multiple POVs. THE MUTUAL PINING HAHAHAHA! I loved reading about Leo and Naomi falling in love with and getting nervous around each other. I LIVE FOR THIS KIND OF STUFF IN BOOKS. <3 I
The setting of this book reminded me of The Hunger Games and Divergent. The selected participants are all very competitive, and they would do ANYTHING to get into the Final Six. + Huge bonus: Diverse characters! The participants are from different parts of the world, and it was fun to get glimpses of their culture when reading about them.
THE CLIFFHANGER ENDING KILLED ME. I was screaming when I reached the end because I NEEDED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT LEO AND NAOMI! I need a sequel. Please. (I was also disappointed because I was actually looking forward to reading about the characters' experiences in space. However, the whole story took place on boring ol' Earth.)
Overall rating
★★★★.5
Diverse characters + space travel + romance. THIS BOOK IS JUST SO GOOD PLEASE GO READ IT.
February 18, 2020
When I read the synopsis of The Final Six, I was immediately drawn to the premise. The keywords for me were Space Training Camp, establish colony on Jupiter’s moon Europa, cutthroat atmosphere, Earth is dying... Yea! All of my favorite things to read about!
And I was NOT disappointed! In fact, if it wasn’t for the fact that I had to put the book down to sleep (finally at 2ish am), I would have read it in one sitting.
24 teens are chosen from around the world to begin training for a colonization mission to Europa. The teens are all brilliant in some way and each have something to contribute on this mission. But they are in competition to be one of the final six who are selected for the actual mission.
The story is told from the POVs of two of the selectees, Naomi (the Iranian/American science wunderkid from the USA) and Leo (the Olympic championship swimmer from Italy).
During this first book, we get the Space Training Camp which, for me, was so very cool (picture The Right Stuff with teens) along with “some” science. And just a tiny bit of romance.
Was it perfect? No. Everything was rushed and a little bit unrealistic as to how it could be possible to train for such a mission in weeks. But, it didn’t matter to me as it is "fiction". I loved the storyline and can’t wait to see what happens next.
Also, Sony has optioned the book to make into a movie! Can’t wait for book 2!!
And I was NOT disappointed! In fact, if it wasn’t for the fact that I had to put the book down to sleep (finally at 2ish am), I would have read it in one sitting.
24 teens are chosen from around the world to begin training for a colonization mission to Europa. The teens are all brilliant in some way and each have something to contribute on this mission. But they are in competition to be one of the final six who are selected for the actual mission.
The story is told from the POVs of two of the selectees, Naomi (the Iranian/American science wunderkid from the USA) and Leo (the Olympic championship swimmer from Italy).
During this first book, we get the Space Training Camp which, for me, was so very cool (picture The Right Stuff with teens) along with “some” science. And just a tiny bit of romance.
Was it perfect? No. Everything was rushed and a little bit unrealistic as to how it could be possible to train for such a mission in weeks. But, it didn’t matter to me as it is "fiction". I loved the storyline and can’t wait to see what happens next.
Also, Sony has optioned the book to make into a movie! Can’t wait for book 2!!
July 21, 2018
A fun YA read in the same vein as Nyxia by Reintgen. RTC :)
March 19, 2018
Check out more reviews @ Perspective of a Writer...
Earth is now ravaged with megastorms that beat against the cities on the coasts all around the world. As those cities are flooded one by one, humanity finds they are no longer safe on the earth. Scientists and astronauts work together to prepare a final six for a mission to Jupiter's Moon to terraform a new beginning. When Leo, an Italian championship swimmer, and Naomi, an Iranian science genius from California, are 2 of 24 teenagers drafted for this training, they will have to decide if they will trust those in charge with Earth's final hope...
The short review...
This isn't a new concept... its a classic dystopian setup and yet I am a TOTAL sucker for these kind of stories. If this sounds at all like you then you'll probably enjoy this... that's because the science is actually one of the strongest parts of the story!! Yes, the weaknesses were mostly all due to character and choices by those in charge that flat don't fit what's needed for a terraforming operation. (I.E. many of the dramatic moments were contrived to get a specific outcome.) BUT I just loved the training!! I loved the conditioning that they had to go through... that was a very natural danger.
The dual POV really worked for me this time... I quite LOVED Leo. I loved his excitement and his hope and how he remained a team player the entire time. His love was quite instalove but it offset so perfectly... Everything I hated about Naomi. Now I really wanted to like her, I really did. A smart and savy, caring equalist plus diverse! YES! But she just whined and whined and felt like she was the opposite of everyone else in a contrived way. Even so I respected her to a point UNTIL the end... that was just a mess, it made no story sense and the premise just collapses. It actually made me quite mad, because THE SCIENCE WORKS! IT WORKS!
Cover & Title grade -> B+
Flat out, this cover works. It's about the stars and the typography gives a little character... I can't hate it and it does draw you in some. Knowing the story now, I can see a cover with a space picture of Jupiter's Moon... that is what the story is all about and is the goal of the final six! Though I think the thing that puts me off just a little about the cover is its so serious and feels like a cover for a book that is too close for comfort... I can also envision a hand drawn cover broken into quadrants that showcases some of the best training moments in the book and highlights its robots and the astronaut angle!
Why was I MAD at this book...?
Astronauts are Team Players, damnit!
Okay we as a society are pretty versed in what happens in space because we've seen all the movies... We KNOW in space the only people who would be sent up are TEAM PLAYERS. Even if an individual's skills make him a better candidate, a team player will ALWAYS go before him if he is weak in this area. That's because FACT... if even one person can’t trust another then the mission will probably fail... At the beginning much was made of this fact, but it didn't carry all the way out to the end! Instead of making Leo and Naomi's rivals work TO BE team players and beat them at this, stereotype mean boy tropes were suddenly thrust in at the end.
Why Only Six?! When 12 Teenager Brains are Better?!
Okay so the science worked as science... but it didn't work well with the story... Instead of a MAJOR proponent being the kids reaction to their injections, this was only a deal as a side element, mid story plot development to get rid of one of the draftees. Why not instead, at the end take TWO of each officer (because they both adjusted to the injections)?! Keep them competing who would take first chair and second chair. This is what happens in orchestras all the time. They MUST work together and put aside their differences but they ALSO compete to out perform each other to take that #1 spot. This would have turned the MEAN BOY TROPE on its head and kicked it into outer space!
Naomi Needed to Become an Equal to her Peers...
Okay so Naomi was super science girl, super leader girl, super hacker girl... basically she isn't the best physically but who cares anyway as her job is all the other stuff! AND she was the only one with family! It was her contrived motivation to NOT want to be there... and I don't understand why the "evil" scientists in charge didn't TAKE CARE OF THAT PROBLEM! They did all manner of unethical stuff but giving Naomi a reason to NOT want to stay on earth... why would they do that to their star LEADER who fights them the whole time!? There were convenient storms all the time...
As a Writer...
Stereotypes and worm tropes are a dime a dozen... we see them all the time, even in books that WOW us! They aren't criminals but they do need to be handled with some finesse. Treat them right and they can become stars!! Each one of the trouble ideas in this story had a mishandled trope or stereotype at its core...
NO MORE MEAN BOYS/GIRLS!! Come on!! There is so much just plain old competition with honorable people that can be just as compelling and actually be MORE relatable as teenagers deal with that everyday!
SHOW A BETTER WAY!! Yes, the mean boy/girl trope is great to show a contrast of how we shouldn't be to how we should be... but its very black and white when LIFE IS GREY PEOPLE! No person is just good or just bad (as perfect as Naomi was made to appear), its an ongoing process and as teenagers become adults they need to understand there are other ways we can be... working together as a team, while still wanting to be the best you can IS POSSIBLE!
COMMIT TO YOUR STORY DETAILS! If a character is unethical and has seriously hurt people then they will probably do so again, especially if it worked the first time like it did here. Commit to that, use it to create drama and give REAL MOTIVATIONS to the characters. If injections are what matters for the mission, then commit to the injections! Change some of the science, some of the protocals to fit the plot to make the science work for the greater good of the story!
There are some major missteps in this story, okay I acknowledge them, but I think this dystopia space story has some real potential... This IS a fast paced read and it isn't without drama... If you're willing to wade through a little contrivance I can see book 2 being a space spectacular!
⋆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐⭐ Writing Style
⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐⭐ Plot & Pacing
⋆ ⋆ ⋆ ⭐⭐ World Building
BOTTOM LINE: Dual POV Space Dystopian with a cute instalove Romance!
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It has not influenced my opinions.
______________________
You can find this review and many others on my book blog @ Perspective of a Writer. See my special perspective at the bottom of my reviews under the typewriter...
July 30, 2019
This book is about 24 teens who get drafted into a space training program where the final six will be sent to Jupiters moon in the hopes of making it habitable for a human civilization. With Earth being ravaged by mega storms and a rising tide they're humanities last hope. Our female main character is a science prodigy who's more aware than most the risks involved with this mission and her gut is telling her the mission leaders are hiding something from them. With nothing to go back to and nothing left to lose our other main character is determined to get a spot on the final six.
We get some diverse representation with an Iranian American and Italian main character. I like that they had opposite reactions when they got drafted, but wouldnt it be easier to pick people who actually want to be there. Im sure there was more available candidates that met all their criterias. The two points of view were so similar despite the characters being so different. Without chapter headings Id never be able to tell who we were following and even then I kept getting them mixed up. The main characters were alright, but I wasnt able to connect to them or root for the romance until the last part of the book.
The world building wasnt that believable with all the convenient elements. How they're still getting any electricity with all that water is beyond me. We also get a suicide attempt within the first few pages thats pretty much overcome as soon as they get drafted. Nyxia had a similar plot, but I enjoyed it a whole lot more. I usually find competitions really entertaining, but it took a while for it to interest me in this book. I just kept waiting for them to go off into space and meet some aliens, but at least the AI was a nice surprise. The pace was up and down for me with the first half feeling like it dragged on forever. I think it could have been condensed and added to the second book. With the way things ended I have a feeling Im going to like the sequel more.
*received for review consideration*
We get some diverse representation with an Iranian American and Italian main character. I like that they had opposite reactions when they got drafted, but wouldnt it be easier to pick people who actually want to be there. Im sure there was more available candidates that met all their criterias. The two points of view were so similar despite the characters being so different. Without chapter headings Id never be able to tell who we were following and even then I kept getting them mixed up. The main characters were alright, but I wasnt able to connect to them or root for the romance until the last part of the book.
The world building wasnt that believable with all the convenient elements. How they're still getting any electricity with all that water is beyond me. We also get a suicide attempt within the first few pages thats pretty much overcome as soon as they get drafted. Nyxia had a similar plot, but I enjoyed it a whole lot more. I usually find competitions really entertaining, but it took a while for it to interest me in this book. I just kept waiting for them to go off into space and meet some aliens, but at least the AI was a nice surprise. The pace was up and down for me with the first half feeling like it dragged on forever. I think it could have been condensed and added to the second book. With the way things ended I have a feeling Im going to like the sequel more.
*received for review consideration*
August 16, 2018
3.5 STARS
This was a really fun read. It was a little scary to see how this could be our world someday (nature is uncontrollable and unpredictable and natural disasters are killing people all over the world). I liked the concept of sending people to a space camp to train to get ready to go live on one of Jupitar's moons.
I wish we had gotten to see more of their training, especially with something so important, I feel like it would have taken more time and skills. It seems like they are basically thrown into everything and just have to adapt. I don't know how they are suppose to feel adequate to live on the moon at this point, but that's honestly not the main plot point anyway.
There are two main things happening here: something is suspect is happening at this space center and with this competition. The previous group's trip failed and the details were never released and no one will discuss them. Also the competitors start acting weird. I would have liked to have seen more than 3 examples of this, or even more of the competitors in general. I didn't feel personally attached to really any of them because they weren't given much personality. I couldn't even tell you what all they were looking for for the final team because I didn't know what traits people excelled at.
The other thing happening is a romance. I gotta say, I loved the story up until this romance was introduced. You know immediately it's going to happen, it is kind of instalovey, but nothing is acted on until later. At that point though, it is so over dramatic and unneeded. All it does is distract from the real plot of this (WHAT'S GOING ON WITH JUPITER?!) and make you roll your eyes a lot. They are literally like "omg i will dieeeee for you." Calm yourself, ya'll known each other like 2 weeks.
This book never had a dull moment though. It is fast paced and full of mysteries and action. The end left off on THE BIGGEST CLIFFHANGER OF ALL TIME! I threw my phone down and wondered if I was missing a chapter from my audiobook. I even hit rewind to make sure. NOW I HAVE TO READ THE SECOND ONE.
This was a really fun read. It was a little scary to see how this could be our world someday (nature is uncontrollable and unpredictable and natural disasters are killing people all over the world). I liked the concept of sending people to a space camp to train to get ready to go live on one of Jupitar's moons.
I wish we had gotten to see more of their training, especially with something so important, I feel like it would have taken more time and skills. It seems like they are basically thrown into everything and just have to adapt. I don't know how they are suppose to feel adequate to live on the moon at this point, but that's honestly not the main plot point anyway.
There are two main things happening here: something is suspect is happening at this space center and with this competition. The previous group's trip failed and the details were never released and no one will discuss them. Also the competitors start acting weird. I would have liked to have seen more than 3 examples of this, or even more of the competitors in general. I didn't feel personally attached to really any of them because they weren't given much personality. I couldn't even tell you what all they were looking for for the final team because I didn't know what traits people excelled at.
The other thing happening is a romance. I gotta say, I loved the story up until this romance was introduced. You know immediately it's going to happen, it is kind of instalovey, but nothing is acted on until later. At that point though, it is so over dramatic and unneeded. All it does is distract from the real plot of this (WHAT'S GOING ON WITH JUPITER?!) and make you roll your eyes a lot. They are literally like "omg i will dieeeee for you." Calm yourself, ya'll known each other like 2 weeks.
This book never had a dull moment though. It is fast paced and full of mysteries and action. The end left off on THE BIGGEST CLIFFHANGER OF ALL TIME! I threw my phone down and wondered if I was missing a chapter from my audiobook. I even hit rewind to make sure. NOW I HAVE TO READ THE SECOND ONE.
December 26, 2019
In case you didn't know, the sequel called "The Life Below" is going to be released on February 18th, 2020. Yay!
***
Okay, but I'm just really confused. How's there no sequel announced after this book ends on such a good cliffhanger? I don't understand.
I really enjoyed this book, it was addicting. I loved both the narrators, especially Leo, he's such a sweet guy. And it's also sciency but not that complicated so even I could get most of it.
I'm really hoping for the sequel because this can't be a standalone. Please, don't be a standalone.
***
Okay, but I'm just really confused. How's there no sequel announced after this book ends on such a good cliffhanger? I don't understand.
I really enjoyed this book, it was addicting. I loved both the narrators, especially Leo, he's such a sweet guy. And it's also sciency but not that complicated so even I could get most of it.
I'm really hoping for the sequel because this can't be a standalone. Please, don't be a standalone.
May 4, 2020
three stars ∗ alright, i was genuinely surprised by this book? i went into it not know anything, and just the fact that it’s about nasa and space exploration made me love it so so much!
everything about this book was executed perfectly. i loved the characters (naomi and leo own my heart omg), i loved the writing style, i loved the plot, i loved everything!
my one wish is that it would’ve been told in third person pov rather than first, but overall i’m very satisfied with this book as whole. i’m so glad that it exceeded all my expectations, and i think it pulled me out of my reading slump!!
everything about this book was executed perfectly. i loved the characters (naomi and leo own my heart omg), i loved the writing style, i loved the plot, i loved everything!
my one wish is that it would’ve been told in third person pov rather than first, but overall i’m very satisfied with this book as whole. i’m so glad that it exceeded all my expectations, and i think it pulled me out of my reading slump!!
February 21, 2020
February 21, 2020:
➝ Sum it up in points!
✔ twenty-four teens compete to be the final six
✔ space mission to Jupiter's moon
✔ racial diversity
✔ desperate for survival
✔ shocking extraterrestrial revelations
The Final Six brilliantly paces the world ending due to catastrophic natural disasters and the possibility of a setting a new world on the largest planet's moon. It sets up a diverse array of teenagers selected from different countries, with individual abilities that are beneficial to the overall program, competing to be the final six who would aboard the spaceship to this moon. The stress and pressure is felt throughout the story and the truths are surprising but the emotional impact is lacking. The romance is almost laid on an insta-love trope and that doesn't allow the protagonists to be viewed as a unit. Though, the cliffhanger is definitely captivating and is bound to make you pick up the next book.
➝ Trigger Warnings
✔ suicide attempt by drowning
✔ family separation
✔ living in rationed settings
✔ chronically ill sibling
✔ natural disasters, apocalyptic situations
December 23, 2019: Ah, as a science fiction lover, I need to read this.
March 29, 2019
Çok güzeldi,çok sevdim 2.kitabı keşke hemen çıksaydı (2020 de yurtdışında çıkacak ,muhtemelen yazar daha yazmadı bile...burda ne zaman çıkar belli degil) YA kitabı,karakterler 17 yaşında o yüzden inandırıcılığını zaman zaman sorgulasam da tam benlik bir kitaptı...veeee aşk üçgenini YOKKK... daha ne olsun😍4,5 tan 5...şu yaşları 20 küsür yapsalar ne iyi olacak...Leo, tatlisim bir tanesin😍
Not:Bu kitapta olaylar dünyada yaşanıyor, uzaya firlatilmalariyla kitap bitiyor...2.kitap uzay yolculuğunda yaşananlar mi yoksa gittikleri uyduda mı olur çok merak ediyorum, inşallah yazar bu çıtanın altına düşmez aksine daha iyi bir kitap yazar🤗
Not:Bu kitapta olaylar dünyada yaşanıyor, uzaya firlatilmalariyla kitap bitiyor...2.kitap uzay yolculuğunda yaşananlar mi yoksa gittikleri uyduda mı olur çok merak ediyorum, inşallah yazar bu çıtanın altına düşmez aksine daha iyi bir kitap yazar🤗
September 28, 2018
3.5 stars
April 21, 2018
I had a hard time getting into this book, to the point that I did not like it. At all.
I mean, sure, I read this book in three days, but the more I read, the more I didn't like it. Is it an interesting idea? Absolutely. A book about a group of teenagers trying to start a settlement on Jupiter's moon sounds cool. But this book just didn't work for me.
One of my biggest issues were the narrators. The Final Six follows two teens, Naomi and Leo, as they go through training at the ISTC.
For starters, their chapters/sections sound EXACTLY the same. The 24 teens are divided into different groups, and of course, Naomi and Leo are on the same team. It makes no sense to have both of them narrate, at least for most of the book. It isn't until the end of the book where it made sense to see two different perspective. Are they doing different things for most of the book? No, they most certainly were not. They're together for most of the book, especially with the training exercises, and that is what a lot of the books are.
Their chapters sounded exactly the same, and if it weren't for the header of Leo or Naomi, I wouldn't know who we were supposed to be following. Not that it would have made a difference, because there was no shift in perspective. Well, for the most part. The few times they aren't together...let's just say that even when they're not together, there isn't much difference between their voices.
And the other thing with the narration is this: for the most part, each chapter focuses on either Leo or Naomi. There are times at the beginning where we change narrators mid-chapter. Thankfully, that was just at the beginning, when we're still figuring out what's going on, and we're seeing how they're dealing with being drafted into this program. It was jarring, though, and really put me off of the narration.
It didn't help that I didn't care for Naomi or Leo. Or any of the other characters. But especially them, since we see them the most. I get Naomi wanted to take care of her brother, and didn't want to leave him or her family, but I also didn't like how she seemed to hate having to go. I mean, I get it, but you were chosen, and it doesn't mean you'll be part of the final six. It's a stark comparison to most of the other 24, who have nothing to return to if they're not selected. Like Leo. I get he didn't want to go back to Italy, and that being selected meant everything to him, but in case, it did get tiring. Instead of feeling sympathy, I felt irritated at how whiny they seemed.
There were some twists, but if I'm being honest, I had a hard time caring about anything. I didn't care about some of the reveals, or some of the things that were hinted at.
And that ending! At first, when I finished it, I was thinking that I wasn't sure if I was interested in continuing with the series. I really hated this book, and that is not something I say lightly. But I was curious about what would happen next...and to my surprise, this book seems like a stand alone. It is weird, because it seemed like it was setting up for future books, and it ends on a note that would make you think that there is more to come. And yet, there is no series information, which makes me think this was a stand alone.
Though I probably wouldn't continue with a series, it really felt like a first book to me. I've read (and started) more than my fair share of series, and this book gave off a first book vibe. So either series information isn't out yet, or it might be coming, or it's a stand alone. I'm actually not sure where I'm going with this, but I did finish the book feeling like there should have been more answers if it is indeed a stand alone.
My Rating: 1 star. I feel like my rating isn't a surprise at this point, and if you, for some reason, didn't pick up on this, I didn't like The Final Six. It's a cool idea, but if you like people settling on a different planet (or moon, in this case), Across The Universe is a much better book to read.
I mean, sure, I read this book in three days, but the more I read, the more I didn't like it. Is it an interesting idea? Absolutely. A book about a group of teenagers trying to start a settlement on Jupiter's moon sounds cool. But this book just didn't work for me.
One of my biggest issues were the narrators. The Final Six follows two teens, Naomi and Leo, as they go through training at the ISTC.
For starters, their chapters/sections sound EXACTLY the same. The 24 teens are divided into different groups, and of course, Naomi and Leo are on the same team. It makes no sense to have both of them narrate, at least for most of the book. It isn't until the end of the book where it made sense to see two different perspective. Are they doing different things for most of the book? No, they most certainly were not. They're together for most of the book, especially with the training exercises, and that is what a lot of the books are.
Their chapters sounded exactly the same, and if it weren't for the header of Leo or Naomi, I wouldn't know who we were supposed to be following. Not that it would have made a difference, because there was no shift in perspective. Well, for the most part. The few times they aren't together...let's just say that even when they're not together, there isn't much difference between their voices.
And the other thing with the narration is this: for the most part, each chapter focuses on either Leo or Naomi. There are times at the beginning where we change narrators mid-chapter. Thankfully, that was just at the beginning, when we're still figuring out what's going on, and we're seeing how they're dealing with being drafted into this program. It was jarring, though, and really put me off of the narration.
It didn't help that I didn't care for Naomi or Leo. Or any of the other characters. But especially them, since we see them the most. I get Naomi wanted to take care of her brother, and didn't want to leave him or her family, but I also didn't like how she seemed to hate having to go. I mean, I get it, but you were chosen, and it doesn't mean you'll be part of the final six. It's a stark comparison to most of the other 24, who have nothing to return to if they're not selected. Like Leo. I get he didn't want to go back to Italy, and that being selected meant everything to him, but in case, it did get tiring. Instead of feeling sympathy, I felt irritated at how whiny they seemed.
There were some twists, but if I'm being honest, I had a hard time caring about anything. I didn't care about some of the reveals, or some of the things that were hinted at.
And that ending! At first, when I finished it, I was thinking that I wasn't sure if I was interested in continuing with the series. I really hated this book, and that is not something I say lightly. But I was curious about what would happen next...and to my surprise, this book seems like a stand alone. It is weird, because it seemed like it was setting up for future books, and it ends on a note that would make you think that there is more to come. And yet, there is no series information, which makes me think this was a stand alone.
Though I probably wouldn't continue with a series, it really felt like a first book to me. I've read (and started) more than my fair share of series, and this book gave off a first book vibe. So either series information isn't out yet, or it might be coming, or it's a stand alone. I'm actually not sure where I'm going with this, but I did finish the book feeling like there should have been more answers if it is indeed a stand alone.
My Rating: 1 star. I feel like my rating isn't a surprise at this point, and if you, for some reason, didn't pick up on this, I didn't like The Final Six. It's a cool idea, but if you like people settling on a different planet (or moon, in this case), Across The Universe is a much better book to read.
April 15, 2018
I flew, I mean legit FLEW, through this. One day, 24 hours, that’s how long it took and not because it was a small book. I still cannot believe how fast I read it. It was BRILLIANT!
I dig space shit. Besides fantasy stuff like kingdoms and witches and dragons, sci-fi is my go-to genre. Especially the ones that are set in other planets or about trying to go to other planets. The Final Six is about 24 teens are chosen in a draft to train for a space mission to colonize one of Jupiter’s moons Europa after the Earth is quickly becoming uninhabitable. It’s gonna have a sequel because by the end of the book, the final six out of the twenty four are just leaving Earth and starting their mission.
It’s so incredibly easy to read. It’s captivating and the bigger questions about Europa, alien life, the science community’s ulterior motives and the secrets they’ve been keeping make things exciting. The romance plays seamlessly into the story and Leo and Naomi as well as the supporting characters are well-written and worth-rooting for.
The 24 and ultimately, the Final Six were not told everything about this dangerous mission before they left and when they reach the moon they’re sure gonna find out.
The cliffhanger was awesome and I’m super hyped about the sequel!
December 28, 2017
Climate change has wrecked Earth, so twenty-four teens from around the globe are chosen to compete for a slot in the shuttle that will go to Europa with hopes of establishing a human settlement there. Told from the perspectives of Leo, an Italian swimmer recently orphaned when Italy went underwater, and Naomi, an Iranian-American science nerd from California who is suspicious of this entire mission.
What I Liked: The premise is kind of interesting. I was intrigued to see what would happen - how the future astronauts would be trained, what they would be doing on Europa, the competition and cooperation between teens from very different cultures, etc. etc. I didn't even mind the Hunger Games-esque feel of the competition because, unlike the Hunger Games, the teens here weren't going to die if they lost.
What I Didn't Like:
1. Character development: We get to meet very few of the twenty-four teens in this competition, and that makes sense since most of them will be weeded out, right? But of the final six teens, we only really know two of them. The rest are mysteries. It was like, "Here's THIS IMPORTANT PERSON and THIS OTHER IMPORTANT PERSON and, well, these other people we don't care about at all even though the fate of humanity rests in their hands."
2. Captain Planet feel: The world is screwed. I get it. It's humanity's fault - I get that, too. But there have been other books with that same message that didn't feel as preach-y. We didn't get enough world-building to feel like we actually knew what had happened to the earth, but there were plenty of mentions of the fact that humans were the ones who wrecked it.
3. Romantic Sub-Plot: Two of the characters fall in love - we are led to believe this is because they are teens who just CAN'T HELP THEMSELVES when in the presence of a member of the opposite sex. They think they're awesome at hiding their relationship, but it ends up compromising the overall mission.
4. Unrealistic "training:" It is understandable that their training is going to be condensed due to time constraints, and certainly no one wants to read page after page of detailed descriptions of all of their training exercises. However, there was very little instruction given to them aside from "trust these robots we're sending with you because that will totally help." Their training is more like evaluation/competition, which makes sense within the overall plot except for the fact that six of these teens are going to be responsible for establishing a home for humanity in space.
5. Lack of actual diversity: Aside from Naomi, who is Iranian-American, the rest of the cast is as neurotypical allo/cis/het as can be. There are characters from other countries, but they were required to speak English to even be a part of this competition, so the fact that they're from other countries barely factors in. The book is entirely focused on the two Americans and one Italian in the competition and ignores everyone else.
6. Lack of compelling plot: When I read The Hunger Games or any other dystopian story, I am engrossed in both the world-building and in the plot - trying to discover who is going to live and how they will survive, etc. etc. With this book I was continually checking the status bar on my Kindle to see when I'd be done. Had I had a paper copy, I'd have been skimming chapters to finish faster.
The premise behind this story is really interesting; unfortunately, it was a disappointment. As my small library has an equally small budget for new teen materials, I will not be adding this one to our collection.
Recommended for: teens
Red Flags: To use cinema terms, I'll say "mild peril" as characters are often in dangerous situations.
Overall Rating: 2/5 stars
Read-Alikes: Dangerous by Shannon Hale, Across the Universe by Beth Revis
What I Liked: The premise is kind of interesting. I was intrigued to see what would happen - how the future astronauts would be trained, what they would be doing on Europa, the competition and cooperation between teens from very different cultures, etc. etc. I didn't even mind the Hunger Games-esque feel of the competition because, unlike the Hunger Games, the teens here weren't going to die if they lost.
What I Didn't Like:
1. Character development: We get to meet very few of the twenty-four teens in this competition, and that makes sense since most of them will be weeded out, right? But of the final six teens, we only really know two of them. The rest are mysteries. It was like, "Here's THIS IMPORTANT PERSON and THIS OTHER IMPORTANT PERSON and, well, these other people we don't care about at all even though the fate of humanity rests in their hands."
2. Captain Planet feel: The world is screwed. I get it. It's humanity's fault - I get that, too. But there have been other books with that same message that didn't feel as preach-y. We didn't get enough world-building to feel like we actually knew what had happened to the earth, but there were plenty of mentions of the fact that humans were the ones who wrecked it.
3. Romantic Sub-Plot: Two of the characters fall in love - we are led to believe this is because they are teens who just CAN'T HELP THEMSELVES when in the presence of a member of the opposite sex. They think they're awesome at hiding their relationship, but it ends up compromising the overall mission.
4. Unrealistic "training:" It is understandable that their training is going to be condensed due to time constraints, and certainly no one wants to read page after page of detailed descriptions of all of their training exercises. However, there was very little instruction given to them aside from "trust these robots we're sending with you because that will totally help." Their training is more like evaluation/competition, which makes sense within the overall plot except for the fact that six of these teens are going to be responsible for establishing a home for humanity in space.
5. Lack of actual diversity: Aside from Naomi, who is Iranian-American, the rest of the cast is as neurotypical allo/cis/het as can be. There are characters from other countries, but they were required to speak English to even be a part of this competition, so the fact that they're from other countries barely factors in. The book is entirely focused on the two Americans and one Italian in the competition and ignores everyone else.
6. Lack of compelling plot: When I read The Hunger Games or any other dystopian story, I am engrossed in both the world-building and in the plot - trying to discover who is going to live and how they will survive, etc. etc. With this book I was continually checking the status bar on my Kindle to see when I'd be done. Had I had a paper copy, I'd have been skimming chapters to finish faster.
The premise behind this story is really interesting; unfortunately, it was a disappointment. As my small library has an equally small budget for new teen materials, I will not be adding this one to our collection.
Recommended for: teens
Red Flags: To use cinema terms, I'll say "mild peril" as characters are often in dangerous situations.
Overall Rating: 2/5 stars
Read-Alikes: Dangerous by Shannon Hale, Across the Universe by Beth Revis
November 4, 2023
If I had to describe this book in one word it would be: average.
Here is a list of meh things:
1. Don't let the summary deceive you like me - this ISN'T a tense book and it DOESN'T involve space, at all *you can just feel the disappointment* The summary mentions stuff like "fate of the world rests on their shoulders"; "intense training"; "deadly"; "challenging"; "lives at stake"...and I only have one question...WHERE IS IT??? Not once did I feel like the characters were in danger or what they were doing was important, like they were saving the world or whatever. There are mentions of these tests and basically a lot of telling instead of showing. There was one "challenging" and "deadly" test which lasted like 28 seconds and that was it.
2. Insta-love. Unfortunately, the insta-love plague continues. HOWEVER, even though it was 80% insta-love, the whole romance doesn't take a large portion of the book. There was so little romance I started to wonder how and why they are together. XD There were a couple of cute but more friendly scenes where they help each other and then suddenly they are kissing and have feelings for each other...like what? When did this happen?
3. Diversity of characters is one of my fave parts of this book. Naomi is from Iran, Leo from Italy and of course, there are a bunch of other people from different countries. But I feel like the author should have explored these cultures a bit more. The main focus was on Naomi and Leo, but even with them, their cultures are not that represented. And I think other characters should've gotten more "screen-time."
4. Naomi was completely inconsistent. This whole time she was saying how she doesn't want to be in the Final Six and then in the last 30% of the book she changes her mind. There was a reason mentioned, but it wasn't very convincing and I don't think normal people change their minds so easily when it comes to situations like this. Also, she is constantly being labeled as some scientific/tech genius but we don't get to see it.
5. Mystery. Is there one at all? Maybe I read too many books and now I'm expecting too much, but when I read this summary I thought there would be at least one shocking secret these space program people are keeping. Naomi decided to discover what they were hiding, and when she did I was utterly disappointed. I didn't find that interesting at all. Maybe it's because the author doesn't really know how to built up tension and have shocking reveals, or it's because as I said before, I've read a LOT of books like this XD
6. The ending. If this wasn't one of the prime examples of ridiculous endings then I don't know what is. Something happens which is conveniently just what the MC need so he can continue his mission. Even though this thing wasn't even mentioned before, suddenly it's here just in time to help and create a cliff-hanger. How convenient.
I'm not gonna lie, this book was fun to read because it's not that long and the writing is simple (and sci-fi is my go-to genre). At first I really liked the characters and I thought they are going to be amazing, but then I was disappointed because of the insta-love, lack of promised action and tension and other things. To sum up, this book was completely average, and you're not missing much if you don't read it.
Here is a list of meh things:
1. Don't let the summary deceive you like me - this ISN'T a tense book and it DOESN'T involve space, at all *you can just feel the disappointment* The summary mentions stuff like "fate of the world rests on their shoulders"; "intense training"; "deadly"; "challenging"; "lives at stake"...and I only have one question...WHERE IS IT??? Not once did I feel like the characters were in danger or what they were doing was important, like they were saving the world or whatever. There are mentions of these tests and basically a lot of telling instead of showing. There was one "challenging" and "deadly" test which lasted like 28 seconds and that was it.
2. Insta-love. Unfortunately, the insta-love plague continues. HOWEVER, even though it was 80% insta-love, the whole romance doesn't take a large portion of the book. There was so little romance I started to wonder how and why they are together. XD There were a couple of cute but more friendly scenes where they help each other and then suddenly they are kissing and have feelings for each other...like what? When did this happen?
3. Diversity of characters is one of my fave parts of this book. Naomi is from Iran, Leo from Italy and of course, there are a bunch of other people from different countries. But I feel like the author should have explored these cultures a bit more. The main focus was on Naomi and Leo, but even with them, their cultures are not that represented. And I think other characters should've gotten more "screen-time."
4. Naomi was completely inconsistent. This whole time she was saying how she doesn't want to be in the Final Six and then in the last 30% of the book she changes her mind. There was a reason mentioned, but it wasn't very convincing and I don't think normal people change their minds so easily when it comes to situations like this. Also, she is constantly being labeled as some scientific/tech genius but we don't get to see it.
5. Mystery. Is there one at all? Maybe I read too many books and now I'm expecting too much, but when I read this summary I thought there would be at least one shocking secret these space program people are keeping. Naomi decided to discover what they were hiding, and when she did I was utterly disappointed. I didn't find that interesting at all. Maybe it's because the author doesn't really know how to built up tension and have shocking reveals, or it's because as I said before, I've read a LOT of books like this XD
6. The ending. If this wasn't one of the prime examples of ridiculous endings then I don't know what is. Something happens which is conveniently just what the MC need so he can continue his mission. Even though this thing wasn't even mentioned before, suddenly it's here just in time to help and create a cliff-hanger. How convenient.
I'm not gonna lie, this book was fun to read because it's not that long and the writing is simple (and sci-fi is my go-to genre). At first I really liked the characters and I thought they are going to be amazing, but then I was disappointed because of the insta-love, lack of promised action and tension and other things. To sum up, this book was completely average, and you're not missing much if you don't read it.
March 30, 2021
The characters in the book are pretty awesome. Naomi is brilliant. She really loves, and lives for, her little brother who has a heart condition. Her whole life has been trying to figure out a cure for his heart and stay with her brother. Being drafted isn’t anything she is interested in. Her goal in the competition is to be sent home to her family.
Leo, like many kids in the competition has nothing to go home to. His whole family was killed by a Tsunami. He hopes to be one of the ones going to Europa so that he can make his country proud. The competition gives him something to live and strive for.
Despite their different views about the competition, Naomi and Leo share a connection. With only each other to rely on and trust in the competition, they both set out to learn more about where they are going and the motivation for ISTC. This leads them down some dangerous paths.
There were a lot of nerdy science fiction elements to this story. Earth itself is being plagued by storms and it is hard to imagine our planet like that. The competition the draftees are placed in shows off some new technology along with actual robots helping to make the selections. I loved reading about the virtual reality scenes as well as the ones that took place underwater.
I liked Leo and Naomi together. They were both driven and ambitious. Their friendship-to-romance is fun to read about and a great pace. The other candidates all have interesting back stories, but Leo and Naomi were the main focus of this story. I loved the action and suspense of the competition along with the descriptive scenes in this book. I had no problem picturing the characters. I also really loved the diversity in this story as the characters come from all over the world.
There were a few surprising twists in this story. I am actually shocked about the ending and need the next book right now. There were a few obvious coincidences in this book that were kind of cheating. This book reminds me so much of NYXIA by Scott Reintgen, and although I liked THE FINAL SIX, it wasn’t quite as well executed. Overall the pacing and suspense kept me turning pages and I enjoyed this story.
April 7, 2019
Enerzijds was ‘De laatste zes’ precies waar ik zin in had: een eenvoudig vlot lezend boek voor tussendoor. De setting van onze planeet verwoest door water - als gevolg van klimaatverandering is heel interessant en actueel. Anderzijds zit het boek bomvol clichés. Vanaf de eerste keer dat twee personages elkaar in de ogen kijken zijn ze verliefd op elkaar (blegh), een groep jongeren komt terecht in een trainingsprogramma waar ondertussen mensen afvallen, iemand ontdekt dat ze niet de hele waarheid te horen krijgen, .. Allemaal elementen die ik al zo vaak gelezen heb in YA boeken. Anderzijds zijn er ook pluspunten: het hoofdpersonage, de Iraans-Amerikaanse Naomi is verzot op technologie en wetenschap. Ze kan programmeren in python en weet enorm veel van ruimtevaart. Het is voor mij altijd een plus als vrouwelijke personages aan dergelijke competenties gelinkt worden! Al zijn sommige personages misschien net iets te perfect - terwijl anderen dan juist te veel de slechterik zijn. Iets meer diepgang en karakterontwikkeling was fijn geweest. Tot slot vond ik overigens de selectie ook behoorlijk voorspelbaar, in beide rondes. Desalniettemin ben ik ontzettend benieuwd naar het vervolg!
Mijn complete recensie lees je op Oog op de Toekomst.
Mijn complete recensie lees je op Oog op de Toekomst.
June 1, 2019
En realidad un 3,5.
No esperaba mucho de este libro porque había leído opiniones regulares, pero a mí me ha sorprendido muy gratamente y aunque se nota que es un comienzo de trilogía ha conseguido engancharme y que pasé un muy buen rato de lectura, así que estoy deseando que Del nuevo extremo traiga el resto de la saga.
Y es que esta primera toma de contacto nos pone en situación, nos muestra el mundo desolado que rodea a los protagonistas, conocemos las intenciones y motivaciones de Leo y Naomi y del resto de aspirantes, los lazos que se van forjando entre todos ellos y lo que les espera en Europa. Puede parecer poco atrayente en principio, pero me ha gustado como se ha ido desarrollando todo, el universo creado por la autora es interesante y aunque sea un poco introductorio tiene grandes dosis de intrigas, secretos y alguna que otra traición, su buena parte de ciencia ficción y algo de romance que equilibra la balanza. A parte se van combinando los capítulos de ambos personajes principales, hay mucho diálogo, descripciones justas y detalladas y Alexandra Monir narran de manera sencilla y directa, así que es sumamente fácil picarse y no parar de leer hasta terminarlo.
RESEÑA COMPLETA: https://letraslibrosymas.blogspot.com...
No esperaba mucho de este libro porque había leído opiniones regulares, pero a mí me ha sorprendido muy gratamente y aunque se nota que es un comienzo de trilogía ha conseguido engancharme y que pasé un muy buen rato de lectura, así que estoy deseando que Del nuevo extremo traiga el resto de la saga.
Y es que esta primera toma de contacto nos pone en situación, nos muestra el mundo desolado que rodea a los protagonistas, conocemos las intenciones y motivaciones de Leo y Naomi y del resto de aspirantes, los lazos que se van forjando entre todos ellos y lo que les espera en Europa. Puede parecer poco atrayente en principio, pero me ha gustado como se ha ido desarrollando todo, el universo creado por la autora es interesante y aunque sea un poco introductorio tiene grandes dosis de intrigas, secretos y alguna que otra traición, su buena parte de ciencia ficción y algo de romance que equilibra la balanza. A parte se van combinando los capítulos de ambos personajes principales, hay mucho diálogo, descripciones justas y detalladas y Alexandra Monir narran de manera sencilla y directa, así que es sumamente fácil picarse y no parar de leer hasta terminarlo.
RESEÑA COMPLETA: https://letraslibrosymas.blogspot.com...
July 25, 2018
Fun read with a Hunger Games/Divergent vibe and some twists thrown in. Can’t wait to read the next book! Ugh, that ending!
December 29, 2020
3.5 stars. While the plot of this book is good the story sometimes seems too simple and I feel like I have read this book many times before (disaster on earth, teens chosen to go to space, teen romance, one goes psycho, plot twist and repeat). If I’m only judging this book without regard of those other books then the story kept me reading and the flow of the story makes it very easy to read, I’m sorry to say I don’t like the main character Naomi, because what she considers “secrets” are common knowledge....in a situation like what this book portrays it’s expected that a government will keep secrets and will not tell the public everything ...so I’m sorry that I don’t feel the need to scream “conspiracy theorist” on this one thereby negating the whole plot of her character. I did like Leo and his attitude towards the trip and his assessment of his reality (even if it’s dangerous it is better there than here) ..interested in reading the sequel but not in any hurry.
May 23, 2018
Twenty-four teenagers from an earth badly suffering from climate change are chosen as potential crew on a mission to Europa. Jupiter's moon has been chosen as potential future habitat for humanity, given that Earth has been used up.
Given that we are depleting resources and polluting the very Earth we depend on to feed us, the underlying theme of the book - an uninhabitable planet - feels urgent and relevant. The beginning of the book is thus quite promising. It does not hold up.
I had of course hoped for some kind of space adventure after the initial training was done - but by a third of the book or so, I realized that this was a futile wish. There is a mystery, of sorts, in regards to mission training that is resolved, but it is predictable. I had hoped for more.
Given that we are depleting resources and polluting the very Earth we depend on to feed us, the underlying theme of the book - an uninhabitable planet - feels urgent and relevant. The beginning of the book is thus quite promising. It does not hold up.
I had of course hoped for some kind of space adventure after the initial training was done - but by a third of the book or so, I realized that this was a futile wish. There is a mystery, of sorts, in regards to mission training that is resolved, but it is predictable. I had hoped for more.
May 12, 2020
oh. my. god.
wow that was actually really good.
and the fact that it had an actual sci-fi (although not really fiction...) plot presented as a dystopia, with only a romance sub-plot, and not the other way around... yay!!
to conclude, as quite beautifully stated on epic reads:
Oh, climate change destroying the earth and affecting its ability to sustain humanity. That’s not at all a terrifying possible future! *laughs in uncomfortable fear but continues reading this book because it’s so good*
wow that was actually really good.
and the fact that it had an actual sci-fi (although not really fiction...) plot presented as a dystopia, with only a romance sub-plot, and not the other way around... yay!!
to conclude, as quite beautifully stated on epic reads:
Oh, climate change destroying the earth and affecting its ability to sustain humanity. That’s not at all a terrifying possible future! *laughs in uncomfortable fear but continues reading this book because it’s so good*
dnf
April 11, 2020DNF at 40%.
I just couldn't get into this.
I just couldn't get into this.
April 4, 2018
***3.5 STARS***
Which means I enjoyed my time with this book/characters & the premise isn't too far fetched at all given our current climate but it left some things to be desired ...Full RTC on Lair Of Books (Link is in the bio)
*HUGE thanks to HarperTeen, Edelweiss & Alexandra Monir for the ARC copy ofThe Final Six
UPDATE: FINAL REVIEW MAY ALSO BE VIEWED ON MY BLOG LAIR OF BOOKS
MY REVIEW
March was the month of Sci-Fi for this little bookworm & I really had a blast spending time with one of my fave genres. After reading Scott Reintgen’s Nyxia last year, falling head over heels for the Illuminae files, and being blessed with Pierce Brown’s Iron Gold… I decided reading all Sc-Fi is vital in my life. I caught wind of The Final Six & immediately jumped to request a galley from Harper in hopes of finding my next beloved crew of characters. There was SOOO much good packed into this book but it wasn’t without it’s flaws. If you’ve been around my blog for a bit, you know 3.5 stars means I enjoyed the story & still very much recommend the read. As a matter of fact I hear this isn’t a stand-alone anymore & a sequel is in the works. Also on the horizon is the film adaptation acquired by Sony see here. So it’s definitely one filled with potential & I’m actually very interested in seeing the next chapter in this space adventure after THAT ending *eyes wide open*…
Humans at war against the environment, this is a story that takes place in our present day world with one very sobering difference…Climate change is no longer being challenged as fiction. Natural disasters have led to the Earth being practically inundated with water. Tsunamis are now a natural occurrence & the world is desperate for space exploration to bear fruit. The Earth is becoming increasingly uninhabitable, food is scarce, and families are being torn apart by the destruction. To say I wasn’t thinking of our current state of climate all along while reading this book would be untruthful. I appreciated this topic being explored in a YA book since it’s one currently being silenced in our real world. I also found interesting how close it stayed to actual events like El Niño and the effects felt around the world many years later. In many ways it can be compared to many other post apocalyptic books currently on the shelves but I felt the authors efforts to have it parallel our present day situation with climate change, makes this one stand apart from the majority. Sobering in many ways because I could see this actually happening versus the zombie apocalypse (I haven’t quite completely ruled this out haha!) that is a bit far fetched.
The Mission: The Final Six will establish a civilization on Jupiter’s Moon Europa
Told in multiple POV’s, we get the story from our two protagonists Naomi & Leo. Naomi is Iranian American & her area of study is science (major kudos for giving us women in STEM), she is one of the 12 recruited to compete for a position as one of the final six to join the space program. Naomi is also the only candidate whose family is still intact, both father & mother are alive as well as a little brother. Leo is a Italian Olympic medal Swimmer who lost his parents and sister to a natural disaster. Up until the moment he is recruited, he was scavenging the personal belongings of his neighbors (now currently under water) in order to survive. For Leo, the call to compete for a spot on the final six is a lifeline he is more than happy to take. Feeling like he has nothing to lose, we meet Leo at his very lowest point. Leo is my favorite character in this book because he’s a survivor who is willing to fight for a second chance at life. He could’ve been moping around the entire book because his entire family was wiped out but instead he chose to go hard for Italy & the love for his country jumps off the page.
Naomi on the other hand is what you’d call a unlikeable character & that’s ok, it wouldn’t be interesting if everyone carried the same personality so I always tend to appreciate these characters. Naomi is a Scientist & true to her field of study she is also a skeptic. She is NOT at all enthused over being selected & would much rather stay on Earth looking for a cure to help her sick little brother. Deciding very early on to self sabotage her chances on making the final six, only to find that the head Scientists in charge have already thought of this. This isn’t a voluntary thing, you are given no choice and being selected means that those who do have loved ones will not see them for years to come. I thought Naomi was seriously bad a** just off the strength that she’s a young woman in STEM doing her thing with a patent pending. However, I could’ve done with less selfishness from this character. I loved that she wasn’t naive & saw right through certain things but the reality is that Earth is about to be fully under water. She was selected for her brilliant mind & putting the seedy things governments tend to hide aside, a real asset to a team entrusted to start anew. Also, her teammates are in danger and she seems to be the only one aware but she’s still trying to ditch them for about 80% of the book. This book also falls into the insta-love trope & I wasn’t the biggest fan because Naomi’s selfishness seeped into it placing Leo in harms way one time too many.I wasn’t too focused on world building this time around since our setting is literally mostly under water and it’s as grim as it gets folks. This being said, I was expecting to get some really fleshed out characters since there are 12 candidates to begin with. These 12 were to go through some challenges that would narrow the crew to 6. I didn’t get the camraderie I was hoping to get, which is probably the only thing I was really counting on. We did see the expected internal competitiveness between our MC’s & other candidates but the antagonists themselves weren’t fleshed out either. The challenges themselves weren’t detailed with the exception of one. I feel showing the readers some of what the candidates had to overcome would’ve enhanced this story & also given us some camaraderie. Especially when faced with a government that is hiding many secrets placing all their lives in harms way.
The last 30% of the story took a very interesting turn that left me very intrigued on how this story would end. At the time, I believed this to be a stand-alone & after a quick google search found that a sequel was in the works. This made me relax a bit since I feared being left in the lurch right when things were taking off. The Final Six was fast paced & very easy to digest in two sittings & after THAT ending, my guess is that the sequel will take off running at the same speed. My only hope for the sequel is that we get more fleshed out side characters. After all these personalities will be the basis for which a new civilization is established on Jupiter’s Moon. On that note, I’m giving major kudos to the author for selecting candidates not only for their skill set but for their diverse cultural backgrounds. There were so many real life issues in this book that I LOVED seeing discussed & also hope to see more of. Would I recommend this book? YES, it’s relevant and speaks on a subject currently being silenced. Will I continue with the sequel? YES, I’ve got questions & need answers *EYES WIDE OPEN* Will I watch the movie? ABSOLUTELY! the book trailer alone (see above) packs enough punch to have raised my interest in seeing it on the big screen.
Which means I enjoyed my time with this book/characters & the premise isn't too far fetched at all given our current climate but it left some things to be desired ...Full RTC on Lair Of Books (Link is in the bio)
*HUGE thanks to HarperTeen, Edelweiss & Alexandra Monir for the ARC copy ofThe Final Six
UPDATE: FINAL REVIEW MAY ALSO BE VIEWED ON MY BLOG LAIR OF BOOKS
MY REVIEW
March was the month of Sci-Fi for this little bookworm & I really had a blast spending time with one of my fave genres. After reading Scott Reintgen’s Nyxia last year, falling head over heels for the Illuminae files, and being blessed with Pierce Brown’s Iron Gold… I decided reading all Sc-Fi is vital in my life. I caught wind of The Final Six & immediately jumped to request a galley from Harper in hopes of finding my next beloved crew of characters. There was SOOO much good packed into this book but it wasn’t without it’s flaws. If you’ve been around my blog for a bit, you know 3.5 stars means I enjoyed the story & still very much recommend the read. As a matter of fact I hear this isn’t a stand-alone anymore & a sequel is in the works. Also on the horizon is the film adaptation acquired by Sony see here. So it’s definitely one filled with potential & I’m actually very interested in seeing the next chapter in this space adventure after THAT ending *eyes wide open*…
Humans at war against the environment, this is a story that takes place in our present day world with one very sobering difference…Climate change is no longer being challenged as fiction. Natural disasters have led to the Earth being practically inundated with water. Tsunamis are now a natural occurrence & the world is desperate for space exploration to bear fruit. The Earth is becoming increasingly uninhabitable, food is scarce, and families are being torn apart by the destruction. To say I wasn’t thinking of our current state of climate all along while reading this book would be untruthful. I appreciated this topic being explored in a YA book since it’s one currently being silenced in our real world. I also found interesting how close it stayed to actual events like El Niño and the effects felt around the world many years later. In many ways it can be compared to many other post apocalyptic books currently on the shelves but I felt the authors efforts to have it parallel our present day situation with climate change, makes this one stand apart from the majority. Sobering in many ways because I could see this actually happening versus the zombie apocalypse (I haven’t quite completely ruled this out haha!) that is a bit far fetched.
The Mission: The Final Six will establish a civilization on Jupiter’s Moon Europa
Told in multiple POV’s, we get the story from our two protagonists Naomi & Leo. Naomi is Iranian American & her area of study is science (major kudos for giving us women in STEM), she is one of the 12 recruited to compete for a position as one of the final six to join the space program. Naomi is also the only candidate whose family is still intact, both father & mother are alive as well as a little brother. Leo is a Italian Olympic medal Swimmer who lost his parents and sister to a natural disaster. Up until the moment he is recruited, he was scavenging the personal belongings of his neighbors (now currently under water) in order to survive. For Leo, the call to compete for a spot on the final six is a lifeline he is more than happy to take. Feeling like he has nothing to lose, we meet Leo at his very lowest point. Leo is my favorite character in this book because he’s a survivor who is willing to fight for a second chance at life. He could’ve been moping around the entire book because his entire family was wiped out but instead he chose to go hard for Italy & the love for his country jumps off the page.
Naomi on the other hand is what you’d call a unlikeable character & that’s ok, it wouldn’t be interesting if everyone carried the same personality so I always tend to appreciate these characters. Naomi is a Scientist & true to her field of study she is also a skeptic. She is NOT at all enthused over being selected & would much rather stay on Earth looking for a cure to help her sick little brother. Deciding very early on to self sabotage her chances on making the final six, only to find that the head Scientists in charge have already thought of this. This isn’t a voluntary thing, you are given no choice and being selected means that those who do have loved ones will not see them for years to come. I thought Naomi was seriously bad a** just off the strength that she’s a young woman in STEM doing her thing with a patent pending. However, I could’ve done with less selfishness from this character. I loved that she wasn’t naive & saw right through certain things but the reality is that Earth is about to be fully under water. She was selected for her brilliant mind & putting the seedy things governments tend to hide aside, a real asset to a team entrusted to start anew. Also, her teammates are in danger and she seems to be the only one aware but she’s still trying to ditch them for about 80% of the book. This book also falls into the insta-love trope & I wasn’t the biggest fan because Naomi’s selfishness seeped into it placing Leo in harms way one time too many.I wasn’t too focused on world building this time around since our setting is literally mostly under water and it’s as grim as it gets folks. This being said, I was expecting to get some really fleshed out characters since there are 12 candidates to begin with. These 12 were to go through some challenges that would narrow the crew to 6. I didn’t get the camraderie I was hoping to get, which is probably the only thing I was really counting on. We did see the expected internal competitiveness between our MC’s & other candidates but the antagonists themselves weren’t fleshed out either. The challenges themselves weren’t detailed with the exception of one. I feel showing the readers some of what the candidates had to overcome would’ve enhanced this story & also given us some camaraderie. Especially when faced with a government that is hiding many secrets placing all their lives in harms way.
The last 30% of the story took a very interesting turn that left me very intrigued on how this story would end. At the time, I believed this to be a stand-alone & after a quick google search found that a sequel was in the works. This made me relax a bit since I feared being left in the lurch right when things were taking off. The Final Six was fast paced & very easy to digest in two sittings & after THAT ending, my guess is that the sequel will take off running at the same speed. My only hope for the sequel is that we get more fleshed out side characters. After all these personalities will be the basis for which a new civilization is established on Jupiter’s Moon. On that note, I’m giving major kudos to the author for selecting candidates not only for their skill set but for their diverse cultural backgrounds. There were so many real life issues in this book that I LOVED seeing discussed & also hope to see more of. Would I recommend this book? YES, it’s relevant and speaks on a subject currently being silenced. Will I continue with the sequel? YES, I’ve got questions & need answers *EYES WIDE OPEN* Will I watch the movie? ABSOLUTELY! the book trailer alone (see above) packs enough punch to have raised my interest in seeing it on the big screen.
August 28, 2018
3.5 Stars!
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