I appreciate the opportunity to read a preview of this book. I've seen this around a lot but I am choosy with my fantasy and it was great to be able to test out the writing style before committing fully. For me this doesn't feel like a "must read" but I'm intrigued and willing to check out more!

I appreciated the opportunity to read now for just a preview of this book and see if it was one I would want to pursue further. The book begins with a lot of excitement but even more confusion. That was true both of the main character and for me as a reader. She doesn't know where she is, and we don't have a clue what the fantasy world is either.

As I continued reading the preview, I found it fast paced and action packed. But I didn't get to know the characters enough to feel invested. I think this is probably a good fit for folks who prioritize plot and storyline over character. But as someone who needs to connect with characters most, I don't think I will continue reading the rest of the book.

Rachel Howzell Hall is a successful mystery and thriller author however, she is new to me. With The Last One, the first book in her Kai Megidrail series, she takes on the romantic fantasy genre.

For me, The Last One had a very slow start. Told in first person, it’s the story of a young woman named Kai who awakens in a strange place, with no memory of who she is and someone trying to steal from her. She quickly discovers the thief’s name is Olivia, but a misunderstanding results in Olivia and her brother Jadon being ordered to be responsible for her. When the town they’re in is attacked, Kai joins Jadon in defending it. Soon Kai finds herself, along with Jadon, Olivia, and Olivia’s friend Philia, journeying to find a sage and possibly traveling to the Sea of Devour, in an attempt to uncover Kai’s identity. Along the way, they encounter otherworldly creatures set on destroying them, while at the same time trying to evade enemies.

Rachel puts you in Kai’s shoes, where you as a reader learn things just as Kai does. I found that frustrating because I wanted to know everything up front, but this strategy kept me glued to the pages. So much happens within the pages of The Last One. I think Rachel leaned heavily on her mystery writing ability. There were twists upon twists upon twists. Just when you thought you had things figured out, something new happened or was revealed.

I found the romance between Kai and Jadon to be lacking, at least physically. They have great banter and the scenes between them were fun, engaging, at times a little sweet and endearing. You sense their attraction, but I’m not actually sure if things went further than that. For me, I didn’t care. I don’t think the romance makes or breaks this story. I would have loved for the story to actually have been told from at least the dual POV of Kai and Jadon. There were many times when I wished I knew what he was thinking. The Last One contains a lot of action/fight scenes. These definitely made the story. The ending was surprising and has me anxiously waiting for the next book, The Cruel Dawn.

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“Be gracious. There’s always something to compliment.”

“I’ll always listen. Know that.”

“You are more cherished and respected than you think.”

“Don’t trust anyone to bring you that which makes you whole. They may not want you whole.”

“Stop pouring worry into your bowl. You have plenty on your plate.”

“You are in charge of your destiny.”

“I can’t do anything with ‘shouldn’t have.’ Only ‘should.’”

It’s an immersive written work! But there were moments where I almost had to put the book down. The storyline was exciting but I almost felt that the details were missing this pull unusually get. I had to push through

I was on the fence about this one but being able to get a sneak peak made the decision for me that I needed to buy this book. Picked it up the next time I was at my local bookstore.

This preview was just enough to pique my interest, and I wish I had more! The writing was engaging, and the premise had a lot of potential. I’ll definitely be checking out the full book when it’s released.

The First chapters of “the last one” were amazing. I loved the way the story started and we get to know Kai (also that she has an untypical name as.l a woman). Also the beginning of the setting and snippets of the world building were very good. The writing type needs time to appreciate and to understand in which way it’s supporting the storyline, but my guess is, that it will push the way this story will go on!

*finished preview and immediately gets online to get the book*
Oh man, just reading a preview is not fun when you are already hooked in 6 chapters in! It took me a chapter or two to get my mind wrapped around the setting and world they are in, but I was intrigued by the characters very early on. I love a good memory loss trope and this fit the bill. Who is Kai and how did she end up in this dank and sickly town looking so different than anyone else? I’m eager to find out! Can’t wait to read more!!
Thanks NetGalley for this preview of The Last One!

I would like to thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read this book, albeit a short one.

There isn't much to say since the entire content was a preview, however, I really liked the writing and the plot, so I believe the book has a lot of potential. I also really liked the character, but I'm just sorry it was so short that I couldn't create a genuine connection with her.

Interesting preview. I really enjoyed the author's writing style and will definitely check out the finished novel.

I was so sad this was only a preview, because the story seemed so promising! Nice suspense of who-is-she and what-has-happened, and I would have loved to read the whole book!

Great preview, I'm eagerly awaiting publication to read more!
I think this would be a great pick for our in store book club.

I liked the preview of this book, I read it super fast and found myself wanting more! The descriptions of the setting and characters was very engaging and I feel like this book would be a must read!

I think this is an odd choice to provide a preview for this book as I didn’t have enough time to connect to the main character. I found her internal dialogue a tad grating and I’m not rooting for her yet which is importance to me as a reader. The pacing is excellent though and I loved that you’re straight into the action from the first sentence.

I’m undecided if I will pick up the book to read in full yet, I think I will wait for reviews to come out.

While it's hard to write a full review on just a few pages I will say that the story has potential. With a pacing that had me turning every page, an exciting new world to explore, and fresh characters that feel fun - I can't wait to read the rest of their journey.

this was a good opportunity to look in the story and I really enjoyed the beginning but obviously couldn't really get in the story because the moment you were starting to get in the world the review ended.

The Last One by Rachel Howzell Hall is an action-packed and thrilling ride from start to finish. The story follows Kai, a skilled warrior with a mysterious past and a fierce determination to uncover the truth about herself. Along her journey, she faces intense battles, strange creatures, and unexpected allies that keep the pages turning.

Hall’s writing pulls you into a world of vivid landscapes and high-stakes adventure, with a pace that never slows down. The dynamic between Kai and her companions adds emotional depth, balancing the action with moments of self-reflection. The book is full of twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

While the first-person perspective might not be for everyone, it does offer a unique and immersive look at Kai's inner world. If you’re a fan of fantasy filled with mystery, suspense, and strong characters, The Last One is definitely worth picking up.

It was amazing to receive a preview, but it only left me wanting more! I can’t wait to read the full book.

This book hooked me ! once I got to the end of this preview I ran to the store and snagged a copy! I am about 1/2 way in! I have convinced my friend to even buddy read it with me! I’m excited to get my questions answered and find out who or what Kai is!

Falling star? Goddess? or boring human? Who is Kai! All she knows is that she needs to move and get her pendant back! But before she can she has a debt to pay! With memories fluttering in here of there giving her nothing but more questions will she find out who she is before it’s to late? Or will fate collect and take what little she has gained.

This was a moderately paced read, until about the middle of the book. It picked up and got intense, quickly. There were unforzeen plot twists at every turn, with every character. The author wrote this with mystery and intrigue. Such great word building. My trust in each of the characters was always teetering and suspicious. My main suspicions took a left turn and left me just stunned and needing more. This book was a great lead up to the next part of the story. The ending has you on the edge of your seat with even more curiosity and questions. It ends on a DASH - not even completed. 😳😱 the epilogue was like here we go again, hold on and let’s go for another ride- - - - oh wait, we’re left on a dash and no news of book 2!!!! 😭

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

For those concerned there was no 🌶️, minimal, but interesting romance. But the plot was amazing!!