The Final Six (The Final Six, #1) by Alexandra Monir Published by HarperTeen on March 6, 2018
Pages: 352
Goodreads
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.
My fourteen-year-old son, Nathan, read a book entitled “The Final Six” by Alexandra Monir. He couldn’t put it down…literally. He read all day and all night long. His eyes were blood shot and his hair tussled, but nothing could drag him away from finishing this novel. At the end of the book, Nathan looked at me in despair, “The journey is not done yet, I need the next book. I just have to read it and find out what’s going on!” Unfortunately, much to his disappointment, the second book is not out yet, nor is there a set release date.
So, what has got my teenage son so engrossed in reading? Please continue to read Nathan’s review of “The Final Six.”
Some time in our future, scientist realize that our planet is dying because of global warming. In order to save the human race, the world unites. Despite measures to correct pollution and restore the earth’s balance, it is too late for society. The tipping point has occurred, and no one is safe. A state of emergency for the world is declared. The earth is inhabitable.
Twenty-four teenagers are being trained because of their unique physical and mental abilities. They will fly a mission to Jupiter’s moon, Europa. This location contains oceans which will allow for life to continue.
By the end of this novel, six of the twenty-four teenagers are chosen to complete the mission and save humanity.
The book begins with a mystery. At the end of each chapter, some of these questions are answered but more questions are asked. At the end of the book, many more questions are asked, and I can’t wait to find these answers. This kept me turning the pages. I couldn’t put the book down at the end of a chapter. I needed more answers and now I had new questions to ponder.
The characters were relatable and likeable. Leo and Naomi are the main characters. Leo is from Italy and Naomi is Iranian-American. We follow their lives throughout the book. They are two individuals who would have never met if it wasn’t for the circumstances the world finds itself in.
I believe this is a good book for readers ages fourteen to sixteen. They will enjoy the speed and intensity of this novel. I also found out that there will be a movie in the future. As for now, I just want to read the next novel and find out what happens. In the meantime, I am reading it a second time.
*I quickly have to thank Nathan for doing this guest review for the blog. He is Jennifer’s son. Be sure to keep an eye out for more guest reviews by Nathan in the future.*