Past the Last Island

by Kathleen Flanagan Rollins

The South Pacific Islands, 14,000 years ago After terrible floods destroy their villages, some islanders turn to the strongest leader for answers, but others see the floods as a sign calling them to make a change. Escaping by night, they leave the world they knew behind and take to the open sea in a quest to find what lies beyond the edge of the world. Their journey into a realm still ruled by spirits changes all of them. Some give their life to the quest. Others find it along the way. The navigators, the lovers, the warriors, the inventors, the woman condemned as a witch, the puppeteer, the visionary, the day keeper - seventeen in all - must figure out how to make a new life in a new world.

Genres: Historical Fiction

410 pages, Paperback

First published December 6, 2012

About the author

Kathleen Flanagan Rollins: retired English professor turned novelist, fascinated by all things ancient but especially the earliest explorers who discovered, quite literally, brand new worlds

Reviews

[Bill Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find there is a beautiful clarity to this author’s writing. The places, people and customs are wonderfully described as we are transported back in time 14,000 years. Although the descriptive writing is perfect the characters certainly are not. Despite the idyllic setting, we have all the mix of emotions; love, anger, jealousy, fear, greed, superstition and many more, which we encounter in the modern age.
This is an adventure story filled with a mixture of odd characters and by nature of when it is set, everything described is the result of the author’s vivid imagination and research. That the author managed to completely immerse me in this world and never really have me questioning the authenticity of anything she writes is an amazing accomplishment.
This is the second novel I have read from this author and both are evidence of a highly skilled writer who tells a wonderful story.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this epic adventure. A Polynesian island undergoes a change of leadership and becomes more warlike, in a post-Ice Age period of exploration. Frightened and already outcast, a young man with dwarfism decides he has to leave. Others fleeing include a mother and daughter, an inventor and the daring sailor of the new boats.

As we can imagine all does not go smoothly and given that the other islands are inhabited too, how far does the ragtag band need to travel? Maybe past the last island. The ocean, not land, becomes their home. Leaving behind volcanic activity, gamblers, thieves and immensely fat kings, the travellers equip themselves with catamarans and kites to tackle the vast crossing of water before they can find an uninhabited place to settle and make their own world.

I love the scope of this tale and the research applied to showing us the nature, prehistoric living, skills and humanity of all described. We can easily follow the characters and understand their motivations, and applaud growth as they learn, adapt and co-operate. To me this felt similar to Garry Kilworth's The Roof Of Voyaging, and anyone who enjoys reading prehistoric fantasy tales, or wants to start, will find this a great voyage. I've now read the third in this series and I strongly recommend reading Past The Last Island before that one.

[Lana Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great adventure! This was a really engaging story about islanders taking place about fourteen thousand years ago. The character development was very thorough and the stories of each one very interesting and emotional. The writing was excellent. I stayed engaged throughout the entire book. Probably my favorite character was Nulo, an outcast by his tribe because he was born deformed. He was the chief's son. Both the chief and his wife turned their back on him as a baby, but a kindly woman adopted him and raised him in the tribe. He was never to be a part of the tribe, to marry etc., but when he fled the island after the death of the chief he found happiness with other tribe members who had fled when the new chief who was crazy took over. Eventually he found a wife. These outcasts who fled went on a long journey to find a new island to inhabit. Lots of adventure went along with this journey. I enjoyed that very much. All in all it was a story that kept me captivated and was unlike any book I've ever read. It's a long book, but I'd highly recommend this read.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book suffers from one of the biggest pitfalls of an Indie book: no synopsis. It's already so hard to get word of your book out there. But now, with no synopsis, most people will pass it by, instead of giving it a shot. And they should give it a shot, because it's actually pretty good!

Normally, I don't bother recapping the book in my review, but in this case I'll make an exception. Past the Last Island is a speculative historical fiction taking place 14,000 years ago in the Pacific islands now known as Melanesia and Polynesia. The story follows a group of islanders, forced to leave their home, in search of a better life. It would be an impossible task for me to introduce all of the characters, or even to decide on only a few that are more primary than the others. But... that would leave readers as clueless as I was when I started reading, so I'll do my best to narrow it down.

Nulo is certainly the most intriguing of the characters to me. Born a little person, his father shuns him. In fact, declares that he simply doesn't exist. Under normal circumstances, he would have been killed, however, a woman takes pity on him and decides to raise him. This causes a rift between the villagers. But Nulo is special; his dreams are prophetic, and he has an important role to play in the future.
The Fat Men, Liwei and Fuhua. I feel like we never learned enough about them; they have a past that I am dying to know! Greedy and with a fierce eye for a trade, the Fat Men have managed to accumulate a mountain of wealth. But they are also curious to a fault. Without the combination of these two traits, an exploration of the Pacific would have been impossible.
While the women of this time period are traditionally docile, the women who stand out in this book are quietly strong characters. From Naia, who defies the chief's orders and cares for Nulo, to Nina, who is capable of handling a boat better than most men. Darna, whose relationship with her husband is one of respect and friendship, to Aeta, who is not afraid to die, but who is destined to live.

The writing is good, although it does not feel authentic. The speech is modern, but I can't complain about this, because it broadens the appeal. It makes the book accessible, and helped to keep me from getting frustrated trying to interpret what they're saying. Some of the scenes are overly described and could easily be cut back, or out entirely. Overall, though, it was a great story about unlikely allies, who, trying to navigate through life, became more than family.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

The clever politician plots how to gain more followers for his band. Meanwhile one misfit looks at the stars and another allows his dreams to propel him forward when mystery beckons. When storms—of the human or natural kind—pour through, it just might be the misfits, with their talents and willingness to try, who win through to the sun…

…which could describe people almost anyplace, anytime really. But the misfits of Kathleen Flanagan Rollins’ novels live long before the world of the present day. In this second book of her Misfits and Heroes series, they navigate the mysteries of Pacific islands without the benefit of compass, penicillin, guns or the weather channel. Beautifully researched, and equally beautifully imagined, history and geography permeate their tale, as lightning strikes magnetize ore, volcanoes pour flame into the sky, and foolish men spread fire and terror through forest and beach.

The story is stitched together from threads of characters who soon become almost friends to the reader. The “ugly” boy, the tiny woman, the fat man deposed from his throne, lovers deprived of the rites of their traditions, and adventurers embarking on that "something" more that might make their lives make sense. My favorite character is Nulo—“nothing” who proves he is something more than most. My favorite scenes are on the water as the young experiment with wind and waves. And my favorite lessons are where characters learn to think and decide for themselves, making their own futures and taking their own risks…

…maybe my favorite lessons are where strangers come together as family, as tribe, and care for each other even though nobody’s perfect (not even “nothing”). And perhaps that’s an important part of the beauty of this book. The characters aren’t perfect. They won’t live perfect lives. But they’re real enough to care about each other, and good enough to be worth caring about. They reflect our past in a convincing way, and in them we see our own reflection—maybe even our future too.

You don’t need to read book one to enjoy this book. But I'm sure you'll want to read it after enjoying this book. Smooth writing, great characters, convincing backgrounds, science, history, geography, intriguing spirituality and more, plus great high seas adventures… It’s Highly recommended.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book with a request for my honest review. I honestly love it, just as much as I did book one.

[Chikamso Efobi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Past the Last Island is a well-written story set 14,000 years ago and revolves around Nulo, a boy is born severely deformed. He is disowned and abandoned by his father, the community leader and hated by his mother who plots to kill him. Nulo's name means "nothing" and he is treated like he does not exist. He eventually escapes his mother's plot and goes on to live on an isolated island where through his gifts, he is able to see and hear things that other's can't. A series of events cause him to become reunited with people from his father's island and they go on a number of adventures.

What I really liked about reading this book was the author's unique gifts of using words to describe events in such as a way that made me appreciate things and events that could have only come from the author's research and imagination, when one considers the time this story is supposed to have taken place. There were also a number subtle life-lessons embedded within the story. I highly recommend this book and applaud the author's effort for creating such a wonderful masterpiece.

[C.D. Gorri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in Kathleen Rollins Misfits and Heroes Adventures, and it was just as good as the other two (I actually read book three before this one). I really admire the way the author brings the past, 14,000 years of it into the future with modern dialect and motivations that make this series appealing to today's reader.

The struggles, hardships, and successes no matter how minor of the characters quickly become your own as you become entwined with the world Ms. Rollins has created with her deceptively easy style of writing. Some people are born storytellers and this author certainly seems to be one of them.

Truly an exceptional tale for fantasy/epic adventure lovers. I highly recommend this series. Naia's relationship with Nulo was both touching and inspirational. The setting, 14,000 years ago in the Pacific Islands, was unusual and brilliantly depicted.

5 well earned stars!!

[Jacqueline Bussjaeger · Rating 3 out of 5]

The adventure, action, and descriptive scenery are the best parts of this book. However, the characters fell a little flat to me and the dialogue felt a bit unnatural. I had a difficult time being drawn in to these characters, but I could picture this story being great as a movie.

[Lynn Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Such an unusual storyline and setting. Well worth the time it takes to read it

[Bruce Perrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What It Takes to Travel Beyond the Edge of the World

Past the Last Island is a story set (or at least beginning) in the South Pacific Islands, 14,000 years ago. It is the story of a group of villagers, driven from their island by tidal flooding, who band with others to forge a life at sea, always seeking what lies beyond the edge of the world. The author has categorized this book in the Teens and Young Adults genre, so I need to start my review with a disclosure. I’m neither a teen nor a young adult and haven’t been one for some time…quite a long time. So, I can only say how I, a more ‘mature’ reader found it – and I found it fascinating.

Of course, no one knows exactly what life was like 14,000 years ago, but I believe that the author has probably captured some of its primary elements accurately, including a number of the villagers’ possible superstitions/mystical beliefs and, what I found most interesting, their considerable, growing scientific knowledge. For example, the author speculates that these people may have had rudimentary knowledge of magnetism, allowing them to develop a basic compass and to realize some of its utility. She also touches on their understanding of meteorology, astronomy, and seismology, among other scientific fields, all of which I found intriguing. I also found the author’s account of life at sea interesting, and wish she had speculated even more – just what goes a garden boat, when you may be far from land for weeks?

Overall, the writing, and particularly much of the dialogue, is a bit terse, or maybe direct is a better word. I was not sure if this was to support a younger reading audience or to reflect a belief about the verbal capacities of this era. But in either case, it seemed that the descriptions of the events and settings could have been a bit more fully developed. And while it was clear that the villagers were ‘experimenting’ with magnetism, this word never appears in the novel. Some of the most profound conjectures about life at this age are left for the reader to discover, if he or she has the background. It makes me wonder what I missed because I did not realize the significance of the author’s description of events.

But overall, these suggestions are minor, and frankly, I rarely find books that provide the level of technical detail that I prefer. So, in sum, I believe Past the Last Island goes a long way to addressing the interests of anyone who likes speculative and creative accounts of history, even those who can no longer claim to be part of the teen and young adult reading community.

[John Desain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a historical fantasy set at the tail end of the paleolithic era in Oceania about 40,000 years after mankind's initial expansion all the way to Australia and some 12,000 years or so before the establishment of the Polynesian expansion into the deep South Pacific. A localized band of hunter gather's lose their chief to an accident which sets in motion a path forward both the old band's destruction and ultimate survival as a group of travelers to new worlds. Along the way it becomes an epic travelog of the pre-Polynesian world of the South Pacific with a lot of description of the geography, astronomy, horticulture, and animal life. The group of travelers discover new technologies, new friendships, and different ways to live both with themselves and within their world. There's a lot of work on what life on the open ocean is/was like for small open vessels. The book is in an interesting little niche by itself as it is not pure fantasy and at the same time pushes the limits of historical accuracy for the time period of 14000 years ago. The book is true to its location and captures the feel of the many cultures in the region as they exist today and images back to how they might have been in these times. Is it a love story, an action adventure, a war story, a tragedy...the answer is that it winds all these plot elements into the epic journey for the story unfolds as a series of smaller sub-stories each that have their own path and voice. There a multitude of characters all with strengths and faults that the story explores along the way. Some books exist just to exist, follow a standard formula, and leave the reader feeling they got exactly what I expected and are then quickly forgotten. Others like this book, have a purpose with their author beyond making a buck in a rote genre. The author clearly has a real passion for their work and it's very professionally written and imagined. If you like quick throw down action to a paint by number plot then this book is probably not going to be for you. If you like your books have a development and maturity, feel like they have a real purpose in the telling, and have a passion in the delivery then this book is likely going to attract your attention.

[Jessica Knauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Past the Last Island is the second book in the Misfits & Heroes series, but it has none of the pitfalls of a traditional sequel. From the subtle cover that hints at the adventure inside to the psychologically complex characters, this book gets everything even more right than the first.

I enjoyed Nulo's misfit story the most out of all the threads. He has none of the advantages of even the average people in this community where everything is changing. His transformation is gradual and accomplished realistically through showing craftsmen what a good worker he can be. He still doesn't gain real acceptance until he has to lead the willing people into the unknown, relying on his dream visions and compass rocks. In the end, he'll always feel removed from the others, so the whole trajectory is sympathetic and believable.

But the overall book is about bigger, outward changes that inspired me to get up and go even though I have no prospects for travel in the near future. The daring and the risks are so real.

The text seems effortless, so I can only stand in awe of the gargantuan effort it must have taken to make it that way. The research and dedication required for a historical novel to really put the reader in the characters' shoes is huge -- how much more dedication and imagination must it take to create such convincing landscapes, seascapes and headscapes for people who lived before history, whom we can know only by the non-verbal evidence they left behind? Kathleen Rollins does it well, and could consider her accomplishments complete, but something tells me she'll be gracing the world with another compelling story before long.

[Valerie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second Rollins’ novel I’ve read (the first was A Meeting of Clans), and I found this story just as fascinating as the last one. Like A Meeting of Clans, it’s set in the times of early humanity; before the Greeks or Romans, back when people lived in disparate tribes and listened to people who thought they had special dreams.

Nulo (‘nothing’) is an engaging character, following the path from misfit to leader in a way that almost seems to be an allegory for more modern tales. In fact, when the books of this series are taken together, it seems as if there’s a strong question of whether the essential elements of life have changed very much in the thousands of years humanity’s dominated the planet. That’s part of what I love about tales like this, especially when they’re well-researched: they show the essential curiosity and tenacity of the human spirit.

The dialogue was a pleasant surprise too. Not to say that the dialogue in A Meeting of Clans isn’t good, but the dialogue in this one felt even more natural and realistic. I’m a huge stickler for characters who don’t sound like they’re supposed to (like young adults who talk like English professors), so the fact that the dialogue didn’t wear on me made it much easier to enjoy. There were other improvements, such as a better flow to the narration, that make me excited to see where Rollins’ goes in the future. This series is good, this book was great, and I’m sure the next one will be even better.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great historical read!

[Carol Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

While sailing through the islands of the South Pacific a few years ago, I had a recurring question, ‘How did these isolated islands get populated?’ There are many unknowns but our knowledge is expanding thanks to fields of science providing tantalizing clues about the genetic, linguistic, and physical culture of the people of the South Pacific.
But, until more is known, you can be thoroughly entertained by the excellent new book by Kathleen Flanagan Rollins, ‘Past the Last Island’ a speculative prehistory of the area circa 14000 years ago.
A group of islanders face a variety of problems forcing some to sail past the last known island in search of a new home. In this quest, they develop new boat designs as well as many other inventions that allow for long distance ocean travel.
Rollins creates a robust universe populated by individuals who engage in complex games and intricate life skills. Difficult problems are solved by imaginative and creative solutions undertaken by cooperating groups of people. Not everyone is good or positive and not everything goes perfectly, but it’s always interesting to see how the characters will react and what will happen.
This novel will allow you to escape into a fully formed world, with plenty of interesting things to consider. It’s hard not to wonder if people from our culture could ever manage such feats.

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very intriguing. I loved the depth and richness to which the characters and their surroundings were described. Their many characters to this book, but the one that interest me most is Nulo.
At the beginning of the book my heart wept at the ill treatment he got from those who were meant to love and protect him but as the story moved along, I became somewhat delighted at his journey and how far he had come.
This book, tells of war, deaths of foes and loved ones, danger, storms, friendship, loyalty as group of people from different islands came together as a family in a bid to find a better place, they moved from island to island weathering the storms, making news friend, meeting new challenges. However, the question is, would they ever get to the place their hearts seeks and if and when they do, would they call it home, or would their hearts forever be longing for another place past the last Island. You have to read it to find out.
I truly commend the author Kathleen Rollins , for a job well done, I now feel as though I know the people that lived in this places 14,000 years ago, their joy, their hate, needs and their wants.
It’s was indeed an adventure and I can’t recommend this book enough.

[C.D. Gorri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in Kathleen Rollins Misfits and Heroes Adventures, and it was just as good as the other two (I actually read book three before this one). I really admire the way the author brings the past, 14,000 years of it into the future with modern dialect and motivations that make this series appealing to today's reader.

The struggles, hardships, and successes no matter how minor of the characters quickly become your own as you become entwined with the world Ms. Rollins has created with her deceptively easy style of writing. Some people are born storytellers and this author certainly seems to be one of them.

Truly an exceptional tale for fantasy/epic adventure lovers. I highly recommend this series. Naia's relationship with Nulo was both touching and inspirational. The setting, 14,000 years ago in the Pacific Islands, was unusual and brilliantly depicted.

5 well earned stars!!

[Sasha Dreams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Past the Last Island is a fantastic voyage, filled with adventure, fear, excitement and doubt. The author did an amazing job of introducing characters and settings that were familiar and vivid even though it takes place 14,000 years ago. As I read this story the more familiar it all seemed. There isn't much of a difference between us and the people from long ago. The same desire for travel, the same longing for the unknown, adventure, resorcefulness, greed, anger and creativity. At one point in the story the travellers lose their navigator and must rely on other means to guide them. Eventually they "arrive" only to find that they are still being called by an internal compass to keep exploring.
Many people current day can relate to this feeling. When have you "arrived "? Or will you continue to keep going Past the Last Island?

[Lincoln Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the series, this is a excellent book that is bigger in scale and effort than the first book. The writing is very polished and well researched, which makes the book both incredibly fun and easy to read.

I love the characters, and the section about flying a kite was awesome, when they are discovering the new land. It is laden with hope and the desire to overcome great obstacles, with just enough myth and mythology mixed in to make it a lot of fun.

I can't wait to read the next installment in the series and see where things are going next! HIghly recommended series, if for no other reason than their historical value!

[J.A. Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen Rollins is an exceptional writer. We are transported back in time 14,000. The places, people and their characters are brought to life by Kathleen's descriptive narrative. The story is based in an idyllic setting where village customs lead to love, anger, jealousy, and superstition. We become immersed in a vivid adventure which centers around 'Nulo' and other outcast characters. Rollins weaves a magical tale with well-researched information and compelling dialogue. The is the second book, I've read and I'm looking forward to more from this author. Thoroughly recommend!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Past the Last Island is a great book, full of adventure and intrigue. It follows Nulo, who is abandoned and rejected as an infant, but through powers that he possess is able to overcome and triumphant. The book allows you to live in an age long past and experience what it would have been like to experience the struggles in a tribe thousands of years ago in the islands. It's a very enjoyable adventure.

[Eric James-Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about these books are the vivid descriptions of setting, character and scenery. Rollins' style is crisp and suspenseful, and yet her characters seem shockingly warm and real. The dialogue brings out diverse personalities and unique voices. Highly Recommended!

[M. Pax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Rollins tells the tale of human migration through the Pacific isles with wonderful characters, great adventure, and rich detail. More please!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my book. The new edition includes improved flow and a new ending.