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The Lastling
Fourteen-year-old Paris is thrilled when her rich, influential uncle Franklin decides to take her on a trip to the Himalayas. She hopes this will be her chance to prove just how mature and worthy of his company she is. But this will be no pleasure trip. Franklin and his friends are searching for rare and endangered species, and they travel deep into the war-ravaged forest to find them. There they come across Tahr, a twelve-year-old monk who has just seen a shocking vision—the face of a creature known before only in legends . . . and one that Franklin is determined to capture alive.
Set in an exotic land wracked by violence, cruelty, and a threatened ecosystem, this edgy and strikingly original novel offers a riveting look at morality and the harshness of nature—both human and otherwise.
Set in an exotic land wracked by violence, cruelty, and a threatened ecosystem, this edgy and strikingly original novel offers a riveting look at morality and the harshness of nature—both human and otherwise.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published December 31, 2003
25 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 28, 2009
this dude catches a yeti and this monk that the dude caught saves it and they run away and a bunch of other stuff happened
May 12, 2010
Paris, a spoiled rich girl, joins her uncle Franklin on a strange and mysterious expedition into the Himalayas. Tahr, an orphan boy and young monk in training, is taken on a journey by his master. And then there is a third entity, living in the wild, not expecting outsiders. Their paths are going to cross...
The Lastling is an adventure story. It is never boring. Some details are kept suitably vague - we're never quite sure which country we're in, who the rebels are and whose war is being fought. But that is OK - our main characters, Paris and Tahr, seem just as oblivious to the big picture.
There are some technical hiccups along the way - some characters seem to know things which were said in conversations where they weren't present, and sometimes the level of English that Tahr speaks fluctuates, but minor inconsistencies aside, the story is very gripping. There are chilling moments, and tragic ones. There is a menacing undercurrent to the narrative, and the mood of the story is certainly not light-hearted.
All in all, I'd recommend it as a darker, relentless adventure story - but not necessarily to fans of squaky clean Disney style narratives.
The Lastling is an adventure story. It is never boring. Some details are kept suitably vague - we're never quite sure which country we're in, who the rebels are and whose war is being fought. But that is OK - our main characters, Paris and Tahr, seem just as oblivious to the big picture.
There are some technical hiccups along the way - some characters seem to know things which were said in conversations where they weren't present, and sometimes the level of English that Tahr speaks fluctuates, but minor inconsistencies aside, the story is very gripping. There are chilling moments, and tragic ones. There is a menacing undercurrent to the narrative, and the mood of the story is certainly not light-hearted.
All in all, I'd recommend it as a darker, relentless adventure story - but not necessarily to fans of squaky clean Disney style narratives.
March 5, 2015
I analyzed this book in detail, deciphering every sentence, and I think it's very well-written and has a thrilling plot, though it can definitely get a bit boring if you read it the way we had to in class.
The Lastling is about a group of modern people who have illegally found their way into the Himalayas in search for something unique. It revolves around Tahr, a young Buddhist monk who is lost and stumbles onto the camp, and also has some knowledge of the creature they are searching for, Paris, a 14 year old who has come to the expedition with her Uncle Franklin, who is a mysterious, introverted man, admired by Paris for his authority, among many other traits, and the yeh-teh (Yeti) who has been captured by the campers. Paris and Tahr become friends and eventually plan an escape from the camp, as they learn dark secrets and the motives of the camp members, especially Franklin's. The storyline shows the difference between Buddhism and modernism,the misuse of authority, how friendship can prevail in all circumstances, even despite a language barrier.
The Lastling is about a group of modern people who have illegally found their way into the Himalayas in search for something unique. It revolves around Tahr, a young Buddhist monk who is lost and stumbles onto the camp, and also has some knowledge of the creature they are searching for, Paris, a 14 year old who has come to the expedition with her Uncle Franklin, who is a mysterious, introverted man, admired by Paris for his authority, among many other traits, and the yeh-teh (Yeti) who has been captured by the campers. Paris and Tahr become friends and eventually plan an escape from the camp, as they learn dark secrets and the motives of the camp members, especially Franklin's. The storyline shows the difference between Buddhism and modernism,the misuse of authority, how friendship can prevail in all circumstances, even despite a language barrier.
June 16, 2017
An exceptional tale of environmental protection and exploitation - with a fantastic twist towards the end.
'n Boeiende verhaal van natuurbewaring en -oorbenutting - met 'n ongewone wending teen die einde.
'n Boeiende verhaal van natuurbewaring en -oorbenutting - met 'n ongewone wending teen die einde.
February 14, 2019
3.5
Nice!
Nice!
April 13, 2013
This book is a bit more unique than typical novels dealing with creatures and teens having a fantastical adventure. The creature itself is not described with the stereotypical characteristics for that type of creature (I won't say the type of creature, because it would spoil the book). Also, the story has a bit of a serious tone (for example, dealing with warfare).
The book is easy to read, and the pace of the story is good. I never lost interest in the story (except maybe in the beginning of chapter 4).
The characters in the book are interesting, and diverse. Most of the adult characters don't have too many details in their back-story (maybe because the story is a teen-fiction).
The story is emotional (due to incidents of loss and cruelty) and has some graphic scenes (such as murder).
The book is easy to read, and the pace of the story is good. I never lost interest in the story (except maybe in the beginning of chapter 4).
The characters in the book are interesting, and diverse. Most of the adult characters don't have too many details in their back-story (maybe because the story is a teen-fiction).
The story is emotional (due to incidents of loss and cruelty) and has some graphic scenes (such as murder).
October 24, 2015
I'm not sure why this is in our syllabus for year 9; it's basically rubbish. Technically a mess and burdened by some big and poorly explored themes - flat as a big flat thing. Y9 are fairly enjoying it though, as the ludicrous plot clips along, after about seven chapters of scene setting and exposition. Original, I suppose, so it can have 2 stars.
June 4, 2012
I can't quite put my finger on it, but something about this book and some of its messages bother me. Overall though it was an okay story that turned out very different than what I was expecting. Decent enough, and very original, but I have no plans to ever pick it up again.
July 27, 2012
This book made very little sense to me, there is a story there but boy is it strange. Also still enjoyable.
May 2, 2016
This book was rubbish. They shouldn't have included this in our syllabus. This book was gross, and lame. That's why they say a book reflects it's author. It doesn't even deserve one star!
March 6, 2017
This.book.is.rubbish. Please dont take the risk to die of boredom while reading this excuse of a book
November 5, 2022
This doesn't deserve a 4, but also doesn't deserve a 3... It's mid but 3.4 from me.
The story has some things that I really wanna talk about, the whole "brothers thing" tahr was going on about, was totally dropped. We don't know if his theory was correct or just speculation... Also, Paris was so hyped about her uncle, how did she not react much after watching him fall to his death? Tahr was like "let's go" and shes like "yeah" if I had someone I always admired since childhood and suddenly saw their true nature i'd personally be broken for at least a few weeks??
(Franklin is such a psycho though, no genius)
There are many other things I couldn't understand really... And imo, the story should've started from the monks pov, that would've been cool.
On the other hand, I love the whole concept of the book it's very bitter-sweet and I like it.
Lol, I couldn't believe how after all that journey together the yeti goes you're on your own from here bye-bye motherfuckers, like you guys were inseparable a moment ago and now shes hurt by what he said, so much so that she didn't care if they died going back from that freezing mountain. That destroyed the last bit of my brain cells 🤣
But after all that shit I've said about the book, it was good 👍
The story has some things that I really wanna talk about, the whole "brothers thing" tahr was going on about, was totally dropped. We don't know if his theory was correct or just speculation... Also, Paris was so hyped about her uncle, how did she not react much after watching him fall to his death? Tahr was like "let's go" and shes like "yeah" if I had someone I always admired since childhood and suddenly saw their true nature i'd personally be broken for at least a few weeks??
(Franklin is such a psycho though, no genius)
There are many other things I couldn't understand really... And imo, the story should've started from the monks pov, that would've been cool.
On the other hand, I love the whole concept of the book it's very bitter-sweet and I like it.
Lol, I couldn't believe how after all that journey together the yeti goes you're on your own from here bye-bye motherfuckers, like you guys were inseparable a moment ago and now shes hurt by what he said, so much so that she didn't care if they died going back from that freezing mountain. That destroyed the last bit of my brain cells 🤣
But after all that shit I've said about the book, it was good 👍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2017
I read this for school and HATED it. I still wonder why we were made to read this...
May 1, 2019
This book is terrible
Never read it
It is one of the most boring books I’ve ever read
Never read it
It is one of the most boring books I’ve ever read
May 27, 2020
Painfully bitter truth of life.
June 29, 2020
An adventure story but having a very complicated and cold story... It took almost half of the book for the writer to build up a story... Read it if you are free in this quarantine just...
July 10, 2021
Strange story of trip through Himalayas that stays in the mind long after reading, in particular the meal scene.
Read
May 15, 2023Suspense and interest arises on every line.
Read
October 17, 2023this book weirded the fuck out of me as a child
i don't think that warrants a shelf
i don't think that warrants a shelf
December 20, 2023
Not bad. Need to get a flow though
March 22, 2025
Such a fascinating book. I couldn’t put it down
October 15, 2017
It was an amazing experience.I don't know why these kids are trying to degrade this book. The story is beautiful.
February 8, 2015
I dont know, i find it weird, unique and very interesting. At some point it got boring and i stopped reading it but it did turn out to be a relentless adventure story. I like it.... ending however remains a mystery..
The story revolves around Tahr, the young monk-boy in training leaves for Himalayas with his Master Shango who well.... dies... Tahr strange and simple, doesn't know much about world or english. He's young and lost, doesn't know anything about his family and has nightmares regarding his past life. The twists and turns in the story brings him to barbarous people, a kind stubborn girl and a Yehteh. Perhaps it was the yehteh's life that was on the edge or it could be Paris.. it remains a mystery. Tahr after suffering
Paris, a spoiled teenager, looking for some action and adventure ends up in trouble; a courtesy to her Uncle Franklin.
Franklin a cold hearted,sick man wants her to carry on his legacy. And of-course she soon finds out the reality vs how she thought of her uncle. Things arent what they seem. Franklin is more like a demolition machine destroying all that he sees. And Isn't it the reason behind The deaths of his own companions or club members. I do however liked harriet and renaud. The ULTIMATE DINERS CLUB. That was something.
I liked how the novel is based upon reality yet it has a fantasy or mythical creature in it. A big-foot or a yehteh.
There are other things about this book, like the rebels, not much details are provided or about americans destroying the villages. The main characters however remain oblivious to the bigger picture throughout the novel, neither did the author gave any details. It just happened to be there, happening and no one cared to know why. The details are vague. But again it was a teen-fiction fantasy whatever type, so maybe we can let it go.
The story revolves around Tahr, the young monk-boy in training leaves for Himalayas with his Master Shango who well.... dies... Tahr strange and simple, doesn't know much about world or english. He's young and lost, doesn't know anything about his family and has nightmares regarding his past life. The twists and turns in the story brings him to barbarous people, a kind stubborn girl and a Yehteh. Perhaps it was the yehteh's life that was on the edge or it could be Paris.. it remains a mystery. Tahr after suffering
Paris, a spoiled teenager, looking for some action and adventure ends up in trouble; a courtesy to her Uncle Franklin.
Franklin a cold hearted,sick man wants her to carry on his legacy. And of-course she soon finds out the reality vs how she thought of her uncle. Things arent what they seem. Franklin is more like a demolition machine destroying all that he sees. And Isn't it the reason behind The deaths of his own companions or club members. I do however liked harriet and renaud. The ULTIMATE DINERS CLUB. That was something.
I liked how the novel is based upon reality yet it has a fantasy or mythical creature in it. A big-foot or a yehteh.
There are other things about this book, like the rebels, not much details are provided or about americans destroying the villages. The main characters however remain oblivious to the bigger picture throughout the novel, neither did the author gave any details. It just happened to be there, happening and no one cared to know why. The details are vague. But again it was a teen-fiction fantasy whatever type, so maybe we can let it go.
June 29, 2017
Well, book is a whole lot of fun to go through but the extra frustration given all along the story doesn't quite matches my kind. I would better read a book with yeti along side its own specie. What ever it was I kind of rate it at the bottom.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 24, 2010the first n second chapter of lastling are no fun at all!i didnt like them but when u move on to the middle of the story it gets thrilling and you really wanna drop everything until you have finished the story!actually it was given to me as a h.w for my vacations so that made it boring to read this but i liked it!do read it!its quite amazing!
August 7, 2011
Paris is traveling with black sheep uncle she idolizes and a motley crew of adventurers on a mysterious search for unconventional experiences when she meets Tahr, a young apprentice Buddhist monk whose master has just been killed while they were on a pilgrimage in northern India. Tahr has seen a yeti – the abominable snowman – and the search has taken a new direction.
August 17, 2010
It is cool the way the lives of the three "teens" come together to tell the tale of the last creature of a species. I also liked how it talked about man's role in the extinction. It is a different look at things.
February 10, 2015
Not a very exciting book. It had its moments but they were few and far between. I actually thought about not finishing it, but it kept drawing me back in. I guess it being about yetis is what kept me going. I had to see how the story ended. Kinda sad.
November 16, 2020
It appeared to be interesting in the start. There was suspense. But then, it turned boring and boring and boring. It became difficult for me to finish. 3 stars because it was very interesting in the start.
October 6, 2012
I'm still reading it, don't know if I'll like it or not but my prediction is that I'll love it! :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews