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Thirteen books. Thirteen nightmares. One destiny. Are you one of them?
Inception meets The Da Vinci Code in this new series from the publisher of the worldwide bestselling 39 Clues!
When the book opens, Sam is clinging desperately to a narrow edge high up on the outside of a building in a daring bid for escape from Hans and his Guardians. And that's only the beginning. To find the next Gear of Time, Sam and his friends will have to decode an ancient map from the Vatican library, navigate the perilous waters of the Amazon River, and survive a deadly temple maze . . .
The adventure continues online at www.thelast13.com, where additional content extends the storyline of each book.
Inception meets The Da Vinci Code in this new series from the publisher of the worldwide bestselling 39 Clues!
When the book opens, Sam is clinging desperately to a narrow edge high up on the outside of a building in a daring bid for escape from Hans and his Guardians. And that's only the beginning. To find the next Gear of Time, Sam and his friends will have to decode an ancient map from the Vatican library, navigate the perilous waters of the Amazon River, and survive a deadly temple maze . . .
The adventure continues online at www.thelast13.com, where additional content extends the storyline of each book.
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
16 people are currently reading
611 people want to read
About the author
James Phelan
36 books257 followersJames Phelan is the award-winning author of twenty-four novels and one work of non-fiction. He first studied and worked in architecture before turning to English/Lit, working five years at The Age newspaper, obtaining an MA (Writing) and PhD (Young Adult Literature).
Hachette has published his five geo-political thrillers: FOX HUNT, PATRIOT ACT, BLOOD OIL, LIQUID GOLD and RED ICE.
From 2010-2011, Hachette published the widely acclaimed ALONE trilogy of Young Adult post-apocalyptic/dystopian novels.
In 2013/2014, Scholastic published James' thirteen-book adventure series about the dream work THE LAST THIRTEEN. The multi-award winning series (2014 YABBA, COOL, KOALA awards) has been highly successful around the world, selling over a million copies in 18 months.
THE SPY (Hachette, 2013), was the first instalment in a new series of suspense thrillers with the protagonist Jed Walker, and is followed by THE HUNTED (2015), and KILL SWITCH (2015).
James is currently working on a follow-up trilogy to THE LAST THIRTEEN, more thrillers, and an illustrated middle-grade series titled GRANDPA SPIES.
James has taught writing at post-graduate level and regularly talks at schools, libraries and universities around the world. Since 2006 he has sold over 4 million copies of his books.
Hachette has published his five geo-political thrillers: FOX HUNT, PATRIOT ACT, BLOOD OIL, LIQUID GOLD and RED ICE.
From 2010-2011, Hachette published the widely acclaimed ALONE trilogy of Young Adult post-apocalyptic/dystopian novels.
In 2013/2014, Scholastic published James' thirteen-book adventure series about the dream work THE LAST THIRTEEN. The multi-award winning series (2014 YABBA, COOL, KOALA awards) has been highly successful around the world, selling over a million copies in 18 months.
THE SPY (Hachette, 2013), was the first instalment in a new series of suspense thrillers with the protagonist Jed Walker, and is followed by THE HUNTED (2015), and KILL SWITCH (2015).
James is currently working on a follow-up trilogy to THE LAST THIRTEEN, more thrillers, and an illustrated middle-grade series titled GRANDPA SPIES.
James has taught writing at post-graduate level and regularly talks at schools, libraries and universities around the world. Since 2006 he has sold over 4 million copies of his books.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 21, 2020
Still, a great book but kind of a let down after the excitement in book 10.
May 18, 2014
It’s getting harder to write reviews for these books. They all follow a very similar formula, so it’s difficult not to think of them all being the same. Every book starts with Sam escaping the predicament he found himself in at the end of the last book, going back to the Academy/the Professor/the good guys, talking about stuff, having another dream, going to the place he dreamed of, locating the gear, fighting one of multiple different enemies, then ending in a cliffhanger. Except its not really a cliffhanger when we know there’s more books to come and with Sam as the main character, he’s not going to be killed off in a hurry. Interposed with Alex and Eva’s perspectives to let you know what else is going on elsewhere, the books should be easy to get bored with.
But I’m not bored yet.
Which is weird. For me, after a few average reviews I normally wouldn’t stick with a series, especially one that is going to have so many books. I’m still not sure if it will be worth it, but I’m going to see it out. I have the next book, Eight, ready to go once I finish this review, then a couple of weeks to wait for Seven, and knowing this series won’t end until December still hasn’t put me off. It may be because they’re such quick, easy reads, but mainly I think I’m enjoying them despite the simplistic language that sometimes makes me roll my eyes and the shortness of the stories. I still think there’s more that could be done if they were expanded and made longer while not losing their appeal to the target audience, then maybe they wouldn’t all follow that predictable formula. However, this is what we’ve got and it doesn’t look like it will be changing. The one thing I haven’t yet predicted is how it will all end. There’s still another eight books til then and I’m holding onto the hope that anything could happen. You never know, he might surprise us!
But I’m not bored yet.
Which is weird. For me, after a few average reviews I normally wouldn’t stick with a series, especially one that is going to have so many books. I’m still not sure if it will be worth it, but I’m going to see it out. I have the next book, Eight, ready to go once I finish this review, then a couple of weeks to wait for Seven, and knowing this series won’t end until December still hasn’t put me off. It may be because they’re such quick, easy reads, but mainly I think I’m enjoying them despite the simplistic language that sometimes makes me roll my eyes and the shortness of the stories. I still think there’s more that could be done if they were expanded and made longer while not losing their appeal to the target audience, then maybe they wouldn’t all follow that predictable formula. However, this is what we’ve got and it doesn’t look like it will be changing. The one thing I haven’t yet predicted is how it will all end. There’s still another eight books til then and I’m holding onto the hope that anything could happen. You never know, he might surprise us!
October 9, 2016
Great book lots of action can't wait to find out who the next dreamer is.
May 29, 2019
it was great book and i am still looking forward for the rest of the series and also i love the series and each book has its own plot and the ends of the books always eave you hnging s you just hve to ead the next book.
January 9, 2021
Another good one in the series. It was a little different as the race continues, we didn’t immediately meet the next Dreamer. Instead we got a lot more from Stella and Hans’ destruction. I did enjoy Rapha’s story though! Looking forward to the next!
June 28, 2017
This book got a 4/5 because of the length. The book was good, don't get me wrong, but it kind of dragged on. I would definitely still recommend this book for teenagers.
February 9, 2018
hMM itS gETTING SuSPICIOUS
May 23, 2018
Same needs still to learn about trust his friends and this made a very dark turn in the series.
June 7, 2018
Series hits book five and is again similar to the previous books. I wonder if this could have been edited down into one or two books?
February 12, 2021
Interesting but not overally so. The best part of the book was the new last thirteen who quotes movie and TV show references.
September 16, 2021
This book lets you see some of the dreamers as people. It's nice to see their feelings.
December 18, 2024
The book finally broke out of the mould a little in terms of revealing the next 13 which I am pleased by. Otherwise, everything on par with the others.
February 24, 2025
There are plenty of books in this series, and I think I have hid a slump. The content is fine, the ends are always exciting and they are short enough to read quickly.
March 1, 2017
2/28/17 The Last 13 Author: James Phelan Jaden Lea Block 1
I rate this book four stars. The reason that I rated this book four stars is because it was an interesting book that was full of adventure and mystery, but I didn't rate it five stars because it was kind of hard to comprehend in some of the parts. In some parts of the book, the sentences were't as easy to read as the others.
There is a theme for this book, and the theme for it is to keep trying. This is the theme because Sam had to keep trying to remember his dream so that they could find the thing that they needed. If same wouldn't have kept trying to remember the dream then it would have taken a lot longer to find the object that they needed, and by then the enemy could have beaten them to it.
The Last 13 is about 13 kids that need to be found and taken to one spot so they can use their dreaming capabilities to find out things that are important. The 13 dreamers have a special things where they can dream about things in the future. A girl that was part of the crew to help find the 13 dreamers named Stella turned on them suddenly which caused chaos. Sam then had a dream about a ferry that would take them to the object that they needed to find. Sam and his crew flew to Brazil, and found the ferry in Sam's dream. Sam then rode to where the object was and met his friend Rapha that he saw in his last dream. Sam then went to his destination and went to the object.
I rate this book four stars. The reason that I rated this book four stars is because it was an interesting book that was full of adventure and mystery, but I didn't rate it five stars because it was kind of hard to comprehend in some of the parts. In some parts of the book, the sentences were't as easy to read as the others.
There is a theme for this book, and the theme for it is to keep trying. This is the theme because Sam had to keep trying to remember his dream so that they could find the thing that they needed. If same wouldn't have kept trying to remember the dream then it would have taken a lot longer to find the object that they needed, and by then the enemy could have beaten them to it.
The Last 13 is about 13 kids that need to be found and taken to one spot so they can use their dreaming capabilities to find out things that are important. The 13 dreamers have a special things where they can dream about things in the future. A girl that was part of the crew to help find the 13 dreamers named Stella turned on them suddenly which caused chaos. Sam then had a dream about a ferry that would take them to the object that they needed to find. Sam and his crew flew to Brazil, and found the ferry in Sam's dream. Sam then rode to where the object was and met his friend Rapha that he saw in his last dream. Sam then went to his destination and went to the object.
May 28, 2014
Nine is an exciting adventure that takes Sam and his friends to South America, where they face some of their biggest challenges yet.
While Sam is off 'in the field' searching for a new Dreamer in Brazil, Alex and Eva are also working hard to help the Dreamer cause. There's a lot of creativity in what they each do for the team - while Sam is all quick-thinking and action, Alex is more about planning and anticipating problems, while Eva has proven herself to be versatile and able to adapt to a variety of situations. I think the books are maturing alongside Sam, who learnt a lot in the past few weeks.
I'm still sensing an undertone of inequality with Sam: the newest dreamer that he meets is a boy, and Sam doesn't coddle or caution Rapha the way he usually does the girls. Although it's great to see Eva and Lora playing such important roles in the story, it annoys me that Sam is always quick to ask the female dreamers whether their ideas and adventures are good ideas, even though he's always the one in the most danger and is the risk-taker himself. There's no question of the capability of the girls in this series, but they are always being treated differently. None of the girls have ever gone on a trip with Sam but he's travelled with all the male characters at least once. There's absolutely no reason, that I can see, that Eva couldn't have accompanied him when he sets out to find Dreamers.
I liked is that the ending of Nine was not as predictable as it has been in the earlier books, and I can see that the series is breaking away from the pattern of the first few books. This is great because it allows the characters to be put in different situations and keeps the audience from getting too comfortable or thinking their favourite characters will be safe from harm.
As we near the mid-point of the series, I'd like to see the books depart from over-used tropes and really try something new - there was one part that read as though it was taken straight from Inception, which jarred me out of the narrative.
I liked Nine, and I think this adventure series keeps going from strength to strength. As I've said before, these books would be perfect for younger readers who are looking for an international adventure and some very cool science (think James Bond meets The Da Vinci Code!)
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
While Sam is off 'in the field' searching for a new Dreamer in Brazil, Alex and Eva are also working hard to help the Dreamer cause. There's a lot of creativity in what they each do for the team - while Sam is all quick-thinking and action, Alex is more about planning and anticipating problems, while Eva has proven herself to be versatile and able to adapt to a variety of situations. I think the books are maturing alongside Sam, who learnt a lot in the past few weeks.
I'm still sensing an undertone of inequality with Sam: the newest dreamer that he meets is a boy, and Sam doesn't coddle or caution Rapha the way he usually does the girls. Although it's great to see Eva and Lora playing such important roles in the story, it annoys me that Sam is always quick to ask the female dreamers whether their ideas and adventures are good ideas, even though he's always the one in the most danger and is the risk-taker himself. There's no question of the capability of the girls in this series, but they are always being treated differently. None of the girls have ever gone on a trip with Sam but he's travelled with all the male characters at least once. There's absolutely no reason, that I can see, that Eva couldn't have accompanied him when he sets out to find Dreamers.
I liked is that the ending of Nine was not as predictable as it has been in the earlier books, and I can see that the series is breaking away from the pattern of the first few books. This is great because it allows the characters to be put in different situations and keeps the audience from getting too comfortable or thinking their favourite characters will be safe from harm.
As we near the mid-point of the series, I'd like to see the books depart from over-used tropes and really try something new - there was one part that read as though it was taken straight from Inception, which jarred me out of the narrative.
I liked Nine, and I think this adventure series keeps going from strength to strength. As I've said before, these books would be perfect for younger readers who are looking for an international adventure and some very cool science (think James Bond meets The Da Vinci Code!)
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
September 30, 2016
(Plot) Sam is on a boat with an old man, he thinks hes see him before and he has, they saw each other a little earlier but didn't properly meet. Sam is on his way looking for the next team member, though he doesn't know it yet, Sam is a brave kid he has to be if he wants to save the world from Solaris. Solaris is Sam's first nightmare that got him into this mess, Solaris is everything that Sam hates, after his best friend died in a fire when they were playing with fireworks in his room. Sam has been scared of fire ever sense and still thinks it was his fault.
(CHARACTER ANALYSIS) In the first book Sam thought he was just a normal teenager but then he gets kidnapped, they tell him he is special but he doesn't believe them until a girl knows exactly what happens next. This girl had her dream about how they get kidnapped and about how their helicopter crashes but they make it. Sam starts to believe a little when they all get kidnapped again, this time by someone else, Sam gets angry and wants some answers. After getting shot with a dart he falls asleep he wakes up on a helicopter and still wants answers and gets them when they reach their destiny.
(THEME) It is human nature to think that we aren't special or good enough to save the world. We need to realize that we might not be famous or as good as you want, but we are special. Sam doesn't think he is good enough to save the world but after some convincing he realizes he can do it even if it is dangerous. We can all do something if we believe in ourselves, and actually tries to make it.
(WHAT I LIKE) I liked that it was a who mystery and how you get answers from nightmares. It was kind of a little cheesy but it was good, I liked how there were thirteen people who had to save the human race or all would be doomed. They were supposed to find a portal of some sort and either go through it or put the evil in it. I also liked how the evil force was Sam's worst fear but he was still able to defeat him three times.
(CHARACTER ANALYSIS) In the first book Sam thought he was just a normal teenager but then he gets kidnapped, they tell him he is special but he doesn't believe them until a girl knows exactly what happens next. This girl had her dream about how they get kidnapped and about how their helicopter crashes but they make it. Sam starts to believe a little when they all get kidnapped again, this time by someone else, Sam gets angry and wants some answers. After getting shot with a dart he falls asleep he wakes up on a helicopter and still wants answers and gets them when they reach their destiny.
(THEME) It is human nature to think that we aren't special or good enough to save the world. We need to realize that we might not be famous or as good as you want, but we are special. Sam doesn't think he is good enough to save the world but after some convincing he realizes he can do it even if it is dangerous. We can all do something if we believe in ourselves, and actually tries to make it.
(WHAT I LIKE) I liked that it was a who mystery and how you get answers from nightmares. It was kind of a little cheesy but it was good, I liked how there were thirteen people who had to save the human race or all would be doomed. They were supposed to find a portal of some sort and either go through it or put the evil in it. I also liked how the evil force was Sam's worst fear but he was still able to defeat him three times.
April 28, 2016
It is getting a little difficult to write a review for each of these books. They all have the same format, and they all have that annoying aspect of too many he said, she said, so and so said. They are still great books, but they all start with Sam getting out of the predicament from the last book, meeting up with the group and discussing what went on, having another dream, meeting the new dreamer, and then getting into another predicament. All that said, we are not bored yet. Each book is packed with adventure and excitement, and takes you to a new exciting place that you get to learn about.
Where I have come to expect these books to end in a cliff hanger, the end of this book was the most intense so far. James Phelan is great at ending the book where the reader has to pick up the next one, there is no other choice.
I am hoping that the series ends in an exciting way. I have no clue where it is going to lead to, other than the good guys win. My daughter and I are off to book Eight this evening.
Where I have come to expect these books to end in a cliff hanger, the end of this book was the most intense so far. James Phelan is great at ending the book where the reader has to pick up the next one, there is no other choice.
I am hoping that the series ends in an exciting way. I have no clue where it is going to lead to, other than the good guys win. My daughter and I are off to book Eight this evening.
January 16, 2015
I really wish I'd never picked up the first book in this series because now I have to finish it and I'm not sure I even like it. I want to see how it ends but I just think the story is too out there for me.
Yes, I read books about vampires, Greek gods and other supernatural things but this series is just weird. I don't understand how these kids meet Sam and he tells them all this stuff about dreams, Solaris and saving the world and they're just like 'Okay, I believe you' like it's not at all mental.
I'll finish the series though. I have 8 waiting at the library now. I really hate to leave a series unfinished and I've only done it once (Beautiful Disaster series or whatever because I refuse to romanticize an abusive relationship). The books aren't that long so if I actually concentrate and don't let my mind drift I can finish them fast.
Yes, I read books about vampires, Greek gods and other supernatural things but this series is just weird. I don't understand how these kids meet Sam and he tells them all this stuff about dreams, Solaris and saving the world and they're just like 'Okay, I believe you' like it's not at all mental.
I'll finish the series though. I have 8 waiting at the library now. I really hate to leave a series unfinished and I've only done it once (Beautiful Disaster series or whatever because I refuse to romanticize an abusive relationship). The books aren't that long so if I actually concentrate and don't let my mind drift I can finish them fast.
June 7, 2015
Damn you and your cliffhangers, Phelan. Damn you.
This book had a touch of Indiana Jones about it as Sam and new Dreamer Rapha search through an ancient South American city.
Details such as deforestation of the Amazon keep this series grounded as the characters and plot grow more complex. It was great to see the main characters back together, and see how the dynamics develop.
I'm kind of hooked now - and action/sci-fi isn't usually my thing. Having said that, I reckon anyone trying to pick up the series from now on would be lost - it's definitely one to read from the start.
This book had a touch of Indiana Jones about it as Sam and new Dreamer Rapha search through an ancient South American city.
Details such as deforestation of the Amazon keep this series grounded as the characters and plot grow more complex. It was great to see the main characters back together, and see how the dynamics develop.
I'm kind of hooked now - and action/sci-fi isn't usually my thing. Having said that, I reckon anyone trying to pick up the series from now on would be lost - it's definitely one to read from the start.
April 23, 2014
I absolutely adore the suspense building in this series. I love the stories and the covers are just so pretty. I also love the fact that the covers show the location of the story. In this story I especially enjoy the dreams and how detailed and interesting they are. Thanks James Phelan, can't wait for the next one.
April 27, 2014
Another dangerous book.
August 1, 2014
hella good. i love the name rapha. still crying over pi's death. and oh no poor lora and eva!! onto the next book
August 24, 2014
This is how they're meant to be read, one straight after the other
October 6, 2014
More twists and turns. Sharp short chapters
November 18, 2015
I liked this book just as much as the previous ones, it was a pleasant read that kept me wanting to read it. I am looking forward to finishing the series, though i started out a bit late.
November 8, 2016
Also took a while to get through, dragged on a little.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews