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The Devil at the End #1
The Last Woman on Earth
Nicky believes three things that aren’t true. She thinks the apocalypse was a horrible accident. She assumes her dream of being a journalist died with most of humanity. And she’s sure that she’s straight. She’s about to meet someone who’ll make her question all three – it’s a shame she’s the worst woman in what’s left of the world.
Three years ago, life as Nicky knew it ended when a mystery virus turned a tenth of humans into nocturnal, feral monsters, and everyone else into their prey. Now she’s found a new normal in a survivor community near York. That is until Meredith Hind appears, with her own private army, thinly veiled threats and a challenge for investigate the real origin of the apocalypse.
Meredith’s ruthless, manipulative and infuriatingly sure of herself. Nicky knows that getting involved with her is a terrible mistake, she just can’t seem to stop making it. But Meredith’s a woman with secrets, and if Nicky can’t learn them in time, she may not live to regret it.
The Last Woman on Earth begins a new trilogy about post-apocalyptic monsters, deep platonic friendships and a very complicated romantic one.
What readers have said about The Last Woman on Earth:
‘Enemies to lovers with some real heat? Sign me up!’
‘This has probably been my favorite sapphic story this year.’
‘The main character is honestly adorable in her confusion around her sexuality and watching her figure out who she is is lovely.’
‘I can't wait to see what's next for Meredith and Nicky!’
‘This book was just genuine good fun. Nicky, the MC, is a relatable and lovable dork, the world-building was just detailed enough to roll with it, the plot was fun, dramatic, and suspenseful, and the narrative voice was fresh, competent, and exactly my kind of snarky.’
Three years ago, life as Nicky knew it ended when a mystery virus turned a tenth of humans into nocturnal, feral monsters, and everyone else into their prey. Now she’s found a new normal in a survivor community near York. That is until Meredith Hind appears, with her own private army, thinly veiled threats and a challenge for investigate the real origin of the apocalypse.
Meredith’s ruthless, manipulative and infuriatingly sure of herself. Nicky knows that getting involved with her is a terrible mistake, she just can’t seem to stop making it. But Meredith’s a woman with secrets, and if Nicky can’t learn them in time, she may not live to regret it.
The Last Woman on Earth begins a new trilogy about post-apocalyptic monsters, deep platonic friendships and a very complicated romantic one.
What readers have said about The Last Woman on Earth:
‘Enemies to lovers with some real heat? Sign me up!’
‘This has probably been my favorite sapphic story this year.’
‘The main character is honestly adorable in her confusion around her sexuality and watching her figure out who she is is lovely.’
‘I can't wait to see what's next for Meredith and Nicky!’
‘This book was just genuine good fun. Nicky, the MC, is a relatable and lovable dork, the world-building was just detailed enough to roll with it, the plot was fun, dramatic, and suspenseful, and the narrative voice was fresh, competent, and exactly my kind of snarky.’
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2025
13 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
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August 13, 2025Sapphic post-apocalyptic romance between an awkward journalist and an amoral mercenary in Louboutins. I love it.
A drug gone wrong has created a zombie apocalypse in the 28 Days Later vein. We start three years into the apocalypse with about 80% of everyone dead but small communities of survivors building themselves back up. Nicky is living outside York in one of these, writing about chickens for the community news sheet, and then Meredith rolls into town with high heels, a large company of mercenaries, and a bad attitude.
It's marvellous fun. Meredith is remote, extremely rude, unquestionably effective. She gets Nicky into bed fairly rapidly and there's a lot of (well-written and hot) shagging, with significantly less in the way of healthy communication (deliberately, obv, it's a trilogy that clearly indicates there is no HEA till book 3). Meredith is keeping secrets; Nicky is just trying to hold on for the ride. There are adventures, suspense, jump scares, a scheming villain (several in fact), some good twists, and a lot of very funny lines--Nicky's POV is wry and self-deprecating but not to a fault. Plus a nice varied supporting cast of friends and colleagues, all against a very well drawn background of an actually broken Britain.
A thoroughly enjoyable sapphic adventure with high stakes, high heels, and a lot of heart. I can't wait for the next.
I had an ARC from the author.
A drug gone wrong has created a zombie apocalypse in the 28 Days Later vein. We start three years into the apocalypse with about 80% of everyone dead but small communities of survivors building themselves back up. Nicky is living outside York in one of these, writing about chickens for the community news sheet, and then Meredith rolls into town with high heels, a large company of mercenaries, and a bad attitude.
It's marvellous fun. Meredith is remote, extremely rude, unquestionably effective. She gets Nicky into bed fairly rapidly and there's a lot of (well-written and hot) shagging, with significantly less in the way of healthy communication (deliberately, obv, it's a trilogy that clearly indicates there is no HEA till book 3). Meredith is keeping secrets; Nicky is just trying to hold on for the ride. There are adventures, suspense, jump scares, a scheming villain (several in fact), some good twists, and a lot of very funny lines--Nicky's POV is wry and self-deprecating but not to a fault. Plus a nice varied supporting cast of friends and colleagues, all against a very well drawn background of an actually broken Britain.
A thoroughly enjoyable sapphic adventure with high stakes, high heels, and a lot of heart. I can't wait for the next.
I had an ARC from the author.
October 28, 2025
What a roller coaster! Wow, I am a sucker for a sapphic post-apocalyptic book. This definitely isn’t a typical zombie book, and yet you couldn’t categorize it as vampires either. I really enjoyed the originality of the monsters, it was a refreshing change.
Poor Nicky, she truly is so clueless and really does get herself into so much trouble. I overall really liked her character and what she stood for. At first I wondered if I was going to feel silly for reading about a journalist living through the apocalypse but again, it was super original and I really enjoyed it!
I tried so hard to like Meredith, but I didn’t like how condescending she was and kind of treated Nicky like a child/inconvenience but I do believe that’s how she’s meant to be portrayed.
Most post-apocalyptic books just focus on the survival aspect but this one wasn’t the case. To Nicky and her best friend Ollie, finding who started it all was the most importantly to them.
It ended on such a cliff hanger, I truly can’t wait to read the next one when it comes out. I have to know where this progresses.
Poor Nicky, she truly is so clueless and really does get herself into so much trouble. I overall really liked her character and what she stood for. At first I wondered if I was going to feel silly for reading about a journalist living through the apocalypse but again, it was super original and I really enjoyed it!
I tried so hard to like Meredith, but I didn’t like how condescending she was and kind of treated Nicky like a child/inconvenience but I do believe that’s how she’s meant to be portrayed.
Most post-apocalyptic books just focus on the survival aspect but this one wasn’t the case. To Nicky and her best friend Ollie, finding who started it all was the most importantly to them.
It ended on such a cliff hanger, I truly can’t wait to read the next one when it comes out. I have to know where this progresses.
October 23, 2025
Dear god, this book was FABULOUS.
I’m not going to lie, I was sold as soon as I read what this was all about. Post apocalyptic shows and novels are one of my absolute favourites that I don’t often let people in on. It’s a massive guilty pleasure of mine, but I have to take a moment to shout this one out!
What do you get when you cross zombies with vampires, add in some crazy twists and turns, some sapphic open door scenes between a grump and an ice queen with incredible banter? Me writing this review at 4:30 am!
This book is easily in my top 5 of all time, and legit I am now counting down the days until the next comes out. It made me laugh, and gave me heart palpitations with seeming ease. I was lucky to have gotten an advanced copy for free, and am totally leaving this review voluntarily. This series will 100% be purchased and featured on my bookshelf one day!
The characters were fully fleshed out and intriguing (legit I loved every single one of them, even if I was like “wait who is that again for a bit in the beginning… on brand for end of the world stories though), the plot… stellar. The twists I should have seen coming? On point. I was definitely scared going into it because I was so incredibly excited about this synopsis and sometimes when you hype something up you get let down, however, after finishing this book, I NEED more.
Don’t sleep on this one!
I’m not going to lie, I was sold as soon as I read what this was all about. Post apocalyptic shows and novels are one of my absolute favourites that I don’t often let people in on. It’s a massive guilty pleasure of mine, but I have to take a moment to shout this one out!
What do you get when you cross zombies with vampires, add in some crazy twists and turns, some sapphic open door scenes between a grump and an ice queen with incredible banter? Me writing this review at 4:30 am!
This book is easily in my top 5 of all time, and legit I am now counting down the days until the next comes out. It made me laugh, and gave me heart palpitations with seeming ease. I was lucky to have gotten an advanced copy for free, and am totally leaving this review voluntarily. This series will 100% be purchased and featured on my bookshelf one day!
The characters were fully fleshed out and intriguing (legit I loved every single one of them, even if I was like “wait who is that again for a bit in the beginning… on brand for end of the world stories though), the plot… stellar. The twists I should have seen coming? On point. I was definitely scared going into it because I was so incredibly excited about this synopsis and sometimes when you hype something up you get let down, however, after finishing this book, I NEED more.
Don’t sleep on this one!
January 22, 2026
Zombie apocalypse is not my jam but I was intrigued enough to pick this up and the writing style kept me interested. First off, this is not a romance really. Even the spice scenes are written very matter-of-fact. You cannot really get a read on Meredith, but that was the point. She is ruthlessly competent and her motives are never quite clear. The story is told from Nicky’s POV in almost a black humor (or very British) sort of way. She is likeable in that you share her frustrations but also, I question her survivability skills and how she made it so long after the end of the world. She’s curious to the point of harm. The story is pretty action packed and anxiety is high. Be warned, this is book 1 of a trilogy so it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger.
September 21, 2025
(Received an eARC from the author, no prior relationship)
Very well done post-apocalyptic zombie fiction with a sapphic romance thrown in - this is the first book in a trilogy, so no HEA in this one, fair warning. Close third-person in Nicky’s POV, which works really well considering the mystery/investigation aspect. Really loved the setting - instead of being in the thick of the zombie apocalypse, this is a few years past, when survivors have formed small communities and are starting to rebuild slowly. Can’t wait for the next book in the series, because the final twist/reveal in the mystery legit floored me and I’m excited to see where the story goes from here. Plus, enemies to lovers with some real heat? Sign me up!
Very well done post-apocalyptic zombie fiction with a sapphic romance thrown in - this is the first book in a trilogy, so no HEA in this one, fair warning. Close third-person in Nicky’s POV, which works really well considering the mystery/investigation aspect. Really loved the setting - instead of being in the thick of the zombie apocalypse, this is a few years past, when survivors have formed small communities and are starting to rebuild slowly. Can’t wait for the next book in the series, because the final twist/reveal in the mystery legit floored me and I’m excited to see where the story goes from here. Plus, enemies to lovers with some real heat? Sign me up!
September 28, 2025
Post apocalyptic zombie fiction is not my favourite genre but this was fun! I liked the mechanics of the postapo world, I think the author did a great job of depicting it believable and true to human nature. The humour felt natural and kept the story from getting bleak and too “thriller-y.”
The central relationship was highly entertaining. Meredith is a rather unique romance material though, I’m really curious how the HEA is going to work out.
I received an ARC from the author and I’m leaving an honest review.
The central relationship was highly entertaining. Meredith is a rather unique romance material though, I’m really curious how the HEA is going to work out.
I received an ARC from the author and I’m leaving an honest review.
September 23, 2025
This has probably been my favorite sapphic story this year. And the only reason that I don´t give it the five full stars is because I´m not that much into the apocalypse/sci-fic genre and this one is, also, the first book of a series. So there is no HEA yet.
That being said, I loved both the narration and plot, so I don´t discard coming back here later when I read the rest and give it a higher score.
Anyway, this book is about Nicky, a jounalist that has survived the apocalypse and is trying to get her job in this world where things are still dangerous but not so dangerous as to say we´re constantly mid fight. There is a conspiracy (a rumour more like) of the virus being created on purpose and there Nicky and company have to begin their investigation on what could have happened and who´s responsible for it.
In regards to this investigation, I really think Meredith (the love interest) is the one who moves the plot best. She´s the one who first sugested the virus could have been something planned, gave the resources to investigate, and her relationship with Nicky (which is a very well done enemies to lovers kind of thing) is so fun to read.
Is it too obvious Meredith was my favorite character on this?
In summary, very recommended read. If you enjoy sci-fiction, this is your book.
That being said, I loved both the narration and plot, so I don´t discard coming back here later when I read the rest and give it a higher score.
Anyway, this book is about Nicky, a jounalist that has survived the apocalypse and is trying to get her job in this world where things are still dangerous but not so dangerous as to say we´re constantly mid fight. There is a conspiracy (a rumour more like) of the virus being created on purpose and there Nicky and company have to begin their investigation on what could have happened and who´s responsible for it.
In regards to this investigation, I really think Meredith (the love interest) is the one who moves the plot best. She´s the one who first sugested the virus could have been something planned, gave the resources to investigate, and her relationship with Nicky (which is a very well done enemies to lovers kind of thing) is so fun to read.
Is it too obvious Meredith was my favorite character on this?
In summary, very recommended read. If you enjoy sci-fiction, this is your book.
September 1, 2025
I was given an ARC against an honest review.
I expected a romance set in a zombie world; what I got was a riveting zombie novel that contained a (very hot) romance. And I couldn't be happier for it! The characters were incredibly well-rounded, including the narrator, who is genuinely flawed and working on it, and feels so deeply human and real. She is transparent in everything... except when she's lying to herself. Her love interest, on the other hand, is extremely appealing through everything we don't know about her, and it's not all that often that we see this type of cold, detached, efficient woman not be stereotypically evil. Every character feels like a genuine person, and I only wish we could have spent more time with each of them.
About halfway through the book, I told myself that it really should be made into a TV show. Coming from me, that's a really good compliment. And now I've finished it, I stick by that desire to see it come alive on screen - maybe that would be the right format to see more about those many wonderful characters. But don't get me wrong, it works really well as a novel.
The plot itself was gripping, and I love this portrayal of a zombie semi-apocalypse, rather than the more absolute devastation we usually see. Seeing how the communities rebuild is fascinating.
I cannot wait for the sequel to be out, let me tell you.
I expected a romance set in a zombie world; what I got was a riveting zombie novel that contained a (very hot) romance. And I couldn't be happier for it! The characters were incredibly well-rounded, including the narrator, who is genuinely flawed and working on it, and feels so deeply human and real. She is transparent in everything... except when she's lying to herself. Her love interest, on the other hand, is extremely appealing through everything we don't know about her, and it's not all that often that we see this type of cold, detached, efficient woman not be stereotypically evil. Every character feels like a genuine person, and I only wish we could have spent more time with each of them.
About halfway through the book, I told myself that it really should be made into a TV show. Coming from me, that's a really good compliment. And now I've finished it, I stick by that desire to see it come alive on screen - maybe that would be the right format to see more about those many wonderful characters. But don't get me wrong, it works really well as a novel.
The plot itself was gripping, and I love this portrayal of a zombie semi-apocalypse, rather than the more absolute devastation we usually see. Seeing how the communities rebuild is fascinating.
I cannot wait for the sequel to be out, let me tell you.
November 7, 2025
I got this book free from Booksirens in exchange of my honest review, and I am so happy that I read it! What a rollercoaster ride! Exciting and full of drama and mystery, my emotions up and down with the story. I fell instantly in love with the ice queen Meredith, she is not at all perfect, morally grey and aloof, but she is like a category five hurricane, her excellent leadership saved so many people in the apocalypse, and her beauty and dominant personality is very hot. Not a fan of the other MC, the naive journalist annoys me at many occasions with her conflicted feelings of Meredith and her denial of her real affection. I am disappointed with the ending, but understand that this will be a series and can't wait for the next book!
September 11, 2025
ARC provided by the author.
This is a good and solid 3,5* book.
As a zombie fan and wlw stories fan I have to say, this books hit almost all the good spots.
Let’s start with writing. It’s fast paced, avoiding complications and unnecessary drama. There are parts where it’s all good and helping the plot but there also are moments where it all felt flat and lacking more substance. Whole book in general feels like a first draft of a really good idea for a story.
But please don’t think it’s a bad thing.
Characters. Oh the characters… this book has one of the best written ones. Infuriating at times? Yes! But all the flaws make them very real. One of the things I loved the most but in the same time was lacking, was the inner “conflict” Nicky had regarding Meredith. The usage of quotation marks is deliberate here though. This part had a massive potential. Nicky constantly saying that Meredith is the worst and awful doesn’t actually make her one. We get few examples of Meredith’s actions and they’re never explored more than what the gossip mill said about her. Nicky tries to explain to herself some of Meredith’s behaviour but only that concerning her own person. Only once she stops and thinks that Meredith’s decision couldn’t be an easy one to make.
And here comes Meredith, definitely my favourite in the whole book. Distant, but not that cold when you think about it. Definitely cunning but also caring in a way that isn’t obvious. Complex but not entirely awful and worst. Definitely a tiny bit ridiculous at times with her fashion choices. Loved every part of the book she was in and had a few laughs because of her.
Would be interesting to see more of her pov in the second book.
The world setting has the perfect amount of detail. If you’re looking for a book that explores and focuses on the world after the apocalypse. This one is not it, but in the same time the fast pacing and not over focusing on the surroundings works brilliantly. We do get to see how communities interact and rebuild themselves but it’s not overwhelming. It fits perfectly into the background.
Loved the idea that goes behind the conspiracy and investigation. Loved the characters and their sporadic banters.
Loved the pace and setup for the world.
Hoping for book two to fix some of the issues with the oversimplified plot at times.
The book is not without issues but in the same time it all simply just works really well.
Highly recommend it to anyone who wants a quick and fun action story with good chemistry between main characters.
This is a good and solid 3,5* book.
As a zombie fan and wlw stories fan I have to say, this books hit almost all the good spots.
Let’s start with writing. It’s fast paced, avoiding complications and unnecessary drama. There are parts where it’s all good and helping the plot but there also are moments where it all felt flat and lacking more substance. Whole book in general feels like a first draft of a really good idea for a story.
But please don’t think it’s a bad thing.
Characters. Oh the characters… this book has one of the best written ones. Infuriating at times? Yes! But all the flaws make them very real. One of the things I loved the most but in the same time was lacking, was the inner “conflict” Nicky had regarding Meredith. The usage of quotation marks is deliberate here though. This part had a massive potential. Nicky constantly saying that Meredith is the worst and awful doesn’t actually make her one. We get few examples of Meredith’s actions and they’re never explored more than what the gossip mill said about her. Nicky tries to explain to herself some of Meredith’s behaviour but only that concerning her own person. Only once she stops and thinks that Meredith’s decision couldn’t be an easy one to make.
And here comes Meredith, definitely my favourite in the whole book. Distant, but not that cold when you think about it. Definitely cunning but also caring in a way that isn’t obvious. Complex but not entirely awful and worst. Definitely a tiny bit ridiculous at times with her fashion choices. Loved every part of the book she was in and had a few laughs because of her.
Would be interesting to see more of her pov in the second book.
The world setting has the perfect amount of detail. If you’re looking for a book that explores and focuses on the world after the apocalypse. This one is not it, but in the same time the fast pacing and not over focusing on the surroundings works brilliantly. We do get to see how communities interact and rebuild themselves but it’s not overwhelming. It fits perfectly into the background.
Loved the idea that goes behind the conspiracy and investigation. Loved the characters and their sporadic banters.
Loved the pace and setup for the world.
Hoping for book two to fix some of the issues with the oversimplified plot at times.
The book is not without issues but in the same time it all simply just works really well.
Highly recommend it to anyone who wants a quick and fun action story with good chemistry between main characters.
January 25, 2026
I gave this book 5⭐️, though I did hesitate , but that hesitation is worth explaining.
This is very much a “to be continued” story. The ending isn’t a cliffhanger, but it does leave a significant amount unanswered, which may feel dissatisfying to some. That said, I’m comfortable with it here for one important reason: the book was published in September 2025, and the sequel arrives February 2026. A five-month wait is reasonable. This isn’t George R. R. Martin level sloth speed.
Now for the reasons this book truly shines.
What stayed with me most were the thought-provoking questions it raises about rebuilding a post-apocalyptic world , especially around what knowledge is worth preserving and what we choose to teach children when the old world is gone. Those questions linger long after you close the book, and that’s a distinction of exceptional storytelling.
The characters are another major strength. While the story is experienced through Nicky’s perspective, it’s Meredith, the secondary main character, who became the most intriguing for me. She’s morally grey, layered, and extremely compelling. As a reader, I found myself wanting to understand what makes her tick, her backstory, her motivations, her internal rules. She feels like a character who will matter much more as the series evolves.
There is also a clear antagonist still at large , a genuinely evil character whose personal ties to one of the main characters raise more questions about Meredith than they answer. That connection elevates the threat and adds additional tension to the story.
Finally , and importantly , despite the bleakness inherent in a post-apocalyptic setting, this book leaves the reader with hope. We don’t just witness survival; we witness rebuilding. There’s a sense that humanity, though drastically altered, is not lost.
In the end, The Last Woman on Earth left me thinking, questioning, and wanting more , and with the sequel so close, that feels like the right place to be.
This is very much a “to be continued” story. The ending isn’t a cliffhanger, but it does leave a significant amount unanswered, which may feel dissatisfying to some. That said, I’m comfortable with it here for one important reason: the book was published in September 2025, and the sequel arrives February 2026. A five-month wait is reasonable. This isn’t George R. R. Martin level sloth speed.
Now for the reasons this book truly shines.
What stayed with me most were the thought-provoking questions it raises about rebuilding a post-apocalyptic world , especially around what knowledge is worth preserving and what we choose to teach children when the old world is gone. Those questions linger long after you close the book, and that’s a distinction of exceptional storytelling.
The characters are another major strength. While the story is experienced through Nicky’s perspective, it’s Meredith, the secondary main character, who became the most intriguing for me. She’s morally grey, layered, and extremely compelling. As a reader, I found myself wanting to understand what makes her tick, her backstory, her motivations, her internal rules. She feels like a character who will matter much more as the series evolves.
There is also a clear antagonist still at large , a genuinely evil character whose personal ties to one of the main characters raise more questions about Meredith than they answer. That connection elevates the threat and adds additional tension to the story.
Finally , and importantly , despite the bleakness inherent in a post-apocalyptic setting, this book leaves the reader with hope. We don’t just witness survival; we witness rebuilding. There’s a sense that humanity, though drastically altered, is not lost.
In the end, The Last Woman on Earth left me thinking, questioning, and wanting more , and with the sequel so close, that feels like the right place to be.
August 26, 2025
I heard "sapphic, post-apocalyptic tale in Yorkshire" and knew I needed this book! Bex was kind enough to give me an ARC but I don't let that influence my reviews.
I adored this book! There's always something special about finding places you know well in books.
I'm not generally a fan of post-apocalyptic tales but the focus is the book is definitely on the people - on community and survival and what it is to really live! It's about banding together and found family and how important that is!
It also doesn't fall into the trap of nearly every other post-apocalyptic story, especially one with a female main character, and that's incredibly refreshing. There is one compound run by military men that the main character visits and it has the palpable threat to women that is the main reason I'm not generally a fan of these stories. But the threat never materialises. The situation is greeted with a resounding 'absolutely not' by everyone involved. The main character is protected by those around her and that is so important.
The main character is honestly adorable in her confusion around her sexuality and watching her figure out who she is is lovely.
I also love idea that life without the internet immediately means community d&d games. That's an apocalypse I can get behind!
Also, it's spicy!! love that!
I adored this book! There's always something special about finding places you know well in books.
I'm not generally a fan of post-apocalyptic tales but the focus is the book is definitely on the people - on community and survival and what it is to really live! It's about banding together and found family and how important that is!
It also doesn't fall into the trap of nearly every other post-apocalyptic story, especially one with a female main character, and that's incredibly refreshing. There is one compound run by military men that the main character visits and it has the palpable threat to women that is the main reason I'm not generally a fan of these stories. But the threat never materialises. The situation is greeted with a resounding 'absolutely not' by everyone involved. The main character is protected by those around her and that is so important.
The main character is honestly adorable in her confusion around her sexuality and watching her figure out who she is is lovely.
I also love idea that life without the internet immediately means community d&d games. That's an apocalypse I can get behind!
Also, it's spicy!! love that!
January 16, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ I realize that this is already released , but I was able to a copy from NetGalley, so I want to thank them and the punblisher for allowing me to read this without having to buy it.
I originally started this because I needed to start another book so I didn’t finish the book I was reading before this one. I say this because I wasn’t expecting to love this book this much. I appreciate the fact that the author was able to world build without it being boring. She was able to do the majority of world building in the prologue and then the rest throughout the book. Idk how to explain it, but the world was built as the story was told. It made it so it was interesting and you were kind of learning alongside the characters.
This was also the case when it came to Meredith. Bex did an amazing job at keeping me guessing about Meredith. I did feel like Nicky, Ollie and company were a little harsh on their judgement of Meredith. At least when it came to her decisions for the greater good. The standard of decency and “right and wrong” shifts when there’s a whole apocalypse.It’s not black and white. I can see the judgement about her pre v-strain activities but post apocalyptic activities should be judged differently imo.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but I definitely didn’t see what was coming. I honestly think this goes to show how good Bex was at writing Nicky. You really felt like you were learning everything as Nicky and Ollie were. Yes, I realize that this usually happens when there is one POV, but The Last Woman on Earth was different. I don’t know what exactly, I can’t put my finger on it, but it was.
I should’ve known that since this was a trilogy, I’d be wanting more and torturing myself. I NEED the next book now! Thankfully, it is going to be released in February 2026, but the next three and half months will be hard.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone that likes post apocalyptic or dystopian fiction. It was the right amount of action and “romance”.
I originally started this because I needed to start another book so I didn’t finish the book I was reading before this one. I say this because I wasn’t expecting to love this book this much. I appreciate the fact that the author was able to world build without it being boring. She was able to do the majority of world building in the prologue and then the rest throughout the book. Idk how to explain it, but the world was built as the story was told. It made it so it was interesting and you were kind of learning alongside the characters.
This was also the case when it came to Meredith. Bex did an amazing job at keeping me guessing about Meredith. I did feel like Nicky, Ollie and company were a little harsh on their judgement of Meredith. At least when it came to her decisions for the greater good. The standard of decency and “right and wrong” shifts when there’s a whole apocalypse.It’s not black and white. I can see the judgement about her pre v-strain activities but post apocalyptic activities should be judged differently imo.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but I definitely didn’t see what was coming. I honestly think this goes to show how good Bex was at writing Nicky. You really felt like you were learning everything as Nicky and Ollie were. Yes, I realize that this usually happens when there is one POV, but The Last Woman on Earth was different. I don’t know what exactly, I can’t put my finger on it, but it was.
I should’ve known that since this was a trilogy, I’d be wanting more and torturing myself. I NEED the next book now! Thankfully, it is going to be released in February 2026, but the next three and half months will be hard.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone that likes post apocalyptic or dystopian fiction. It was the right amount of action and “romance”.
August 30, 2025
Post-apocalyptic sapphic British-set romance? Uhm, yes please, may I have some more? 4.5 rated up.
This book was just genuine good fun. Nicky, the MC, is a relatable and lovable dork, the world-building was just detailed enough to roll with it, the plot was fun, dramatic, and suspenseful, and the narrative voice was fresh, competent, and exactly my kind of snarky.
I loved the setting, which felt vivid and lived in, with plenty of thought put into the everyday detail of post-apocalyptic Yorkshire living. The sense of friendship and community was strong, and there’s a great cast of nicely fleshed-out side characters. Found family is one of my favourite things, and this delivered beautifully in that regard.
I enjoyed the pacing as well; it’s quite brisk, with a decent amount of well-handled exposition, which frankly I prefer over endless lingering on every single detail. The author made smart choices on which scenes to delve into and which to fast-forward through. It felt quite cinematic, actually.
The romance was steamy and greatly entertaining. As Nicky’s is the only POV (an asset, imo - I love a murkily motivated love interest to puzzle out!), I haven’t quite made up my mind on Meredith as a character yet. The constant smugness was a bit tiresome, to be honest, although obviously there’s layers there yet to be unpeeled. But I loved how dysfunctional it all was and can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
I had a few little niggles and minor suspension-of-disbelief issues (Meredith’s outrageous fashion mostly makes for entertaining and smoking hot visuals but by the time we’re scoping out secret underground bunkers at the arse end of the post-apocalyptic Scottish Highlands and she’s still in actual stilettos and designer sheath dresses, you just won’t convince me she looks anything but bedraggled, footsore and ridiculous, I’m afraid) but on the whole this was a delight. I had flat-out missed that this is a trilogy, which is very good news indeed, because I am absolutely here for more of this communication-challenged, PTSD-riddled, wilfully obtuse pairing. Will be keeping my eyes peeled for the second book!
Disclaimer: I had an ARC from the author. This review contains my unbiased opinions.
This book was just genuine good fun. Nicky, the MC, is a relatable and lovable dork, the world-building was just detailed enough to roll with it, the plot was fun, dramatic, and suspenseful, and the narrative voice was fresh, competent, and exactly my kind of snarky.
I loved the setting, which felt vivid and lived in, with plenty of thought put into the everyday detail of post-apocalyptic Yorkshire living. The sense of friendship and community was strong, and there’s a great cast of nicely fleshed-out side characters. Found family is one of my favourite things, and this delivered beautifully in that regard.
I enjoyed the pacing as well; it’s quite brisk, with a decent amount of well-handled exposition, which frankly I prefer over endless lingering on every single detail. The author made smart choices on which scenes to delve into and which to fast-forward through. It felt quite cinematic, actually.
The romance was steamy and greatly entertaining. As Nicky’s is the only POV (an asset, imo - I love a murkily motivated love interest to puzzle out!), I haven’t quite made up my mind on Meredith as a character yet. The constant smugness was a bit tiresome, to be honest, although obviously there’s layers there yet to be unpeeled. But I loved how dysfunctional it all was and can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
I had a few little niggles and minor suspension-of-disbelief issues (Meredith’s outrageous fashion mostly makes for entertaining and smoking hot visuals but by the time we’re scoping out secret underground bunkers at the arse end of the post-apocalyptic Scottish Highlands and she’s still in actual stilettos and designer sheath dresses, you just won’t convince me she looks anything but bedraggled, footsore and ridiculous, I’m afraid) but on the whole this was a delight. I had flat-out missed that this is a trilogy, which is very good news indeed, because I am absolutely here for more of this communication-challenged, PTSD-riddled, wilfully obtuse pairing. Will be keeping my eyes peeled for the second book!
Disclaimer: I had an ARC from the author. This review contains my unbiased opinions.
October 26, 2025
The Last Woman On Earth by Author Ben Benjamin
Nicky believes three things that aren’t true. She thinks the apocalypse was a horrible accident. She assumes her dream of being a journalist died with most of humanity. And she’s sure that she’s straight. She’s about to meet someone who’ll make her question all three – it’s a shame she’s the worst woman in what’s left of the world.
Three years ago, life as Nicky knew it ended when a mystery virus turned a tenth of humans into nocturnal, feral monsters, and everyone else into their prey. Now she’s found a new normal in a survivor community near York. That is until Meredith Hind appears, with her own private army, thinly veiled threats and a challenge for investigate the real origin of the apocalypse.
Meredith’s ruthless, manipulative and infuriatingly sure of herself. Nicky knows that getting involved with her is a terrible mistake, she just can’t seem to stop making it. But Meredith’s a woman with secrets, and if Nicky can’t learn them in time, she may not live to regret it.
The Last Woman on Earth begins a new trilogy about post-apocalyptic monsters, deep platonic friendships and a very complicated romantic one.
A post apocalyptic zombie fiction with a little romance, The setting was small town communities formed by saviors, slowly starting to rebuild slowly.
Can't wait for the next book so we can see what happens next
Thanks to NetGalley, Bex Benjamin and the publishing company for the ARC for my complimentary review.
#NetGalley
#BexBenjamin
#TheLastWomanOnEarth
*Check Trigger Warnings before reading!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nicky believes three things that aren’t true. She thinks the apocalypse was a horrible accident. She assumes her dream of being a journalist died with most of humanity. And she’s sure that she’s straight. She’s about to meet someone who’ll make her question all three – it’s a shame she’s the worst woman in what’s left of the world.
Three years ago, life as Nicky knew it ended when a mystery virus turned a tenth of humans into nocturnal, feral monsters, and everyone else into their prey. Now she’s found a new normal in a survivor community near York. That is until Meredith Hind appears, with her own private army, thinly veiled threats and a challenge for investigate the real origin of the apocalypse.
Meredith’s ruthless, manipulative and infuriatingly sure of herself. Nicky knows that getting involved with her is a terrible mistake, she just can’t seem to stop making it. But Meredith’s a woman with secrets, and if Nicky can’t learn them in time, she may not live to regret it.
The Last Woman on Earth begins a new trilogy about post-apocalyptic monsters, deep platonic friendships and a very complicated romantic one.
A post apocalyptic zombie fiction with a little romance, The setting was small town communities formed by saviors, slowly starting to rebuild slowly.
Can't wait for the next book so we can see what happens next
Thanks to NetGalley, Bex Benjamin and the publishing company for the ARC for my complimentary review.
#NetGalley
#BexBenjamin
#TheLastWomanOnEarth
*Check Trigger Warnings before reading!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 21, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book
think zombie apocalypse and covid and somewhere in the middle is this storyline but its so much more than that....
as the world tries to pull together after the disaster a few communities survive together bringing their skills to each other.... nicky tries to bring something to her group with writing in their newsletter along with ollie ...two intrepid reporters or even remaining reporters left....
meredith is leader of her group and is a mystery she is ruthless manipulative and infuriatingly sure of herself but she gets things done.... and nicky cant quite understand the power that meredith has over her.... its quite funny to read... how nicky could be rude and indifferent but she still ends up in bed with meredith and nicky cant understand the pull that she has over her... again its very amusing to see its a love hate relationship for poor nicky.... and why didnt she realise she was gay, she hadnt even realised it
and then we have cade.... who is running for prime minister and hes trying to get all the communities together and bring about an election but what is his end game... what is he hiding there is something...
well i have to say i was totally gripped by this book to the amusing scenes with meredith and nicky ... to the fights scenes and the survival instincts of everyone
i cant wait to read what is next from this author as i will be following with interest
think zombie apocalypse and covid and somewhere in the middle is this storyline but its so much more than that....
as the world tries to pull together after the disaster a few communities survive together bringing their skills to each other.... nicky tries to bring something to her group with writing in their newsletter along with ollie ...two intrepid reporters or even remaining reporters left....
meredith is leader of her group and is a mystery she is ruthless manipulative and infuriatingly sure of herself but she gets things done.... and nicky cant quite understand the power that meredith has over her.... its quite funny to read... how nicky could be rude and indifferent but she still ends up in bed with meredith and nicky cant understand the pull that she has over her... again its very amusing to see its a love hate relationship for poor nicky.... and why didnt she realise she was gay, she hadnt even realised it
and then we have cade.... who is running for prime minister and hes trying to get all the communities together and bring about an election but what is his end game... what is he hiding there is something...
well i have to say i was totally gripped by this book to the amusing scenes with meredith and nicky ... to the fights scenes and the survival instincts of everyone
i cant wait to read what is next from this author as i will be following with interest
November 4, 2025
The Last Woman on Earth by Bex Benjamin is a brilliant blend of post-apocalyptic adventure, romance, and queer representation that hooks the reader from the first page. Benjamin masterfully balances high-stakes survival with tender emotional exploration, making Nicky’s journey as a survivor and as someone discovering her sexuality both compelling and heartfelt.
The narrative shines in its characterization: Nicky is delightfully relatable, full of charm, wit, and vulnerability, while Meredith provides the perfect foil, dangerous, enigmatic, and magnetic. The tension between them, combined with the looming threat of a post-apocalyptic world, keeps the pages turning. Benjamin’s world-building is detailed enough to immerse the reader without slowing the story, creating a believable yet thrilling setting where danger and desire collide.
This book is more than just a romance or a dystopian tale; it’s a story about identity, survival, and finding connection in the ruins of the old world. Fans of sapphic romance, dynamic female protagonists, and post-apocalyptic thrillers will find themselves utterly captivated. The Last Woman on Earth is witty, daring, and profoundly enjoyable, a perfect start to a promising trilogy.
The narrative shines in its characterization: Nicky is delightfully relatable, full of charm, wit, and vulnerability, while Meredith provides the perfect foil, dangerous, enigmatic, and magnetic. The tension between them, combined with the looming threat of a post-apocalyptic world, keeps the pages turning. Benjamin’s world-building is detailed enough to immerse the reader without slowing the story, creating a believable yet thrilling setting where danger and desire collide.
This book is more than just a romance or a dystopian tale; it’s a story about identity, survival, and finding connection in the ruins of the old world. Fans of sapphic romance, dynamic female protagonists, and post-apocalyptic thrillers will find themselves utterly captivated. The Last Woman on Earth is witty, daring, and profoundly enjoyable, a perfect start to a promising trilogy.
October 27, 2025
The zombie apocalypse has come, and Nicky is just trying to survive. She's made it through the first wave and ended up on a farm out on the boonies with a group of other survivors. In addition to being a worker, she's a reporter with a monthly newsletter.
(I like the zombie mechanics. They only infect a certain blood type, keeping the numbers reasonable, and only are active at night or if it gets dark enough.)
Complicating matters, a new figure has taken over a nearby farm, Meredith Hind, and she appears to have trained military support. Rumors circle she ran a private military contractor, which explains the armed men.
(She also has the antidepressants Nicky needs, and wants to use them as leverage.)
OK, the other military group nearby is worse and uses slave labor. Though from a drunk trooper she heard that the zombie apocalypse might have been deliberate. Which Meredith hires her to investigate.
As she investigates Meredith keeps flirting with her, and Nicky starts realizing she likes it. But she hated her!
I did feel the final villain reveal was a bit clunky. That may just be me though.
4 stars out of 5.
(I like the zombie mechanics. They only infect a certain blood type, keeping the numbers reasonable, and only are active at night or if it gets dark enough.)
Complicating matters, a new figure has taken over a nearby farm, Meredith Hind, and she appears to have trained military support. Rumors circle she ran a private military contractor, which explains the armed men.
(She also has the antidepressants Nicky needs, and wants to use them as leverage.)
OK, the other military group nearby is worse and uses slave labor. Though from a drunk trooper she heard that the zombie apocalypse might have been deliberate. Which Meredith hires her to investigate.
As she investigates Meredith keeps flirting with her, and Nicky starts realizing she likes it. But she hated her!
I did feel the final villain reveal was a bit clunky. That may just be me though.
4 stars out of 5.
September 13, 2025
This was a solid debut from Bex Benjamin, we're talking 28 weeks later and reign of fire-esque set up, in Yorkshire, with a stonking hot merc called Meredith.
We see what their daily lives are like, learn what the virus did to people, and it's all quite clever and detailed and great. There's Meredith, there's spicy spice, plenty of it and rather good.
So, why not higher? A few of the foreshadowing points were a little too on the nose, there were a few pacing issues (the book slightly lagged through the middle, but had a great end) and I wanted more of the emotional build up between Nicky and Meredith. Although. Given Nicky is as emotionally mature as a rock it's kinda hard to do that when the book is told from her POV. That separation just drags you out a little bit and leaves you looking in from the outside.
But, it's a genre we don't get enough of, and done better than a LOT in this space, and personally I can't wait to see what's next for Meredith and Nicky!
3.5* rounded up
We see what their daily lives are like, learn what the virus did to people, and it's all quite clever and detailed and great. There's Meredith, there's spicy spice, plenty of it and rather good.
So, why not higher? A few of the foreshadowing points were a little too on the nose, there were a few pacing issues (the book slightly lagged through the middle, but had a great end) and I wanted more of the emotional build up between Nicky and Meredith. Although. Given Nicky is as emotionally mature as a rock it's kinda hard to do that when the book is told from her POV. That separation just drags you out a little bit and leaves you looking in from the outside.
But, it's a genre we don't get enough of, and done better than a LOT in this space, and personally I can't wait to see what's next for Meredith and Nicky!
3.5* rounded up
November 25, 2025
So...
The world ended.
And now we're trying to figure out whodunit.
Along the way, there's an enemies-to-lovers arc that is faster on the physical side than the emotional one.
Look, I'll be real here. I finished the book, but it wasn't easy - and I doubt I'll go back for the sequel. The plot fast-forwards us through the actual apocalypse - a clever enough way to avoid the gore, but it takes some of the emotional impact away. The big bad is exactly who you think it is - the author did themselves no favors by putting a 'one will be my best friend, one will be my deadliest enemy, and the third will be the love of my life' in the prologue, after introducing the three characters in question.
I will say that I found Meredith the most interesting character in the novel. The layers of her motivation and the way it's revealed are quite cleverly done. It's a pity that she's not the MC.
All in all, solid but nothing special.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The world ended.
And now we're trying to figure out whodunit.
Along the way, there's an enemies-to-lovers arc that is faster on the physical side than the emotional one.
Look, I'll be real here. I finished the book, but it wasn't easy - and I doubt I'll go back for the sequel. The plot fast-forwards us through the actual apocalypse - a clever enough way to avoid the gore, but it takes some of the emotional impact away. The big bad is exactly who you think it is - the author did themselves no favors by putting a 'one will be my best friend, one will be my deadliest enemy, and the third will be the love of my life' in the prologue, after introducing the three characters in question.
I will say that I found Meredith the most interesting character in the novel. The layers of her motivation and the way it's revealed are quite cleverly done. It's a pity that she's not the MC.
All in all, solid but nothing special.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 5, 2025
Everyone who knows are aware of that I am intrigued by anything dystopian, but since I have read so many books in the genre, I am also very picky with what I like. This book was without a doubt approved in every aspect, the storyline on how the world had crumbled intriguing and mysterious, Nicky is someone you love and sympathise with from the first page, her love interest Meredith more than awesome in how she operates, and her one-liners are hilarious. Once I got into the story, I was so invested that sleep was not an option before I finished the book.
I know this is the first book in a trilogy so I am more than intrigued on how those books will play out. I am not usually that patient waiting for sequels but at least this book did not end with a cliffhanger, so I am less upset than usual but deep down I want both sequels stat.
I highly recommend this book!
I received a free copy of the book via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.
I know this is the first book in a trilogy so I am more than intrigued on how those books will play out. I am not usually that patient waiting for sequels but at least this book did not end with a cliffhanger, so I am less upset than usual but deep down I want both sequels stat.
I highly recommend this book!
I received a free copy of the book via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.
November 7, 2025
The Last Woman on Earth is an ice queen romance within post apocalyptic zombie fiction.
The characters are well written, full fleshed out people. The MC Nicky is a trustworthy but somewhat clueless former Journalist trying to adjust to her new normal. Her love interest, Meredith, is an unapologetic mercenary in designer clothes.
The plot is faced paced, with some surprising twists thrown in. The book starts three years into the zombie apocalypse, so we get how established communities are functioning. It follows them as they investigate what started the apocalypse. The zombies are not your typical mindless corpses, which is a nice change.
There is no HEA… but this is the 1st of a trilogy. The cliff hanger has me hanging on, wishing the next book was coming out sooner.
I received an ARC from the author and Book Sirens for my honest feedback.
The characters are well written, full fleshed out people. The MC Nicky is a trustworthy but somewhat clueless former Journalist trying to adjust to her new normal. Her love interest, Meredith, is an unapologetic mercenary in designer clothes.
The plot is faced paced, with some surprising twists thrown in. The book starts three years into the zombie apocalypse, so we get how established communities are functioning. It follows them as they investigate what started the apocalypse. The zombies are not your typical mindless corpses, which is a nice change.
There is no HEA… but this is the 1st of a trilogy. The cliff hanger has me hanging on, wishing the next book was coming out sooner.
I received an ARC from the author and Book Sirens for my honest feedback.
September 21, 2025
Sapphic romance (no HEA in this one as it’s the first of a trilogy) in a post-apocalyptic (with zombies) world, with a mystery to uncover.
I really enjoyed the world-building and the sense of how the various communities work. The uncovering of the mystery around how the zombie plague happened is paced well and fits well with the arc of protagonist Nicky’s involvement with her amoral mercenary love interest Meredith. I also enjoyed how Meredith’s background is complicated in various directions - she’s clearly not straightforwardly “good” but life is complicated and both her decisions, and the judgments of others on her decisions, are implicitly and explicitly challenged.
An engrossing read and I’m keen to find out what happens in the next book.
I really enjoyed the world-building and the sense of how the various communities work. The uncovering of the mystery around how the zombie plague happened is paced well and fits well with the arc of protagonist Nicky’s involvement with her amoral mercenary love interest Meredith. I also enjoyed how Meredith’s background is complicated in various directions - she’s clearly not straightforwardly “good” but life is complicated and both her decisions, and the judgments of others on her decisions, are implicitly and explicitly challenged.
An engrossing read and I’m keen to find out what happens in the next book.
November 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for providing this book, with my honest review below.
The Last Woman on Earth did the worst thing it possibly could, ending without true resolution meaning I and others will be waiting and wondering for what happens next! Which, of course, is to say it was highly engrossing and interesting - and why wouldn’t it be given the premise? Nicky is dealing with post apocalyptic life, part of a community trying to survive and rebuild and she even gets to play the role of journalist for it when she deals with new feelings with local warlord (how I’ll be describing her), Meredith. See the apocalypse was brought on when certain people started to become rage like night zombie (terrifying), and it may just have been done on purpose. As Nicky tries to find out what really happened to cause the survivors to live such a fearful existence, she also starts to discover there’s more to Meredith than just cold and ruthless efficiency, and more to herself. I must have the other books in this trilogy to further the story and find out how Meredith and Nicky make it through the mistrust, and I welcome others to read it and wait in anticipation with me!
The Last Woman on Earth did the worst thing it possibly could, ending without true resolution meaning I and others will be waiting and wondering for what happens next! Which, of course, is to say it was highly engrossing and interesting - and why wouldn’t it be given the premise? Nicky is dealing with post apocalyptic life, part of a community trying to survive and rebuild and she even gets to play the role of journalist for it when she deals with new feelings with local warlord (how I’ll be describing her), Meredith. See the apocalypse was brought on when certain people started to become rage like night zombie (terrifying), and it may just have been done on purpose. As Nicky tries to find out what really happened to cause the survivors to live such a fearful existence, she also starts to discover there’s more to Meredith than just cold and ruthless efficiency, and more to herself. I must have the other books in this trilogy to further the story and find out how Meredith and Nicky make it through the mistrust, and I welcome others to read it and wait in anticipation with me!
October 31, 2025
Bex Benjamin does a fantastic job in writing scifi book, I really enjoyed the way the characters and world were presented and developed. It was everything that I wanted in a opening chapter and was glad it was everything that I was looking for and am excited for more in this world. This was a strong start to the Devil at the End series and left me wanting to read more in this series. I enjoyed the use of the apocalypse and getting to know Nicky and Meredith and how they worked with this world. I'm excited to read more in this world and am excited for the next entry in this series and from Bex Benjamin.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 12, 2026
Well shit.
So exquisitely sapphic but also the post apocalyptic plot was such a fun read. I’d love to see more of Ollie and Nicky in the field like big league investigative journalists. I can’t wait for the next book, and I hate reading series but I need to know more about this v-strain situation and Meredith’s background.
Only qualm is that there was a bit of an info dump at the end so I’d say 4.5 stars.
So exquisitely sapphic but also the post apocalyptic plot was such a fun read. I’d love to see more of Ollie and Nicky in the field like big league investigative journalists. I can’t wait for the next book, and I hate reading series but I need to know more about this v-strain situation and Meredith’s background.
Only qualm is that there was a bit of an info dump at the end so I’d say 4.5 stars.
October 27, 2025
really well-done morally grey post-apocalyptic zombie sapphic book with some awesome vibes throughout and a fantastic ending. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
January 28, 2026
2026: 4.5
Loved this
Can't wait for the next one!
Loved this
Can't wait for the next one!
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