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The Last Chapter
257 pages, Hardcover
Published May 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 10, 2026
4.5 out of 5 stars
“The stories don’t end when the people leave us. They simply move to a place where they can be kept safely. Every laugh. Every ordinary Tuesday. Every moment you’re afraid you’ll forget. They’re all here. Preserved. Complete.”
I read this book for the month of July for Book Club!
Michael Paul Patrick took feelings that we experience every day and put them into a book. The author took the emotions of love, loss, and the impact people have on us and turned them into a story. It also explores grief, an emotion everyone has experienced, and makes you think about what we would do to change it. I loved that the setting was a library. There were parts where I had to pause and reflect. It also reminded me that every ending is the beginning of something new, even when it doesn’t feel that way at first. I really enjoyed reading this book and experiencing the feelings she was going through.
The question of the day was if there was a book with your name on it would you open it and change your future? I’m going to say no, as much as I would love to know what the future holds and wish I could change anything bad that happens. I think the best thing to do is keep it closed and let everything play out how it’s suppose to.
My thoughts: I felt like the beginning of the book moved a little too quickly in some places, while the ending started to feel a bit repetitive. There were also a couple of moments that confused me. For example, Daniel was having trouble putting a coat on over his broken leg, which didn’t really make sense to me. There was also a scene where the black book was locked in a safe at the end of one chapter, but then it was suddenly sitting on a table beside her in the next chapter without any explanation.
“The stories don’t end when the people leave us. They simply move to a place where they can be kept safely. Every laugh. Every ordinary Tuesday. Every moment you’re afraid you’ll forget. They’re all here. Preserved. Complete.”
I read this book for the month of July for Book Club!
Michael Paul Patrick took feelings that we experience every day and put them into a book. The author took the emotions of love, loss, and the impact people have on us and turned them into a story. It also explores grief, an emotion everyone has experienced, and makes you think about what we would do to change it. I loved that the setting was a library. There were parts where I had to pause and reflect. It also reminded me that every ending is the beginning of something new, even when it doesn’t feel that way at first. I really enjoyed reading this book and experiencing the feelings she was going through.
The question of the day was if there was a book with your name on it would you open it and change your future? I’m going to say no, as much as I would love to know what the future holds and wish I could change anything bad that happens. I think the best thing to do is keep it closed and let everything play out how it’s suppose to.
My thoughts: I felt like the beginning of the book moved a little too quickly in some places, while the ending started to feel a bit repetitive. There were also a couple of moments that confused me. For example, Daniel was having trouble putting a coat on over his broken leg, which didn’t really make sense to me. There was also a scene where the black book was locked in a safe at the end of one chapter, but then it was suddenly sitting on a table beside her in the next chapter without any explanation.
July 17, 2026
I really enjoyed the concept of this story, and I thought it had a lot of potential. The main character absolutely aggravated me, but I genuinely think that was the author’s intention, so I have to give credit where it’s due because it worked.
For me, the execution didn’t quite live up to the idea. The pacing felt rushed while also dragging in places, which made it difficult for me to stay fully invested. I also noticed enough editing issues that they pulled me out of the story at times.
Personally, I think this concept would have been even stronger as a shorter story. Even though this wasn’t my favorite read, I still appreciate the creativity behind it, and I’m looking forward to reading the author’s other books!
For me, the execution didn’t quite live up to the idea. The pacing felt rushed while also dragging in places, which made it difficult for me to stay fully invested. I also noticed enough editing issues that they pulled me out of the story at times.
Personally, I think this concept would have been even stronger as a shorter story. Even though this wasn’t my favorite read, I still appreciate the creativity behind it, and I’m looking forward to reading the author’s other books!
Review of advance copy
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“Strange was not supernatural. Strange was incomplete information.”
Fast paced and frenzied, this was more inner monologue heavy and less outer dialogue heavy. Our main character, Elena, is clearly struggling through the grief of losing her brother and the fear of not being in a controlled environment.
The Final Chapter has a pretty direct focus; regular grief, anticipatory grief, and how we navigate through both. That being said, I did find the second half of the book to be a bit convoluted and confusing in terms of what the rules from The Book were, as well as Daniel’s involvement in any of it.
“Strange was not supernatural. Strange was incomplete information.”
Fast paced and frenzied, this was more inner monologue heavy and less outer dialogue heavy. Our main character, Elena, is clearly struggling through the grief of losing her brother and the fear of not being in a controlled environment.
The Final Chapter has a pretty direct focus; regular grief, anticipatory grief, and how we navigate through both. That being said, I did find the second half of the book to be a bit convoluted and confusing in terms of what the rules from The Book were, as well as Daniel’s involvement in any of it.
July 4, 2026
Stunning
This book was both beautiful and devastating from beginning to end. Some moments were unsettling, others left me heartbroken, but every page drew me in more deeply than the last. Michael Paul Patrick taken the fear, struggle, uncertainty, and inevitability of death and transformed them into something unexpected and beautiful. Rather than leaving me with a sense of loss, this story stands as a reminder of how precious life truly is and how even the smallest moments can hold profound meaning.
This is one of those rare books that lingers long after the final page. It’s a story I won’t soon forget, and one I consider myself blessed to have the opportunity to read.
This book was both beautiful and devastating from beginning to end. Some moments were unsettling, others left me heartbroken, but every page drew me in more deeply than the last. Michael Paul Patrick taken the fear, struggle, uncertainty, and inevitability of death and transformed them into something unexpected and beautiful. Rather than leaving me with a sense of loss, this story stands as a reminder of how precious life truly is and how even the smallest moments can hold profound meaning.
This is one of those rare books that lingers long after the final page. It’s a story I won’t soon forget, and one I consider myself blessed to have the opportunity to read.
July 20, 2026
The Last Chapter by Michael Paul Patrick was an enjoyable read that kept me invested from beginning to end. The opening immediately pulled me in and had me excited to see where the story was going. While the middle of the book slowed down a bit and felt like it dragged at times, I'm glad I stuck with it because the ending really picked up and delivered.
The characters and story were engaging, and the author did a great job creating enough intrigue to keep me turning the pages. The final chapters tied everything together in a satisfying way and made the slower middle worth pushing through.
Overall, I'd give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. I definitely think it's worth the read.
The characters and story were engaging, and the author did a great job creating enough intrigue to keep me turning the pages. The final chapters tied everything together in a satisfying way and made the slower middle worth pushing through.
Overall, I'd give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. I definitely think it's worth the read.
June 5, 2026
What a freaking ride. If you knew saving someone you loved would cost someone else their loved one would you still do it? That’s the question this book so boldly asks. This story had me hooked from the first moment. I was getting so mad at the FMC but at the same time I understood her in a way I can’t even place into words. And then that ending was just so unexpected yet satisfying I know this is supposed to be a standalone but I would love to see more of this character!! I’d rate higher than 5 stars if I could!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of The Last Chapter to give an honest review.
I found the book was a little slow the first few chapters while it was building the MFC. After that It was a fast chaotic pace. Lots of inner monologue from the MFC. You could really feel the grief and major control issues she struggled with.
The book was not hard to follow and it was a good book. I just found that I myself could not get lost in the book.
I found the book was a little slow the first few chapters while it was building the MFC. After that It was a fast chaotic pace. Lots of inner monologue from the MFC. You could really feel the grief and major control issues she struggled with.
The book was not hard to follow and it was a good book. I just found that I myself could not get lost in the book.
May 24, 2026
The Last chapter was an absolutely amazing read. Every time that book was opened, I was screaming at Elena. She knew she should not open the book, BUT she always did. The fact she knew trying to save the love of her life will have consequences she still did it. I never wanted to destroy a book so bad. If you love a book with twist, turns, and heartbreak this is the book for you!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love these type of novels! There so many twists and turns while the main character tries to figure out what she stumbled onto. My heart was truly racing as I was reading, keeping me tuned in at all times. Couldn’t put it down! Never heard of a story like this, but hats off to the writer!
May 27, 2026
The last chapter
I absolutely loved The Last Chapter. It was emotional, beautifully written, and kept me hooked from beginning to end. Definitely a book that stays with you after the last page.”
I absolutely loved The Last Chapter. It was emotional, beautifully written, and kept me hooked from beginning to end. Definitely a book that stays with you after the last page.”
May 28, 2026
I give this book a 4.5 Elena.. Oooh girl I haven’t yelled at a FMC like that in a hot minute. Without any spoilers I’ll say this book will take you for rides. As for the black book.. you know what you did. The twist and turns are quite enjoyable.
May 29, 2026
When I started this book I didn’t know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised by this story. I’ve never wanted to grab a character through a book before. Elena’s growth, curiosities, and strength through this book was captured perfectly. The unfolding story was a definite page turner.
June 18, 2026
Could not put this book down since the first page! There’s not much I can say without giving anything away…However, be prepared to be screaming at the main character for most of the book. Can’t wait to read more from Michael Patrick! Onto The Crowes Trilogy!
July 18, 2026
While I liked the concept of this book, it felt too drawn out. Now the last chapter of this book, chefs kiss! I wish the whole book was as good as it. Don’t let this discourage you from reading it though. You might love this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC for The Last Chapter. I really enjoyed the book and all the suspense that constantly had you thinking about what was going to happen next. All in all i gave the book 3.5/5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a book! A twisty roller coaster ride for sure! I wonder if I was Elena how I would react. I can’t say to much without spoilers, but if you like heart-racing books, give this a read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as a ARC. It felt very rushed in the first half. The ending was a surprise as I could not tell where this story was going. Not a lot of world/character building. Just not greatly written. This was written before a rewrite he did on it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an arc. I really enjoyed how the book developed and the twist and turns. It did have some predictability but honestly that did not bother me at all esp with how it all ended. I love how he wrote the book and I will say that I was screaming at Elena to throw the darn book in a fire the whole time.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews