The Last Thirteen: 13

The Last Thirteen #1

by James Phelan

Sam is the first of the last 13 Dreamers to be revealed. Caught in a covert battle to preserve life as we know it, he must follow the clues to find twelve more Dreamers. Only this unique group can unravel the mysteries of an ancient prophecy and locate the long-lost key to Earth's survival. Sam must not only face two competing factions-The Enterprise and The Academy-but also elude the menacing presence of the masked figure, Solaris, who is always lurking in both dreams and reality. The last 13 Dreamers are always in danger. The group must avoid capture by trained Agents and unscrupulous treasure hunters, as well as thwart security officials as they gain access to museums, libraries, government facilities and archaeological sites, in order to locate the lost pieces of the artifact that will lead them to their ultimate destination. The last 13 must continue on their desperate mission against the odds and face the inevitable final battle. Will they be strong enough to fulfil the prophecy, or is the world doomed?

Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Mystery

207 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

James 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.

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to enjoying this book.

The plot is really interesting, but I felt like the writing was lacking far too much in explaining things. All the basics were covered, but that last mission, why were they even after the object they went after? And a lot of the scenes felt far too vague. Like characters would be standing somewhere one second, and the next thing they're on the other side of the room without any kind of warning they were moving. And a lot of the scenes felt far too short.

I know that this is a middle grade series, kind of (the characters are 15-16 ish) and maybe I wouldn't have minded those vague moments in the writing as much if I were around that age or younger, but either way, it is what it is.
The characters also have very little depth, and you'd think adding an extra 20 or so pages to fix all of the issues wouldn't be too hard.

Overall though, the concept still intrigues me and I might pick up the next book because that was a very serious cliff hanger, and I believe in reading past the first book in a series in case it gets better. But if what I just read is anything to go by, I'm severely lowering my expectations.

[Veronica · Rating 1 out of 5]

A year ago or so, there was a book fair at my local school library. There were 2 books that got a lot of hype:
Spirit Animals and the Last 13.

ONE YEAR LATER
I spy something on Rachael's desk. The Last 13! I was interested in seeing what it was all about. Rachael warned me, but let me take the book.
"It was exciting at first, but then it got really lame."~Rachael, 2014.
I read it non stop. Classtime, recess, lunch, netball. And not because it was a page turner.
I wanted it to be over and done with.
"You actually read? At lunchtime? ~schoolkids, 2014.

Let's start with the good things. In fact, the only good thing.
The concept. The idea of seeing the future in your dreams, and going to a school where you can access the parts of your brain you don't use. Unfortunately the 2nd wasn't built upon at all.
I can't say this was a good thing,having nothing to do with the story, but the cover isn't too shabby!

Now, dissection time.
The cliches.I don't mind stories with cliches if everything else is amazing. But this book is far from amazing. You got the ordinary kid, wanted by enemies, go to a school where you learn to control your powers, love interests....
And that bit where his parents actually turn out to be baddies, that annoyed me. It was pretty predictable.
The characters. Y' know Masterchef, This country's got talent, etc, all have key persinalities for their judges: the nice guy, the bad guy, the thoughtful guy and someone else. That is present in this book. There's Eva, the typical goth chic, quiet, thoughtful, resigned....she'll be a magnet for the boys, I'm sure.
Alex is the guy who always smirks. I've lost count how many times the author makes him smirk.
Then Sam. Sam is a blank page in my mind. He has no unique qualities.
The rest of the characters are meh. Lora's alright, the Proffesor plays no real part, Mr Cole was obviously a good guy. I think the author is trying to say that you need to love your maths teachers. Sebastian was definetely the most developed. I loved it when he darted them because they refused to board the plane. But that was the only good bit. Then he died, which was sad. I don't mean sad as in teary, I mean sad as in James Phelan knocks off the good characters. Actually, I'm pretty sure he's not dead. He's probably gonna pop up from nowhere.
The baddies, are, weeelll, just baddies. The real baddy here is Solaris (finally, a good name!) who's kinda Egyptian (I have a whole rant up my sleeve at how the tablet illustration in the book isn't well researched. Ahh, a rant for another day) and dresses in black (black is the new black, prefered by villains everywhere).
The writing I found it choppy, and mediocre. Maybe even worse. The descriptions might as well be blank. This story can't suck me into it.
The plot. It took really long to actually start, and the book had virtually nothing happening.
And that cliffhanger. Seriously, that is no way to end a book. Never, ever do that to me.
Listen to the wise words of Rachael, and keep your distance from this series.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book The Last Thirteen, This book was a well written book and it seemed that i could never put it down, The age group for this book would be 12 and up because it was an easy read but had some difficult parts that kids younger than 12 wouldn't understand.

In this book there is 3 kids Sam, Alex and Eva they all are dreamers, In this book Eva and Alex dreams begin to come true but sam's dream hasn't came true yet, will it ever? And does he want it to? Through out this book Sam, Eva and Alex are running through obstacles while Sam is still trying to figure out why he is one of them.

I gave this book a 5 stars because it was full of adventure and mystery and it kept you on the edge of your seats. It was a short and quick read and it had never boring parts. I loved this book from beginning to end. I think whoever loves books that are filled with adventure and action pack should read the book The Last Thirteen.

[Lynn Holbrooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book I was afraid it was going to be formulaic; another "teen-has-special-powers-and-saves-the-world" book. I admit, I was pleasantly surprised that this is not the case. Phelan does a good job at keeping the story moving and the plot interesting. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Ryan Buckby · Rating 2 out of 5]

13 books. 13 nightmares. 1 destiny.

I'm not sure if this book was supposed to be for middle grade or young adult, i think id say more towards very lower middle grade. The writing in this book was very basic and i felt like it was dumbed down for the reader which is very insulting to just put it out there. There is a story idea there that i can see working so well but it didn't translate from James's mind to the page, this series has sooo much potential so i'm going to read the rest of the series in hope that it gets better.

Sam the main character of the book came across very naive and stupid at times throughout the book, doing stuff that even i found a stupid thing to do. I didn't quite get his age either but i think it would be anywhere around 13-16 i only say that because of the way he acted.

The ending of the book i saw coming just because of what sam was doing in the end, he just doesn't listen to anyone? like dude come on, if you maybe listened to someone you might not put yourself in danger so much.

[Chad Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the last thirteen. It is good read and is very well written, it is detailed and interesting. One of the hardest things about this book is putting it down. I would recommend this book to ages 11 and up, this is because there are some parts that would be hard to follow through out this book, also some parts of this book may be disturbed to younger kids. I rate this book a four because it is generally well written but can also be hard to follow at some points.

The main character in the last thirteen is Sam, he is a nice kid that is very adventuress he is dreamer, just like ave and Alex. Sam, Ava and Alex are dreamers that can predict the future they move from there family's to prepare for what may happen next.

This story is all about the three teen age kids Sam, Ava and Alex who are dreamers, this means there see the future. Ava and Alex both have there dreams come true but Sam is left wondering why his will not,why is he a dreamer? will he work and train to be a dreamer of give up on it?

[Alex Fairhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

First up - some practical advice. Make sure you have the second book in the series - Twelve - on hand, because when you hit the cliffhanger at the end you'll want it. No - you'll need it.

This is a fast-paced, action-packed narrative, opening with a nightmare that sets 15-year-old Sam on a race to save the world. He meets Alex and Eva, and is drawn into the realm of Dreamers, Agents and Guardians. He's believed to be one of the 'last 13' whose dreams can come true, and conversely are able to control their dreams to affect reality.

The story is part thriller, part humour, part mystery, and part sci-fi. Short chapters are easy reads for young teenagers and help keep up the pace, and the story has enough intrigue, action, and human element to interest any reader.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super quick read and it's a very action packed book. I really liked it and I can't wait to read the other books in the series.

[Cody]

Thirteen by James Phelan was, in my opinion, sort of rush. I feel like there were major events in every chapter, but they were just there to sort of fill up room to make the book more interesting. The book is part of a series; thirteen books in all, and I wonder how they will go along. Pretty easy read, just kind of scan over the most important parts (in the last chapter, the text is basically nothing). I knew nothing about the author before reading this, so you don’t really have to have any prior knowledge about him. I don’t really know about any other books that have this sort of main idea. There is no odd way of the author writing this book, and the book is mainly for preteens and early teens.
This plot has a couple of interesting turning points, such as when Sam learns about his parents or realizes how he was born. Also, later on, Sam finds himself in the city of New York facing danger at every corner, with explosions all over the place. Then, Sam is found fighting an enemy, Solaris, for control of the Star of Egypt.
The protagonist is Sam, and the antagonists are the Enterprise and Solaris, who want to get their hands on the Last Thirteen dreamers, who hold keystones to the future. They are interesting because they have special abilities that they are technically world famous for. I believe these futuristic dreams to be fantasy, and this whole prophecy and Solaris thing sounds a little farfetched. As far as I know, all of the characters are human. I guess that Sam being all scared and terrified is reasonable, because, well, I don’t think I have to explain that. I’m pretty sure that some of these characters will show up later in the series, I think. The biggest problems the 3 main characters. Sam, Eva, and Alex, faced were the breathtaking news of their origins and lives being changed forever. I hated every character in this mediocrity of black ink on paper, so there was no favorite of mine. This is because none of them really liked sports, and they never had good personalities.
I, personally, do not think that there was any theme or lesson, just an adventurous story with no real purpose, just to try and get people to buy the next book because of the ending; and you want more explanation!
The setting takes place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, then a special kids school in Switzerland, then in New York City. It also takes place in the present. There are no fake countries or states, so it seems realistic. There is no weird features (unless you count futuristic dreams) except for the fact that it isn’t a book; it’s 200 pages filled with will useless words. I can make out the scene pretty clearly in my head, just with past views of big cities and bedrooms and that sort of thing.
Oh boy, you’re in for it now, everyone! I feel like this book was a waste of my time. Why do I think others would enjoy it? That’s the thing; they wouldn’t! I can’t really think of a single person who likes two people who are part of a secret organization running around New York City with gunshots and explosions at every corner. If people were to enjoy this creation of James Phelan, I think it would be mainly middle school boys, but maybe some girls too. This book definitely engaged my emotions; of pure rage. This book made me so angry how badly it was written, with unnecessary dialogue EVERYWHERE! When reading this book, it was either explanations, everyone yelling at each other, dialogue, or descriptive surroundings of a fight scene. I wonder what the author’s purpose was in this one; It was either 1. Get people to spend more money buy making it impossible to read the first book, get to the end, and their minds to literally force them to buy the next one, or 2. Bore us out of our brains. By the way, if the first one was true, he didn’t achieve that goal. Other books have clarifying endings; not this one. It ended the worst way possible, just forcing you to buy the next books in the series because it has no reason otherwise. Parts that are not believable include how bad this book is and how Sam can just get swooped out of his school by an unofficial group. My favorite part of the book was when I stopped reading it. Not the ending; because it ended. And to finish it off, there would be so much that I would change if I were the author. Such as the decision to write this series. Enough said.

[Kelly (Diva Booknerd) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2013/10/t...
Thirteen is a short, sharp read, but highly entertaining. It's a mix of fantasy and mythology that's entwined with a coming of age supernatural. The story surrounds a group of teens known as Dreamers, who can see the future through dreams. The main protagonist is Sam, who is thrust into a supernatural world that has left him wondering who to trust. Before he can find his feet, he's forced into a battle that will potentially end the world. I enjoyed James Phelan's style of writing, it's clean, crisp and to the point. The main characters he's created in Sam, Alex and Eva are what seem to be average teens, plucked from obscurity because their dreams are said to be an insight into the future, and what a frightening world that is.

A somewhat simple likeness to an technologically advanced Harry Potter, leaning towards supernatural science fiction and without the developed characters. Perfect for the ten to fourteen age bracket, who will love being thrust into Sam's dangerous world. A quick read for older young adult enthusiasts who want a break from the usual. The Last Thirteen is a thirteen book series, each culminating towards the one event. I'll be continuing the series.

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't my kind of book. I tried to like it, but I didn't. There was a little bit of action at the beginning and the end of the book, but nothing really happened during the rest of the book. Also, I didn't like any of the characters.

[Jennifer Gunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought it was great - fast paced, good characters, adventure - can't wait to read the next one in the series!

[Dana Gisser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this. I grabbed it to help familiarize myself with it as a new independent consultant for Usborne Books and More and I actually really enjoyed it and can't wait to get the rest of the series!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED IT !!
The plot is so interesting and it really grabs you from the beginning

Give Sam a break 2025

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

the twists and turns and cliffhangers are all amazing. gets you invested from the start and is a great beginning to a really beloved book series to me.

[cadence Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for those who are searching for a interesting series, its characters are not as interesting but its story is the main attraction. I would recommend this book for 10-14 year old kids. Its a great book, but if you want to read it you have to be ready for a commitment, it has 12 other books. If you have the time this is a intriguing series.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was a good book but it would not be in my top 5 books to recommend. it has good suspense but not the best. the book has a series but i don't think im going to finish it. i liked the book because it had good description so you could really see what was happening when you really need to like in the parts where someone gets lost. i didn't like when the author would solve a problem but to me it kind of felt like it was unsovled . i recommend this book to abby because she likes these kind of books

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good! Reminds me of the Divergent Series... end in a cliff hanger yes but I made sure I had the enter series before I started it!

[Adan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thirteen is quite a phycological book based of dreams and nightmare with loads of action and tension which is something i thoroughly enjoy in anime and books. The book is from a teenagers perspective and portrays a doomsday scenario where the world will end if the last 13 teenagers who can dream* of what lies ahead can stop an evil force from destroying planet earth. I find this very interesting as with what information was given in the first 'chapter' of the series i feel the series has a lot of potential with the plot line. With thirteen books in this massive series you are sure to not get bored!

[Ashlee Jamieson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to read this book because in intermediate we read one of the books and i quite enjoyed it so for christmas i asked for the series. The things i liked about this book was that it had really good language features and just tequnical lauguage another reason is that it was a really intreasting book and the begining was really hooking and made me want to read on. The thing i did not like about the book was that it was realky short and i wanted to know what happend next and that some of the words i did not understand. There was not really anything that i learnt from this book other than like action and stuff. there was lots of main charactors in this story but my fav was sam becasue he was the main character from the start the leader of the characters that get introduced to the story but the thing that i love about him is that he did not let others take over him and who he was and what he cared for so that is why i liked this book

[Adele Broadbent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sam has been having terrible nightmares, and has been visiting a therapist to help him deal with them. But after a particularly bad dream, his reality becomes even worse. A helicopter lands in his school grounds and armed man burst through the wall of his classroom to kidnap him. His science teacher tries to stop them, seemingly knowing what's going on. Then things get even worse. The helicopter is hit by a missile, crashing to the ground. The two other teens Alex and Eva (also just kidnapped from their schools)are just as frightened but Eva tells Sam they will survive - she has seen it in a dream.
Not sure who to trust, the three teens end up in an academy, and learn that they are part of an age-old prophecy and Alex is one of the key pieces to it - maybe even one of the last 13.
This is the 1st of thirteen books in this series and I'll be keen to see where this series goes.....

[Randy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sam is a dreamer. After being taken away from his school in handcuffs, and put into a helicopter, he realizes that his life is not quite what he thought it was.

I picked this book up because I recently purchased the rest of this series, so I thought I should read at least the first one.

I finished the book because the action raced forward. I expected the book to not have a real ending, but I wanted to read until the ending of this volume anyway.

I would recommend this to Kearaun. I think he would like the fast pace of the story.

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done Phelan! Like the 'Alone' series, I have again been sucked in It reminds me a little of 'Stormbreaker', although it moves along much faster. The grade six boys are sure to love this text as it has plenty of action and excitement. One star off because it is left on a cliffhanger and I now have to wait a long time before continuing the story... this is sure to annoy the kids as well. The first book really just sets up the story.

[Maria Carmo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is well written and the story is interesting and fast paced - but we have the feeling it is "one more" of these stories of a few that are chosen to save the world. I read it quikly and with interest, but not passionately. It reads more like a script and we see the movie inside our heads... Still, I guess I will read the next one to see how it develops...

Maria Carmo,

Lisbon, 5th October 2014.

[Kaylin Behrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a pretty good book honestly. I thought it might be one of those, oh, teenager with a power books, but the author really kept it interesting... The one thing I didn't like was the last line.
You can't end a book like that even if there are more in the series.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

i was good...i just want the next one.
NOT COOL THE CLIFFHANGER

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book with good story line, cant wait to read book 2

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I is a very good book that is hard to put down.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's a very interesting story and super easy to read. Makes me want to buy the rest of the books so I can know what happens .

[Autumn Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked it. It's hard for me to find interest in these themes of books but this one kept me on the edge of my seat and my focus solely on the book. I recommend it.