What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last 8 #2
The First 7
The thrilling conclusion to The Last 8 duology that follows the Last Teenagers on Earth as they head home to a now-hostile planet.
Clover Martinez and The Last Teenagers on Earth are busy exploring the galaxy after leaving earth behind...even if they can't help but be a little homesick.
So when their ship receives a distress signal from their former planet, they hope against hope that it means other survivors. But as soon as they arrive, they realize something's deeply wrong: strange crystal formations have popped up everywhere and there's some sort of barrier keeping them from leaving.
Seeking the origin of the formations and the reason for the barrier, the group discovers a colony of survivors hidden in the mountains. But the survivors aren't who they seem...
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2020
About the author
Laura Pohl
58 books535 followersLaura Pohl is the New York Times best-selling author of The Grimrose Girls. Her debut novel, The Last 8, won the International Latino Book Awards. She likes writing messages in caps lock, never using autocorrect, and obsessing about Star Wars. When not taking pictures of her dog, she can be found curled up with a fantasy or science-fiction book or replaying Dragon Age. Her favorite Disney princess is Cinderella, and her favorite Disney prince is Kylo Ren. A Brazilian at heart and soul, she makes her home in São Paulo.
She is represented by Kari Sutherland at Bradford Literary.
She is represented by Kari Sutherland at Bradford Literary.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
May 8, 2020
in the publishing/quarantine haze forgot to review this. personally, i think it's neat. 5 stars for sure, there's a cute dog.
October 20, 2019
I don't know how Laura did it, but The First 7 might be even better than The Last 8 (which you all know I loved to pieces). I cried nonstop for the last few chapters, out of so much love and hope (and a tiny bit of pride for this wonderful writer girlfriend I have).
February 29, 2020
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Tasha Leigh
So The First 7 picks up where The Last 8 finished off. Kind of… Clover and her merry band of misfits have found each other and come face to face with the revelation that is their survival. Old friends have fallen (and risen) and the crew is off gallivanting around the countryside. For the past 6 months, they have travelled widely and taken in the sights. But now they have detected another distress beacon, coming from close to Clover’s home town, and they are obliged to investigate.
Okay, so if you haven’t read Laura Pohl’s own voices debut, The Last 8, I feel like you’ve either been living under a rock OR you live in my home country of Australia and haven’t seen the intense hype it received because, well, we kind of live in a publicity black hole. It’s a punchy and riveting read that this reviewer read in a single sitting because it’s unputdownable. When I got the opportunity to read this sequel early, I silently sobbed as I gently crooned at my Kindle and got hearty eyes.
The return of characters that were utter perfection could have potentially gone two ways: either it would be an utter disservice to its predecessor or it would expand on characters which hold a special place in my heart. Dubious from the outset, the latter was true and while the returning cast still have something special about them, Pohl expertly expands upon Clovers universe with the additional of extra characters in order to keep the narrative fresh. The addition of a father figure allowed a new relationship to form with the protagonist alongside a revelation that will leave you questioning everything from The Last 8.
While Pohl’s debut was extremely fast paced, the narrative in The First 7 takes a little longer to really get into a rhythm that will keep the reader enthralled. For around the first 20%, there is a lot of exploration of new terrain and I will admit to feeling just a little underwhelmed. After a while, however, the story picks up the pace with twists and turns while an integral character silently waits to pounce at the best possible opportunity. And holy moly, it is an AMAZING reveal!
Now, I personally read a lot and have been guilty of forgetting storylines because they kind of all mash together into one uber fantasy, so I found it extremely helpful that the first few pages followed Clover doing a little reminiscing about her adventures in the previous instalment. It’s not ridiculously longwinded and gives a quick reminder, so if you had just read The Last 8, the recap of sorts wouldn’t be particularly distracting as it simply gives a lightning quick overview rather than dragging and causing the potential to simply skip pages.
Once again, this novel deals with some dark themes, providing content warnings for depression, suicidal ideations, and PTSD. While this content isn’t included as much as in The Last 8, it is still present and Pohl deals with it in an expert and careful manner.
Overall, I really liked this novel and while the pacing was initially slow, it definitely picked up but I feel there was something missing that I can’t quite put my finger on. The narrative was interesting and had many twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing for the most part. Old characters are expanded upon and new ones introduced, but I feel maybe this is where it was lacking slightly as one particular character felt a little like they had been introduced simply to provide a new relationship rather than flowing naturally. And of course Sputnik makes a comeback which automatically gives The First 7 a high rating. If you loved novels like Lifelike by Jay Kristoff and Renegades by Marissa Meyer, this one is sure to be a hit for you.
So The First 7 picks up where The Last 8 finished off. Kind of… Clover and her merry band of misfits have found each other and come face to face with the revelation that is their survival. Old friends have fallen (and risen) and the crew is off gallivanting around the countryside. For the past 6 months, they have travelled widely and taken in the sights. But now they have detected another distress beacon, coming from close to Clover’s home town, and they are obliged to investigate.
Okay, so if you haven’t read Laura Pohl’s own voices debut, The Last 8, I feel like you’ve either been living under a rock OR you live in my home country of Australia and haven’t seen the intense hype it received because, well, we kind of live in a publicity black hole. It’s a punchy and riveting read that this reviewer read in a single sitting because it’s unputdownable. When I got the opportunity to read this sequel early, I silently sobbed as I gently crooned at my Kindle and got hearty eyes.
The return of characters that were utter perfection could have potentially gone two ways: either it would be an utter disservice to its predecessor or it would expand on characters which hold a special place in my heart. Dubious from the outset, the latter was true and while the returning cast still have something special about them, Pohl expertly expands upon Clovers universe with the additional of extra characters in order to keep the narrative fresh. The addition of a father figure allowed a new relationship to form with the protagonist alongside a revelation that will leave you questioning everything from The Last 8.
While Pohl’s debut was extremely fast paced, the narrative in The First 7 takes a little longer to really get into a rhythm that will keep the reader enthralled. For around the first 20%, there is a lot of exploration of new terrain and I will admit to feeling just a little underwhelmed. After a while, however, the story picks up the pace with twists and turns while an integral character silently waits to pounce at the best possible opportunity. And holy moly, it is an AMAZING reveal!
Now, I personally read a lot and have been guilty of forgetting storylines because they kind of all mash together into one uber fantasy, so I found it extremely helpful that the first few pages followed Clover doing a little reminiscing about her adventures in the previous instalment. It’s not ridiculously longwinded and gives a quick reminder, so if you had just read The Last 8, the recap of sorts wouldn’t be particularly distracting as it simply gives a lightning quick overview rather than dragging and causing the potential to simply skip pages.
Once again, this novel deals with some dark themes, providing content warnings for depression, suicidal ideations, and PTSD. While this content isn’t included as much as in The Last 8, it is still present and Pohl deals with it in an expert and careful manner.
Overall, I really liked this novel and while the pacing was initially slow, it definitely picked up but I feel there was something missing that I can’t quite put my finger on. The narrative was interesting and had many twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing for the most part. Old characters are expanded upon and new ones introduced, but I feel maybe this is where it was lacking slightly as one particular character felt a little like they had been introduced simply to provide a new relationship rather than flowing naturally. And of course Sputnik makes a comeback which automatically gives The First 7 a high rating. If you loved novels like Lifelike by Jay Kristoff and Renegades by Marissa Meyer, this one is sure to be a hit for you.
February 29, 2020
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm so lucky to have had this opportunity to read The First 7 by Laura Pohl since The Last 8 was one of my favorites of 2019. I'm glad to report that somehow the finale to this duology is somehow much better - I think I need more stars. If only the series wasn't over because I'd gladly spend more time with everyone. If you haven't picked up this duology and you're a fan of The 5th Wave and Independence Day, I can't recommend it enough.
I'm so lucky to have had this opportunity to read The First 7 by Laura Pohl since The Last 8 was one of my favorites of 2019. I'm glad to report that somehow the finale to this duology is somehow much better - I think I need more stars. If only the series wasn't over because I'd gladly spend more time with everyone. If you haven't picked up this duology and you're a fan of The 5th Wave and Independence Day, I can't recommend it enough.
January 23, 2020
actual rating: 3.5/5
well, if you didn't LOVE the last 8 with all your heart and soul, don't waste your time reading this. it's an unnecessary sequel that does nothing to expand the story 🤷🏻♀️
well, if you didn't LOVE the last 8 with all your heart and soul, don't waste your time reading this. it's an unnecessary sequel that does nothing to expand the story 🤷🏻♀️
February 16, 2020
Once again crying a lot reading about teenagers and aliens and friendship (and this time also because of a DOG which is a nice addition). I really love how The Last 8 duology is all about friendship and hope. Laura just keeping doing that (making me cry).
July 31, 2020
I adored The Last 8, and while I liked how it it ended, I always love books answering the "what comes after [we saved the world}?" question.
Read this review and more on the blog!
Content warnings include: post traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, flashbacks to suicide attempts, imprisonment, exclusion of people for not being "normal", meeting absent parent for the first time; mentions of death of parent, absent parent, death.
I loved Clover in the first book, and I still love her now. Not only is she aromantic, which is a rep I desperately want to see more of, she also has one of the most unique personalities I've encountered in YA fiction. Not necessarily because this sort of personality doesn't exist - but because it feels like it's often shied away from, particularly for girls. Clover is calculating, the opposite of outgoing, rational and likes to hold back and observe rather than get involved especially when it comes to interperonal interactions, but she also isn't afraid to be hands on and take responsibility. I love her love for the sky and her love for her friends, and how seeing them fight hurts her.
And most importantly, at no point does she turn around and say she's "not like other girls". Generally, her interests and skills, and those of the other characters, are never gendered in any way.
As in the previous book, some things about the plot just felt... overly convenient, or like obvious questions were just ignored until asking them wouldn't call out inconsistencies. I still liked the plot a lot - there weren't any outright plotholes, and had a great time reading the book, but it did irk me a little at times when things just seemed... too easy.
Which isn't to say there isn't tension or conflict. In fact, there is a lot. It switches between a big junk of action to barely anything happening while interpersonal dynamics and struggles took center stage for a big part of the book, before it switched back to action towards the end.
Some of the between-people things didn't feel quite resolved, but at the same time they were issues that had obvious solutions in talking them out.
Plus, the characters are teenagers, so...
That said, I love these teens. The entire group is great and wonderfully diverse, though some definitely got more attention than others, and I would have loved to see more of each of them individually.
Overall I liked this series a lot. It's a curious spin on alien invasion with great representations all around that doesn't take any of the more popular tropes and dynamics, instead taking a wholly different direction that I loved to see.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Read this review and more on the blog!
Content warnings include: post traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, flashbacks to suicide attempts, imprisonment, exclusion of people for not being "normal", meeting absent parent for the first time; mentions of death of parent, absent parent, death.
I loved Clover in the first book, and I still love her now. Not only is she aromantic, which is a rep I desperately want to see more of, she also has one of the most unique personalities I've encountered in YA fiction. Not necessarily because this sort of personality doesn't exist - but because it feels like it's often shied away from, particularly for girls. Clover is calculating, the opposite of outgoing, rational and likes to hold back and observe rather than get involved especially when it comes to interperonal interactions, but she also isn't afraid to be hands on and take responsibility. I love her love for the sky and her love for her friends, and how seeing them fight hurts her.
And most importantly, at no point does she turn around and say she's "not like other girls". Generally, her interests and skills, and those of the other characters, are never gendered in any way.
As in the previous book, some things about the plot just felt... overly convenient, or like obvious questions were just ignored until asking them wouldn't call out inconsistencies. I still liked the plot a lot - there weren't any outright plotholes, and had a great time reading the book, but it did irk me a little at times when things just seemed... too easy.
Which isn't to say there isn't tension or conflict. In fact, there is a lot. It switches between a big junk of action to barely anything happening while interpersonal dynamics and struggles took center stage for a big part of the book, before it switched back to action towards the end.
Some of the between-people things didn't feel quite resolved, but at the same time they were issues that had obvious solutions in talking them out.
Plus, the characters are teenagers, so...
That said, I love these teens. The entire group is great and wonderfully diverse, though some definitely got more attention than others, and I would have loved to see more of each of them individually.
Overall I liked this series a lot. It's a curious spin on alien invasion with great representations all around that doesn't take any of the more popular tropes and dynamics, instead taking a wholly different direction that I loved to see.
I received an ARC and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
July 16, 2023
This was a great story, I enjoyed what they dealt with, and the mystery of what was going on, and it was a great end to the duology!
September 2, 2020
4.5 stars
The only reason this is getting half a star less than the previous book is because it didn't surprise me or blow my mind as much, but that's the thing with sequels, it's harder to be awed by something you're kind of expecting.
It was still so very good, though. The plot was weird, not gonna lie, but good weird, and I didn't expect anything less after The Last 8. I still loved the characters, and I enjoyed the conflicts between them because it just made a lot of sense. The mental illness rep was still on point, and I love apocalypse book that focus on that aspect. A few characters were really pushed to the background, which was kind of sad, though.
It was a weird and fun book, slightly slower maybe than the first one, but if you liked The Last 8 I don't think you'll be disappointed by the sequel.
The only reason this is getting half a star less than the previous book is because it didn't surprise me or blow my mind as much, but that's the thing with sequels, it's harder to be awed by something you're kind of expecting.
It was still so very good, though. The plot was weird, not gonna lie, but good weird, and I didn't expect anything less after The Last 8. I still loved the characters, and I enjoyed the conflicts between them because it just made a lot of sense. The mental illness rep was still on point, and I love apocalypse book that focus on that aspect. A few characters were really pushed to the background, which was kind of sad, though.
It was a weird and fun book, slightly slower maybe than the first one, but if you liked The Last 8 I don't think you'll be disappointed by the sequel.
March 5, 2020
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
3.5*
I quite enjoyed The Last 8 when I read it last year. I thought it would make an awesome movie, and I stand by that, and I add to it, because I think that this sequel would make a pretty badass movie as well.
This is an even harder than usual sequel to review (and as you know, I frequently find them difficult!) because of how massively spoilery it would be for me to tell you, oh, anything about this one. World, characters, plot... hard nopes all around. I will say this: I got to know all the characters much better than I did in the first book, which was quite great. Also, the plot didn't go where I expected it to, and I ended up really enjoying it and found it to be a great choice on the author's part.
I will say that I found a few things a little... convenient, which is probably the only thing that I didn't fully enjoy. (Well, that and I found parts of the ending a wee bit convoluted and hard to wrap my head around, but that could just be me tbh.) But as a whole, it was a pretty solid sequel and a satisfying conclusion.
Bottom Line: "First we have to survive. Then we can find our humanity again." -Marcus Kane, The 100
3.5*
I quite enjoyed The Last 8 when I read it last year. I thought it would make an awesome movie, and I stand by that, and I add to it, because I think that this sequel would make a pretty badass movie as well.
This is an even harder than usual sequel to review (and as you know, I frequently find them difficult!) because of how massively spoilery it would be for me to tell you, oh, anything about this one. World, characters, plot... hard nopes all around. I will say this: I got to know all the characters much better than I did in the first book, which was quite great. Also, the plot didn't go where I expected it to, and I ended up really enjoying it and found it to be a great choice on the author's part.
I will say that I found a few things a little... convenient, which is probably the only thing that I didn't fully enjoy. (Well, that and I found parts of the ending a wee bit convoluted and hard to wrap my head around, but that could just be me tbh.) But as a whole, it was a pretty solid sequel and a satisfying conclusion.
Bottom Line: "First we have to survive. Then we can find our humanity again." -Marcus Kane, The 100
February 26, 2020
Clover and the remaining teenagers are drawn back to Earth by a distress call, but once there they find themselves trapped. Things are not as they seem and the Last Teenagers will have to pull together if they're going to survive.
This is quite a different beast from the first book. That one was about survival; this is mostly a mystery, and some characters are sidelined for most of it. I read it all, but I wasn't very engaged and I didn't feel like I would miss it if I put it down. It's still a good series, this part just didn't click with me.
This is quite a different beast from the first book. That one was about survival; this is mostly a mystery, and some characters are sidelined for most of it. I read it all, but I wasn't very engaged and I didn't feel like I would miss it if I put it down. It's still a good series, this part just didn't click with me.
January 25, 2020
#TheFirst7
The conclusion to The Last 8. Clover and the group are back for the final stand. A fitting ending to well written young adult science fiction novels.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
The conclusion to The Last 8. Clover and the group are back for the final stand. A fitting ending to well written young adult science fiction novels.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
February 28, 2020
Warnings: (as mentioned in book) mention of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, a panic attack, and PTSD
Rep: aromantic bisexual Latina main character; queer and PoC secondary characters
The First 7 has an unexpected twist to the ending of The Last 8, which was well concluded on its own, with the 7 Last Teenagers on Earth returning and finding out that Earth wasn't as empty as they thought. They had been zipping through space for seven months, seeing the sights, mingling with other aliens, rescuing Sputnik from her worshipers, etc. when they get a distress signal that seems to be coming from Earth. Initially divided on whether to go back or not, when they are in peril, they end up back there and find that there have been Some Changes. As they explore this new change on Earth, they find out that they are trapped in a barrier that extends across an entire state, and that there is a human colony Unity now, and Andy has been affected by something that has them trapped until they solve the mystery of the crystal formations and cure whatever is going on with her.
A big theme in this book is grief and moving on from it, having hope in something new growing. When the Last Teens arrive on Earth, they are still a tight knit group, but the longer they stay, they start to have divided opinions. They have been on the move for months, knowing no one else, so finding other humans leads to mixed reactions among them. They are wary at first, of course, and obviously they have to hide the truth about their part-alien genes, but they don't know whether to feel comfortable in this new setting or not. Some of them are looking to settle down, some don't find it to be the place they belong, some are still skeptical of Unity's motives, and Clover herself is confused about what she thinks, especially when she finds a link to her past there. They have all been grieving from the loss of their planet, their families and loved ones, and Clover particularly is still traumatized from the events of the past book, so thinking about moving on from that grief is difficult, as well as the thought about whether they can move on when their loss is so fresh for them. It was complex, and different for each character, and I feel Pohl did a good job rendering that in this book, as well as giving more time to the friendships between the characters in this book (something that felt rushed in the last one).
I won't say much about the mystery of the crystal formations, only that it was a good plot with some predictable elements and some unexplained ones, but ultimately it was satisfactory. As a finale to a duology, it did well in introducing new elements, but also sticking to its core themes.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Sourcebooks Fire, via Edelweiss.
Rep: aromantic bisexual Latina main character; queer and PoC secondary characters
The First 7 has an unexpected twist to the ending of The Last 8, which was well concluded on its own, with the 7 Last Teenagers on Earth returning and finding out that Earth wasn't as empty as they thought. They had been zipping through space for seven months, seeing the sights, mingling with other aliens, rescuing Sputnik from her worshipers, etc. when they get a distress signal that seems to be coming from Earth. Initially divided on whether to go back or not, when they are in peril, they end up back there and find that there have been Some Changes. As they explore this new change on Earth, they find out that they are trapped in a barrier that extends across an entire state, and that there is a human colony Unity now, and Andy has been affected by something that has them trapped until they solve the mystery of the crystal formations and cure whatever is going on with her.
A big theme in this book is grief and moving on from it, having hope in something new growing. When the Last Teens arrive on Earth, they are still a tight knit group, but the longer they stay, they start to have divided opinions. They have been on the move for months, knowing no one else, so finding other humans leads to mixed reactions among them. They are wary at first, of course, and obviously they have to hide the truth about their part-alien genes, but they don't know whether to feel comfortable in this new setting or not. Some of them are looking to settle down, some don't find it to be the place they belong, some are still skeptical of Unity's motives, and Clover herself is confused about what she thinks, especially when she finds a link to her past there. They have all been grieving from the loss of their planet, their families and loved ones, and Clover particularly is still traumatized from the events of the past book, so thinking about moving on from that grief is difficult, as well as the thought about whether they can move on when their loss is so fresh for them. It was complex, and different for each character, and I feel Pohl did a good job rendering that in this book, as well as giving more time to the friendships between the characters in this book (something that felt rushed in the last one).
I won't say much about the mystery of the crystal formations, only that it was a good plot with some predictable elements and some unexplained ones, but ultimately it was satisfactory. As a finale to a duology, it did well in introducing new elements, but also sticking to its core themes.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Sourcebooks Fire, via Edelweiss.
February 18, 2021
~3.5
The first half of the book was not as engaging as the first book, it had action and it had some interesting interactions between these characters I've learned to love in the past couple of days but overall it wasn't making me excited about the book.
The second half gets better, it has mystery and action and even some drama; it surprised me positively.
Overall I didn't love the sequel as much as the first, but I liked it, and the ending was very hopeful, which warmed my heart.
Still think both books should be adapted to a movie or a miniseries, they have so much potential.
Also, Cynthia Farrell (the audiobook narrator) is simply amazing, the pace and the different voices she makes for the different characters make the reading/listening experience incredible.
The first half of the book was not as engaging as the first book, it had action and it had some interesting interactions between these characters I've learned to love in the past couple of days but overall it wasn't making me excited about the book.
The second half gets better, it has mystery and action and even some drama; it surprised me positively.
Overall I didn't love the sequel as much as the first, but I liked it, and the ending was very hopeful, which warmed my heart.
Still think both books should be adapted to a movie or a miniseries, they have so much potential.
Also, Cynthia Farrell (the audiobook narrator) is simply amazing, the pace and the different voices she makes for the different characters make the reading/listening experience incredible.
March 16, 2020
Rayen, entre em minha casa e [inaudível]
July 20, 2020
7 adolescentes doidos salvando a terra de alienígenas e acompanhados de uma cachorra perfeita. O primeiro é um dos meus livros favoritos do mundo, e esse não fica pra trás! A Laura faz TUDO 💕💕💕
Read
March 29, 2021Queer Content: Clover is aromantic, two of the teens are wlw, and I think Flint's ace.
May 23, 2021
Vou guardar esse livro pra sempre no meu coração.
October 5, 2020
Likes: Marcello is a good father for Clover, and I'm glad they met up.
Loved the comedy with Sputnik
Dislikes: I wish Castor wasn't so caught up in the past, or he could've been a good character
Wondered why the types of crystals didn't affect different people besides Andy
Overall Impression: A solid sequel to an amazing first book. This had action and drama, was filled with twists and turns, and when the ending came around, I was mostly satisfied. I love that the author made Andy mostly human again in the end, because it reminded me of humbling people that boast way to much, and I have been doing what Castor failed to do, which is: Don't live in the past. Focus on the future. This series was fantastic, and to any science fiction/apocalypse fans, this is for you!
Loved the comedy with Sputnik
Dislikes: I wish Castor wasn't so caught up in the past, or he could've been a good character
Wondered why the types of crystals didn't affect different people besides Andy
Overall Impression: A solid sequel to an amazing first book. This had action and drama, was filled with twists and turns, and when the ending came around, I was mostly satisfied. I love that the author made Andy mostly human again in the end, because it reminded me of humbling people that boast way to much, and I have been doing what Castor failed to do, which is: Don't live in the past. Focus on the future. This series was fantastic, and to any science fiction/apocalypse fans, this is for you!
March 2, 2020
*I received an ARC from Netgalley
Read more reviews on my blog here!
This book is the sequel to THE LAST 8, which I wholeheartedly recommend you read! It handles themes of suicide ideation and depression, but this is just such a good duology. For my review on the first book, click here!
The moment I picked up this ARC, I kind of figured I might end up reading the whole thing in one day.
And I did.
If the first book is about survival, this book is about recovery and moving through the past to have a better future.
The book handles the characters dealing with the fact that the Earth is no longer in danger, and the group reacts in different ways to that. The first book was about making friends, this book is about maintaining them and the bumps that go through it. I still love this friend group, even if they fight more in this one. It's made clear that these people may not have become friends if it wasn't for the fact that they thought they were the last survivors.
Once criticism from the first book was the main character, Clover, doesn't go through much more character development besides opening up to new people. In this one, however, Clover goes through a lot of character development as these poor teens get access to therapy!
As I went through the book, I started to guess some of the twists, but this was overall still an enjoyable read, that I didn't mind it.
The book still holds similar humor from the first book, which I enjoyed as it's a good break from these teens who are depressed and have PTSD.
Small spoiler relationship wise, but I will still die on the hill that is queerplatonic Raelyn and Clover. Like, you could probably see it implied, but look, I was loving every moment they had together.
I rated this book 4 stars, the same as I gave the first book. This book is an interesting conclusion to the first book, handling heavy topics with moments of levity.
1/23/2020: Review to come, but I just want to mention first that in the last 5% of the book, a song is referenced, so I put it on to finish off the book, and I damn near cried
Read more reviews on my blog here!
This book is the sequel to THE LAST 8, which I wholeheartedly recommend you read! It handles themes of suicide ideation and depression, but this is just such a good duology. For my review on the first book, click here!
The moment I picked up this ARC, I kind of figured I might end up reading the whole thing in one day.
And I did.
If the first book is about survival, this book is about recovery and moving through the past to have a better future.
The book handles the characters dealing with the fact that the Earth is no longer in danger, and the group reacts in different ways to that. The first book was about making friends, this book is about maintaining them and the bumps that go through it. I still love this friend group, even if they fight more in this one. It's made clear that these people may not have become friends if it wasn't for the fact that they thought they were the last survivors.
Once criticism from the first book was the main character, Clover, doesn't go through much more character development besides opening up to new people. In this one, however, Clover goes through a lot of character development as these poor teens get access to therapy!
As I went through the book, I started to guess some of the twists, but this was overall still an enjoyable read, that I didn't mind it.
The book still holds similar humor from the first book, which I enjoyed as it's a good break from these teens who are depressed and have PTSD.
Small spoiler relationship wise, but I will still die on the hill that is queerplatonic Raelyn and Clover. Like, you could probably see it implied, but look, I was loving every moment they had together.
I rated this book 4 stars, the same as I gave the first book. This book is an interesting conclusion to the first book, handling heavy topics with moments of levity.
1/23/2020: Review to come, but I just want to mention first that in the last 5% of the book, a song is referenced, so I put it on to finish off the book, and I damn near cried
January 15, 2020
The 100 but with aliens!
The First 7 picks up not long after the ending of The Last 8. The Last Teenagers on Earth have ended an alien invasion that wiped out most of humanity and have left them to the stars trying to find a place where they could call home. Unfortunately, not all of the Universe is so welcoming. And then, something calls them back to Earth. Who? How? Why?
Back on Earth, a lot has changed since the gang left. Shit. Goes. Down. Dark Willow even makes an appearance.
While The Last 8 was about the apocalypse, The First 7 is what happens after the World ends. This duology has been a fun ride and I'm sad it's over.
Triggers:
***Quotes are taken from an uncorrected proof and are subject to change.***
I thought I was being brave for saving the world. For surviving the aliens, for going out into space. For saving my planet. No one ever said I was brave to keep living.
The First 7 picks up not long after the ending of The Last 8. The Last Teenagers on Earth have ended an alien invasion that wiped out most of humanity and have left them to the stars trying to find a place where they could call home. Unfortunately, not all of the Universe is so welcoming. And then, something calls them back to Earth. Who? How? Why?
“Damn. Aliens.”
Somehow, that sums up all of my life in the last year and a half.
Back on Earth, a lot has changed since the gang left. Shit. Goes. Down. Dark Willow even makes an appearance.
While The Last 8 was about the apocalypse, The First 7 is what happens after the World ends. This duology has been a fun ride and I'm sad it's over.
Ever since the day the aliens arrived, I started running and never looked back. Even while taking back the Earth, while going to face them, it was the only thing I knew how to do. The only way I found that I could fix this broken world and the broken me.
We humans keep forgetting. How tiny we are. How small when compared to the whole universe. But when I look around, I only see what we humans have seen for so long. That despite everything, we still stand. We survive. And I think that’s bigger than the universe itself.
Triggers:
***Quotes are taken from an uncorrected proof and are subject to change.***
January 25, 2020
#TheFirst7
The conclusion to The Last 8. Clover and the group are back for the final stand. A fitting ending to well written young adult science fiction novels.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
The conclusion to The Last 8. Clover and the group are back for the final stand. A fitting ending to well written young adult science fiction novels.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
January 21, 2020
The First 7 is the ending to the Last 8 and oh my gosh was it an ending. All the things they suffered thru in the last book must be dealt with in this one. Clover and Violet lead two groups this book and it shows how things transpire for them. The LGTQA is still represented and overall this was a fitting end.
I can't give too much away but if you loved the First 8 I think that you will love the final to it.
I can't give too much away but if you loved the First 8 I think that you will love the final to it.
May 1, 2020
Aromantic bisexual MC (Clover)
January 31, 2021
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I really liked The First 7, and thought it was much better than the first book! It's a great sequel, and I'm glad I read it.
I liked the first book, enough to pick up the sequel. This book picks up several months after the last book, and we see our young survivors travelling across space. Because of Andy, they get this warning that they are not safe anywhere, and find themselves back on earth because of a distress signal. Earth is not the same place it was when they left it.
It turns out that they were gone for years, instead of months, so clearly, time moved differently for them than it did in space. That part got my interest, and I wanted to know more about that. They have more pressing things to deal with, like the fact that there are survivors hidden in the mountains, crystals everywhere, and Andy not being the same Universal that she was in the first book. Once they land on Earth, and come across the crystals, she changes drastically, but in the end, she's the same Andy that we knew from The Last 8 and the beginning of this book.
It turns out that Andy is not the last Universal, and there was a time when I thought it was Violet. It's not, but the thought crossed my mind, considering what Andy did to bring Violet back from the dead. I actually wish we saw more of Andy. This is Clover's story, through and through, but that's not going to stop me from wanting more with Andy.
Speaking of Clover, I really liked her. She's still struggling, which is understandable. She's been through a lot, and there are some surprises for her in this book. I wasn't expecting one particular surprise, but I'm glad she's not alone. She never was, of course, and she has some great friends. But this surprise...I think it will be good for her. It won't bring back her grandparents, Adam or Noah but I think, in time, she'll open up and start to heal. That's what I hope happens for her. This book doesn't shy away from her struggles, and I love that there's a content warning at the beginning of the book and some resources at the end of the book.
I'm just glad they were able to go back to earth, and that they were able to make sure things were okay. Not everyone wanted to come back, of course, but I think, in the end, they were glad they did. Space isn't for everyone, but this book really shows that earth, and the life that inhabits it are strong and refuse to die in the face of really terrible aliens with crystals that could change the planet and destroy everything on it.
I also want everyone to be okay. I've already talked about how I want Clover to be okay, and I want that for everyone else too. They deserve after thinking they were the only ones left on earth, and what they had to do to save it. I'm sure they'll settle into a slightly more normal life. As normal as it can be on a planet that survived an alien invasion, and I hope they are able to find other survivors. This little pocket of survivors can't be the only ones left, and I hope, over time, earth is at least a semblance of the place they knew before everything happened.
My Rating: 4 stars. I really liked The First 7, and it's a great sequel. I kind of want another book, just to see how things turn out for everyone, but I also think it ended on a really good note, so I'm also okay with it ending how it did.
I liked the first book, enough to pick up the sequel. This book picks up several months after the last book, and we see our young survivors travelling across space. Because of Andy, they get this warning that they are not safe anywhere, and find themselves back on earth because of a distress signal. Earth is not the same place it was when they left it.
It turns out that they were gone for years, instead of months, so clearly, time moved differently for them than it did in space. That part got my interest, and I wanted to know more about that. They have more pressing things to deal with, like the fact that there are survivors hidden in the mountains, crystals everywhere, and Andy not being the same Universal that she was in the first book. Once they land on Earth, and come across the crystals, she changes drastically, but in the end, she's the same Andy that we knew from The Last 8 and the beginning of this book.
It turns out that Andy is not the last Universal, and there was a time when I thought it was Violet. It's not, but the thought crossed my mind, considering what Andy did to bring Violet back from the dead. I actually wish we saw more of Andy. This is Clover's story, through and through, but that's not going to stop me from wanting more with Andy.
Speaking of Clover, I really liked her. She's still struggling, which is understandable. She's been through a lot, and there are some surprises for her in this book. I wasn't expecting one particular surprise, but I'm glad she's not alone. She never was, of course, and she has some great friends. But this surprise...I think it will be good for her. It won't bring back her grandparents, Adam or Noah but I think, in time, she'll open up and start to heal. That's what I hope happens for her. This book doesn't shy away from her struggles, and I love that there's a content warning at the beginning of the book and some resources at the end of the book.
I'm just glad they were able to go back to earth, and that they were able to make sure things were okay. Not everyone wanted to come back, of course, but I think, in the end, they were glad they did. Space isn't for everyone, but this book really shows that earth, and the life that inhabits it are strong and refuse to die in the face of really terrible aliens with crystals that could change the planet and destroy everything on it.
I also want everyone to be okay. I've already talked about how I want Clover to be okay, and I want that for everyone else too. They deserve after thinking they were the only ones left on earth, and what they had to do to save it. I'm sure they'll settle into a slightly more normal life. As normal as it can be on a planet that survived an alien invasion, and I hope they are able to find other survivors. This little pocket of survivors can't be the only ones left, and I hope, over time, earth is at least a semblance of the place they knew before everything happened.
My Rating: 4 stars. I really liked The First 7, and it's a great sequel. I kind of want another book, just to see how things turn out for everyone, but I also think it ended on a really good note, so I'm also okay with it ending how it did.
June 21, 2020
After 7 months exploring the galaxy, Clover Martinez and her friends (who were essentially the last teenagers on
Earth), are feeling a little misplaced. They believe Earth is empty of human life and there is nothing left there for them to return to, but when they receive a distress call from their home planet, they investigate.
This isn't a unanimous decision, as Violet is against returning home, but she is over ruled and they soon land back in the state of Wyoming where Clover grew up. Despite the excitement and wonder of the things they've seen and done in outer space, the smells and sights of Earth bring tears and joy.
The distress signal has vanished however, and so does their chance of leaving again. They have crossed an invisible barrier on their search, and they can't cross back through it. Even the ship's (The Ark) drones can't find a gap for their escape.
While they search the surrounding ground on foot, they see other humans! How can that be? Weren't they the only survivors of the alien attack on Earth? They also find beautiful but strange crystals in the ground. These crystals have a shocking effect on Andromeda (Andy) and her friends have no choice but to imprison her in The Ark, keeping her a secret when they meet the people they saw.
Unity is a community of people who gathered after the alien attack on Earth. The teens decide to stay only long enough to learn about the crystals and the barrier. This decision causes friction between them, which upsets Clover as she finally begins to deal with some of the trauma of the past couple of years. She still has her dog Sputnik at her side, but it's nice to be able to talk to someone who might be able to help. From nowhere, Clover is blindsided by someone who seems to know her from before.
Can the teens trust Unity? Who sent the distress signal? Will Andy ever be the peaceful Universali they all knew and loved again? Clover and her friends are thrown into another battle, but first they have to agree to work together again, before it is too late.
I enjoy any type of survivor story, and surviving an alien attack is always an interesting premise. This sequel to The Last 8 was as satisfying and action filled as the first in this duology. The relationships between the characters are explored (a little more), and Clover is dealing with her anxiety, PTSD, and admitting her past battle with depression, which adds authenticity to what she has been through.
As I read, I could easily imagine this novel as a movie with the tension ratcheting up, and the full-on action finale. It has everything a movie needs to enrapture an audience - Aliens, relationships, mystery, tension, a possession, the past meeting the present and of course, a dog in the middle!
Author - Laura Pohl
Age - 14+ (Strong Language)
Earth), are feeling a little misplaced. They believe Earth is empty of human life and there is nothing left there for them to return to, but when they receive a distress call from their home planet, they investigate.
This isn't a unanimous decision, as Violet is against returning home, but she is over ruled and they soon land back in the state of Wyoming where Clover grew up. Despite the excitement and wonder of the things they've seen and done in outer space, the smells and sights of Earth bring tears and joy.
The distress signal has vanished however, and so does their chance of leaving again. They have crossed an invisible barrier on their search, and they can't cross back through it. Even the ship's (The Ark) drones can't find a gap for their escape.
While they search the surrounding ground on foot, they see other humans! How can that be? Weren't they the only survivors of the alien attack on Earth? They also find beautiful but strange crystals in the ground. These crystals have a shocking effect on Andromeda (Andy) and her friends have no choice but to imprison her in The Ark, keeping her a secret when they meet the people they saw.
Unity is a community of people who gathered after the alien attack on Earth. The teens decide to stay only long enough to learn about the crystals and the barrier. This decision causes friction between them, which upsets Clover as she finally begins to deal with some of the trauma of the past couple of years. She still has her dog Sputnik at her side, but it's nice to be able to talk to someone who might be able to help. From nowhere, Clover is blindsided by someone who seems to know her from before.
Can the teens trust Unity? Who sent the distress signal? Will Andy ever be the peaceful Universali they all knew and loved again? Clover and her friends are thrown into another battle, but first they have to agree to work together again, before it is too late.
I enjoy any type of survivor story, and surviving an alien attack is always an interesting premise. This sequel to The Last 8 was as satisfying and action filled as the first in this duology. The relationships between the characters are explored (a little more), and Clover is dealing with her anxiety, PTSD, and admitting her past battle with depression, which adds authenticity to what she has been through.
As I read, I could easily imagine this novel as a movie with the tension ratcheting up, and the full-on action finale. It has everything a movie needs to enrapture an audience - Aliens, relationships, mystery, tension, a possession, the past meeting the present and of course, a dog in the middle!
Author - Laura Pohl
Age - 14+ (Strong Language)
February 24, 2021
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed this more than the debut. I think with the ridiculous aliens out of the picture and the story starting out in space, it constructed a world deep in sci-fi, rather than a dystopian earth facing an alien threat, that slight shift in the tone of the narrative allowed me to shed preconceived notions and really get into the story.
The characters did feel a little more grown up – we still get moments of teenage melodrama, but it seems the war and travel in the stars have seasoned our group and I was less inclined to sigh or eye-roll. Still there is a tone with the presentation (description) of the aliens that we encounter in ‘The First 7’ that feels immature. I guess it will capture the minds of a younger audience (of whom it is intended.)
‘The First 7’ has a much stronger plot that its predecessor but there was the inclination to meander a little. The story is broken into three sections which didn’t necessarily transition as easily as they could have.
We see some great character arcs, and an aspect of humanity shone through brightest for me. Pohl even managed to surprise me with a few plot twists that I didn’t see coming. I’d love to see her write for a more mature audience, what I gather from her writing chops, it has limitless possibilities.
Again the greatest drawbacks were meandering plot and tone of the novel.
We see many of the hanging plot threads from the debut tied up in a rather unusual fashion. And Pohl is not afraid to serve out real-life consequences to her characters after facing apocalypse-level circumstances that you don’t see in a lot of YA. So I am unsure if teens reacting to mental coping mechanisms, combined with hormonal behaviour left the plot feeling that bit erratic: it is either a pretty accurate depiction, or a tone not befitting young adults placed in that situation… it’s hard to tell with them being changed with alien DNA – but it’s the same elements that had me humming and harring from ‘The Last 8’ as well.
I understand the title of ‘The First 7’ and its need to match the hook from the debut, but after completing the novel, I don’t see how it really fits. They mention it in the novel, but the justification felt tenuous at best.
The ending was sufficiently cinematic and while I enjoyed my time reading this duology, it’s probably one I’ll forget fairly quickly. I’d only recommend this for the younger end of the YA market. Adults and older young adults may find this a little juvenile.
I enjoyed this more than the debut. I think with the ridiculous aliens out of the picture and the story starting out in space, it constructed a world deep in sci-fi, rather than a dystopian earth facing an alien threat, that slight shift in the tone of the narrative allowed me to shed preconceived notions and really get into the story.
The characters did feel a little more grown up – we still get moments of teenage melodrama, but it seems the war and travel in the stars have seasoned our group and I was less inclined to sigh or eye-roll. Still there is a tone with the presentation (description) of the aliens that we encounter in ‘The First 7’ that feels immature. I guess it will capture the minds of a younger audience (of whom it is intended.)
‘The First 7’ has a much stronger plot that its predecessor but there was the inclination to meander a little. The story is broken into three sections which didn’t necessarily transition as easily as they could have.
We see some great character arcs, and an aspect of humanity shone through brightest for me. Pohl even managed to surprise me with a few plot twists that I didn’t see coming. I’d love to see her write for a more mature audience, what I gather from her writing chops, it has limitless possibilities.
Again the greatest drawbacks were meandering plot and tone of the novel.
We see many of the hanging plot threads from the debut tied up in a rather unusual fashion. And Pohl is not afraid to serve out real-life consequences to her characters after facing apocalypse-level circumstances that you don’t see in a lot of YA. So I am unsure if teens reacting to mental coping mechanisms, combined with hormonal behaviour left the plot feeling that bit erratic: it is either a pretty accurate depiction, or a tone not befitting young adults placed in that situation… it’s hard to tell with them being changed with alien DNA – but it’s the same elements that had me humming and harring from ‘The Last 8’ as well.
I understand the title of ‘The First 7’ and its need to match the hook from the debut, but after completing the novel, I don’t see how it really fits. They mention it in the novel, but the justification felt tenuous at best.
The ending was sufficiently cinematic and while I enjoyed my time reading this duology, it’s probably one I’ll forget fairly quickly. I’d only recommend this for the younger end of the YA market. Adults and older young adults may find this a little juvenile.
March 3, 2020
In The First 7, Clover and the squad escape to space. In their travels, they encounter other aliens - some benevolent, others less so - and more or else, drifting from planet to planet, unsure of what happens next. A distress call brings them back to Earth and they end up in Haven, a colony of other survivors (surprise; more than just the 8 teens made it). While Clover and other members of the 7 remain wary of Haven, some more readily ease back into life amongst other humans. Clover's past collides with her present in shocking ways. Will the band break up or will they stay together? Also, how long will it be until the next invasion of earth?
A major element of The First 7 is how Clover continues to cope with her PTSD and lives with her depression. One character in The First 7 really beautiful tells Clover that she's brave to keep living. Supporting members of the Last Teenagers on Earth also get more depth in the sequel. Like real life, Pohl shows how families and friendships can fracture, form rifts, but hopefully come back together in order to support one another. While they all cope in different ways with the changing world and their losses, there are still moments of humor. Flint (one of my favorites in The Last 8) laments they never got to see an MCR comeback - I feel for you, buddy!
Pohl shows that it's a process to grieve, process, and feel better; it's ok that it takes time and that no one person feels the same. While they all cope in different ways with the changing world and their losses, there are still moments of humor. Flint (one of my favorites in The Last 8) laments they never got to see an MCR comeback - I feel for you, buddy! Each character has their own quirks and Pohl shows the importance of found families.
In addition to the psychological/emotional elements of the books, there's all the other great action/post-apocalyptic adventure elements: figuring out the villain hiding in plain sight! One Direction jokes! Space travel! Romance! Friendship! The world's greatest (and only) dog! More alien attacks! A satisfying conclusion to the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
A major element of The First 7 is how Clover continues to cope with her PTSD and lives with her depression. One character in The First 7 really beautiful tells Clover that she's brave to keep living. Supporting members of the Last Teenagers on Earth also get more depth in the sequel. Like real life, Pohl shows how families and friendships can fracture, form rifts, but hopefully come back together in order to support one another. While they all cope in different ways with the changing world and their losses, there are still moments of humor. Flint (one of my favorites in The Last 8) laments they never got to see an MCR comeback - I feel for you, buddy!
Pohl shows that it's a process to grieve, process, and feel better; it's ok that it takes time and that no one person feels the same. While they all cope in different ways with the changing world and their losses, there are still moments of humor. Flint (one of my favorites in The Last 8) laments they never got to see an MCR comeback - I feel for you, buddy! Each character has their own quirks and Pohl shows the importance of found families.
In addition to the psychological/emotional elements of the books, there's all the other great action/post-apocalyptic adventure elements: figuring out the villain hiding in plain sight! One Direction jokes! Space travel! Romance! Friendship! The world's greatest (and only) dog! More alien attacks! A satisfying conclusion to the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews