The Last Man

by Mary Shelley, Vince Flynn
The Last Man cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £3.99–£12.99 Hardback • £8.00
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Technical
  • ID: 1161
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781416595236
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2013-08-20
  • Formats: 120
  • Reviews: 4

In 'The Last Man,' Mitch Rapp, a seasoned CIA black ops specialist, is tasked with locating a missing colleague who has connections to shadowy figures in Afghanistan. As Rapp digs deeper, he finds himself entangled in a web of deceit involving multiple nations, each with their own agenda. The stakes are high, and the mission becomes increasingly perilous as Rapp races against time to uncover the truth. This thrilling installment in the Mitch Rapp series delivers the intense action and political intrigue that fans have come to expect. The author's expertise in the world of espionage and counterterrorism shines through, providing a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviews
Maria's Corner - Substack · 2025-10-22
hopeful 4.50

Despite the book's bleakness, it offers a hopeful message about humanity's ability to come together for a common cause. The novel is a blend of science fiction, gothic, and autobiographical elements.

This reviewer notes that despite the bleakness of 'The Last Man', Mary Shelley still conveys a sense of hope in humanity's ability to unite for a common cause. They appreciate the novel's blend of science fiction, gothic elements, and autobiographical touches, which add depth and complexity to the story. The reviewer finds the book's vision of the future both chilling and thought-provoking, but ultimately believes in the resilience of human connections. They highlight the novel's unique combination of genres and its enduring relevance.

Quick quotes

    It is funny to see that despite the book's bleakness, Mary Shelley still thought that humanity was able to bond together for a common cause.

    The novel is a combination of a `roman à clefs' and science fiction, with gothic and autobiographic elements.

    In her vision of the end of the 21st century, Shelley's work remains both chilling and thought-provoking.

nsfordwriter.com · N S Ford · 2025-09-27
grim 3.50

The book is beautifully written and poetic but also one of the grimmest and most depressing reads. The vivid descriptions and dramatic tone make it a memorable experience.

The reviewer found The Last Man to be a beautifully written and poetic novel, with a dramatic tone that enhances its narrative. However, they also describe it as one of the grimmest and most depressing books they've ever read. The vivid descriptions and emotional depth make it a memorable experience, though the bleakness may not be for everyone. The reviewer appreciates the literary quality but cautions that the story's pessimism is quite intense.

Quick quotes

    The Last Man is beautifully written, poetic and dramatic.

    It's also one of the grimmest and most depressing books I've ever read.

    The vivid descriptions and emotional depth make it a memorable experience.

lit.newcity.com · 2024-04-11
thought-provoking 4.00

The novel's exploration of a plague wiping out humanity is timely and thought-provoking. The emotional impact of the story's loss and loneliness is deeply felt.

The reviewer highlights how Mary Shelley's The Last Man presents a timely and thought-provoking exploration of a plague that wipes out humanity. The emotional impact of the story's loss and loneliness is deeply felt, making it a poignant read. The novel's themes resonate strongly in the context of modern global pandemics, adding a layer of relevance and urgency to the narrative. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to evoke a sense of history and personal loss, making it a compelling and emotionally charged experience.

Quick quotes

    In Mary Shelley's “The Last Man,” an 1826 novel that comes to us now in a new Penguin Classics edition, it is a plague that sweeps the earth clean of humanity.

    The emotional impact of the story's loss and loneliness is deeply felt.

    The novel's themes resonate strongly in the context of modern global pandemics.

The Conversation · 2020-05-04
profound 4.00

The novel recreates a history of loss and loneliness, mirroring the author's personal experiences. It is a profound exploration of life during a global pandemic.

This review highlights how 'The Last Man' recreates a history of loss and loneliness, drawing parallels to the author's own life. The reviewer sees the novel as a prophetic exploration of life during a global pandemic, emphasizing the themes of loss and isolation. They appreciate the depth of the novel's emotional impact and its relevance to contemporary experiences. The reviewer also notes the novel's ability to evoke a sense of loneliness and despair, making it a deeply moving read.

Quick quotes

    As it kills off character after character, The Last Man recreates this history of loss along with its author's crushing sense of loneliness.

    It is a profound exploration of life in a global pandemic.

    The novel's themes of loss and isolation are deeply affecting.

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