The Last Thirteen Book 5: 9

The Last Thirteen Book 5: 9 by James Phelan (Scholastic Australia)

PB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-74283-188-6

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

After the destruction of the Academy’s campus in the Swiss Alps and Enterprise’s headquarters in the Silicon Valley, both agencies need time to regather and get themselves up and running again. And with the ever increasing amount of enemies, it seems a good idea for them to begin to work together.

While the Agencies are rebuilding however, the race does not stop. Sam must follow his next dream to the heart of the Amazon jungle to find the next Dreamer and another piece for the Da Vinci machine which will lead them to the Dreamer’s Gate. And Sam must work fast. As well as the usual dangers which lurk deep in the jungle, Sam and Rapha must also contend with Stella, Hans and their armies of guardians.

This fifth instalment of The Last Thirteen series has a much slower pace than the previous ones. It is one where factions regroup, the story line is strengthened and relationships are explored a bit deeper. After the full-on action it is a nice change - a breather really - to slow down and have some of the fragmented ideas about the Dreamers and their role in the world generally (and the Race specifically), explained more fully. The roles of the Agencies, Enterprise and the Academy are also fleshed out more here.

Then, in the last third of the book, Sam’s adventure in Brazil begins and the action steps up. Deep in the heart of the Amazonian Jungle, Sam and Rapha have an Indiana Jones-like experience looking for a lost city high on the mountain peaks which clouds and mist forever shroud. They need to be mentally sharp to overcome the booby traps the deserted city throws up before them.

This series has a serialised single storyline which will continue at the rate of one book a month until the conclusion is reached in the thirteenth book. Also check out www.thelast13.com, an online companion page with VIP Access. There are 13 prizes to be won with each book release, e-newsletters, access code breakers and many more features.

James Phelan is an Australian author who has written adult thrillers as well as the Lachlan Fox series and the Alone trilogy for older teenagers.