The Last Drop: The Last Drop, Book 1

By: Andrea Perno

Narrated by: Austin Rising

Jeremy always said Space Academy was Earth's last hope. People only dream of leaving a dying planet in search of better lives. Avery never expected he would be forced to do just that. On the heels of his brother's murder, his father's disappearance, and with Earth's dwindling water supply now contaminated with a deadly virus, Avery and his younger brother have no choice but to leave Earth behind and join the survivors migrating the nearest habitable planet. What they don't know is that the rarity of water extends far beyond Earth, and they aren't the only ones fighting for survival.

©2014 Beau Coup LLC (P)2015 Beau Coup LLC

Intense

I read the second book in this series and went back to read the first book. The idea of running out of water is terrifying. This series takes you on a roller coaster.

Recommended for young adults and older

In the not-to-distant future the world has used up most of its drinkable water through pollution and the results of global warming. The military has erected fortresses around the remaining fresh water sources, but only protects its own and their families. The thirsty hoards outside are left to die of thirst and starvation.

The ruthless General Cade protects his family, but at a high cost. Brutal and erratic, he beats his wife and children. But what choice do they have, stay in fear or die outside. Well, there is one other choice. Leave the planet for another chance on the recently discovered earth-like world only two years travel away. The only problem is, the natives aren’t that welcoming, and water again is scarce.

The several love stories interwoven through the story bring us an understanding of the natives and the brutality of the military humans. Desperate to survive, both sides will do what they have to, to save their people. Cooperation might have helped both, but it is far too late for that.

The Last Drop is a fantasy novel disguised as science fiction. Fantasy allows all us to believe all kinds of magic and powers without question, Science Fiction requires some essence of plausibility. This novel stretches the science too far to be believable. Go into it with this understanding, and it is an enjoyable tale for young adults. The teenage main characters are as ingenious and brave as they are inexperienced and insecure. They do what’s right when the adults just want to destroy everything. We know they are the heroes and hope they will eventually save the day.

The audio is performed by Austin Rising, who has a wonderful voice and an amazing array of character portrayals. The variety is certainly surprisingly broad and interesting, but also sometimes odd. Why do some of the scientists have a kind of “Yosemite Sam” accent? It is only head-scratchingly weird and doesn’t take away from an otherwise fine performance.

The Last Drop is volume one of a series of unknown length. It sort of wraps up as a novel, but clearly is not complete. You’ll want to find out what happens to the main characters, the natives and their world. The groundwork is laid and is just getting started.

Recommended for young adults and older. There is quite a bit of graphic violence, but would only be disturbing to highly sensitive individuals. Sexual encounters are only alluded to and shouldn’t bother most young listeners.

Audiobook provided for review by the author.

Please find this complete review and many others at my review blog

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A great and suspenseful read!

Where does The Last Drop: The Last Drop, Book 1 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It ranks near the top of my list. The narrator did a fantastic job; didn't read too slow or too fast.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Clesandra because of her unselfishness at times but also because of her determination.

Have you listened to any of Austin Rising’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the only one if his that I have listened to.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Water Is Life

Any additional comments?

Andrea Perno is a a great author who deserves a lot of credit for writing a book that keeps you wanting to read more!

Solid storyline with superb performance

This adventure was something unexpected. The Last Drop mends scif-fi with and all too current reality, diminishing natural resources. The characters create a connection that goes beyond the storyline and has me hooked onto the next book. My favorite part of this was Austin Risings performance! The audio cleanly depicted the energy and fluidity of the scene. I was impressed with the way Rising embodied each character as they left their mark. Perfect fit for this book!

Hopefully not the last drop!

Fun, fantastical and addictive story, and I was disappointed to see this is the narrator's only title - I am sure we will hear more of him soon, a new talent to watch out for!

Engaging fantasy featuring YAs and aliens.

In Avery’s world, the population has depleted the water resources on Earth and many are dying. Life changes for Avery when his older brother, Jeremy, and their father return from a mission abroad. Jeremy is murdered and their father disappears. A deadly virus has contaminated the water. Avery awakens to discover that he and his younger brother, 12 year-old Jace, have been shipped out in space. They are headed for the planet, Panacea, where their commander, General Smith, plans to take the community and water supply away from the native people.

As Avery begins to train as a soldier he meets an angry young woman who can probably beat most of the soldiers, in street smarts and speed, if not by strength. Clesandra aligns herself with Avery and another of his few friends, Sheol. Avery and his friends only survive with the help of one of the natives, Zap, and her friends. But can any of them survive Commander Smith’s determination to eliminate those who don’t side with him and eliminate any competition for the water?

This is a well-crafted plot and the characters have good depth. The story is told in first person from Avery's view with a full range of emotions. I enjoyed the creative elements of Clesandra’s special weapon, the Panacea world and the skills and unique features of the Panacea natives. The survival aspects and value conflicts are also interesting. Although I was engaged by the story, it didn’t wrap me up. Perhaps it is the YA element which doesn’t always pull me in but would certainly pull in many readers younger than me. I do recommend the story to those who like sci fi (alien) fantasy that edges on dystopia.

Audio Notes: Austin Rising did a very good job with the narration. The presentation suits the youth and impetuousness of Avery but Austin also provides unique voices to suit the other characters. The narration added to the emotional intensity of the story and made the YA emphasis easier for me. I don’t think a print/ebook would have flowed as well for my enjoyment so I am glad that I received this in audio.

I received this title from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review.

Twist and Turns

This book had twists and turns that assure that not only will I listen to it again, but I will recommend it to others. From the continued shocks about the protagonists father that make the father less of a villain to the sheer accuracy of the brutality we are willing to exact upon others for our own survival without first considering ways of co-existence and it all runs together smoothly. If you think you know where the book is headed you're setting yourself up for frustration because this author ran a masterclass on intertwining character lives, flaws and personalities. Great listen.

Earth is dead

Earth is out of water, and the military are finding more. The leader is a dictator, and will kill whomever gets in his way. I can not recall how the Earth was losing its water.

Great storyline for those who like Sci Fi. keeps you wanting more.

There were a few points where the same sentence was repeated as if the recording was stopped and picked up at the previous sentence.

Couldn't stop listening!

If you could sum up The Last Drop: The Last Drop, Book 1 in three words, what would they be?

Great book with a fantastic narration. While the author does a great job of creating a world for us to dive into, the narrator, Austin Rising, really brings the story to life. His captivating narration had me listening for almost the whole 13 hours straight. Each character had such a distinct yet realistic voice that at many points I forgot it was the same person narrating the whole time. I look forward to him narrating another book.

Have you listened to any of Austin Rising’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Unfortunately he doesn't yet have another that I could find.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If it weren't for my boss telling me that I needed to complete my work by a deadline, I would have listened to this 13+ hr book in one sitting.