Last Star Standing
"A thoroughly entertaining adventure with imaginative action and an appealing hero.”
- Kirkus Reviews (starred)
"A deeply addictive read." - SPR editorial review
Awarded a Kirkus Star (review here: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/author/spaulding-taylor/ )
Finalist: Eric Hoffer Book Awards (science fiction)
Finalist: Wishing Shelf Book Awards (adult fiction)
Finalist: International Book Awards (inspirational)
Finalist: Incipere (adventure)
Finalist: Cygnus Award (Chanticleer)
Finalist: New York City Big Book Award (action/adventure)
The Kirkus-starred speculative thriller Last Star Standing is set in 2094, when Earth has been conquered by the extra-terrestrial Xirfell.
Aiden, a brilliant yet headstrong outsider, is part of the underground resistance. Undermined by his leader, ousted from the inner circle and confronted by deceit and betrayal on every side, he recruits a group of overlooked outcasts and stakes everything on one last mission.
Can this restless rebel's last stand save humanity from enslavement?
“Taylor melds original worldbuilding, dramatic flair and a lively, down-to-earth storytelling style, bringing 2094 Earth to vivid life. RECOMMENDED” - US Review of Books
The Kirkus-starred speculative thriller Last Star Standing is set in 2094, when Earth has been conquered by the extra-terrestrial Xirfell.
“An extraordinary tale with a dynamic storyline"
Readers' Favorite editorial review
"Fast-paced, riveting"
IndieReader
"Original worldbuilding, dramatic flair and lively storytelling… brings 2094 Earth to vivid life"
US Review of Books
"Refreshingly unpredictable… Aiden is a fiery protagonist, making this outlandishly creative novel a pleasure to read."
Independent Review of Books
"A dazzling and chilling vision of the future… makes for a deeply addictive read"
"A sharp edge, with plenty of dark humour"
SPR
editorial review
"Masterful - a rare and engrossing treat."
Readers' Favorite
"An extraordinary tale with a dynamic storyline"
Readers' Favorite second editorial review
Web link: https://alicemcveigh.com/books/last-star-standing/
Interview about the book: https://selfpublishingadvice.org/author-interview-alice-mcveigh/
Video for Last Star Standing:
STARRED review from Kirkus Reviews:"Aiden's energetic narration and darkly comic humor recalls Nick Harkaway but without ever feeling derivative. The action scenes are excitingly unpredictable, and also have an emotional element, as brave, goodhearted characters face mortal danger from truly cruel and evil beings. Similarly, Taylor handles Aiden's growth toward humble self-knowledge in a moving and believable manner; as self-centered as he's been, he's also been taking care to note the examples of others who've found true greatness--"that kernel deep inside, that immortal core" whose recognition "can merge, from all our separate selves, into the person we are meant to be." His later mission gives him the chance to move past his restless desire for fame and become his truer self... A thoroughly entertaining adventure with imaginative action and an appealing hero." - Kirkus Reviews
"A dauntless soldier's epic tale of rebellion, escape, and redemption, Last Star Standing is a dazzling and chilling vision of the future... The writing has a sharp, post-apocalyptic edge with plenty of dark humor. Memorable characters leap off the page, the action is visceral and exciting, and Taylor's unleashed imagination makes this dystopian novel a deeply addictive read." - SPR review
"Taylor melds original worldbuilding, dramatic flair and a lively, down-to-earth storytelling style, bringing 2094 Earth to vivid life. Last Star Standing spurs readers to understand and accept the juxtaposition of inner desire and outer reality that serves both to obstruct and to shape humanity. RECOMMENDED" - US Review of Books
"Taylor displays a masterful touch at bringing his characters to life, and his writing is effortless and fluent, making reading this action-packed and thought-provoking offering a rare and engrossing treat indeed." - Jack Magnus, Reader's Favorite editorial review
"Intriguing science-fiction with a post-apocalyptic flavor... the story captures and holds the imagination. The individual characters are artistic and original, giving a realistic feel. An extraordinary tale with a dynamic storyline." - Susan Sewell, Reader's Favorite editorial review
"The writing is crisp and the novel graced by a compelling protagonist. Last Star Standing is fast-paced, riveting, and an enjoyable read." - Grace Masso, Reader's Favorite editorial review