Member Reviews
This book will grip you from the first page and keep you guessing until the end. I saw a few reviewers mention they figured out the twists, but I sure don't know how. I just suspected everyone and still never figured it out. I thought the author kept the reader guessing until the very end. I am not one that likes to give a lot of trigger warnings, but I will say that this is a very emotionally intense story and might be too much for some readers. I don't consider it a negative, but I felt like I needed to share that there are a lot of characters in the book so it did take me a bit before I kept them all straight. I don't want to say much more for fear of giving anything in the plot away. If you are in the mood for a fast-paced thriller, I would definitely recommend.
I thought the narrator did a great job and was easy to listen to. I had no issues with the audiobook version of this story.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this audiobook. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
This one kept me guessing and I found it too be a quick and enjoyable listen. I'll definitely be recommending it to my friends
Last Girl Breathing, written by Court Stevens, is a thriller that follows Lucy and her friends and family. When the book begins we learn that Lucy had previously lost her little brother Clay to a dam breaking, and she is looking for her stepbrother who seems to be wanting to find out information. As the book continues more questions are asked, and the reader is introduced to different individuals who are trying to find out what might be happening. I really enjoyed this book, and the way Lucy helps her friends and family throughout the book, but also the ways that she learns to depend on them as well. When I first started the book I was a little unsure if I would understand the different aspects of air rifle competition, but I think the author explained them well. I did have a little trouble keeping track of the different characters, but that happens sometimes to me with audiobooks. Thank you to NetGalley and the author and publisher of this book for a free ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for another ARC,
Last Girl Breathing by Court Stevens is a young adult mystery thriller about a young woman's search for answers. There is nothing wrong with the book, it was written well enough and the characters are interesting; my problem with it is entirely personal, choices were made, plotwise, that really made me dislike this book.
The narrator, McKenzie Fetters, does a great job at differentiating the characters (it’s an ensemble cast), and even though some characters read a bit similar, I was never confused about which characters were speaking (it did help that I had the ebook with me, though).
Overall, Last Girl Breathing wasn’t really for me, but it could be for you.
The plot dragged during large parts of the story and I didn’t like any of the characters.
Overall this wasn’t the right book for me.
I don’t normally read thrillers or mystery, however , I did enjoy the authors writing and because of that, I continued on.
I thought I knew the direction the book was heading in and was completely wrong.
This story is an emotional journey. It was heartbreaking and believable and I broke thinking about that little girl saving everyone and her brother washing away. Losing two brothers she loved was absolutely unfair. The authors note at the begining of the story is even more gutting after having read the book.
While the book didn't have anyone of "thriller" elements to me, it was still a powerful read
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my advance copy of this audiobook
This book is satisfying, complex, and compelling. It is a rare books that is set in rural America that doesn't patronize or glorify it's characters. They're just well-rounded people trying to make a life and resolve a mystery in the petri dish of a small town
Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Thomas Nelson Fiction, Court Stevens, and McKenzie Fetters (audio narrator) for the opportunity to read and listen to the audiobook of Last Girl Breathing in exchange for an honest review.
Last Girl Breathing is a thrilling stand-alone mystery novel for a young adult audience.
When the dam broke, many lives were lost, including Lucy's five-year-old brother, Clay. She has never forgiven herself for being unable to save him.
Now seventeen and a senior in high school, Lucy wants to make the US Olympic air rifle team, her passion, but also one of her ways of protecting the rest of her loved ones from fates such as Clay's. As if graduation and Olympic dreams weren't enough, Lucy loses her step-brother and his sister has gone missing. How is it that Lucy is right in the middle?
Lucy is determined to find the missing girl, but when others are killed, hope seems lost. It's her determination to stand up for the people of her town and those she loves that will bring justice.
This novel is a good stand-alone with well-rounded characters and great twists and turns for the mystery aspect. Being well-written and having a good audio narrator make this book an excellent read, not just for young adults, but lovers of mystery, or anyone really. This book has a solid intrigue that anyone can enjoy, making this book great for a broad audience.
This book had me from the first page, I could not put it down. It was intense and thrilling. I enjoyed the main character, Lucy, was layered and had some guilt, some secrets, and a lot of self doubt. Things that happened in her past has been weighing her down. I enjoyed seeing her layers come apart and really find out what was going on.
There were more than one mystery and they both interested me and kept me reading. A very fast paced read and the twists just kept coming. The read never slowed for me and I just wanted more after every page.
I look forward to more from this author.
A Riveting Tale Hindered by Narration
I must express my gratitude to Netgalley and all involved for providing me with the opportunity to experience Last Girl Breathing in audiobook format. As an avid reader, I was drawn to the intriguing concept promised by Court Stevens' narrative. Regrettably, my journey through this story was significantly impeded by a major drawback—the narration—which ultimately influenced my rating of this otherwise suspenseful tale.
Initially, I approached Last Girl Breathing with the expectation of a quick and engrossing read, but the audiobook format proved to be a double-edged sword. The central issue that marred my overall enjoyment was the narrator's performance. The audible inhalations and deep breaths became a constant distraction, hindering my ability to fully immerse myself in the narrative. Unfortunately, this detracted from the overall experience and contributed to my decision to rate the book at three stars.
Moving past this hurdle, let me delve into the heart of the story. Last Girl Breathing follows Lucy Michaels, a young woman haunted by the tragic loss of her little brother in a devastating flooding accident. Lucy, who had the capacity to save lives during the incident, finds herself unable to rescue her own sibling. Fast forward to the present, where Lucy is on the cusp of graduating from high school when her stepbrother mysteriously disappears.
Stevens weaves a compelling tale of suspense and secrets, entwined with a significant focus on character development. Lucy, grappling with the burden of her past, becomes a complex protagonist whose journey resonates with the reader. The narrative successfully navigates the intricate web of mystery, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as Lucy confronts her past and unravels the enigma surrounding her stepbrother's disappearance.
Despite the narratorial setbacks, the strengths of Last Girl Breathing lie in Stevens' ability to craft a small-town atmosphere with charm and precision. The picturesque description of the setting enhances the overall narrative, creating a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama. The author's talent for portraying the nuances of a close-knit community adds depth to the story, making it an engaging exploration of both mystery and the intricacies of human relationships.
Despite my reservations about the audiobook narration, I extend a measure of grace to Court Stevens, offering a two-book allowance before passing a final judgment. I acknowledge that individual preferences play a crucial role in audiobook experiences, and my dissatisfaction with the narrator may not be universally shared.
In conclusion, Last Girl Breathing is a captivating tale marred by a disruptive narration that may deter some listeners. If you can overlook this flaw and appreciate the intricate small-town charm and the author's skillful character development, then I encourage you to explore the story. Court Stevens has demonstrated storytelling prowess, and I remain open to giving another of her works a chance in the hope of a more seamless and enjoyable listening experience. Click the link below, keeping in mind the potential drawbacks, and embark on this suspenseful journey if the premise intrigues you.
Thank you to Court Stevens, Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy. Overall, this was a pretty good plot line. I did find some parts quite predictable; however, it kept my interest and I kept me wondering how everything would wrap up. One thing that I found very distracting was the narrator. Throughout the audiobook, you can hear the narrator either sniffling her nose or loudly breathing. I feel bad saying this, but it is so distracting that I found myself hearing it more and more throughout the audiobook. I have never caught this on any other audiobook. I would still recommend the book, maybe stick to the paper copy though.
⭐️⭐Last Girl Breathing by Court Stevens
I was excited about this book because I live in the western part of Kentucky where she’s from and next to the town this novel is set in, if it weren’t a fictional town. So it was interesting when she would throw real things in the book. But that’s about it.
I found so many things about this book lacking. The plot was slow, predictable, and is a story that’s been told over and over. There was nothing new in this story. The characters were obnoxious and unpleasant. Lucy was so strange and mind-boggling. Her step-brother is murdered and she and Neil are constantly talking about the Olympics. Other tragedies are happening, and they’re talking about the Olympics. It makes no sense that that’s the focus of their lives with what’s going on. The other book characters aren’t much better. Tragedies are happening and the people affected are acting so apathetic and casual.
I hate to be so negative about a book, especially a local author. I finished the book in order to post a review but there were many times I thought about quitting. It just wasn’t hitting the spot.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this title for review.
I did not particularly become a fan of this story. At times, it seemed too long.
The mystery kept me reading, the diversity of characters kept me interested enough and the tone of the book (as I listened to the audiobook) kept the tension at a specific level.
Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.
This was a good read with some interesting twists! I sometimes felt a little disconnected while listening and would have to go back a few minutes here and there but nothing major. Overall well written and the narrator did great.
Lucy Michaels’s little brother died in a tragic flooding accident. She was there and she could save some lives but she could not rescue her own brother.
Jump to the present where Lucy is just about to graduate from high school when her stepbrother goes missing.
Lucy knows something to help solve the case but she doesn't want to come clear.
A story full of secrets and suspense with a strong character-development throughout the story!
McKenzie Fetters does a great narration of this book!
Thank you #NetGalley #HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Thomas Nelson Fiction for this audiobook
Didn't get to listen unfortunately - approved on wed 6th at 6pm and it archived the following morning.
I just didn’t care for this one as much as I really thought I would. It started strong but got a little predictable for me
Facebook had some surprising twists and was well written and put together book it had some intriguing surprises in it and did Keep Me entertained during an interested during the whole book the ending was rather surprising to me but it was very good there is a trigger warning of some child abuse at the end but it was not in graphic detail but it was not in graphic detail
This was such well done thriller! I questioned everyone because everyone seemed guilty in some way.
it's a very emotionally packed book, there's a lot of trauma, with the current time line as well as the past timeline from when the flood happened. With that said PLEASE go look at the triggers there's a lot in this book. (they may contain spoilers)