Salutations! E here, and I’m bringing you another book review! This time, I’m taking a look at the book series The Last Kids on Earth by Max Brallier. The Last Kids on Earth uses the premise that has been used a million times: kids trying to survive after a monster apocalypse, when they are the only people left in their area. However, Max Brallier turns it into something new and fresh.
I was hesitant to read the series when my local library labeled it under horror. When I tried it, I found it was nothing like horror. It has “horror” themes for sure (monsters, zombies, etc.). However, even in the moments of peril, the characters will do something to lighten the situation, like get into an argument over a video game reference one of them made.
What is The Last Kids on Earth Series
Throughout this series, four kids try to survive on their own in a world filled with monsters and zombies. Their biggest threat is stopping the Cosmic Terrors (monsters) from bringing back their leader from another dimension.
The main characters of the series are:
Jack Sullivan: a self-proclaimed Post-Apocalyptic Action Hero
Quint Baker: a scientist who makes tons of gadgets for the group to help them survive the apocalypse
June Del Toro: Jack’s crush
Dirk Savage: the school bully who ends up befriending the group
Together, the “last kids on Earth” work to stop Rezzoch the Ancient, Destructor of Worlds, from entering their dimension and destroying it.
Most of the monsters in the book are friendly and work with the heroes to stop the bad monsters, known as Cosmic Terrors. Throughout the series, you meet many of them who have names such as Blarg, Thrull, Meathook, and Ghazt the General. The Cosmic Terrors are trying to bring their leader, Rezzoch, into the human world to destroy it.
The books in this series are:
- The Last Kids on Earth
- The Zombie Parade
- The Nightmare King
- The Cosmic Beyond
- The Midnight Blade
Why I Like The Series
One thing I like about The Last Kids on Earth series is that Brallier doesn’t tend to kill off the main characters. He gives you thrills with a lot of fake-out deaths, making it look like the characters die, but he brings them back a few chapters later with a new ability or a cool story. Several evil monsters and Cosmic Terrors die throughout the series. Buildings get demolished. For the most part, though, the violence is pretty tame.
I also like that the books have many good messages, such as family, friendship, and loyalty. The characters are multi-layered and flawed, but are shown to ultimately be good people. They are incredibly loyal to each other and their monster friends. Plus, the books include a side story about two characters looking for their families.
I have been reading the books for a few years now, and I’d recommend them to kids ages 10-14. The Last Kids on Earth series is for anyone who wants a funny, offbeat adventure filled with great characters and messages.
Don’t forget to check out my other book reviews under Book Reviews With E.
You might also want to check out 12 Book Series for Tweens Recommended by Tweens by my mom.
Happy Reading!
