The Final Six

By: Alexandra Monir

Narrated by: Alexandra Monir, James Fouhey

Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Set in the near future, this action-packed YA novel - already optioned by Sony Pictures - will take listeners out of this world and on a quest to become one of six teens sent on a mission to Jupiter's moon. This is the next must-listen for fans of Illuminae and The Martian.

When Leo and Naomi are drafted, along with 22 of the world's brightest teenagers, into the International Space Training Camp, their lives are forever changed. Overnight, they become global celebrities in contention for one of the six slots to travel to Europa - Jupiter's moon - and establish a new colony, leaving their planet forever. With Earth irreparably damaged, the future of the human race rests on their shoulders.

For Leo, an Italian championship swimmer, this kind of purpose is a reason to go on after losing his family. But Naomi, an Iranian-American science genius, is suspicious of the ISTC and the fact that a similar mission failed under mysterious circumstances, killing the astronauts on board. She fears something equally sinister awaiting the Final Six beneath Europa's surface.

In this cutthroat atmosphere, surrounded by strangers from around the world, Naomi finds an unexpected friend in Leo. As the training tests their limits, Naomi and Leo's relationship deepens with each life-altering experience they encounter.

But it's only when the finalists become fewer and their destinies grow nearer that the two can fathom the full weight of everything at stake: the world, the stars, and their lives.

©2018 Alexandra Monir (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Good book

I liked the book but near the end therr were some words that went completed in the audio. I hope there will be a second book.

Truely wonderful story

This book kept me interested between another book and its sequel. That being said I had to make it through the sequel of it too. I would recommend this book to everyone with a passion for suspense.

Interesting retelling of an old story

As many great writers have done, the author effectively retells an age old story in a current culture setting. The well told story is worth the read. The only downside to the story is the repeated comments about global warming being solely caused by humans. Although global warming is a great pretext, the ongoing blaming detracts from the story ever so slightly.

fun engaging YA

interesting take on the dystopia future where we have to leave earth in order to survive. most books aim for Mars but I like that this one picked Europa.
The description about the rising tides was a little unbelievable because it was described as the result of larger storms and there was no mention of the polar ice caps. coastal cities could very well all be under water if the ice caps melted but in the story, we are just told that one day a tide rolls in and wipes out a city leaving it under water permanently or an earthquake/tsunami duo destroys a city. Also, if it was the ice caps, it would be all coastal cities together.
the description of the robots was confusing as well because they are described as one platinum and one bronze but in another section they are described as having human hands just with fewer fingers. I just couldn't picture the robots in my head.
the Naomi character got on my nerves a lot because she was so winy about her family. she's surrounded by people who lost their entire family and friends and all she can complain about is how she wants to go home to her little brother. also, her describing Sam as her "little" brother is a bit weird when they are only 2 years apart. my brother and I are 2 years apart and pretty close but I rarely said he was my "little" brother once we passed elementary school. Naomi mentions that they're almost like twins and if she really felt that way, saying "little" would be a condescension.
overall the story was intriguing enough to hold my interest even with all the irritations i had with it. As long as I can get through the holes in the story, I plan to continue in the series.

The transition between pov's was incredible

the story and the loops that I never expected... solid 100/10, definitely my favorite book so far

Ugh. Another teen romance masquerade

Why do so many authors dream up these scenarios where teens are our most important resource? the majority of teens I grew up with were stupid, self important, loud mouths who more interested in surviving the mundane pageantry that all high schooler are unwillingly subjected to. (And I went to a magnet high school)

I'm certain there are exceptions to the rule, but that's irrelevant when conjuring up the weak plot of making teens the only ones physically capable of surviving the interplanetary trip.

this makes the book all the more disappointing as the premise is truly engaging. When the aspects of science fiction took center stage, I found myself deeply engaged and could easily suspend my disbelief.

so imagine my frustration when I kept getting dragged out of it by the nauseating romeo and juliet, star crossed, teen romance that felt more shoehorned in to pander to an audience rather than develope on a more natural pace. (not to mention, but the ending felt like a bit of a lame cheat.)

It's no doubt smarter than the other churned-out trash turned cash cows, milked dry by Hollywood and nearly on par with Hunger Games which is one of the few YA titles I can tolerate. And if you're into that sort of story then this is the book for you, but if you were interesting in and riveting sci-fi title with what was supposed to have a strong female lead, then I'm afraid you'll be just as disappointed as our Male protagonist when he *Spoilers*
finds out he didn't make the cut.

cant wait for a second book

My daughter and I listened to the book together and we loved it. When can we expect a second book?? Great story line, wonderful twist and kept us interested the entire book. A wonderful read.

final six

the story is nice but not overwhelming. easy to follow good read for young generation.

A great YA novel!!!!

This was an incredible YA novel that Sony has already bought the movie rights for, and it should make for an excellent trilogy of movies if this first book is any judge of it.

Earth is slowly being destroyed due to humanities actions, and the worlds leaders have put together a team to colonize Jupiter's moon Europa, as scientists have determined this to be the best possible new home for humanity to start over.

24 of the most talented and intelligent teens from all over the world are selected to compete for the 6 slots for this mission, but there turns out to be much more to this competition for both these teenagers and for the mission as a whole!

A solid 4.5 out of 5 star read, and I'll be starting the second book just last week!

Not bad, not something to write home about..

I liked it. I didn’t love it. The storyline is rather predictable, but one that I still enjoy listening to none the less. I’m buying the second as it got much better toward the end.