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The Last Monster
A fantastical story about love, fear, and the thrill of discovering who we were born to be, The Last Monster is a story about making peace with our insecurities and defending those who must hide what they really are.
Sofia has never felt special. Not at school, or with her track team, and especially not since she’s become sick.
She’s always been different, but this doesn't make her stand out . . . it's makes her invisible. Then something special lands right in Sofia’s lap. An ancient book that serves as a portal for the Greek philosopher, Xeno, one of Aristotle’s lost students. Sofia has been chosen to be the next Guardian.
Suddenly Sofia is not only trying to survive middle-school cliques and first crushes, she’s in charge of protecting grotesquely beautiful, lonely monsters that have roamed the Earth for centuries. Drawn into Xeno’s violent and unpredictable world of mystery, Sofia learns that loving outsiders has a price.
Sofia has never felt special. Not at school, or with her track team, and especially not since she’s become sick.
She’s always been different, but this doesn't make her stand out . . . it's makes her invisible. Then something special lands right in Sofia’s lap. An ancient book that serves as a portal for the Greek philosopher, Xeno, one of Aristotle’s lost students. Sofia has been chosen to be the next Guardian.
Suddenly Sofia is not only trying to survive middle-school cliques and first crushes, she’s in charge of protecting grotesquely beautiful, lonely monsters that have roamed the Earth for centuries. Drawn into Xeno’s violent and unpredictable world of mystery, Sofia learns that loving outsiders has a price.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 12, 2016
3 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Ginger Garrett
38 books189 followersGinger Garrett is the author of the middle grade titles Name Tags and Other Sixth Grade Disasters (Carolrhoda Press) and The Last Monster (Delacorte Press/Random House) as well as other titles for women.
A frequent media guest and television host, Ginger has been interviewed by Fox News, 104.7 The Fish Atlanta, and many other outlets. Ginger resides in Georgia with her husband, three children and her 27th rescue dog, Watson.
A frequent media guest and television host, Ginger has been interviewed by Fox News, 104.7 The Fish Atlanta, and many other outlets. Ginger resides in Georgia with her husband, three children and her 27th rescue dog, Watson.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 22, 2018
The last monster, in my opinion, was referring to Sofia's greatest fear of being the odd one. Once she accept that she's special, and a stronger person because of it, she has no problem defeating that monster of hers.
Sofia is only 13 years old and surviving cancer at that age was something that she ought to be celebrated. I like the reality of her getting overwhelmed by life.
This book doesn't meet my expectation. I was hoping that it explore deeper into the story of Aristotle and Olympias but I was left hanging.
The monsters weren't the main story either. They're like condiments to make food tastes better.
Story 3/5
Character 3/5
Development 3/5
Enjoyment 2/5
Style of writing 2/5
Overall 2.6/5
Sofia is only 13 years old and surviving cancer at that age was something that she ought to be celebrated. I like the reality of her getting overwhelmed by life.
This book doesn't meet my expectation. I was hoping that it explore deeper into the story of Aristotle and Olympias but I was left hanging.
The monsters weren't the main story either. They're like condiments to make food tastes better.
Story 3/5
Character 3/5
Development 3/5
Enjoyment 2/5
Style of writing 2/5
Overall 2.6/5
October 22, 2018
Intense mid grade book.
November 10, 2016
Garrett, Ginger The Last Monster, 296 pgs. Delacorte Press, 2016. $16.99. Language G; Mature Content G; Violence PG.
Monsters: who needs them right? Apparently society does. Sofia has been battling cancer and how she sees herself. A middle schooler, Sofia is given an ancient book that makes her the guardian of monsters. Can she handle the monsters? Can she handle the truth? Sofia has to make some big choices in her life.
Okay, I’ll admit the cover didn’t do much for me and I put this book off. At the first of the book, Sofia is such a downer I wanted to shake her even though she is going through a lot. She is definitely a flawed character. But then the book of monsters changes everything. There are many frameable quotes from this book and a lot to ponder. Is Sofia more afraid of living or dying? This book could be read in layers, like an onion, or like Shrek. I ended up loving it and the life lessons behind it. I’m thinking that kids, especially middle school girls could identify with Sofia and learn from her.
EL/MS-ESSENTIAL. Michelle in the Middle
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
Monsters: who needs them right? Apparently society does. Sofia has been battling cancer and how she sees herself. A middle schooler, Sofia is given an ancient book that makes her the guardian of monsters. Can she handle the monsters? Can she handle the truth? Sofia has to make some big choices in her life.
Okay, I’ll admit the cover didn’t do much for me and I put this book off. At the first of the book, Sofia is such a downer I wanted to shake her even though she is going through a lot. She is definitely a flawed character. But then the book of monsters changes everything. There are many frameable quotes from this book and a lot to ponder. Is Sofia more afraid of living or dying? This book could be read in layers, like an onion, or like Shrek. I ended up loving it and the life lessons behind it. I’m thinking that kids, especially middle school girls could identify with Sofia and learn from her.
EL/MS-ESSENTIAL. Michelle in the Middle
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2016/...
April 18, 2016
This book takes on an interesting balancing act, telling the story of a cancer survivor (timely realism) who becomes a caretaker for monsters (fantasy inspired by classical history and folklore from around the world). It succeeds beautifully. Sofia drew me in from page one with her wry wit and introspective musings on life's deep questions. Garrett leavens her serious subject with humor in just the right places, and weaves the real and fantastic skillfully. With both high-quality prose and richly complex themes, THE LAST MONSTER manages to be that rare thing: a literary page-turner.
March 16, 2016
Loved the monsters and Sofia's reaction to them (aside - did I miss someone mentioning that her name means "wisdom"?), but not quite sure about the two sides battling part. It could easily have been cut.
ARC provided by publisher.
ARC provided by publisher.
April 27, 2019
I am a 27 year old adult woman, but sometimes I enjoy easy reads that make me feel nostalgic for my childhood. This book definitely did just that!
Sofia is a cancer survivor who is struggling to accept that her leg was amputated and her hair is gone. She really feels like she is alone in the world, without serving a purpose. I guess you can say she feels like an outcast and has lost purpose in her life.
She does eventually find purpose as The Guardian for an ancient book and all it's documented monsters. They visit her, seeking help and comfort as she tries to fight the threat of a larger more fierce monster (which she somehow created with her lack of self worth).
In the end if was a beautiful lesson to be learned about loving yourself as you are. She learned she doesn't need to conform to society's standards and that her truest friends accept her as she is. She reconnects with an estranged best friend and also claims a new love interest despite her concerns of not being accepted.
I will say that the story focused mostly on Sofia's character development and growth. While this isn't a bad thing, I was hoping to read more about the monster's and the history of the ancient book. The author seldom spoke about the monsters in the storyline and that was quite disappointing. She introduced a handful of monsters in the story but didn't elaborate on them. The one she did write of most, Golem, still felt like it was just glazing over this character. It was hard to believe that Sofia and Golem created an everlasting bond and love that was depicted in the ending of the book as Golem killed the bad monster. Their relationship did not build over the storyline and so it almost felt like a rushed ending.
Again, I'm an adult and this book ultimately was not written for me. Most children wouldn't pick apart characters and character development the way that I did in this one. Overall, it was an enjoyable read with good life lessons for kids mixed with some spooky storylines. It has a happy ending and I recommend it to young children, or adults who are just kids at heart!
Sofia is a cancer survivor who is struggling to accept that her leg was amputated and her hair is gone. She really feels like she is alone in the world, without serving a purpose. I guess you can say she feels like an outcast and has lost purpose in her life.
She does eventually find purpose as The Guardian for an ancient book and all it's documented monsters. They visit her, seeking help and comfort as she tries to fight the threat of a larger more fierce monster (which she somehow created with her lack of self worth).
In the end if was a beautiful lesson to be learned about loving yourself as you are. She learned she doesn't need to conform to society's standards and that her truest friends accept her as she is. She reconnects with an estranged best friend and also claims a new love interest despite her concerns of not being accepted.
I will say that the story focused mostly on Sofia's character development and growth. While this isn't a bad thing, I was hoping to read more about the monster's and the history of the ancient book. The author seldom spoke about the monsters in the storyline and that was quite disappointing. She introduced a handful of monsters in the story but didn't elaborate on them. The one she did write of most, Golem, still felt like it was just glazing over this character. It was hard to believe that Sofia and Golem created an everlasting bond and love that was depicted in the ending of the book as Golem killed the bad monster. Their relationship did not build over the storyline and so it almost felt like a rushed ending.
Again, I'm an adult and this book ultimately was not written for me. Most children wouldn't pick apart characters and character development the way that I did in this one. Overall, it was an enjoyable read with good life lessons for kids mixed with some spooky storylines. It has a happy ending and I recommend it to young children, or adults who are just kids at heart!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2021
I am amazed! How do people create these stories? And then bring depth to it with historical figures and medical/prosthetic detail? Garret’s serious themes of surviving cancer, single parenthood, middle school social minefields, and friendship blend seamlessly with humor,dry wit, and fantasy? A beautifully woven tale with life lessons for teens and adults. Well done!
July 12, 2017
Nope.
September 26, 2018
An amazing story for children who don't feel like they fit in. So powerful!
August 28, 2023
I felt like the protagonist is not like the average 15 years old but its okay. The story is great .
April 22, 2023
This is such an unusual combination of characters and themes, that in some ways it's a little hard to describe. It's a realistic contemporary story, dealing with cancer and mortality and depression and bullying and middle school social politics. And it's a fantasy with ancient forces guiding our world from shadowy realms inbetween. But I loved how these different layers interacted and emphasized themes between each other, how the monsters helped Sofia to maneuver socially in middle school (the middle school setting was perfect, btw) and to adjust to her new body and limitations, for example.
I really liked the themes of loving the unloveable (even/especially if that's ourselves) and about truth and acceptance. This would be a great tween/teen book club book, with lots of things to talk about.
Is it perfect? No. Parts were a little underdeveloped, or the pacing could get thrown, and honestly, there's just a lot layered into the story here. At times Sofia was a little frustrating, but when you consider her life and what she's juggling, that's understandable. As much as you want her to talk to Alexis or her mother or stand up to Candy... she's 13. That's a big step in self-awareness and self-confidence to face all these issues and be able to address them coherently. Mostly, though, I really wish that this was in fact the start to a series. I'd love to see how things go with Olympias, how Sofia balances her newfound confidence and responsibilities as she maneuvers middle school, etc. At the same time, keeping it open ended doesn't limit Sofia and the reader to how fear and monsters and conformity all fit into our/her lives. It's up to our own imaginations and interpretations where things go from here.
Readers who enjoyed Root Magic or Snapdragon (for a graphic novel) might like this one for a story with heavy real world problems reflected and balanced with fantasy story lines.
I really liked the themes of loving the unloveable (even/especially if that's ourselves) and about truth and acceptance. This would be a great tween/teen book club book, with lots of things to talk about.
Is it perfect? No. Parts were a little underdeveloped, or the pacing could get thrown, and honestly, there's just a lot layered into the story here. At times Sofia was a little frustrating, but when you consider her life and what she's juggling, that's understandable. As much as you want her to talk to Alexis or her mother or stand up to Candy... she's 13. That's a big step in self-awareness and self-confidence to face all these issues and be able to address them coherently. Mostly, though, I really wish that this was in fact the start to a series. I'd love to see how things go with Olympias, how Sofia balances her newfound confidence and responsibilities as she maneuvers middle school, etc. At the same time, keeping it open ended doesn't limit Sofia and the reader to how fear and monsters and conformity all fit into our/her lives. It's up to our own imaginations and interpretations where things go from here.
Readers who enjoyed Root Magic or Snapdragon (for a graphic novel) might like this one for a story with heavy real world problems reflected and balanced with fantasy story lines.
August 4, 2016
Thirteen-year-old Sophia has battled cancer, and is surviving so far. Even though she has a prosthetic leg and is worried about the reactions of her classmates, she is returning to school. But for reasons unknown to her, she has been chosen as the guardian of a book through which Xeno, one of the students of Aristotle, can move. The Bestiary describes all manner of strange monsters who fill her world and threaten those she cares about most deeply. But some of the monsters are friendly and need her help. While Sophia navigates the perils of middle grades, including what it takes to be popular and avoids her friend Alexis while beginning a reluctant relationship with Billy, she is also quite distracted by her new role and confused by whom she wants to be. The book's message can be found in these moving lines: "Maybe we don't feel or taste or even believe the same things, and maybe that's not the answer. We have to stop fighting what we see, especially what we see in the mirror, because it is the unseen that truly matters, and I've made my decision" (p. 296). Complicated, heartbreaking, and inspiring, all at the same time, the book somehow manages to blend elements of realistic fiction with fantasy in a believable fashion while making readers think about their own choices and the monsters that surround them as well as those that may lie hidden deep inside.
June 24, 2025
This is a story of self discovery.
Sofia is only 13 and a cancer survivor, which is quite a feat and ought to be celebrated. I like the reality of her getting overwhelmed with life but that doesn't stop her living it.
She became a guardian to an ancient book that documented monsters. They came and sought her help and comfort as she fight the looming and fiercer monster (as in the last monster itself).
The last monster, in my opinion, refers to Sofia's greatest fear of being the odd one. Once she accepted that she's special, and a stronger person because of it, she has no problem defeating those monsters of hers.
I was hoping the book explores deeper into the relationship into the stories of Aristotle and Olympics but I was left hanging. And the monsters were like sprinkles of MSG to make the story better. If only the author elaborate further about the. After all, the title of this book did mention the monster.
Story 3/5
Characters 3/5
Development 3/5
Style of writing 3/5
Enjoyment 3/5
Overall 3/5
Sofia is only 13 and a cancer survivor, which is quite a feat and ought to be celebrated. I like the reality of her getting overwhelmed with life but that doesn't stop her living it.
She became a guardian to an ancient book that documented monsters. They came and sought her help and comfort as she fight the looming and fiercer monster (as in the last monster itself).
The last monster, in my opinion, refers to Sofia's greatest fear of being the odd one. Once she accepted that she's special, and a stronger person because of it, she has no problem defeating those monsters of hers.
I was hoping the book explores deeper into the relationship into the stories of Aristotle and Olympics but I was left hanging. And the monsters were like sprinkles of MSG to make the story better. If only the author elaborate further about the. After all, the title of this book did mention the monster.
Story 3/5
Characters 3/5
Development 3/5
Style of writing 3/5
Enjoyment 3/5
Overall 3/5
January 20, 2016
Just as she got her new prosthetic to replace the leg she lost from cancer, 13 year old Sophia would "start a new life" after she left the hospital. But after witnessing shocking sights, what doctors only thought were hallucinations, indicated where her new life would lead. Snooty girls, complicated friends, and all of the above! Juggling her relationships, first crushes, and frenemies, she only had 2 choices above all; to choose life, or to choose death.
This is a simply astounding book. You slowly realize that a work of fiction means more as you read. Some parts were so meaningful I started to tear up. It makes me wonder why our life couldn't be as much as a fictional book. You might just think that it's just like any other old, original fairytale, but there is a hidden emotion encrypted in the ink letters, ones that make you stop and think. Each page defies the laws of writing, words meaning far beyond life.
November 8, 2016
Sofia is a thirteen year girl recovering from bone cancer that took her left leg. She's already an outsider and now she is self conscious about her prosthetic. Her only wish is to look into her mirror and "like what she sees." When she returns to the hospital for a new prosthetic, a mysterious girl with injuries thrusts an old book at Sofia. Now a strange blonde woman is following Sofia and making thinly veiled threats. Sofia can also now see monsters.
In this sweet story about a young girl who just wants to find herself, author Ginger Garrett tells a tale of hopes, fears, love, and pain. Sofia finds herself to be the last Guardian of the monsters and discovers that the world needs monsters to fear so that we do not fear each other. Sofia learns to be brave and love herself. The characters are nicely developed and the illustrations are beautiful. This is a charming read for any middle grade tween.
In this sweet story about a young girl who just wants to find herself, author Ginger Garrett tells a tale of hopes, fears, love, and pain. Sofia finds herself to be the last Guardian of the monsters and discovers that the world needs monsters to fear so that we do not fear each other. Sofia learns to be brave and love herself. The characters are nicely developed and the illustrations are beautiful. This is a charming read for any middle grade tween.
December 4, 2015
Received this book as an ARC, and I'm very glad I did. Both moving and funny, The Last Monster features Sofia, who has already faced down cancer and her own mortality. There are a lot of books about going through trauma, but The Last Monster is about what comes afterward, and it doesn't shrink from talking about loneliness, guilt, and fear. The monsters themselves could almost be an afterthought, but they too are painted vividly; these creatures, drawn from old stories, are wonderfully and memorably strange! I would definitely recommend picking up the final version when released in 2016.
August 20, 2016
The Last Monster is a blend of realistic fiction and fantasy (sort of magical realism). The main character is dealing with typical teenage issues surrounding friends and boys in addition to her life-changing illness. This is a great book to bridge realistic fans with fantasy. The book has its humorous points, but it also deals with some heavy issues. The ending could have been stronger, but it lends itself to another book to look forward to.
September 6, 2016
Amazing, brilliant, thought provoking....LOVED this book. So many themes---trying to navigate middle school, middle school social groups, trying to fit in, how cancer changed her life, first love, trying to be "normal" and then add the monsters. And the greatest monster is the one you created yourself!! So many great lines/passages I have to re-read this book. Highly recommend for my middle school students. Never give 5 stars---this deserves 5 stars
April 20, 2016
Such a good MG read. This one is for the tweens that like both realistic and fantasy as it blends the two fabulously. Everything the main characters goes through is relevant to daily life but don't forget the great descriptions of the monsters!
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May 7, 2018DNF. I was over half way through when I decided to stop forcing myself to keep reading. There was nothing terrible or whatever about it. I just wasn’t into it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews