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The Last Humans #1-3
The Last Humans: The Complete Trilogy
From the New York Times bestseller Dima Zales comes an action-packed sci-fi adventure set in a post-singularity future. For a limited time, get all 3 full-length novels in one convenient, discounted bundle.
When invisible technology runs everything and memories can’t be trusted, how does one sort the truth from the lies?
Oasis, the last habitable area on post-apocalyptic Earth, is meant to be a paradise, a place where everyone is content. Vulgarity, violence, insanity, and other ills are but a distant memory, and even death no longer plagues the last surviving humans.
Theo, a twenty-three-year-old Youth, has never fit in with the serene, age-divided Oasis society. But it’s only when he starts hearing a girl’s voice in his head that he realizes that nothing is what it seems. Phoe is his imaginary friend—or is she?
As secrets are unveiled, Theo is dragged into a dangerous game where the...
772 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2016
286 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Dima Zales
111 books739 followersDima Zales is a full-time science fiction and fantasy author residing in Palm Coast, Florida. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in the software development industry in New York as both a programmer and an executive. From high-frequency trading software for big banks to mobile apps for popular magazines, Dima has done it all. In 2013, he left the software industry in order to concentrate on his writing career.
Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind-reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends.
He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.
In addition to his own works, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, has been a bestseller in its categories and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman’s Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere. Keep in mind, though, Dima Zales's books are going to be much more PG 13 . . . at least that’s the plan for now.
Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima’s fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com/
Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind-reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends.
He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.
In addition to his own works, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, has been a bestseller in its categories and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman’s Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere. Keep in mind, though, Dima Zales's books are going to be much more PG 13 . . . at least that’s the plan for now.
Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima’s fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 1, 2019
Before I tell you about this book (these books) I have to wonder, how are there so many 5 star reviews? I know people have different tastes, but this series is so unrelentingly dreadful I just don't believe that so many people loved it. I'm going to say it outright, it's clear to me that the author or the author's friends have somehow gamed the Goodreads review process. There is simply no other explanation
Theo is a "youth" in a futuristic civilization which purports to be the last vestige of humanity on a post-apocalyptic Earth. The settlement is broken up into three separate areas, the youths (under 40) get one, as do the adults and the elderly. And they all live inside a magical dome surrounded by toxic goo. Yes, I said goo.
If you've guessed that society is not what it seems, you'd be right. That's just par for the course in these sort of sci-fi novels.
Theo is, of course, different from the others around him. He has a voice in his head feeding him "ancient" movies and books. In fact he absorbs so much "ancient" culture (read: early 21st century American pop-culture, and NOTHING else) that pretty much everything he describes for us is compared to something ancient. THIS is like some specific "ancient" commercial, THAT is likened to an ancient movie trope. Theo is entranced by how creative the ancients were, describing kissing and such in baseball terms. Being able to call kissing first-base was such a comfort for him when [spoiler alert] he got to kiss his imaginary friend. Hell, an elderly citizen turns up in an ancient BARNEY costume at one point. Barney.
You will grow to loathe the word ancient. You might also grow to loathe the word "subvocalize" as well, if you give this book a chance, but I leave it for you to discover why.
Most of this poorly written first-person drivel consists of conversations between our 23 year-old youth and his friendly neighbourhood voice in the head, "Phoe". She explains things to him, he gets confused a lot, and you get ready to throw the book across the room. Actually, the worst thing about Kindles is that they make the time-honoured study of literary aeronautics too expensive to pursue.
I'm not going to finish book 2. I just can't stand it any more.
Theo is a "youth" in a futuristic civilization which purports to be the last vestige of humanity on a post-apocalyptic Earth. The settlement is broken up into three separate areas, the youths (under 40) get one, as do the adults and the elderly. And they all live inside a magical dome surrounded by toxic goo. Yes, I said goo.
If you've guessed that society is not what it seems, you'd be right. That's just par for the course in these sort of sci-fi novels.
Theo is, of course, different from the others around him. He has a voice in his head feeding him "ancient" movies and books. In fact he absorbs so much "ancient" culture (read: early 21st century American pop-culture, and NOTHING else) that pretty much everything he describes for us is compared to something ancient. THIS is like some specific "ancient" commercial, THAT is likened to an ancient movie trope. Theo is entranced by how creative the ancients were, describing kissing and such in baseball terms. Being able to call kissing first-base was such a comfort for him when [spoiler alert] he got to kiss his imaginary friend. Hell, an elderly citizen turns up in an ancient BARNEY costume at one point. Barney.
You will grow to loathe the word ancient. You might also grow to loathe the word "subvocalize" as well, if you give this book a chance, but I leave it for you to discover why.
Most of this poorly written first-person drivel consists of conversations between our 23 year-old youth and his friendly neighbourhood voice in the head, "Phoe". She explains things to him, he gets confused a lot, and you get ready to throw the book across the room. Actually, the worst thing about Kindles is that they make the time-honoured study of literary aeronautics too expensive to pursue.
I'm not going to finish book 2. I just can't stand it any more.
October 10, 2018
I haven't disliked a book this much in years. The Giver meets The Dome meets Matrix, all stirred into an amalgamation of Scientology and Brave New World ideology. It lacks logic, and at the same times it's ennervating in it's predictability. But most of all: I'd NEVER recommend it to a YA. What I loathe the most is the complete absence of values and morals. It's ok to kill and to die, and both are described in explicit detail. I'm glad I'm done with it.
August 25, 2017
Captivating, but predictable
I truly enjoyed this series, I read all books in a couple of days. But it was a bit too predictable and not enough major plot twists. I'm a software/system engineer (and sci-fi enthusiast) so the rather technical/philosophical aspects wasn't really new for me, but the author managed to explain it well.
I truly enjoyed this series, I read all books in a couple of days. But it was a bit too predictable and not enough major plot twists. I'm a software/system engineer (and sci-fi enthusiast) so the rather technical/philosophical aspects wasn't really new for me, but the author managed to explain it well.
November 29, 2017
For the most part I enjoyed this book, but there was something that bothered me about it. I was about halfway through before I realized that by writing it from Theo's point of view, the author removed the reader too far from the real protagonist, who was not Theo but Phoe, the mysterious female who befriends Theo. The concept was interesting-- a society maintained on an oasis surrounded by goo after humans presumably destroy the earth. The survivors create a rigid society with no tolerance for individual thought or questioning any type of authority. The people have the vast historical knowledge of all of earth's books, movies, and knowledge available to them; they just aren't allowed to actually think about any of it.
The book is weakened because Theo is so seldom in control of his actions. He is manipulated, led and often completely controlled by Phoe who frequently takes over control of his body and who is almost always with him, telling him what is happening, how to respond and what to do next. Theo seems to be little more than a puppet, cting at the whim of the puppeteer. Actually, one of the parts of the books that I most enjoyed was when Theo was cut off from Phoe and had to act totally on his own.
That's why I think the book would have been stronger had it been written from Phoe's POV. It certainly would have been much more interesting and would not have had as much of a deux ex machina feel. I was also disappointed in the ending of the book. It kind of left me with a combo feeling of "Duh" and "So?" When all was said and done, I was left wondering what was the point of the entire trilogy.
The book is weakened because Theo is so seldom in control of his actions. He is manipulated, led and often completely controlled by Phoe who frequently takes over control of his body and who is almost always with him, telling him what is happening, how to respond and what to do next. Theo seems to be little more than a puppet, cting at the whim of the puppeteer. Actually, one of the parts of the books that I most enjoyed was when Theo was cut off from Phoe and had to act totally on his own.
That's why I think the book would have been stronger had it been written from Phoe's POV. It certainly would have been much more interesting and would not have had as much of a deux ex machina feel. I was also disappointed in the ending of the book. It kind of left me with a combo feeling of "Duh" and "So?" When all was said and done, I was left wondering what was the point of the entire trilogy.
March 8, 2017
The Last Humans: The Complete Trilogy (Kindle Edition) by Dima Zales
It appears that I was in a YA orbit for a bit? Not that I mind, sometimes the YA titles have less contrivance and actually a better distilled plot. And since I read this as one story, as opposed to the three books, I'll just do one review. In short, the three novellas make a very coherent whole.
The storyline runs along in a fast paced manner, and the characters do the driving, albeit very cleverly hidden until the end. And the journey of our heroes raises many interesting questions along the way. Just how does one create a Utopian Society, especially if it's built upon some very major lies? And what happens to this culture when things go awry? Also, lets make sure that all AI's are branded as Evil Incarnate, yet we base our little world on technology? And can a lonely misfit AI and a real boy fall in love? Oh, and let's not forget about some other issues like murder, political intrigue and slavery.
Oh yes, this is quite the ride. And both of our heroes have a lot of oh so painful growing up to get on with along the way. It is a quick read, but I like the straight forward plot and the convolutions needed. Pick up, or download a copy and get cracking!
It appears that I was in a YA orbit for a bit? Not that I mind, sometimes the YA titles have less contrivance and actually a better distilled plot. And since I read this as one story, as opposed to the three books, I'll just do one review. In short, the three novellas make a very coherent whole.
The storyline runs along in a fast paced manner, and the characters do the driving, albeit very cleverly hidden until the end. And the journey of our heroes raises many interesting questions along the way. Just how does one create a Utopian Society, especially if it's built upon some very major lies? And what happens to this culture when things go awry? Also, lets make sure that all AI's are branded as Evil Incarnate, yet we base our little world on technology? And can a lonely misfit AI and a real boy fall in love? Oh, and let's not forget about some other issues like murder, political intrigue and slavery.
Oh yes, this is quite the ride. And both of our heroes have a lot of oh so painful growing up to get on with along the way. It is a quick read, but I like the straight forward plot and the convolutions needed. Pick up, or download a copy and get cracking!
October 1, 2021
Not easy for me to review this book:
It's an adventure in space but the space part don't matter it can be anywhere and the story will be the same.
It's also a fun and easy reading till the author decided to try to make it complicated at parts which I believe that instead of adding it harmed the story.
Overall I do recommend, it's an enjoyable book.
Got this audiobook for free for reviewing.
It's an adventure in space but the space part don't matter it can be anywhere and the story will be the same.
It's also a fun and easy reading till the author decided to try to make it complicated at parts which I believe that instead of adding it harmed the story.
Overall I do recommend, it's an enjoyable book.
Got this audiobook for free for reviewing.
August 1, 2019
Utterly Pointless
The whole series is a complete farce. One of the worst utilities I've ever had the misfortune to read. Don't waste your time.
The whole series is a complete farce. One of the worst utilities I've ever had the misfortune to read. Don't waste your time.
May 29, 2019
The good, the bad, and the so-so.
About 80% of this book is so-so romance novel and overly-described adventure game scenarios. Consider it an excellent opportunity to practice your hi speed/paragraph-at-a-time reading skills.
The other 20% is an effort to picture what slightly futuristic personified AI might be like, and what might happen if Ray Kurzweil’s vision of a singularity occurs where most matter is recruited as part of a computing substrate/sentience, with humanity transcending our “normal” physical instantiation.
Yes, unlike many so-called young adult books, this series actually uses “big words“ and sentences more than five words in length. I think I even caught a few semi-colons as well. Happily the author seems to have no need to present a one line summary every couple of paragraphs the way a plethora of easy reader SF novels do.
However haltingly, “The Last Humans” contains a serious attempt to deal with questions such as to what extent emulated humans are real, and what kind of resources would be needed to create fully populated virtual worlds with the same level of consciousness and experience as the real world. Or wait a minute, is the real world Really Real, or Is it, and you dear reader, but a simulation? How could you tell?
So go ahead, read it. And perhaps The “younger people“ who may actually enjoy the romance novel and video game 80% will be inspired to bring that singularity about.
About 80% of this book is so-so romance novel and overly-described adventure game scenarios. Consider it an excellent opportunity to practice your hi speed/paragraph-at-a-time reading skills.
The other 20% is an effort to picture what slightly futuristic personified AI might be like, and what might happen if Ray Kurzweil’s vision of a singularity occurs where most matter is recruited as part of a computing substrate/sentience, with humanity transcending our “normal” physical instantiation.
Yes, unlike many so-called young adult books, this series actually uses “big words“ and sentences more than five words in length. I think I even caught a few semi-colons as well. Happily the author seems to have no need to present a one line summary every couple of paragraphs the way a plethora of easy reader SF novels do.
However haltingly, “The Last Humans” contains a serious attempt to deal with questions such as to what extent emulated humans are real, and what kind of resources would be needed to create fully populated virtual worlds with the same level of consciousness and experience as the real world. Or wait a minute, is the real world Really Real, or Is it, and you dear reader, but a simulation? How could you tell?
So go ahead, read it. And perhaps The “younger people“ who may actually enjoy the romance novel and video game 80% will be inspired to bring that singularity about.
July 14, 2019
Virtually impossible to put down!
I loved this series. From the moment I picked it up I got straight into it. Usually it takes a while before I feel that I just can’t put a story down. Not this one. The pace of the story is quick enough but there’s enough detail in the world so you don’t feel rushed. The story goes to a few unexpected places which kept me on my toes. It was thoroughly enjoyable. If you love great sci-fi then you’re going to love this series. While it’s presented as three books, to me it seems like one book ... I’d recommend reading all three together.
I loved this series. From the moment I picked it up I got straight into it. Usually it takes a while before I feel that I just can’t put a story down. Not this one. The pace of the story is quick enough but there’s enough detail in the world so you don’t feel rushed. The story goes to a few unexpected places which kept me on my toes. It was thoroughly enjoyable. If you love great sci-fi then you’re going to love this series. While it’s presented as three books, to me it seems like one book ... I’d recommend reading all three together.
April 24, 2020
Very Sci-fi!💜
While this Trilogy has some moments of brilliance, for me it was way too technical & at times downright confusing. I imagine this would be an epic movie as I do enjoy Sci-fi in general but for me I think I needed pictures lol.
I did enjoy the characters. They were imaginative, literally and fun. This book was definitely action packed with many unexpected turn of events.
The narration was absolutely perfect. Roberto Scarlato is a brilliant narrator and he really brings every character to life.
If you love Science Fiction I recommend you give it a try.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
While this Trilogy has some moments of brilliance, for me it was way too technical & at times downright confusing. I imagine this would be an epic movie as I do enjoy Sci-fi in general but for me I think I needed pictures lol.
I did enjoy the characters. They were imaginative, literally and fun. This book was definitely action packed with many unexpected turn of events.
The narration was absolutely perfect. Roberto Scarlato is a brilliant narrator and he really brings every character to life.
If you love Science Fiction I recommend you give it a try.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
August 10, 2017
I was not a fan of this book. The writing was good and detailed enough and although there was action it was just, after the second book, so... predictable. I wanted Phoe to turn out bad, heck maybe Theo still being in the IRES system, anything, but no. It was just boring to me. I wasn't a fan of the actual story.
August 29, 2017
This trilogy was very entertaining! It made me go to places I never thought of.
The characters were highly intelligent,sometime the wording got a little to educated.Not that I couldn't read it,just that it was to intimidating for some people.I just didn't understand why they went over board.
All in all a Great read
The characters were highly intelligent,sometime the wording got a little to educated.Not that I couldn't read it,just that it was to intimidating for some people.I just didn't understand why they went over board.
All in all a Great read
December 12, 2017
Extended dream sequences
This is quite cool in many ways, but much of the trilogy happens in a series of virtual spaces, and in literary terms those spaces have the same status to me as dream sequences. I find such sequences unutterably dull. And as a consequence, I found lots of the book here pretty dull. I did like some of the AI stuff though.
This is quite cool in many ways, but much of the trilogy happens in a series of virtual spaces, and in literary terms those spaces have the same status to me as dream sequences. I find such sequences unutterably dull. And as a consequence, I found lots of the book here pretty dull. I did like some of the AI stuff though.
January 11, 2019
The book takes you for an interesting and often fast paced spin along with Theo, the main character. As the story progresses the curtain is lifted little by little, but always keeps you doubting about hidden agendas and future directions. The buildup was maybe a little slower than I would have preferred, but the finish was well conceived and not quite where I had expected we would end up at.
July 16, 2017
Very good story!
Interesting and creative plot! It's wonderful to find sci fi stories that not only hold my attention but actually get me thinking about the story and wondering what will happen next when I'm working or driving and not able to read!! Thank you!
Interesting and creative plot! It's wonderful to find sci fi stories that not only hold my attention but actually get me thinking about the story and wondering what will happen next when I'm working or driving and not able to read!! Thank you!
May 23, 2018
A surprise
This series has a surprisingly wide horizon. The author has really spread his imagination in this semi apocalyptic story. Man is few but there are so many rules that eventually one really important one gets broken. The surprise is conscience!
This series has a surprisingly wide horizon. The author has really spread his imagination in this semi apocalyptic story. Man is few but there are so many rules that eventually one really important one gets broken. The surprise is conscience!
February 10, 2019
Went to listen to the audio book, was pretty disappointed.
The story was starting out ok but somewhat it didn't progress fast enough, also it reminded me just too much of a weird matrix copy.
Also, I didn't like the narrator's style. The way he took his breaks was very frustrating :S
The story was starting out ok but somewhat it didn't progress fast enough, also it reminded me just too much of a weird matrix copy.
Also, I didn't like the narrator's style. The way he took his breaks was very frustrating :S
May 29, 2017
Enjoyable
I read the entire trilogy in 3 days- so I guess I'd have to call in an engaging page turner. Lots to think about regarding what it means to be human.
I read the entire trilogy in 3 days- so I guess I'd have to call in an engaging page turner. Lots to think about regarding what it means to be human.
June 13, 2017
Excellent series, very "VR" based. Techies will seriously love this book.
November 15, 2017
I stopped reading it because I didn’t care for it. It seemed like those overly romantic, bodice ripper books. No thank you! And I bought all three Kindles!
September 13, 2018
Too fantastical for me. Maybe if I listened to or read each book in the series separately, I would have enjoyed the premise more.(--or maybe not)
November 3, 2018
YA but wel written
April 23, 2019
I tried I really tried but I could not get past page 159. I do not like characters that persistently act naive and "stupid."
August 31, 2019
Entertaining for sure, but lacking hard science.
March 18, 2017
Great trilory
I loved reading this trilogy. I really enjoyed the experience the author took me through with it. This is exactly what I feel like sci-fi should be, seeing new concepts and unusual perspective through the eyes of the stories characters.
I loved reading this trilogy. I really enjoyed the experience the author took me through with it. This is exactly what I feel like sci-fi should be, seeing new concepts and unusual perspective through the eyes of the stories characters.
August 25, 2016
Amazon recommended this title to me via email and I had some credit sitting around so I thought hey I'll give it a try! I have to say the first book starts out great, as we move into the second things start to get weird, progressing into the third it turns into something that I was putting my kindle down every few page turns and texting a friend "now it's doing such and such" "ffs now this" "the gods above and below, it's doing silly thing" but it redeems itself in the last few chapters taking a very interesting turn.
I would love to see this story continued beyond the ending, honestly to me it's just getting to some good stuff. I'd love to see our two main characters explore beyond this... thing... they encounter at the end and really begin to explore some of the possibilities there. Short stories or one off books for any number of possible scenarios could be written as long as the author had steam to do so.
I would love to see this story continued beyond the ending, honestly to me it's just getting to some good stuff. I'd love to see our two main characters explore beyond this... thing... they encounter at the end and really begin to explore some of the possibilities there. Short stories or one off books for any number of possible scenarios could be written as long as the author had steam to do so.
January 11, 2020
So, I bought this book because the summary sounded interesting. The premise, itself, was interesting, but it was not what I expected. Yes, it was science fiction and out-of-this-world, but the last book, Haven, seemed a bit like The Matrix.
Do I recommend it? Eh ... it was a fast read, but the ideas were too far-fetched. Definitely something that a young man would enjoy.
Lots of action, but dialogue was hard to follow along with the descriptions of what was happening. It was okay. Will I reread? Probably not ... off to the library it goes.
Do I recommend it? Eh ... it was a fast read, but the ideas were too far-fetched. Definitely something that a young man would enjoy.
Lots of action, but dialogue was hard to follow along with the descriptions of what was happening. It was okay. Will I reread? Probably not ... off to the library it goes.
October 21, 2016
This was sooo trippy and awesome! I've not read a good science fiction book in ages, and this was great, it had Machine Learning, AI and Space! what more could you ask for
February 4, 2019
Ensimmäinen ostamani e-kirja ja scifiä. Loistava ostos, loistava tapa lukea kirjaa näytöltä ja saada Sanakirja käyttöön.
May 11, 2017
I enjoyed this really weird sci-fi / dystopian book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews