The Last Promise, by Brett W. Marvel, is a bittersweet story of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. When Sophie’s mother died in childbirth, the world was already beginning to disintegrate. It was left to Elias and his little girl to navigate the tough world of the survivors, where nobody could be trusted at face value, and those with weapons and intent were able to create their own little fiefdoms and turn other survivors into virtual slaves. For seven long years, Elias and Sophie have traveled across the country looking for somewhere they can call home. Rumors of a survivor settlement run with care, dignity, and organization send them on a final, desperate journey across the wilderness, where they must face not only the terrors of hungry animals but also the most dangerous of all the animals: men drunk on power and control.

The Last Promise is an engaging and captivating story that will remind readers of post-apocalyptic tales they may have encountered on television. Author Brett W. Marvel creates a world where almost all of humanity has destroyed itself, and those left fall into every category of society. As well as the well-intentioned and caring individuals, there are also many who see this apocalypse as their chance to finally have some control and power over people. What I particularly appreciated was the amount of time the author spent on character development. This allowed readers to truly understand and empathize with Elias, the tough decisions he had to make, the intense loneliness over the loss of his wife, and the final promise he made to protect and guard Sophie with his life. There is no shortage of action and excitement in the separate story arcs, but there are equally many quiet and reflective times, which gives the work a real balance. This is a satisfying and complete read that I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Brett W. Marvel’s The Last Promise follows Elias Hawthorne and his seven-year-old daughter, Sophie, across an America reduced to ashes by nuclear war. Once a carpenter in San Francisco, Elias searches abandoned towns for food as bitter winters make each journey harder. He has spent years honoring a promise to Lara, Sophie’s mother, while raising a child who knows the old world largely through the stories he tells her. An encounter with a desperate stranger leaves Elias injured, bringing fresh uncertainty to their constant search for shelter. At a deserted travel plaza, he meets Tracy, another parent traveling with her daughter, Violet, and Sophie experiences the rare pleasure of having a friend her own age. Tracy speaks of a distant settlement where families may still live together, offering Elias a possible destination for their wandering.

Brett W. Marvel’s The Last Promise is excellent post-apocalyptic dystopian fiction, and Elias is a father you can’t help rooting for. There’s tremendous tenderness in his devotion to Sophie, grounded in the promise he made to Lara. Just look at how he quietly saves his portion of dried meat for her. That gesture tells you plenty, and it’s why you become so invested in their safety. The suspense is fantastic, and one of the most interesting aspects is how animals are impacted, and the impact it has on survivors, like a starving bear pounding against the doors of an abandoned passenger train. Even an ordinary lesson in checking snares becomes nerve-racking when an approaching pickup interrupts Elias teaching Sophie. The portrayal of Sophie’s determination is especially moving, giving her a wonderful spirit that shines when she patiently coaxes a fire to life inside a ruined church, putting her father’s teachings to use. With loads of heart and heart-thumping moments, readers of intelligent dystopias are in for a treat. Very highly recommended.