THE ISLAND OF LAST THINGS

This dark story of a plausible future has a propulsive plot and intriguing characters. Suzy Jackson delivers it with wonder, as well as good timing, tempo, and tone. The end-times plot is set at the world's last zoo, which is housed on Alcatraz Island. Here a billionaire has collected some of the last animals on the planet, which has been stricken with a fungal pandemic. The zoo has armed guards, secretive vets, and dedicated keepers serving the creatures, which include elephants, a crocodile, and a jaguar. When Camille, a calming zookeeper, and her friend, Sailor, a provocateur, decide to smuggle one of the animals off the island to set it free, a wild and unexpected ride ensues. A.D.M. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2025]