Release Date: March 2016
Genre: YA, Dystopian Fiction
Series: The Dominion Trilogy (Book One)
Reviewed By: Nat

Introduction

What happens when the world begins to lose its daughters? Joe Hart’s The Last Girl tackles this terrifying premise head-on, delivering a thought-provoking dystopian novel that blends science fiction, suspense, and survival. As the first installment in The Dominion Trilogy, this fast-paced story plunges readers into a bleak future where women are nearly extinct—and one girl dares to escape the system that has confined her since childhood.

Plot Summary: A World Without Women

A mysterious global virus has decimated the female birthrate, reducing it to under one percent. Governments and scientists scramble for answers, but decades later, hope remains elusive. With fewer than a thousand women alive, those who survive are held in secure research facilities, studied relentlessly in the desperate search for a cure.

Enter Zoey. For over twenty years, she has been imprisoned in a government-run compound, separated from her family and treated as nothing more than a scientific specimen. Told that the outside world has perished, Zoey has known nothing but confinement and clinical procedures. But when a terrifying new program looms—one that no other girl has returned from—Zoey resolves to risk everything for freedom.

A Relatable Yet Flawed Heroine

Zoey is fierce, determined, and resourceful, but her character arc isn’t without its flaws. While her evolution from captive to combatant makes for thrilling reading, her sudden proficiency with firearms and combat raises some questions. Is it believable that a girl raised in captivity could suddenly channel elite-level survival skills? Probably not—but it does add action and adrenaline to the narrative.

Her emotional journey is equally complex. The romance subplot feels rushed and somewhat forced, falling into the familiar “insta-love” trap. Still, her resilience and will to survive remain compelling, and readers will find themselves rooting for her escape.

Supporting Cast: Complicated and Intriguing

Some of the most memorable moments come from the supporting characters—particularly the antagonistic “mean girls.” While clearly antagonistic, their bitterness and aggression feel justified within the story’s context, adding depth to their roles. In contrast, certain authority figures, such as the instructors and scientists, feel frustratingly one-dimensional—especially the teacher, who might provoke more anger than sympathy.

Themes and World-Building: Science, Control, and Fear

Where The Last Girl shines is in its world-building. Hart explores the moral implications of using young women as test subjects and the desperation of a society on the brink of collapse. The scientific premise is eerie, especially considering how gender determination biologically lies with male chromosomes. Why, then, is the blame placed solely on the lack of girls?

This lingering question haunts the narrative and raises legitimate scientific debate. It’s a clever move by Hart, leaving room for further exploration in later books—hopefully addressing the flawed assumptions behind this dystopian society.

Final Thoughts: A Promising Start with Room to Grow

Joe Hart delivers a compelling and fast-paced introduction to The Dominion Trilogy. While The Last Girl isn’t without its shortcomings—predictable romance, sudden skill leaps, and a few plot holes—it lays the groundwork for a larger story full of potential. Teen readers especially will enjoy the action, rebellion, and survivalist spirit at the heart of the book.

Readers looking for a dystopian novel with medical and ethical undertones, strong female leads, and a world in chaos will find The Last Girl an engaging entry point. And with more installments to come, we can only hope the next book provides deeper answers and sharper twists.