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The Last of Her
When a disgraced intelligence agent tries to clear her name, she awakens a dark conspiracy that will stop at nothing to protect itself.
As a gray, an Army intelligence agent trained to blend in, Hella Duran has served more tours in Afghanistan than she can count. She's "a good piece of gear," according to her CO. But when she’s blamed for a bad drone strike that kills innocent people and almost kills her, she’s sent home with an Other Than Honorable discharge.
It wasn't her fault. Her coordinates were good. Still, she doesn't fight it. All she wants now is to heal up in Fort Living Room.
When both her family and hometown reject her, she realizes her only way back is to find out what really happened that day in Afghanistan. But her investigation puts herself and her family in the crosshairs.
Can she redeem herself and rescue her family? Or will they and the truth be buried under a moonlit field deep in the Nebraska Sandhills?
Fans of Winter’s Bone, Those Who Wish Me Dead, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo will love The Last of Her.
This book is a revised version of All Done with Dying.
As a gray, an Army intelligence agent trained to blend in, Hella Duran has served more tours in Afghanistan than she can count. She's "a good piece of gear," according to her CO. But when she’s blamed for a bad drone strike that kills innocent people and almost kills her, she’s sent home with an Other Than Honorable discharge.
It wasn't her fault. Her coordinates were good. Still, she doesn't fight it. All she wants now is to heal up in Fort Living Room.
When both her family and hometown reject her, she realizes her only way back is to find out what really happened that day in Afghanistan. But her investigation puts herself and her family in the crosshairs.
Can she redeem herself and rescue her family? Or will they and the truth be buried under a moonlit field deep in the Nebraska Sandhills?
Fans of Winter’s Bone, Those Who Wish Me Dead, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo will love The Last of Her.
This book is a revised version of All Done with Dying.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2021
21 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Brent Spencer
7 books6 followersI’m an award-winning fiction writer whose work has been published in Best American Mysteries, The Atlantic, GQ, The Missouri Review, The Southern Review, and elsewhere. I’m the author of the novel The Lost Son, the story collection Are We Not Men?, and the memoir Rattlesnake Daddy. My most recent book is The Last of Her, a crime thriller. I teach creative writing at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and live in Ponca Hills, Nebraska with my wife, novelist Jonis Agee.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 26, 2022
'"The hero runs toward trouble.'" -Brent Spencer
"The Last of Her" by Brent Spencer, is the revised version of the book previously published under the name "All Done With Dying". The first chapter begins with Hella Duran returning home to her grandfather's ranch in Nebraska. Hella has served her county and suffered grievous injuries. Her job in Afghanistan was to be a undercover spy and find information on where Osama bin Laden is hiding. She finds unwavering evidence that she has located him. Hella reports this to her commander and gives the correct coordinates for a drone attack, but something goes horribly wrong. Six civilians are killed in a target misfire. Hella is positive her coordinates for the attack were correct, but she is kicked out of the army with a "Other Than Honorable Discharge". Hella suspects a cover-up and needs to find Wade Bledsoe from the drone command center to solve this mystery.
While I enjoyed this book very much, I felt it was a bit confusing at times. It took me a bit to keep up with the character's and names. If you stick with the story, you will quickly catch up and follow the story. I have never read a fiction book that targets Osama bin Laden, but it proved to be a very interesting read.
Trigger Warning: This book is not for the faint at heart. It contains graphic and violent scenes.
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the honor of reviewing this e-book.
"The Last of Her" by Brent Spencer, is the revised version of the book previously published under the name "All Done With Dying". The first chapter begins with Hella Duran returning home to her grandfather's ranch in Nebraska. Hella has served her county and suffered grievous injuries. Her job in Afghanistan was to be a undercover spy and find information on where Osama bin Laden is hiding. She finds unwavering evidence that she has located him. Hella reports this to her commander and gives the correct coordinates for a drone attack, but something goes horribly wrong. Six civilians are killed in a target misfire. Hella is positive her coordinates for the attack were correct, but she is kicked out of the army with a "Other Than Honorable Discharge". Hella suspects a cover-up and needs to find Wade Bledsoe from the drone command center to solve this mystery.
While I enjoyed this book very much, I felt it was a bit confusing at times. It took me a bit to keep up with the character's and names. If you stick with the story, you will quickly catch up and follow the story. I have never read a fiction book that targets Osama bin Laden, but it proved to be a very interesting read.
Trigger Warning: This book is not for the faint at heart. It contains graphic and violent scenes.
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the honor of reviewing this e-book.
March 25, 2022
I didn’t enjoy this one much. I would have DNFed this if I wasn’t curious about how the story will end. The premise of the plot definitely had potential but it was the writing that I fell flat for me.
This story starts with Hella, a discharged soldier who just returned home from Afghanistan after serving her duty. She was tasked to be an undercover to find information on Osama Bin Laden. She relayed what she had found to her commander but things went wrong very quickly and innocent lives were lost. Hella is blamed for not relaying the correct information which caused her to be discharged from her position despite being one of the best soldiers out there. Hella is determined that she was being framed and is desperate to find the truth. When she started her own investigation, she unknowingly puts her own life in danger.
Honestly, I have zero attachment to the main character and her cause, not even when the author was telling Hella’s backstory. I understand what Hella is trying to prove but I didn’t have much care for her. She doesn’t seem to take care of herself very well and she strikes me as very hot-headed and only wants to do things her way.
Despite that, I did like how strong her character is. I also doubted her sanity initially but she was so determined that I find myself rooting for her survival in the end. I would definitely not want to mess with Hella!
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the arc.
This story starts with Hella, a discharged soldier who just returned home from Afghanistan after serving her duty. She was tasked to be an undercover to find information on Osama Bin Laden. She relayed what she had found to her commander but things went wrong very quickly and innocent lives were lost. Hella is blamed for not relaying the correct information which caused her to be discharged from her position despite being one of the best soldiers out there. Hella is determined that she was being framed and is desperate to find the truth. When she started her own investigation, she unknowingly puts her own life in danger.
Honestly, I have zero attachment to the main character and her cause, not even when the author was telling Hella’s backstory. I understand what Hella is trying to prove but I didn’t have much care for her. She doesn’t seem to take care of herself very well and she strikes me as very hot-headed and only wants to do things her way.
Despite that, I did like how strong her character is. I also doubted her sanity initially but she was so determined that I find myself rooting for her survival in the end. I would definitely not want to mess with Hella!
Thank you NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the arc.
February 28, 2022
This review was originally written for Reedsy, and is for the purpose of the re-release under the title "The Last of Her". You can find the full review here: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/the...
Hella Duran is a tough, hard woman who devotes her life to the Army on September 11, 2001. What then follows is a story of an excellent woman soldier in Afghanistan, helping to fight for her country. The thing that I loved the most about this story was its focus on women veterans, the lack of support veterans get after serving, and the intricacies of our military system. The way Brent Spencer writes about these topics makes me think he has experienced these things first hand, and he does a great job of writing from a female perspective.
Another thing I loved is that Hella is a certified bad ass. Over and over we see her getting screwed up, dragged through the mud, physically beaten up, and she never gives up. This felt very much like the female Jason Bourne this world needs.
However, the thing that lowered my overall enjoyment of reading this was the intensity of how unrealistic the events in this story were. Hella is only human, and what she experiences in the last bit of this book would have destroyed her several times over. These scenes also felt very dragged out, and unnecessarily long. How many times does one need to see her accept her mortality to ultimately then push through and keep fighting?
Overall, Brent Spencer has an excellent writing style and voice. I would read more of his work. Unfortunately, I believe that The Last of Her could use some serious editing. The timeline was messy, character choices were sometimes confusing, and a lot of the characters lacked basic empathy and general compassion; this left me feeling unattached to a majority of the characters. This book ended up not being for me, but I believe people who love political thrillers, stories about war, and military dramas would enjoy this book.
Hella Duran is a tough, hard woman who devotes her life to the Army on September 11, 2001. What then follows is a story of an excellent woman soldier in Afghanistan, helping to fight for her country. The thing that I loved the most about this story was its focus on women veterans, the lack of support veterans get after serving, and the intricacies of our military system. The way Brent Spencer writes about these topics makes me think he has experienced these things first hand, and he does a great job of writing from a female perspective.
Another thing I loved is that Hella is a certified bad ass. Over and over we see her getting screwed up, dragged through the mud, physically beaten up, and she never gives up. This felt very much like the female Jason Bourne this world needs.
However, the thing that lowered my overall enjoyment of reading this was the intensity of how unrealistic the events in this story were. Hella is only human, and what she experiences in the last bit of this book would have destroyed her several times over. These scenes also felt very dragged out, and unnecessarily long. How many times does one need to see her accept her mortality to ultimately then push through and keep fighting?
Overall, Brent Spencer has an excellent writing style and voice. I would read more of his work. Unfortunately, I believe that The Last of Her could use some serious editing. The timeline was messy, character choices were sometimes confusing, and a lot of the characters lacked basic empathy and general compassion; this left me feeling unattached to a majority of the characters. This book ended up not being for me, but I believe people who love political thrillers, stories about war, and military dramas would enjoy this book.
January 3, 2025
Enjoyable, engrossing book, which was a satisfying and fulfilling read. Characters were solid, and I though most of the themes were sensitively handled.
I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.
August 6, 2021
Wow a real scorcher
Really gripped with this book .different and original . Waiting for the next in the series. Good read and well plotted
Really gripped with this book .different and original . Waiting for the next in the series. Good read and well plotted
January 13, 2024
Brent Spencer's "The Last of Her" is a relentless thriller that thrusts readers into the dangerous world of Hella Duran, a disgraced intelligence agent on a mission to prove her innocence. As a gray, trained to blend in and navigate the complexities of espionage, Hella finds herself at the center of a dark conspiracy, facing not only the shadows of her past but also the threat to her family's safety.
The novel's strength lies in its relentless pacing and the portrayal of a resilient and complex protagonist. Hella Duran's character is crafted with depth and authenticity, making her journey from a disgraced agent to a determined investigator both compelling and relatable. The narrative skillfully explores the psychological toll of Hella's experiences and the challenges she faces when her own community rejects her.
Spencer's exploration of the consequences of war and the moral ambiguity faced by intelligence agents adds layers to the story. The themes of betrayal, redemption, and the search for truth create a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The author's vivid descriptions of the Nebraska Sandhills contribute to the atmospheric tension, enhancing the overall reading experience.
The plot unfolds with intricate twists and turns, and Spencer effectively keeps the suspense building as Hella delves deeper into the conspiracy. The familial and community dynamics explored in the novel add emotional weight to the narrative, highlighting the personal stakes involved in Hella's quest for justice.
While "The Last of Her" is a riveting thriller, some readers may find certain plot elements predictable, particularly in the espionage genre. Additionally, the resolution of the conspiracy may leave a few questions unanswered, requiring readers to embrace some ambiguity.
In conclusion, "The Last of Her" is a four-star thriller that delivers a compelling and relentless narrative. Brent Spencer's exploration of the consequences of war, the resilience of the human spirit, and the pursuit of justice makes for a thought-provoking and engaging read. If you enjoy thrillers with complex protagonists and a blend of espionage and familial drama, "The Last of Her" is a worthwhile addition to your reading list.
The novel's strength lies in its relentless pacing and the portrayal of a resilient and complex protagonist. Hella Duran's character is crafted with depth and authenticity, making her journey from a disgraced agent to a determined investigator both compelling and relatable. The narrative skillfully explores the psychological toll of Hella's experiences and the challenges she faces when her own community rejects her.
Spencer's exploration of the consequences of war and the moral ambiguity faced by intelligence agents adds layers to the story. The themes of betrayal, redemption, and the search for truth create a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The author's vivid descriptions of the Nebraska Sandhills contribute to the atmospheric tension, enhancing the overall reading experience.
The plot unfolds with intricate twists and turns, and Spencer effectively keeps the suspense building as Hella delves deeper into the conspiracy. The familial and community dynamics explored in the novel add emotional weight to the narrative, highlighting the personal stakes involved in Hella's quest for justice.
While "The Last of Her" is a riveting thriller, some readers may find certain plot elements predictable, particularly in the espionage genre. Additionally, the resolution of the conspiracy may leave a few questions unanswered, requiring readers to embrace some ambiguity.
In conclusion, "The Last of Her" is a four-star thriller that delivers a compelling and relentless narrative. Brent Spencer's exploration of the consequences of war, the resilience of the human spirit, and the pursuit of justice makes for a thought-provoking and engaging read. If you enjoy thrillers with complex protagonists and a blend of espionage and familial drama, "The Last of Her" is a worthwhile addition to your reading list.
October 3, 2023
It breaks my heart whenever I do not finish a book, which is a rare scenario, but it happens to me just like to any other readers.
I really liked the premise of this book so I feel so guilty for not being able to finish it at this time being.
I will eventually still try to get back to this one; maybe I’m not in the mood for some military related story lately or it’s just not for me, but I can’t really go past beyond 20%. I’m sad because I’m interested with the premise and I like the author’s writing style but I’m not getting anything beyond my current reading page for this book.
Nevertheless, I will still rate this as a 3/5 for the descriptions and the character - Hella is indeed one hella girl for me.
I hope to be able to love the story when I try reading this again.
I really liked the premise of this book so I feel so guilty for not being able to finish it at this time being.
I will eventually still try to get back to this one; maybe I’m not in the mood for some military related story lately or it’s just not for me, but I can’t really go past beyond 20%. I’m sad because I’m interested with the premise and I like the author’s writing style but I’m not getting anything beyond my current reading page for this book.
Nevertheless, I will still rate this as a 3/5 for the descriptions and the character - Hella is indeed one hella girl for me.
I hope to be able to love the story when I try reading this again.
December 12, 2022
((the cover for this book confuses me. it needs something gritty - like the main character))
I think this had so much potential. The premise is really interesting, the writing is good, it has a strong female lead.. but unfortunately, it just wasn't the right story for me at this time.
I'd happily try other books by this author.
*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I think this had so much potential. The premise is really interesting, the writing is good, it has a strong female lead.. but unfortunately, it just wasn't the right story for me at this time.
I'd happily try other books by this author.
*Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2023
Not really my type of book but I got it in a book exchange. It was intriguing and I did read it all the way through but I can see why others DNF it. During the beginning it’s hard to tell where the story is going or what point it is trying to make, and the middle ends up a little repetitive, really until things wrap up at the very end. If you are more familiar with the military and more entertained by combat this would be a better fit.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews