Angela Caldwell's The Last Order tells a story about a brave and often reckless girl named Lana, whose life is changed forever when her father is murdered by the Talon. Following her father's wish, she sets off on an adventure with Silas to find two other St. Peter statues that belong to her father's best friends. Along the way, the two encounter various characters from different villages, fighting against enemies and protecting their friends.

The characters and their development throughout the story are well written, and I often found myself sympathizing with Lana and (sometimes) Silas. Lana is reckless, but she is brave and kind hearted, and she can be a role model for many teenage girls. Lana shows girls that females don't have to stick to conventional roles that society imposes, and that they can be strong and independent. Silas is smart and sly. While he can be a bit too perfect at times, Silas is a good role model for boys with his wit, showing that being smart can be cool and not something that has to be degrading.

Another aspect of the novel that I would like to praise is the realistic portrayal of most events. While some scenes seem confusing and perplexing because of its impossibility if done in real life (e.g. blowing up the tunnels), most combat scenes are realistically written. Lana and Silas are not gods and have main character advantages, but they are just as human as everyone else in the story. Pain and suffering is not too exaggerated yet not too dumbed down as well, which provides a good balance.

Caldwell has an amazing way to tell the story, and the plot is dramatic and suspenseful. Many times in the book I was on the edge of my seat, and the twists and turns throughout the novel are fresh and exciting. All in all, the plot is perfect and targets her intended audience really well.

The Last Order by Angela Caldwell is one of those stories which has a strong female character in the lead and it keeps readers riveted until the very end. Lana Crewe is a seventeen-year-old who has been raised in a peaceful village, away from all the troubles in the kingdom. Her father has made her independent emotionally, mentally and physically, and she is well equipped to hunt and fight with weapons. Lana's father is killed when the village is attacked, but he manages to leave her with a job and she also has the mystery of Saint Peter to solve.

This intriguing story has a strong female character, Lana, who has been portrayed well by the author. The story shows her determination to overcome all the struggles and challenges she faces and emerge victorious. Lana's love interest, Silas, is also well sketched and along with her friend, Bowen, and villain called Luther, adds strength and meaning to the story. The author does a great job of weaving together friendship, romance, adventure, action and war and they segue well from one topic to another. The action and adventure makes it a fast paced book and a compelling read. The characters are identifiable and the action is palpable.

Lana's character and her personal struggles keep the story engaging. Her willpower to rise above her struggles and meet them head on makes her a powerful character. Her strength, loyalty, courage and determination to face life is very uplifting for readers as the story progresses. An original plot with some strong characters that will keep readers glued to the book.