One of VOYA Magazine’s best SFF books for teens of 2018
A Diva Magazine Queer Summer Reading List title
Sixteen years ago, after a scandal that rocked the world, teenagers Katherine and Matthew vanished without a trace. Now Clove Sutcliffe is determined to find her long lost relatives…
But where do you start looking for a couple who seem to have been reincarnated at every key moment in history? Who were Kate and Matt? Why were they born again and again? And who is the mysterious Ella, who keeps appearing at every turn in Clove’s investigation?
For Clove, there is a mystery to solve in the past and a love to find in the future.
Word count: 76,000 Ages 12+
The Last Beginning is published by Walker Books in the UK and Australia, and Sky Pony Press in the USA. A special edition including the short story Another Together is available through Scholastic Book Clubs. You can read the prologue on Wattpad.
“Ideal for teenagers, this epic novel is the follow-up to author James’ debut, The Next Together. This latest release follows themes of reincarnation and endurance through time travel and the enduring love of Clove and Ella.” – The Independent
“The story of Clove and Ella is full of twists and turns and the nature of the book itself, replete with time-travel and kick-ass action scenes, makes it such a strong contender to be adapted into a film.” – Bustle
“The perfect book for your loved one.” – W H Smith
“Peppered with love notes, diagrams, and photos of future events, which cleverly foreshadows some of the plot twists. Teens will relate to Clove’s struggles with identity and sexuality” – School Library Journal
“In this dynamic adventure James manoeuvres realistic, well-developed characters through many complicated problems while they race through difference decades. The Last Beginning is a fun read and a wild ride.” – Voya Magazine
More extras:
- Why the sequel to The Next Together has an LGBT protagonist
- Novel Aesthetics
- Playlist (on spotify)
- Recap of The Next Together
- The books in emoji format
- Clove and Ella get engaged
- Titanic crossover
- Disney crossover
- 10 fictional characters who inspired Clove & Ella
- Editing a scene from start to finish
- Cover reveal
- Tumblr posts about The Last Beginning
- Dissertation by a reader on the LGBT representation in my writing
Art by Alice Oseman, reblog here.
Translated editions:
Poslední začátek (“The Last Start”) – Czech Republic (CooBoo)
Son Başlangıç (“Last Start”) – Turkey (Yabanci Yayinlari)
Forever Again – Wie oft du auch gehst (“How Often You Go”) – Germany (Loewe)
Similarities and Differences between The Last Beginning and The Next Together, in venn diagram format.
Art by Alice Oseman, reblog here.
A moodboard made by Arianne.
Another moodboard by Arianne!
Art by Sarah Barnard
The book in emoji format
Art by Alice Oseman, reblog here.
Moodboard made by me
Art by Alice Oseman, reblog here.
Art by Alice Oseman, reblog here.
Art by layahimalaya
Moodboard made by simonlevvis
Art of Ella by Aisha Fran
Cross stitch by readsewscarlett
Latest posts about The Last Beginning
- Books for fans of The Last BeginningThe Last Beginning comes out in America today! I’d really appreciate you buying it, or asking your local bookshop/library to stock it, if you’re in the USA. Word of mouth can make a massive difference, and it’s really important toContinue reading “Books for fans of The Last Beginning”
- News update!A lot has been happening recently, so I thought it was about time I posted a bit of an update! I was on BBC Coventry and Warwickshire Radio today talking to Brody Swain about World Book Day! It was myContinue reading “News update!”
- Valentine’s Day extract + Clove and Ella get engaged!Last year on Valentine’s day I posted a romantic extract from The Next Together. Let’s do the same thing this year, from The Last Beginning! Here are Clove and Ella being flirty cuties in love. (You can also read itContinue reading “Valentine’s Day extract + Clove and Ella get engaged!”
LAUREN JAMES 