The Last Dogs: Dark Waters is the second installment in Christopher Holt's engaging series, continuing the journey of three intrepid canine protagonists, Max, Rocky, and Gizmo. In this volume, the trio's quest to find their missing human families takes an exciting turn when they encounter a community of dogs living on a riverboat, who claim to have seen humans. This revelation reignites their hope and propels them into further exploration of a post-human world, leading them to unexpected locations like a monorail and a zoo. The narrative skillfully blends adventure with elements of mystery, as the dogs piece together clues about the humans' disappearance and face both new allies and old adversaries.
The book handles the sensitive topic of a world without humans with a focus on the dogs' resilience and hope, rather than despair. The emotional arc is one of sustained adventure and discovery, starting with cautious optimism and building towards a hopeful, though not fully resolved, understanding of their world. This book is specifically for children aged 7-11 who enjoy animal-centric stories, mysteries, and tales of friendship and perseverance. A parent might reach for this when their child has finished the first book in the series, or if they are looking for a longer chapter book that combines action, heart, and a compelling mystery. Parents should be aware of mild peril as the dogs encounter 'old enemies,' but these moments are handled appropriately for the age group. Younger readers (7-8) will enjoy it as a read-aloud, while older elementary children (9-11) will find it an immersive independent read. What sets this series apart is its unique blend of a post-apocalyptic setting with the endearing perspective of anthropomorphic dogs, offering a fresh take on adventure and discovery.
