Book excerpt: “[A] riveting blend of historical thriller and scientific speculation, which never loses its core of humanity.”—James Rollins, #1 New York Times bestselling author, on A History of What Comes Next Sylvain Neuvel's Until the Last of Me presents a darkly satirical thriller, as seen through the eyes of the women who sacrifice all to make progress possible and the men who are determined to stop them. The First Rule is the most important: Always run, never fight. For generations, Mia’s family has shaped human history to push them to the stars. The year is 1968 and she is on the cusp of destiny, poised to launch the first humans into space. But she cannot take them to the stars, not quite yet. Her adversary is at her heels, the future of the planet at stake, and obeying the First Rule is no longer an option. For the first time in one-hundred generations, Mia’s family will have to choose to stand their ground, risking not only their bloodline, but the future of the human race. Always run, never fight. Preserve the knowledge. Survive at all cost. Take them to the stars. “An exciting science fiction thriller that will in turn inform and surprise readers.” —Library Journal, starred review Also Available by Sylvain Neuvel: Take Them to the Stars series 1. A History of What Comes Next The Test At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.