The Last Life of Lori Mills

Published on 9 February 2025 at 14:52

The Last Life of Lori Mills

👾💻🎒😱

by Max Boucherat

★★★-

This book was recommended to me by one of my Year 6 pupils who loved its gaming theme and terrifying storyline. While video games aren’t usually my thing, I was tempted by his raving review and now understand his hype!

Set in the modern day, Lori Mills is 11-nearly-12-years old and is about to have her first night EVER at home without her mum or a babysitter. However, when Lori goes against every single ground rule set out by her Mum, Lori begins to experiences strange and terrifying things. It’s almost as it she has fallen into her video game, but that can’t possibly be the case… can it?

The first few chapters of this book are easy to read but effective at grabbing your attention and making you want to read on. The narration by Lori is very modern and is written as a child would think, rather than an adult writing from the perspective of a child. It is littered with slang, gaming terms and informal speech helps young readers to connect to the narrator.

In addition to the words themselves, the author uses the format and illustrations to make the book that bit more fun and chaotic. Some pages contain one or two words, while others are combined with simple drawings to enhance to storyline.

The ending of the book was a little unexpected and felt a little long, but I think children would actually love the twists and turns as it keeps the drama going for a bit longer! While I love a story that ties up all the loose ends, I appreciate that some people don’t and so can’t criticise —- for leaving me wanting to know more. In fact, the ending could be easily be a set up for a sequel to Lori Mill’s terrifying adventures.

I would recommend this book to and young reader who enjoys gaming (especially Roblox and Minecraft) or those who enjoy spooky and terrifying plots. Some chapters may be best read in the daylight and not late at night - there may be a few nightmares otherwise!

Dive Deeper

At a glance

Author: Max Boucherat

Illustrator: n/a

Release Date: 4th July 2024

Book type: Chapter, 288 pages

Reader level: Developing reader, Shared read 8+

Blurb

Eleven-year-old Lori is home alone for the first time in her life, and she’s immediately done all the things she’s TOTALLY NOT allowed to do:

1. Turned the heating up to the max.
2. Built a GIANT blanket fort in the living room.
3. Switched on Voxminer, aka the greatest game in the history
of the universe.

But quickly, Lori realises something is wrong. She can hear strange whispers coming from the screen – and soon, they’re in the house with her. Could it be Voxminer’s most terrifying legend: Shade Girl?

Trapped in her home as the doors and windows start to vanish and her phone goes dead, Lori must use all her bravery, wits, gaming skills – and the love and deep bond she shares with her BFF, Shoelace – to survive until Mum gets home…