The Last Round
Bullied, broken, and underestimated, Mark Reilly finds refuge—and purpose—inside the boxing ring. The Last Round is a raw coming-of-age novel about pain, perseverance, and learning how to fight back when the world keeps swinging first. Inspired by classic boxing stories, this emotionally charged debut blends brutal realism with heart, tracing one boy’s journey from isolation to self-worth—one punch, one round, and one hard-earned victory at a time.
Available now in print, ebook, and audiobook
Praise for The Last Round
“The Last Round is an excellent story about never giving up. If you grew up liking The Karate Kid and Rocky, this book is for you.”
– Wesley R.
“This was a quick fun read, and it tugged at the heartstrings. The boxing felt brutal and realistic.”
– John
“An excellent read! This book grabbed me from the first couple of pages and I couldn’t put it down.”
– Peggy G.
About The Author
Mike Saska grew up in Madison, Connecticut and currently works full time managing a manufacturing team. He lives in Apopka, Florida with his fiancée, Natalia. When he isn’t writing, Mike enjoys hiking, watching football, and unwinding with video games. He is currently hard at work on his next novel, The Soteria.
The Soteria (Coming Soon)
When a mutated virus exterminates nearly all mammalian life, survival fractures into two paths. On land, a small group of survivors—Leroy, Herschel, Mae, Genshin, Max, Taro, and Henry—build the Hope Colony in Groton, Connecticut, clinging to cooperation and restraint. At sea, the Soteria descends into tyranny as Jennifer Bennet seizes control, forcing Captain Bill Stark and his officers into moral compromise. As Hope and the Soteria evolve into opposing visions of humanity’s future, survival becomes a question not of who lives—but what kind of world is worth inheriting..
“No matter how many people I have to kill, this entire ship will come under my full command.”
— Jennifer Bennet
Become an Advanced Reader!
I’m looking for six readers to review the current draft of The Soteria and provide feedback. Selected participants will receive a free digital advance copy of the novel in exchange for reading the manuscript and completing a brief feedback form within 30 days.
If you’re interested in becoming an Advanced Reader, please submit your information below.
The Last Round by Mike Saska 