Robert Neville hasn't seen another person in three years. After a virus kills most of the Earth's population and turn the rest into animalistic bloodthirsty creatures called Darkseekers, Robert himself is the only one he knows to be immune and have survived.
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He spends his days in abandoned New York with his dog Sam as his only companion. He captures one of the infected and tests various cures using his blood. He hunts for deer in the streets, gathers supplies and fortifies his house. He sends radio messages on a loop and every day sits on a bench hoping that someone out there is alive to hear him and come to meet him.
One day, while out, Sam accidentally gets bitten by an infected animal. Robert desperately tries to save him, but cannot stop the virus. Grief stricken, Robert ignores his own precautions and goes on a rampage against the Darkseekers. He is nearly killed before Anna saves him. Anna is another uninfected human. She has been traveling with a boy, Ethan, while listening to Robert's radio messages.
The three retreat to Robert's house. During the night, the Darkseekers mount a full scale attack on the humans. Robert's defenses cannot hold back the huge numbers. While hiding in the laboratory, he notices that his latest test cure has had a remarkable effect on the captured creature. He quickly prepares a vial of the antidote and hands it to Anna. He helps Anna and Ethan get away through a hidden passage, but remains behind. Coming face to face with the leader of infected, he sacrifices himself by blowing up the house, assuring Anna and Ethan's escape.
Continuing their journey, the two survivors eventually reach a refugee settlement, where they share Robert's antidote.
Best part of story, including ending:
The landscape of post-apocalyptic New York is very impressive. I was happy that Robert's loneliness and his struggle to rediscover the lost humanity in the Darkseekers is placed into focus, and not just shootouts and close-call situations.
Best scene in story:
The scene with the "Fred" mannequin is great. It shows the effects of Robert's isolation and brings out the psychological struggle he faces.
Opinion about the main character:
I like the fact that Robert doesn't give in to desperation and instead believes the Darkseekers can be cured. His friendship with his dog Sam was very touching.
