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Quill and the Last Generation

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Pub Date 29 Jan 2026 | Archive Date 25 Jan 2026


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Description

'Fresh and original, this is a gripping fantasy adventure packed full of the wild and wonderful . . . An absolutely extraordinary book. Magnificent.' - Liz Hyder, author of The Twelve.

‘Quill is my new favourite hero. A thunderously good story told on a magnificent scale. I was mesmerised.’ - Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse

Quill and the Last Generation is the first in a spectacular epic fantasy trilogy from award-winning author C. M. Lewis. Perfect for readers of 9−12 who love Skandar, Percy Jackson, and Cressida Cowell.

A world without children is a world dying for a hero. No babies have been born for twelve years. No one knows why.

Quill, a shy, ordinary, twelve-year-old boy, doesn't know the first thing about being a hero. But that changes the moment a mysterious young shapeshifter, in the form of a raven, opens his eyes to a world bursting with urgent magic and breathtaking danger. Quill must prepare for

  • DRAGONS that guard the deepest secrets,
  • A MONSTROUS HOUND hunting lost souls and
  • A WATERHORSE of deadly beauty.

Everyone believes Quill is the last generation's only hope. But to save everyone, he must be ready to face the King of Darkness in battle, and claim the Light of the World before time runs out. First he needs to find the courage to fight.

'Fresh and original, this is a gripping fantasy adventure packed full of the wild and wonderful . . . An absolutely extraordinary book. Magnificent.' - Liz Hyder, author of The Twelve.

‘Quill is my...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781035060610
PRICE £7.99 (GBP)
PAGES 288

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Average rating from 18 members


Featured Reviews

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A wonderful adventure. Five stars. Thank you to the author,, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.

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This was a wonderful fantasy story with plenty of adventures. Perfect for young readers as it's not too long and has wonderful pictures dotted throughout the book. Older readers would love this too. My thanks to netgalley and the publisher's for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

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Quill and the Last Generation is a heartfelt and imaginative fantasy that really focuses on hope, courage, and growing into who you’re meant to be. The story follows Quill, a quiet and thoughtful boy living in a world where no children have been born for years, which creates an underlying sense of sadness and urgency that made the stakes feel meaningful right away. When Quill is pulled into an unexpected journey, the story opens up into a rich adventure filled with magic, mythical creatures, and discovery.

What stood out most to me was Quill himself. He isn’t a bold or fearless hero, and that made his growth feel genuine and relatable. The worldbuilding blends folklore and fantasy in a way that feels whimsical but still serious, and the themes of friendship, bravery, and believing in yourself are woven in naturally rather than feeling forced.

Overall, Quill and the Last Generation is a thoughtful, engaging read that leans more into wonder and emotional growth than nonstop action. It’s a great choice if you enjoy character-driven fantasy with a hopeful tone and a strong coming-of-age feel.

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What with this being a children's book and quite short, I flew through it. It's really good. It reminded me so much of A.F Steadman's Skandar... series. Not in plot as such, but in character and feeling. There's a real sense of hope in it.

It's adventurous, fun, and a bit scary at times which will be perfect for the reding age.

The illustrations in the e-arc I had are not necessarily the finished ones but either way, they really added something extra to the story and I look forward to seeing the finished ones.

It's a very intelligent book. Yes it is aimed at 9-11 year olds, but it never talks down to them or assumes they're not as smart as older readers. It gives us so much plot wise, and in characterisation and emotional intelligence.

The pacing is great. Pacing can be a fine balance in kids books because they generally have a shorter attention span, so you want to get stuck straight in. Which this does. It is go go go from the start, but it never feels rushed. There's a good balance between the slower, more intimate section and the fast-paced action scenes. This will keep the young readers' attention without neglecting the heart of the story.

I don't know much about Welsh mythology - of which this is based - but it felt like a wonderful homage, and I'm definitely keen to learn about it more.

The characters are interesting. Mostly children or younger characters, they hold the attention on every page. They're mature enough to hold an entire story, but young enough and familiar enough for young readers to identify with. Quinn is delightful. He's a bit of a loner and feels like he's being a bit babied. His life is complex and he doesn't always understand it. And then suddenly he's the only one who can save the world.

I could really see this on television or on the big screen. It's so beautiful, the imagery Lewis has created lends itself so well to a film.

I assume there's going to be a series, or at least a sequel, because I don't think Quinn's story is over just yet.

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From the very first page, this book completely swept me away. The world C. M. Lewis has created is rich, vivid, and full of wonder, a place I didn’t want to leave for a second. The characters absolutely drew me in, Quill, with his quiet courage and growing strength, felt so real and relatable, and the mysterious shapeshifter instantly became a favourite of mine. The sense of adventure, the magic, and the heart-stopping moments of danger kept me turning the pages late into the night.

It’s fresh, original, and truly bursting with imagination. The mix of myth, magic, and emotion makes it unforgettable. I honestly cannot wait for the rest of the series, if this is just the beginning, we’re in for something truly extraordinary.

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Quill and the Last Generation is the first in an exciting new middle grade fantasy series. Exploring the cycles of life, the fate of our souls and the power of magic in our lives, it whisks readers away to an enchanting world inspired by Welsh mythology.

Quill lives in a land of permanent winter. He and his friends are the youngest people in the world. No babies have been born in the last twelve years, since this time of winter began. Everyone worries they could be the last generation as something is clearly broken in the natural rhythms of Earth. On Beltane night (1st May), the people light a fire as a symbolic act to bring warmth and light back to the world. To Quill’s great surprise, a raven appears at his window to summon him to the underworld. It seems he is the only one who has a chance of stopping the end of the world.

Under the cover of his parents’ love and a golden sail, he sets off to write his own extraordinary story. Quill feels completely unprepared for what lies ahead but faces up to each new challenge with courage and determination. Questions surround him: Can he live up to his destiny? Will he find the leader inside himself? Does he have what it takes to bring life back to the world?

Quill and the Last Generation is a carefully crafted, beautifully layered story. Through adventure, friendship and a challenge where the stakes couldn’t be higher, readers are introduced to a courageous young hero who will do anything for his family and community. Quill is a character readers will really champion. I can’t wait for his next adventure!

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