The Last Boy

by Eve McDonnell

CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR! A TALE OF FEAR AND COURAGE SET AMONG THE STARS.

From the critically acclaimed author of THE CHESTNUT ROASTER a magical page-turner inspired by the true story of George Brewster, the last child chimney sweep.

Brewster has been sold to a cruel Master Sweep to risk his life up the narrow jungle of chimneys to reach the sky. But Brewster has a he's a wizard with numbers and he's predicted a terrifying storm of stars. Upon each star he'll cast his passionate wish to be the last climbing boy EVER. When a powerful woman offers to make his wish come true, Brewster is challenged to do something impossible in return...A WISH FOR A WISH!
BUT SOME WISHES CAN BE LETHAL!


FOR READERS OF SOPHIE ANDERSON AND KATHERINE RUNDELL

'A beautiful, moving story etched with historical detail and fusing magic, science and wonder.'

―Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear


'Based on the real-life story of the last child chimney sweep, this beautifully-written novel is rooted in love as it soars with the magic of science, and the power of dreams. Splendidly compelling.'


―LoveReading4Kids


'Magical realism and historical fiction combine powerfully in this awe-filled and deeply moving tale'

– Irish Reading Guide 2024

'McDonnell is a brave, original writer and this new book will keep her many fans enthralled. '


―Irish independent
'A triumph.'

Patricia Forde, author of The Girl who Fell to Earth


'Exciting, enthralling and engrossing.'

―Sinead O'Hart, author of The Silver Road


'There is magic in these pages!'

―Helena Duggan, author of The Light Thieves

223 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2024

Reviews

[Sinéad O'Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve McDonnell's THE LAST BOY is profound, moving, and unique. Telling a fictionalised account of the life of George Brewster (a true 'climbing boy' who lived in England in the nineteenth century) and weaving the facts of his life and death into a tale of telescopes, grief, and scientific endeavour, this really is a book like no other. As ever, Eve McDonnell's imagination brings you on an unpredictable, thrilling, and very worthwhile journey.

[Sarah Merrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this wonderful and heart-rending story of the last ever child chimney sweep. It’s full of hopes, dreams and deep emotions, and as ever, is beautifully written.

[Willow · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this book so much but its really fast paced as when I DNFed the book I was in chapter 2 on page 24.