Quill and the Last Generation: C. M. Lewis's Gripping Epic Fantasy: Dragons, Shapeshifters and the Last Generation's Hero

by C. M. Lewis

'A pulse-quickening adventure strewn with rich seams of myth, magic and mystery' Kiran Millwood Hargrave

'Fresh and original, this is a gripping fantasy adventure . . . Magnificent' - Liz Hyder, author of The Twelve.

‘Quill is my new favourite hero. A thunderously good story’ - 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 andA 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.

Genres: Middle Grade

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 29, 2026

Reviews

[Hannah (the.baristas.books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quill is one of the last in his generation, he's 12 years old and there hasn't been a birth since his. Oh, and his world has also been under a perpetual winter. Simultaneously, we learn that there is an underworld that contains the light of the world, and only one person is capable of restoring nature's balance between summer and winter.

Quill and the Last Generation is an emotionally intelligent, high-stakes adventure that champions authenticity, family and friends. I loved that the characters discover each other's strengths and weaknesses, and also make mistakes - don't we all.

The pacing is balanced between action and storytelling, and I adored learning about Welsh mythology.

I truly hope that many children (and adults) get to meet Quill and his friends. Plus, there are loads of dragons and a horse made of water! Amazing!

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drawing on the rich treasure trove of Welsh folklore, this is a story that features a protagonist full of self doubt in a world full of magical creatures and peculiar events, including a mysterious water horse.

But even before that, 12 year old Quill has grown up with inexplicable mysteries - for example, why have no more children been born in the last dozen years or so? Why does everyone else seem to believe that he holds the answers to their future when he so clearly lacks a sense of manifest destiny?!

A charming tale of a world of wonders and a hero who suffers from imposter complex, this was an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Books for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

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.

[Claire Smith-Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, publishers and Netgalley for my advanced copy. 


Perfect for fans of Impossible Creatures or The Geomancer series, this is your next must read middle grade story series. I loved it and raced through it. My little boy came to see what I was reading and was entranced when I read some to him. The writing is vivid and the characters alive with energy that bounce off the page. I really enjoyed seeing Quill grow on his journey with help from Deryn, Finn and Eos. The loyalty and friendship that these brought to the story was charming to see unfold. Solas, the water horse, was something new and the challenges he presented and the resilience of Quill in overcoming them was inspiring. 


This was my first foray into Welsh mythology and I really hope to read more in the future. 


Quill is part of the last generation of children to be born twelve years ago, no one knows why and now perpetual winter rules and people are growing sick and dying, including his mum. Quill is shocked to be confronted by a bird that can transform into a girl, and even more shocked to learn that he holds the key to changing the world he knows and the one he hasn't yet known. Overcoming his fears he travels to the Underworld and learns of the past events that have led to the prevailing winter. Agreeing to help he faces a series of obstacles, the outcomes of which determine his path forward. His strength of character is tested and he finds allies on the way to righting the balance the world's both need to survive. 

[Clairelettersandmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trapped in an eternal winter, the human race is only just surviving in the Overworld. Although conditions are worsening and sickness is spreading, hope – an integral part of the human experience and a powerful human need – is not lost.

Quill is now twelve years old and his generation was the last to be born. An encounter with a raven sets him on a new path which takes him far from home to the Underworld. Here he must recover the Light of the World to stop the world from ending.

Reading this as an adult, I was absolutely fascinated to learn that this children’s book is inspired by Welsh mythology. The story sparked my curiosity and prompted me to research the rival kings, Hafgan and Arawn, and their annual battle which symbolises the transition of the seasons. I wish there was an author’s note which provided further context about the author’s inspiration and clarified creative choices.

This novel is the first in a fantasy trilogy and I look forward to reading books two and three.

Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Books and NetGalley for sharing an eARC with me in exchange for an honest review.

[chronic_dino · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was my final read of 2025 and it was a lovely way to end my reading year! Middle Grade Fantasy has a special place in my heart and I really enjoyed this one.

This book is rooted in Welsh mythology and I found the set up and concept really unique. Quill is part of the ‘last generation’- no children have been born for 12 years. He discovers he might be the key to restoring the balance that is missing- and embarks on a journey full of magic, friendship and wonderful mythological creatures!

This was a quick read for me and I found the chapters to be really engaging- I always wanted to keep reading. I loved so many of the characters, and I really liked what this book had to say about friendship and different forms of family. It also had a lovely and important message that there’s no ‘one’ way to be a hero- and finding and being your true self is really powerful.

Fans of Percy Jackson (of all ages!) will find lots to love here! Thank you so much to MacMillan Children’s Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

[A.K. Adler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a kind heart. I loved how a lot of the tropes of heroic fantasy are subverted, such as befriending the dragon rather than slaying it. Thematically and morally, this is a wonderful story. The plot is largely quite predictable, but the emphasis on the power of kindness elevates it.

The writing wasn't quite good enough to fully engage me, though. I didn't feel entirely immersed in Quill's point of view. Partly that was mechanical things like lots of filtering language (he noticed, he thought, etc.).

The worldbuilding was interesting, but could have been given more depth. I would have liked it if the ordinary world had been established more clearly before Quill was pulled out of it. For example, I got the impression that it was set some time ago, as the fishermen all used sailing boats, but then electricity was used in a metaphor, and I was left wondering if it's the worldbuilding or the language that's anachronistic.

[Sue Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely book to read, just the right length for most 9-12 year olds in order to hold their attention. I really enjoyed the story, it was full of magic, fantasy and adventure. I really loved the character of Quill, he was such a wonderfully courageous boy.
The story is based on Welsh mythology, in a land of permanent winter Quinn and his friends are the youngest people in the world as there have been no more children born in the last twelve years. Can Quinn possibly save this world for future generations to thrive? He needs to be brave and strong as he ventures into the underworld in order to save everything.
I loved this, it is a truly magical story that I will be recommending and gifted again and again. Definitely a five star read.

[Catherine Tempany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This enjoyable middle-grade book centres on Welsh mythology. Twelve-year-old Quill believes he’s normal until a bird transforms into a girl and reveals that Quill is the only one capable of preventing the world’s end. This sets off a journey to the Underworld to confront the King of Darkness.

The book is relatively short and I finished it in a couple of hours. The pace is fast the stakes are high and the cast of characters is great.

Perhaps intentionally, given the book’s folklore roots and its brevity, I didn’t find the characters particularly deep but this didn’t affect my enjoyment.

Overall, it’s a fun read filled with humour and adventure.

[Valinora Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't get a good feel for the underworld and the fact that children hadn't been born for twelve years didn't seem relevant to the story, but I still really enjoyed the book. It’s a gripping read, the characters are great, and the story very satisfying. There is even a water horse which I absolutely loved. Quill is a quiet unassuming boy who comes into his own when faced by a terrifying task. I really liked the three raven shape-shifters too, and I certainly would recommend the book to fantasy readers. 4.5 stars

[Nichola · Rating 5 out of 5]

great new fantasy novel based on folklore