The Last Immortals: Dawn of the Axolotl

Epic Axolotls #1

by Kit Brooks

Abandoned at birth, Ace the axolotl struggles to survive both human and animal predators in his quest to save himself—and his entire species—in this epic middle grade fantasy for fans of Warrior Cats, with 24 black-and-white illustrations throughout.

There’s danger lurking in the depths of the lake. Ace learns this early—when his twin brother cruelly devours his tail and leaves him for dead. Separated from his family, Ace is cast into a perilous waterway. He is wary of trusting others, but his survival will depend on it as he navigates treacherous algae blooms and hunts for food while he waits for his tail to regenerate. And when he stumbles upon a glowing green axolotl named Ariel, he learns that, with training, axolotls can develop an incredible power: immortality. With high rewards come unspeakable risks, and Ace has been hurt before. But the potential to cheat death might be too hard to resist.

This action-packed adventure explores the strength that develops through adversity as Ace confronts bullying, betrayal, poisoned waters, and vicious predators, all while forming lasting bonds with the courageous axolotls he meets along the way.

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade

208 pages, Paperback

First published May 5, 2026

Reviews

[Carissa Farner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Last Immortals: Dawn of the Axolotl!

I read this book with my 10-year-old daughter, and she absolutely loved it. The illustrations were adorable, and I really appreciated the important message about pollution and how it affects our water systems. Teaching children about environmental responsibility through the perspective of an axolotl was such a creative and impactful choice.

The story follows Ace, the runt of his siblings, as he faces challenges from the very beginning of his life. Born smaller than the others, bullied by fellow axolotls, and betrayed by his own twin, Ace must learn how to survive on his own. Struggling with hunger, predators, and loneliness, he eventually meets another axolotl named Bubbles. Together, they navigate danger, friendship, and trust.

When Ace and Bubbles become lost, a bioluminescent axolotl comes to their rescue and helps guide them to safety. Along the way, they learn about the incredible abilities axolotls have, like regeneration and camouflage, as well as the importance of sticking together as an endangered species. Ariel and Neptune introduce 7 rules to help them survive and thrive.

This was a heartwarming and educational read with a strong environmental message that young readers can easily connect with. A wonderful story about bravery, friendship, and protecting the world around us.

Review by my 10 year old daughter.
I really enjoyed the adventures of Ace, and how his past haunts him through his lifetime. Also I relish the immortal code and their leaders, the elders, Neptune, and Ariel. Mostly I laughed and dearly loved Bubbles. Bubbles has the perfect characteristics of a loving, silly axolotl who should always be loved by peers.

[Ginni · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Last Immortals: Dawn of the Axolotl could not be more explicit about trying to be the underwater version of the wildly successful Warriors series. There's definitely potential here. As the runt of his...batch, I guess?...Ace the axolotl struggles after hatching. He and his twin brother Jasper are trying to hunt, but he's just too small to keep up. Jasper eventually gets frustrated, eats Ace's tail, and peaces out. It's a startling and grisly opening.

But then basically nothing happens for the rest of the book. Ace doesn't die. He makes two axolotl friends, one who farts bubbles constantly and one who is on a mission to save the species from extinction. There's a lot of talk about them being immortal (because they can regenerate lost limbs) and pledging themselves to spreading the word about their movement to other axolotls. And that's what 75% of the book is: talking about the immortal code, telling other axolotls about the immortal code, fretting about humans and their pollution. The general preservation of the species is obviously important, but it never feels pressing enough to give the plot any tension. We finally get an update on Ace's brother in the very last chapter, but it's too little too late. I get that it's the first in a series, but each book should still have a coherent story arc within the larger narrative, and this just feels like an introduction that doesn't go anywhere.
The illustrations are lovely, though.

(I received this book for free through a Goodreads giveaway.)

[CONSTANCE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know what an Axolotl is? I didn’t before reading this book about, yes, these real amphibians known as aquatic salamanders. In book #1 we meet Ace who shortly after hatching with his twin, finds himself alone and missing his tail. The title comes from an axolotl’s ability to grow back body parts (like Ace’s tail) which results in them thinking of themselves as immortal.
He rescues another axolotl named Bubbles and then the two of them meet Ariel who is committed to saving axolotls from extinction.
Book # 2 “Rise of the Rebels” – released at the same time – follows Ace’s twin brother Jasper who is on quite a different mission than are Ace and his two friends. Thinking there might hopefully be a Book # 3 in the works.

[Barrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute, wholesome book for young readers!! Very entertaining.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had so much fun reading this with my neighbor’s young kiddo.