What is Quill and the Last Generation about?
A 12 year old boy named Quill learns he is part of a plan to rid another world of a terrible evil. To his horror he must take the place of his dead father, learn to fight deadly dragons, lead an army, and defeat a evil villain who has cursed two worlds with constant winter.
There are even worse things that have befallen these worlds, and only Quill has the power to restore them to their past. But it’s not all hard work. He makes amazing new friends both human-like and magical creatures, and realises his own potential on his quest.
Plot summary of Quill and the Last Generation (No Spoilers)
12 year old Quill lives in a world where he is among the last generation of children born. It has been winter his entire life, and no one knows why. His is a simple life with his sail-maker dad and his loving mum, but now his mother is unwell with the constant cold. He has one good friend in Jona as many find Quill’s life-long affinity with birds, strange.
Little does he know, two of these birds are from another world and have been watching him grow up. When he finally learns his true past, he is suddenly in a race to prepare for a battle he’d never imagined. There is a link between his old world and his new, and this has been interrupted by a villain who is also responsible for no more children born in Quill’s world.
His life is now full of weaponry lessons, dragon history and breeds, and battle plans. With new friends alongside, he faces his destiny with courage and trust, whilst remembering advice given while growing up in his human family.
Review
Quill’s story captured me early. No babies born for 12 years? No summer either? Instantly I knew there was something wrong within Quill’s world, but I never expected it to flip on its axis. The new world he finds himself in answers many of his life-long questions and my new ones, leading us together into a land of dragons, captured souls, danger and new-found courage.
It’s also a tale of kindness where it hasn’t been shown before, with surprising results. There is action aplenty, soldiers on trusty steeds and Quill on a magical one. It reminded me a little of Skandar the Unicorn Thief series, with a young boy learning who he really is, making friends along the way and proving himself to those around him and to his self.
Packed with heart, myth and magic, this is a gripping read. I’m pleased to learn it’s the beginning of a trilogy.
Book Style
266 pages / 30 illustrated chapters + a prologue & epilogue.
FAQ’s
What age is it for?
9+
Where & When is it set?
A small fictional Celtic Welsh harbour town during a Beltaine Festival & an Underworld connected to it by it’s people / (May 1st – During the Iron Age)
What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?
Third person / Past tense
Is there Violence?
Yes – Battles including sword play, archery and magical beasts.
What genre is Quill and the Last Generation?
Middle Grade Fantasy
Themes
Fantasy / Friendship / Family / Love
Is it part of a series?
Yes – It will be a trilogy
- Quill and the Last Generation
- Quill and the Castle of Mirrors (Jan 2027)
- ?
Author
C M Lewis
Publisher
Pan Macmillan UK
(2026, Pan Macmillan UK, Fantasy, Family, Action, Friendship, Love, Courage, Adventure, Destiny, Two Worlds, Dragons, Dark vs Light, Upper and Lower Worlds, Magical Creatures, Water Horse, Monster Hound