Publication Date: 29 January 2026

The Blurb

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 WATER HORSE 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.

The Review

A high-stakes, magical race against time in a world where both children and summer are fast become myths of the past.

C. M. Lewis has crafted a truly spectacular opening to a new epic fantasy trilogy. The premise itself is haunting: a world where the youngest citizens are already twelve years old, and the future feels like a door slowly closing as winter refuses to release its grasp. It sets a high-stakes tone from the very first page that will keep readers of all ages hooked.

I loved Quill. He isn’t your typical brash, sword-swinging hero; he is shy and deeply relatable. Watching his transformation from an ordinary boy into the bearer of the Light of the World is incredibly satisfying. The world-building is rich with urgent magic, featuring a refreshing take on mythical creatures, from the terrifying Kelpie to the secrets of the ancient dragons.

I am a huge fan of illustrations in middle grade novels, and Marina Vidal’s add a cinematic weight to the reading experience. Her use of deep blacks and sharp, clean lines brings the King of Darkness’s realm to life with a chilling elegance.

It’s a fast-paced race against time that explores what it truly means to find courage when you feel like the smallest person in the room.

Great for fans of:

• Skandar by A.F. Steadman
• The Kingdom Over The Sea by Zohra Nabi
• Like A Charm by Elle McNicoll

Huge thanks to Macmillan Children’s Books for sending me a finished copy.

The Off The Page Challenge

I loved that Quill discovered the magical world hidden in plain sight when he met Deryn, the girl who could shapeshift into a raven at will. It got me thinking what other everyday creatures or objects could be hiding the truth of a magical world…

Ask yourself:

• What mask is the magical being wearing? What is its ordinary form that normal people can see?
• What happens to remove the mask? Is it a word, an action, food or drink, when danger is sensed?
• What does the magical being look like when transformed? If it’s a person, what clothes do they wear, what about their hairstyle?

Set your timer for 10 minutes and get creative!