The Last Immortals: Dawn of the Axolotl by Brooks, Kit

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.

Author: Kit Brooks
Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books-Little Brown and Hach
Published: 05/05/2026
Pages: 208
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.40lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.40w x 0.70d
ISBN: 9780316601856
Audience: Ages 9-12

Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 03/01/2026 pg. 65
Kirkus Reviews 03/01/2026
Booklist 03/01/2026

About the Author
Kit Brooks is the author of The Last Immortals series. She is inspired by a love of axolotls and a fascination with their exceptional regenerative abilities, as well as the environmental challenges they currently face as an endangered species. Kit lives in a small village, where she enjoys creating epic adventure stories inspired by real axolotl behaviors.