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Environmental Destruction
The Last Ayer follows a spirited young numbat who discovers she is the last of a sacred line known as the Ayers, and must find the courage to fulfill her destiny and rid her homeland of evil. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration is all around us at the present time. Human encroachment and global warming are affecting humans and animals around the globe. I wanted to shine a spotlight on the issue while providing a very enthralling adventure story. Inspiring young minds is at the forefront of my work.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
As a child, I was fascinated by animals worldwide. I was especially interested in those found only in Australia. When I began writing, I researched children’s books and noticed a dearth regarding endangered animals and/or the animals of Australia. I was determined to write a story that took place in a fantastical world reminiscent of Australia. The Last Ayer is the third book created in the world called Sunderland.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The dominant theme of environmental destruction drives the story. However, I also wanted to express the need for accepting responsibility, facing up to those responsibilities, and having the courage to do so. The story emphasizes the importance of friendship despite the differences between friends.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
No, this is not the first. My first book, The Sword of Demelza, also takes place in Sunderland and tells of the wonderful and powerful journey of two siblings who face the world of Sunderland alone to save their dying mother. It is a multi-award- winning middle-grade novel.
My second book, The Gift of Sunderland, plays off of the first book. A major theme in this book revolves around a reluctant hero who has hidden himself away after a traumatic experience. He saves a young numbat from drowning, and she helps him to realize that he must face up to who he is, namely the Guardian of the forest. She helps him accept that responsibility and return to Sunderland’s creatures who need him.
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Elsewhere, in the city of Dungarah, an evil perentie named Jago is driven by revenge for the death of his father at the paws of the numbat colony, and has stripped Sunderland of its natural resources. Jago’s need for power over the inhabitants of Sunderland is never ending. His efforts have resulted in the servitude of many woodland creatures.
But now, their slavery has brought them to the precipice of revolt. They only await the return of one called The Guardian of the Forest who they believe will bring nature’s balance back to Sunderland along with their own freedom.
At first, unaware she is the key to saving Sunderland, Keera and Echo travel to Dungarah, a long and dangerous journey. On their way, she discovers her true identity . . . and her destiny. Discover how Keera, the last of her kind, learns to face and overcome the evil perentie overlord, Jago, as the Last Ayer of Sunderland.
The Last Ayer
The Last Ayer by J.E. Rogers is a richly imagined, adventure-packed tale set in a fantastical version of Australia, where talking animals face ecological ruin and tyranny. The story follows Keera, a spirited young numbat with a mysterious past, as she uncovers her identity as the last of a sacred line known as the Ayers. Aided by a quirky band of animal allies, including the mimicking lyrebird Echo and the flamboyant bowerbird Griffin, Keera stands against Jago, a ruthless perentie lizard bent on domination. What begins as a story of survival quickly evolves into a narrative about nature, memory, and the courage to face your purpose.
The writing felt warm and whimsical, with a tone that dances between lighthearted banter and moments of quiet intensity. I really enjoyed how the characters spoke. There’s an earthiness to their voices, a kind of dusty charm that suits the world they inhabit. The dialogue, while sometimes leaning into a kind of theatrical rhythm, gave the book its pulse. Rogers has a knack for pacing and a keen sense for building small moments that echo large themes, like the cost of progress and the value of community.
What stood out to me was how energetic and fast-paced the storytelling felt. It moved with real momentum. The names, places, and lore were full of color and imagination, and the story never lingered too long in one place. Big moments and plot twists came quickly, which kept the tension high and the stakes clear. Keera is without a doubt the emotional center of the story, and I found myself wanting to know even more about what was going on beneath the surface. That curiosity speaks to how engaging she is as a character. There’s a deep sense of care in every scene, and it’s clear the author poured real heart into this world.
The Last Ayer is a heartfelt journey best suited for middle-grade readers or older kids with a love for animal tales, fantasy worlds, and environmental themes. It’s a great fit for readers who liked Redwall or Watership Down, but want something a little more modern, a little more playful. Rogers clearly loves these creatures and this world, and that love comes through in every description of a gum tree, every rustle of the outback wind. I’d happily recommend this to families, classrooms, or anyone looking for a story that blends fun and meaning with just enough danger to keep you turning the page.
Pages: 202 | ASIN : B0F5C4XFLJ
LITERARY TITAN 