What This Book Is About
Greg Rich is an ordinary fourteen-year-old whose life takes an extraordinary turn when he discovers that his parents are not who they seem. They are secretly the last descendants of the famous Musketeers, and they have been protecting a dangerous secret for centuries. When his parents are kidnapped by the villainous Michel Dinicourt, Greg is catapulted four hundred years back in time to 1615 Paris, where he must team up with the real d'Artagnan and the original Three Musketeers to rescue them.
Stuart Gibbs, the bestselling author of Spy School and Space Case, delivers a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adventure that blends history with time travel. Greg is completely out of his depth in 17th-century France, struggling with swords, horses, and a language he barely understands. The action never lets up, from rooftop chases across Paris to sword fights with the Cardinal's guards. It's Alexandre Dumas meets Back to the Future, and fans of Gibbs's other series will find the same irresistible mix of humor, mystery, and non-stop excitement.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
The Last Musketeer is a gateway to historical fiction that makes learning about the past genuinely exciting. Greg's time-travel adventure introduces students to 17th-century France, the court of King Louis XIII, and the legendary Musketeers, all through the eyes of a modern kid who is just as confused and fascinated as the reader. For UWC students studying European history and world cultures, the book sparks curiosity about real historical events wrapped inside a thrilling fictional plot.
Stuart Gibbs is already a favorite among UWC Grade 4 readers through Space Case and Belly Up, making this a natural next read. The accessible language and short chapters build reading momentum, while the story's themes of bravery, loyalty, and standing up for what's right align perfectly with UWC's character education goals. It proves that history doesn't have to be dry; it can be a sword fight on a Parisian rooftop.
Reading Level Guide
Building up to this book. Try Stuart Gibbs's graphic novels or simpler adventure stories first.
Perfect difficulty. The humor and fast pace keep you reading, while the vocabulary stretches just enough to grow.
A comfortable, fun read at B1. Try Space Case or Spy School by the same author for similar thrills at a higher level.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.