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The Dragonships #1
The Last Dragon on Mars
A boy living on Mars unexpectedly becomes a dragon rider in this first book in the sci-fi and fantasy mash-up The Dragonships series, sure to delight fans of Skandar and Eragon.Keep your eyes down and your feet moving, or this planet will rust you. That’s what Lunar Jones tells the other kids at the relocation clinic. All of them were born on Mars, a planet that never wanted people in the first place. With resources scarce and hope even scarcer, it’s easy to get distracted looking up. After all, their ancestors descended from the stars. Martian history always starts with Earth. The first astronauts discovered that space was already occupied. Not by little green men or flying saucers. It was full of dragons. One for every moon, every planet, every star. When humanity discovered that Earth’s dragon had sacrificed herself to make their home planet habitable, they set their sights on Mars. If one dead dragon could breathe life into a world, why not create another one? Mankind won the war that followed, but with one catch. As the dragon died, he whispered a curse over Mars. The first settlers found their crops wouldn’t grow. Animals hunted them. Storms raged endlessly. It took three generations to figure out the Mars was doomed. Lunar knows all the old stories about dragons and space, but no one up there’s planning to help him or his crew. Instead, he focuses on scrapping valuable gear that the storms uncover in the war zone. Until one day, a salvaging run goes wrong. Desperate to find shelter, Lunar goes underground in a restricted zone. What he finds there, buried in the Martian dust, might just be the only hope left for a dying planet.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
258 people are currently reading
9510 people want to read
About the author
Scott Reintgen
19 books1,588 followersScott Reintgen grew up in North Carolina, and took full advantage of the fact that he lived on the same street as fourteen of his cousins. It could be a little crowded, but he threw a few elbows and carved out a space for himself as the family storyteller. He enjoyed the role so much that he decided to spend most of college and graduate school investing in the world of literature. This led to a career teaching English and Creative Writing in the great state of North Carolina, where he currently lives with his wife and family. To his great delight, the demand for stories and storytellers is alive and well. As such, he can often be found at local coffee shops laboring over stories that he hopes his family, and fans, will love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
July 15, 2025
The Last Dragon on Mars is easily one of the most interesting middle grade titles I've ever read. It is a blend of sci-fi and fantasy with an exploration of Greek mythology, human greed, resistance, hope and faith. With an onslaught of dragon based books hitting the market, Reintgen created a story that stands out for its fast paced plot, dynamic characters, and unique twists and turns. There wasn't a moment within this book where I wasn't engaged in the storytelling. By the end of the novel, my jaw was unhinged and I was beyond ready to get my hands on the next book. If you haven't had to chance to, check out my full thoughts during my Meet Me in the Middle Book live show: https://youtube.com/live/H2AZZOPNS3g
January 7, 2025
Extremely clever mix of fantasy and science fiction that had me hooked from the get-go. All the characters are my precious babies, but especially Lunar, but ESPECIALLY Dread. I was on my daily walkies (who said only dogs get to go walkies?) when I read the ending and I actually stopped dead in front of a neighbor's house, who probably thinks I had some kind of episode.
dnf
October 17, 2024The bones were there and kinda mad that this was a miss for me.
Each separate story elements would have made good books on their own. Together, parts of this felt abrupt in the transition especially.
We barely get to know Lunar and his world and the people important to him so we can connect more and sink into the world building, understand everything.
I think the first book should have been what it was like to live on mars, more time with the people Mars lived with and cared about... fighting to keep going and everyone fed... all that ya know?
Up to where I read, his crew that he lived with, cared for, and busted his butt so they could have a better life... were just dropped and not mentioned again.. he didn't have another thought about them.
It could have ended with the dragon 🐉 choosing Lunar and the second could have started with the events described when he starts training (not a spoiler, it's in the book description).
The cover is awesome 👌 kudos to the cover artist.
Each separate story elements would have made good books on their own. Together, parts of this felt abrupt in the transition especially.
We barely get to know Lunar and his world and the people important to him so we can connect more and sink into the world building, understand everything.
I think the first book should have been what it was like to live on mars, more time with the people Mars lived with and cared about... fighting to keep going and everyone fed... all that ya know?
Up to where I read, his crew that he lived with, cared for, and busted his butt so they could have a better life... were just dropped and not mentioned again.. he didn't have another thought about them.
It could have ended with the dragon 🐉 choosing Lunar and the second could have started with the events described when he starts training (not a spoiler, it's in the book description).
The cover is awesome 👌 kudos to the cover artist.
November 14, 2024
A super fun, imaginative middle grade that kids (and adults) are going to love!
I had a blast with this book! I think the action (and dragons) are going to pull in both boy & girl readers in equal measure and they are going to have so much fun with this book and series!
I recomend for middle grade reader with caution that there is a little bit of violence mentioned, nothing too descriptive, but it’s all handled really well for kids!
My rating: 5*
I had a blast with this book! I think the action (and dragons) are going to pull in both boy & girl readers in equal measure and they are going to have so much fun with this book and series!
I recomend for middle grade reader with caution that there is a little bit of violence mentioned, nothing too descriptive, but it’s all handled really well for kids!
My rating: 5*
November 10, 2025
I was able to meet Scott at Yallwest and he’s so nice!
This book has been on my TBR list for a very long time, but I finally picked it up!
And OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!😱
First the writing is phenomenal! It’s so detailed I love it!😍
I literally could not stop reading this.
And the characters are all so interesting, especially Lunar.
I want to be a dragoon now.
Now time for spoilers!
Little Will betraying Lunar?! I mean, he had his reasons, but still!
Anna North betraying the Poppy, all the kids in the bunker, and Dread?! How could she!?
And Dread isn’t an iteration of Phobos, but of MARS!?!?!!!?? WHAT?!? I’m literally still shocked 🫢.
The curse that Ares did before he died wasn’t meant for the humans, but for Phobos!?!? I was thinking “ WHAT DO YOU MEAN!?!?!?!?”😱😱😱
I was so relieved that the rest of the crew was okay(except Poppy🥺)
And finally the most shocking part:
NEPTUNE IS COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Im like “WHAT!?!?”, and “NO, THIS CANT BE TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!”
So now I need to start book 2 so I know what happens😃.
This is 100% my new favorite book and is definitely worth every single star!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟!
This book has been on my TBR list for a very long time, but I finally picked it up!
And OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!😱
First the writing is phenomenal! It’s so detailed I love it!😍
I literally could not stop reading this.
And the characters are all so interesting, especially Lunar.
I want to be a dragoon now.
Now time for spoilers!
Little Will betraying Lunar?! I mean, he had his reasons, but still!
Anna North betraying the Poppy, all the kids in the bunker, and Dread?! How could she!?
And Dread isn’t an iteration of Phobos, but of MARS!?!?!!!?? WHAT?!? I’m literally still shocked 🫢.
The curse that Ares did before he died wasn’t meant for the humans, but for Phobos!?!? I was thinking “ WHAT DO YOU MEAN!?!?!?!?”😱😱😱
I was so relieved that the rest of the crew was okay(except Poppy🥺)
And finally the most shocking part:
NEPTUNE IS COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Im like “WHAT!?!?”, and “NO, THIS CANT BE TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!”
So now I need to start book 2 so I know what happens😃.
This is 100% my new favorite book and is definitely worth every single star!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟!
October 23, 2024
If James Ponti wrote a space book this would be it. Fast paced and fun, this book held my attention, delivered a few skipped-heartbeat moments and a plot twist at the end that I didn't see coming. I really appreciate that there was no inappropriate content, and this is one that I can recommend to kids. My only complaint is that it was a little cheesy. A few hard to believe scenes and a writing style didn't allow you to really connect and care for characters in a real-life sort of way are what keep me from giving this book four stars.
July 28, 2024
Sooo good! I cant wait to share it with my kids (at home and school). This is a perfect middle school read bc it doesn’t feel too young. It feels like you’re reading a YA SciFi without the YA underage no-nos. You know what I mean? It is perfect in pacing, adventure, and suspense. The world and character development was spot on.
I can’t wait to read book 2!
I can’t wait to read book 2!
January 15, 2025
4*
"We're Mars-born, each and every one of us. Dusty kids with iron bones and sharp faces. Never not been in a fight. Never known a world that wasn't trying to grind us under its heel. So far, the world hasn't been quick enough. We're slick like that."
Dragons in space!😍 Creative, well-paced, with characters who are good role models that you want to root for.
"We're Mars-born, each and every one of us. Dusty kids with iron bones and sharp faces. Never not been in a fight. Never known a world that wasn't trying to grind us under its heel. So far, the world hasn't been quick enough. We're slick like that."
Dragons in space!😍 Creative, well-paced, with characters who are good role models that you want to root for.
December 15, 2024
An exceptional middle grade book that even adults will love. If you love books with dragons this should be put on your list. I listened to the audiobook which I really enjoyed. This book is clean and appropriate for kids. It is action packed and exciting. I will be reading book 2.
November 12, 2024
A breathtaking addition to the Sci-Fi world. Reintgen makes Mars feel both so familiar and so utterly alien. The whole premise and world building is on point and I cannot wait for book 2!!
August 29, 2025
UGHHH I LOVED THIS SO MUCH. Sci-fi, fantasy 𝙖𝙣𝙙 Greek mythology? 😻 I love dragons so much omg.
Can't wait for the second one to come out in October, hoping I get accepted for the arc
Can't wait for the second one to come out in October, hoping I get accepted for the arc
May 29, 2025
I would love to have given this book a higher rating, but the writing really brought it down for me. The story / plot was what held me. It's very original and enthralling! However, with this being a young adults novel, the language was clearly geared toward that age demographic and created some "cringey" moments while reading. That being said, the plot alone is going to carry me into the second book upon its release.
December 29, 2024
I thought this book was really creative. There maybe were a few things I could be nit-picky about, but I was completely immersed in the story 😊.
October 29, 2024
[REDACTED] was just found dead in a ditch
May 24, 2025
ᨒ 3/5 stars
࿔”You’ve been chosen. By one of the rarest creatures in the galaxy. For one of the greatest honors that exists. He wants you. Only the stars know why. You look like a rusted bolt that somehow managed to grow a set of legs.”
I got this book for Christmas from someone in my family (I don’t remember who) ages ago. Since then I’ve read a lot of a books. While reading these books, this book kind of got forgotten on my shelf. Anyways flash forward I was bored today and decided to read this book. I love dragons and prayed this wouldn’t disappoint.
With such high expectations, reading this book felt like being thrown off a cliff.
Did I laugh at any of the jokes? - They didn’t even make my smile a bit.
But did I enjoy reading the book? - Ehhhhhhhh
It was ok for a quick one-day read. I think the majority of my issues with this book stem from the fact that I’m most likely not the age this book is aimed at. I would recommend this book to kids in third to fifth grade. I am not a kid in third to fifth grade.
ᨒ ABOUT THE BOOK
This book takes place mostly on mars, pretty far off in the future. Mars has two dragons that protect it, just like every other planet, moon, and star that has a dragon representing it. Mars was supposed to be a second Earth; a place for humans to find their riches. All they had to do was kill the dragon on Mars to make the planet habitable.
Things were going great. The humans had convinced the Mar’s two moon dragons to betray the dragon who protected Mars. One issue though, when the humans killed the dragon, he didn’t make the planet habitable, he cursed it. Now, in the future Mars is a desolate planet that struggles to survive. That is, until Lunar discovers a new dragon.
ᨒ ABOUT THE CHARACTERS
꩜LUNAR JONES
“Even though the wind increases and the darkness grows thicker- so thick that it feels like shadows are crawling over my skin and running down my back like sludge- I know one thing is true: I am not afraid.”
I have some big feelings about this wimp. I’ve never read a book with such a boring main character. At one point, I got so angry at his Mary-Sue traits that I threw my book across the room and into my wall. Afterwards I was even madder because the book left a dent in my wall. He’s supposed to be this brave, one of a kind dude that does it like no one else does. He was anything but that.
I’ve books with stupid characters, but at least none of them were boring.
Brave? - He’s supposed to be.
The chosen one? - Obviously.
“Jake stop, this isn’t you”? - Every other page.
I gave up on Lunar having a comeback about halfway through the book. His reactions and responses make zero sense. He’s constantly talking about how he’s never scared because he “already died”. But he hasn’t “already died”, he had one, singular near death experience. If this was set in a world where people don’t die, like Neal Shusterman’s Arc of Scythe series, it would make sense for someone to have a warped perception of life after almost dying. BUT the world of The Last Dragon on Mars isn’t like that. People live and die completely normally, and on top of that, Lunar lives on a dying planet where near death experiences are as common as dust. All this and our main character still has the AUDACITY to make it his whole personality.
“It’s the same anger I felt down in the habitat. Pulsing and hungry. Out of control.”
Lunar wasn’t all bad. Occasionally I agreed with the way he dealt with things. Most of the time I didn’t. Because when he’s pulled away from the TWELVE KIDS he was supposed to take care of, he doesn’t give them more than two thoughts. He asks for them to be taken care of while he trains to be a knock off dragon rider, but that’s it. He visits them once at the end of the book, and it’s not even for a whole paragraph. No tearful reunions, just a passing mention.
“She waits for me to acknowledge her clever wordplay. “Very clever wordplay,” I say.
I have no way to wrap my head around how Lunar acts, and also no way to wrap up this segment. So uh, we’re talking about Dread now, yay!
꩜DREAD/ARES
“Heavy. Love . . . weighs too much for you? Why are humans so weak? Your arms are like toothpicks”
I actually liked Dread a bit. He was a loyal, good boy. One of the only scenes I actually liked was Dread and Lunar’s first meeting. I enjoyed that part a lot, and it was mostly because of Dread. Dread is an ostentatious brat and I am here for it.
Dread put his needs out there, but also worked to help Lunar (even if he didn’t deserve it). Dread knew what he wanted before he actually discovered why he wanted it; revenge. He shows us this through random bursts of anger over petty little things. He was betrayed because of a petty desire that one of his moons had.
Putting that to the side, the previously mentioned bursts of anger were something I couldn’t quite get behind. Dread is supposed to be the reincarnation Ares, a character that typically displays madness. It does make sense for Dread to get mad, but not over little things like accidentally killing a butterfly. Rather, I would expect him to find some gratification in it. But I digress, this change to the typical depiction of Ares was entertaining.
So, while I enjoyed reading all of the scenes with Dread in them, his character was a little confusing. That’s all fine though because any dragon is a 10/10 for me.
“You are mine. I am yours. Now, let’s figure out how to get home.”
ᨒFINAL THOUGHTS
“She’ll be back. And when she comes, we have to be ready”
・This book had some weird time skips. One moment Lunar would be facing down the biggest dragon in the solar system and the next he’s briefing his flight crew on how to win the war. Like, pause. WHAT HAPPENED?? HOW DID WE GET HERE?? I was honestly confused at most of the time skips. Not all of them were as bad as the one I mentioned, and a lot of them made sense. It was just . . . a little odd.
・I saw a lot of advertisements for this book in one of my favorite bookstores when it first came out, but only at that one bookstore. So, I expected it to be somewhat niche. I think it could maybe be considered niche by some people? But I wouldn’t say so.
・I wouldn’t completely trust my opinions on this book, I’ve already mentioned it, but I’m not the target age range. If you looking for a good book for ages 8-12(ish) I would recommend this book. it’s a quick read and I think I would have loved this book at that age.
・World building was fine. It felt like the same three facts about the universe kept getting repeated over and over again. The general concept behind this book is. So. Cool. I love the idea of dragons born in/on celestial bodies, it has so much potential. And the current events are written well, I just wish we knew more about the past.
・Way early on in this too long review I mentioned the “Jake stop, this isn’t you” trope. I said that because there’s an ongoing thing in the book where Lunar is the only one who can control Dread’s anger. This trope wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t for the fact that Lunar says a lot of things along the line of “Only my voice can calm him”. It was a little cringe, but not awful.
❤︎At the end of the day, this book isn’t the best peice of literature I have ever read, but it certainly isn’t the worst. I’ve mentioned the age I recommend this book for at least two times now, so I’m not going to mention it again.
ᨒQUOTES I LOVED -
ᨒ “Do you want the good news or the bad news first?"
I shrug. "The bad news, I guess?"
"Alright. You're a horrible student."
ᨒ “That jolts a laugh out of me. "Wow. We're getting real honest today. Cool, cool, cool. Wasn't ready for that. Can I change my mind and go with the good news instead?”
ᨒ “What if we dream together?"
ᨒ "Mars is a place for survivors, and that’s exactly what I am. A survivor.”
ᨒ”The first settlers found their crops wouldn’t grow. Animals hunted them. Storms raged endlessly. It took three generations to figure out the truth: Mars was doomed.”
ᨒ "When humanity discovered that Earth's dragon had sacrificed herself to make their home planet habitable, they set their sights on Mars. If one dead dragon could breathe life into a world, why not create another one?"
ᨒ "Either they keep their feet moving and their stomachs full, or this planet will rust them.”
ᨒ "With less food, less resources, less everything, the rest of the solar system is ready to give up on Mars.”
ᨒ "What he finds there, buried in the Martian dust, might just be the only hope left for a dying planet.”
✧—————
I will find a book I like . . . . Eventually.
࿔”You’ve been chosen. By one of the rarest creatures in the galaxy. For one of the greatest honors that exists. He wants you. Only the stars know why. You look like a rusted bolt that somehow managed to grow a set of legs.”
I got this book for Christmas from someone in my family (I don’t remember who) ages ago. Since then I’ve read a lot of a books. While reading these books, this book kind of got forgotten on my shelf. Anyways flash forward I was bored today and decided to read this book. I love dragons and prayed this wouldn’t disappoint.
With such high expectations, reading this book felt like being thrown off a cliff.
Did I laugh at any of the jokes? - They didn’t even make my smile a bit.
But did I enjoy reading the book? - Ehhhhhhhh
It was ok for a quick one-day read. I think the majority of my issues with this book stem from the fact that I’m most likely not the age this book is aimed at. I would recommend this book to kids in third to fifth grade. I am not a kid in third to fifth grade.
ᨒ ABOUT THE BOOK
This book takes place mostly on mars, pretty far off in the future. Mars has two dragons that protect it, just like every other planet, moon, and star that has a dragon representing it. Mars was supposed to be a second Earth; a place for humans to find their riches. All they had to do was kill the dragon on Mars to make the planet habitable.
Things were going great. The humans had convinced the Mar’s two moon dragons to betray the dragon who protected Mars. One issue though, when the humans killed the dragon, he didn’t make the planet habitable, he cursed it. Now, in the future Mars is a desolate planet that struggles to survive. That is, until Lunar discovers a new dragon.
ᨒ ABOUT THE CHARACTERS
꩜LUNAR JONES
“Even though the wind increases and the darkness grows thicker- so thick that it feels like shadows are crawling over my skin and running down my back like sludge- I know one thing is true: I am not afraid.”
I have some big feelings about this wimp. I’ve never read a book with such a boring main character. At one point, I got so angry at his Mary-Sue traits that I threw my book across the room and into my wall. Afterwards I was even madder because the book left a dent in my wall. He’s supposed to be this brave, one of a kind dude that does it like no one else does. He was anything but that.
I’ve books with stupid characters, but at least none of them were boring.
Brave? - He’s supposed to be.
The chosen one? - Obviously.
“Jake stop, this isn’t you”? - Every other page.
I gave up on Lunar having a comeback about halfway through the book. His reactions and responses make zero sense. He’s constantly talking about how he’s never scared because he “already died”. But he hasn’t “already died”, he had one, singular near death experience. If this was set in a world where people don’t die, like Neal Shusterman’s Arc of Scythe series, it would make sense for someone to have a warped perception of life after almost dying. BUT the world of The Last Dragon on Mars isn’t like that. People live and die completely normally, and on top of that, Lunar lives on a dying planet where near death experiences are as common as dust. All this and our main character still has the AUDACITY to make it his whole personality.
“It’s the same anger I felt down in the habitat. Pulsing and hungry. Out of control.”
Lunar wasn’t all bad. Occasionally I agreed with the way he dealt with things. Most of the time I didn’t. Because when he’s pulled away from the TWELVE KIDS he was supposed to take care of, he doesn’t give them more than two thoughts. He asks for them to be taken care of while he trains to be a knock off dragon rider, but that’s it. He visits them once at the end of the book, and it’s not even for a whole paragraph. No tearful reunions, just a passing mention.
“She waits for me to acknowledge her clever wordplay. “Very clever wordplay,” I say.
I have no way to wrap my head around how Lunar acts, and also no way to wrap up this segment. So uh, we’re talking about Dread now, yay!
꩜DREAD/ARES
“Heavy. Love . . . weighs too much for you? Why are humans so weak? Your arms are like toothpicks”
I actually liked Dread a bit. He was a loyal, good boy. One of the only scenes I actually liked was Dread and Lunar’s first meeting. I enjoyed that part a lot, and it was mostly because of Dread. Dread is an ostentatious brat and I am here for it.
Dread put his needs out there, but also worked to help Lunar (even if he didn’t deserve it). Dread knew what he wanted before he actually discovered why he wanted it; revenge. He shows us this through random bursts of anger over petty little things. He was betrayed because of a petty desire that one of his moons had.
Putting that to the side, the previously mentioned bursts of anger were something I couldn’t quite get behind. Dread is supposed to be the reincarnation Ares, a character that typically displays madness. It does make sense for Dread to get mad, but not over little things like accidentally killing a butterfly. Rather, I would expect him to find some gratification in it. But I digress, this change to the typical depiction of Ares was entertaining.
So, while I enjoyed reading all of the scenes with Dread in them, his character was a little confusing. That’s all fine though because any dragon is a 10/10 for me.
“You are mine. I am yours. Now, let’s figure out how to get home.”
ᨒFINAL THOUGHTS
“She’ll be back. And when she comes, we have to be ready”
・This book had some weird time skips. One moment Lunar would be facing down the biggest dragon in the solar system and the next he’s briefing his flight crew on how to win the war. Like, pause. WHAT HAPPENED?? HOW DID WE GET HERE?? I was honestly confused at most of the time skips. Not all of them were as bad as the one I mentioned, and a lot of them made sense. It was just . . . a little odd.
・I saw a lot of advertisements for this book in one of my favorite bookstores when it first came out, but only at that one bookstore. So, I expected it to be somewhat niche. I think it could maybe be considered niche by some people? But I wouldn’t say so.
・I wouldn’t completely trust my opinions on this book, I’ve already mentioned it, but I’m not the target age range. If you looking for a good book for ages 8-12(ish) I would recommend this book. it’s a quick read and I think I would have loved this book at that age.
・World building was fine. It felt like the same three facts about the universe kept getting repeated over and over again. The general concept behind this book is. So. Cool. I love the idea of dragons born in/on celestial bodies, it has so much potential. And the current events are written well, I just wish we knew more about the past.
・Way early on in this too long review I mentioned the “Jake stop, this isn’t you” trope. I said that because there’s an ongoing thing in the book where Lunar is the only one who can control Dread’s anger. This trope wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t for the fact that Lunar says a lot of things along the line of “Only my voice can calm him”. It was a little cringe, but not awful.
❤︎At the end of the day, this book isn’t the best peice of literature I have ever read, but it certainly isn’t the worst. I’ve mentioned the age I recommend this book for at least two times now, so I’m not going to mention it again.
ᨒQUOTES I LOVED -
ᨒ “Do you want the good news or the bad news first?"
I shrug. "The bad news, I guess?"
"Alright. You're a horrible student."
ᨒ “That jolts a laugh out of me. "Wow. We're getting real honest today. Cool, cool, cool. Wasn't ready for that. Can I change my mind and go with the good news instead?”
ᨒ “What if we dream together?"
ᨒ "Mars is a place for survivors, and that’s exactly what I am. A survivor.”
ᨒ”The first settlers found their crops wouldn’t grow. Animals hunted them. Storms raged endlessly. It took three generations to figure out the truth: Mars was doomed.”
ᨒ "When humanity discovered that Earth's dragon had sacrificed herself to make their home planet habitable, they set their sights on Mars. If one dead dragon could breathe life into a world, why not create another one?"
ᨒ "Either they keep their feet moving and their stomachs full, or this planet will rust them.”
ᨒ "With less food, less resources, less everything, the rest of the solar system is ready to give up on Mars.”
ᨒ "What he finds there, buried in the Martian dust, might just be the only hope left for a dying planet.”
✧—————
I will find a book I like . . . . Eventually.
December 11, 2025
A fun little blend of Ender's Game, Red Rising, and Fourth Wing, all age-appropriate for the middle-grade audience. Dragons exist in this setting as avatars of every planet and moon, and they each choose one human rider in a generation to bond with and bestow certain magical talents upon. That fantastical element aside, the story is otherwise basically in the military sci-fi genre, with our hero an orphaned thirteen-year-old leading a hardscrabble life scrounging space junk along the bleak Martian frontier. When he stumbles across a secret base of other teens training to be the personal support squad of a hitherto-unknown dragon, who proceeds to select him over all the rival candidates, he soon finds himself caught up in a cosmic power struggle that will take him far from the world he thought he knew.
It's neat but a bit breezier than I would prefer, with the plot and worldbuilding alike needing more room to be explored to their full potential in my opinion. There's also a lot of exposition dumped on us early on, and the ending already feels abrupt even before we reach the ultimate twist-reveal cliffhanger. Younger readers might well enjoy it better, but I think it reads more like a three-star effort than a four for me personally. Still, I've had a good enough time that I'll probably carry on with the sequel at some point.
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It's neat but a bit breezier than I would prefer, with the plot and worldbuilding alike needing more room to be explored to their full potential in my opinion. There's also a lot of exposition dumped on us early on, and the ending already feels abrupt even before we reach the ultimate twist-reveal cliffhanger. Younger readers might well enjoy it better, but I think it reads more like a three-star effort than a four for me personally. Still, I've had a good enough time that I'll probably carry on with the sequel at some point.
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January 18, 2025
Initially, I didn’t realize this was a middle grade novel but I’m not even mad because I loved it! 🤩 I don’t normally read sci-fi, I love watching it though! But I really enjoyed this book and the setting, and the space aspect, so I’m definitely going to look into more sci-fi books!
Plot: So obviously since this is a middle grade book, the plot and solutions aren’t super complicated, but the plot still made sense, was easy to follow, and easy to root for. I really enjoyed the world building and learning about all the dragons and their histories! Super fun, super intriguing. I will definitely be continuing this series!
Characters: I LOVED all the complex and different characters in this book! My favorites were Lunar and Little Will. I really enjoyed seeing Lunar become comfortable with the Dread and the crew. It was fun to see them accept him. I also loved Dread, he’s such a goofy, but at the same time serious dragon sidekick. I can’t wait to see more of the Dread Knights in the next book!
Romance: There was no romance in this book at all, but there were definitely some opportunities to ship certain characters. I’m hoping we’ll see a little more character romance development in the coming books.
Age rating (spice, cussing, gore): no spice, no cursing, and non description gore, honestly, this book could be enjoyed by all ages. But it’s probably more geared towards 9/10+. The way I would’ve eaten this up at those ages!
I’m so excited to continue this series and I’m hoping I can’t get the sprayed first editions of those too! 🤭
Plot: So obviously since this is a middle grade book, the plot and solutions aren’t super complicated, but the plot still made sense, was easy to follow, and easy to root for. I really enjoyed the world building and learning about all the dragons and their histories! Super fun, super intriguing. I will definitely be continuing this series!
Characters: I LOVED all the complex and different characters in this book! My favorites were Lunar and Little Will. I really enjoyed seeing Lunar become comfortable with the Dread and the crew. It was fun to see them accept him. I also loved Dread, he’s such a goofy, but at the same time serious dragon sidekick. I can’t wait to see more of the Dread Knights in the next book!
Romance: There was no romance in this book at all, but there were definitely some opportunities to ship certain characters. I’m hoping we’ll see a little more character romance development in the coming books.
Age rating (spice, cussing, gore): no spice, no cursing, and non description gore, honestly, this book could be enjoyed by all ages. But it’s probably more geared towards 9/10+. The way I would’ve eaten this up at those ages!
I’m so excited to continue this series and I’m hoping I can’t get the sprayed first editions of those too! 🤭
March 23, 2025
Things I loved:
- Dragons!!
- Life on mars
- Found family
- Amazing world
I surprised myself with how much enjoyed this because this is everything I don’t normally read, middle grade, no romance, fantasy. But boy did I love it. Firstly the story drags you in because I love a strong underdog kind of story. It captivates you and you just want to know more about Lunar (also I love this name for a male character!) It breaks your heart to know about how all these people and especially these kids are left to fend for themselves and even become caretakers for those younger them even when they are kids themselves. But such is life living on a dying planet. Fast forward I LOVE DREAD, dread is hilarious and definately gives off teen dragon vibes, I love how sassy he is and the connection he has with Lunar. I thoroughly enjoy the adventure throughout this story, the pacing was fantastic, the world building was so well done. I loved the introduction of each new planet and moon and DRAGON, did I mention the dragons oh my god. I just loved every minute of it. The character development, the plot development, the story pacing and the way the characters interacted with each other just all felt right. That plot twist was amazing and I got so excited when it was dropped!! Flipping fantastic!!
✨
- Dragons!!
- Life on mars
- Found family
- Amazing world
I surprised myself with how much enjoyed this because this is everything I don’t normally read, middle grade, no romance, fantasy. But boy did I love it. Firstly the story drags you in because I love a strong underdog kind of story. It captivates you and you just want to know more about Lunar (also I love this name for a male character!) It breaks your heart to know about how all these people and especially these kids are left to fend for themselves and even become caretakers for those younger them even when they are kids themselves. But such is life living on a dying planet. Fast forward I LOVE DREAD, dread is hilarious and definately gives off teen dragon vibes, I love how sassy he is and the connection he has with Lunar. I thoroughly enjoy the adventure throughout this story, the pacing was fantastic, the world building was so well done. I loved the introduction of each new planet and moon and DRAGON, did I mention the dragons oh my god. I just loved every minute of it. The character development, the plot development, the story pacing and the way the characters interacted with each other just all felt right. That plot twist was amazing and I got so excited when it was dropped!! Flipping fantastic!!
✨
June 19, 2025
An adequate mix of science fiction and fantasy that will have a certain contingent of young readers coming back for more in the series.
Myself, I found the writing underwhelming and juvenile, which may be an advantage for some young readers. The world building was okay, I’m just not sure all the made-up logic worked if you looked too closely. I’m trying to go back and find a book to read for the first time, that is not a new release, from each of the genres in our library’s fiction section, This was to be my fantasy choice, but I’m considering moving it to sci-fi. I don’t have a whole lot more to say, I’m thinking fans of Wings of Fire will gel with it. For both series, one was enough for me.
Myself, I found the writing underwhelming and juvenile, which may be an advantage for some young readers. The world building was okay, I’m just not sure all the made-up logic worked if you looked too closely. I’m trying to go back and find a book to read for the first time, that is not a new release, from each of the genres in our library’s fiction section, This was to be my fantasy choice, but I’m considering moving it to sci-fi. I don’t have a whole lot more to say, I’m thinking fans of Wings of Fire will gel with it. For both series, one was enough for me.
March 15, 2025
Fourth wing in space but make it for kids. This book wasn’t the worst thing I’ve read, I didn’t hate it, but it just wasn’t that good. The cover and sprayed edges are awesome, but the book was just sooo meh. I’m sure it would be really awesome if you’re 12 or under, but for me I will be passing on the rest of the series even if they look super cool.
October 15, 2024
3.5 stars great middle grade book for fans of Eragon and Star Wars.
For ages 10 and Up
For ages 10 and Up
December 8, 2024
I can't wait for the series to continue! Imaginative, PG fun.
December 9, 2024
A fun little book. Eager to see where the story goes from here.
Dragons that are spaceships? Sign me up!
Dragons that are spaceships? Sign me up!
July 17, 2025
A Maine Student Book Award nominee for 25|26.
Lunar Jones is a Martian orphan, in a world where dragons can travel between the planets, and they rule them. When Lunar finds a bunker with a hidden group of fighters and a dragon, his life is about to change.
This was fun, and I know some of my students will enjoy it.
Lunar Jones is a Martian orphan, in a world where dragons can travel between the planets, and they rule them. When Lunar finds a bunker with a hidden group of fighters and a dragon, his life is about to change.
This was fun, and I know some of my students will enjoy it.
September 3, 2025
This was one of the best middle grade books I have read in awhile. It was an interesting mix of fantasy and science fiction. I will definitely be recommending this in our library!
November 11, 2024
Entertaining Middle Grade / YA action packed science fiction novel! Focused on a group of teenagers who live on Mars and the dragon they team up with. Each with their unique abilities, they ride the dragon / spaceship into battle to save their planet. Great science fiction read with clear explanations and mythology mixed in.
June 24, 2025
Space dragons. Enough said.
March 5, 2025
4.5 stars
Really interesting and fun ideas. There were a few pacing things that rushed through moments for me that I wanted to stay in, but a fantastic start to a series.
Really interesting and fun ideas. There were a few pacing things that rushed through moments for me that I wanted to stay in, but a fantastic start to a series.
October 26, 2024
The mixture of sci-fi and fantasy elements were so original in this story. The young protagonist and the super quick pacing make this a great teen read. Super clean, straightforward writing. Gotta love a dragon with a sense of humor!
November 8, 2024
Completely brilliant!
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