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Secrets of the Dragon Tomb #2
The Emperor of Mars
A missing Martian. A sinister plot. A French spy.
If Edward thought life was going to be easy in Tharsis City, he was very, very wrong. The moment he intercepts a thief escaping from Lady Harleston’s townhouse, he is caught up in a terrible scheme that threatens the whole of Mars.
Soon he’s fighting off vicious sea serpents, battling a small army of heavily-armored thugs, and trying to unpick an impossible mystery. Meanwhile, Putty has declared war on her new governess, a war that, for the first time in her life, Putty may be in danger of losing.
Edward doesn’t know whom he can trust. Will he make the right choice? Or will his family – and his entire planet – fall victim to the treacherous Emperor of Mars?
Join Edward and his family for a whole new, exciting adventure on Mars.
If Edward thought life was going to be easy in Tharsis City, he was very, very wrong. The moment he intercepts a thief escaping from Lady Harleston’s townhouse, he is caught up in a terrible scheme that threatens the whole of Mars.
Soon he’s fighting off vicious sea serpents, battling a small army of heavily-armored thugs, and trying to unpick an impossible mystery. Meanwhile, Putty has declared war on her new governess, a war that, for the first time in her life, Putty may be in danger of losing.
Edward doesn’t know whom he can trust. Will he make the right choice? Or will his family – and his entire planet – fall victim to the treacherous Emperor of Mars?
Join Edward and his family for a whole new, exciting adventure on Mars.
357 pages, Hardcover
First published July 18, 2017
4 people are currently reading
537 people want to read
About the author
Patrick Samphire
34 books189 followersPatrick Samphire is the author of the adult fantasy novels SHADOW OF A DEAD GOD, NECTAR FOR THE GOD, STRANGE CARGO, and the forthcoming LEGACY OF A HATED GOD, as well as the middle grade novels SECRETS OF THE DRAGON TOMB and THE EMPEROR OF MARS. He has published around twenty short stories and novellas.
Patrick has been writing stories since he was fourteen years old and thought it would be a good way of avoiding having to sit through English lessons at school. He was absolutely convinced that he would be famous by the time he was eighteen, but sadly, even infamy has eluded him.
He lives in Wales, surrounded by mountains, with his wife, their sons, and their cat.
When he's not writing, he designs websites and ebooks.
He will now stop talking about himself in the third person.
Patrick has been writing stories since he was fourteen years old and thought it would be a good way of avoiding having to sit through English lessons at school. He was absolutely convinced that he would be famous by the time he was eighteen, but sadly, even infamy has eluded him.
He lives in Wales, surrounded by mountains, with his wife, their sons, and their cat.
When he's not writing, he designs websites and ebooks.
He will now stop talking about himself in the third person.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 18, 2017
I loooove this second book in the Secrets of the Dragon Tomb series. The Sullivans are one of my favorite fictional families ever, squabbling, strong-minded, eccentric and AWESOME, and I love their continuing developments and adventures on Regency-era Mars.
Edward Sullivan may have decided that his family can look after themselves at this point, but they're not about to leave him out of any of their zany mishaps, and when he gets swept into a mystery involving a kidnapped sailor and a mysterious (and fabulous!) girl thief, the whole family comes tumbling along with him. It's an adventure full of terrifying sea serpents, astonishing clockwork devices, powerful enemies, sibling rivalry, dragon eggs AND MORE. And it's so funny, too! I absolutely love this mixture of comedy and thrilling adventure.
It stands on its own perfectly well - you certainly don't have to read Book 1 first to enjoy this one - but Secrets of the Dragon Tomb is out in paperback now, so you might as well enjoy them both together! I love this series. :)
PS: Yes, I am married to Patrick Samphire. But to be perfectly honest, I fell in love with his writing even before I fell in love with him as a person, so my passion for this story is 100% genuine. :) (The great thing about meeting your life-partner at a writing workshop: you get to pair up with the person who writes your favorite stories, to keep you happy and absorbed as a reader for the rest of your life! And I get to read early versions, too. Perfect. :) )
Edward Sullivan may have decided that his family can look after themselves at this point, but they're not about to leave him out of any of their zany mishaps, and when he gets swept into a mystery involving a kidnapped sailor and a mysterious (and fabulous!) girl thief, the whole family comes tumbling along with him. It's an adventure full of terrifying sea serpents, astonishing clockwork devices, powerful enemies, sibling rivalry, dragon eggs AND MORE. And it's so funny, too! I absolutely love this mixture of comedy and thrilling adventure.
It stands on its own perfectly well - you certainly don't have to read Book 1 first to enjoy this one - but Secrets of the Dragon Tomb is out in paperback now, so you might as well enjoy them both together! I love this series. :)
PS: Yes, I am married to Patrick Samphire. But to be perfectly honest, I fell in love with his writing even before I fell in love with him as a person, so my passion for this story is 100% genuine. :) (The great thing about meeting your life-partner at a writing workshop: you get to pair up with the person who writes your favorite stories, to keep you happy and absorbed as a reader for the rest of your life! And I get to read early versions, too. Perfect. :) )
Read
September 10, 2020Edit: Just marking this as "read", because I published this a few years ago and just saw that I had it listed as "To be read" on my Goodreads list, and I don't want people to think I didn't read my own book...
This is the sequel to SECRETS OF THE DRAGON TOMB. Join Edward and his family for another thrilling adventure on Mars.
This is the sequel to SECRETS OF THE DRAGON TOMB. Join Edward and his family for another thrilling adventure on Mars.
June 21, 2017
My 13-year-old son got to this one first, and here's what he had to say:
I believe "The Emperor of Mars" to be a superb story, and I think the author did a excellent job on Lady Harleston. She adds a much needed element to the story. Also, the character Putty is a delight to read about. Her antics and overwhelming self-confidence had me smiling and laughing often throughout the story. Can't wait for #3!
I believe "The Emperor of Mars" to be a superb story, and I think the author did a excellent job on Lady Harleston. She adds a much needed element to the story. Also, the character Putty is a delight to read about. Her antics and overwhelming self-confidence had me smiling and laughing often throughout the story. Can't wait for #3!
July 18, 2017
My son loved this book (as well as Samphire's debut)! He says it was intriguing and is full of plot twists. The characters were interesting and you'll get very attached to them. Would definitely recommend this book!
June 29, 2017
I was a big fan of SECRETS OF THE DRAGON TOMB, and for good reason. Martian steam punk setting? Check. Captivating and eccentric characters? Check. Rollicking adventure? Check.
So it should come as no surprise I was eagerly anticipating the sequel—and Samphire did not disappoint! Edward Sullivan and his little sister Putty are back in a second adventure full of sea serpents, airships, armored henchmen, and riddles. Fans of the original will enjoy returning to the beautifully portrayed 19th Century Mars, and new readers will have no trouble diving straight into this engaging tale.
So it should come as no surprise I was eagerly anticipating the sequel—and Samphire did not disappoint! Edward Sullivan and his little sister Putty are back in a second adventure full of sea serpents, airships, armored henchmen, and riddles. Fans of the original will enjoy returning to the beautifully portrayed 19th Century Mars, and new readers will have no trouble diving straight into this engaging tale.
July 2, 2017
In the second book of the Secrets of the Dragon's Tomb series, Edward has given up being the protector for his family since he has finally realized that they can take care of themselves. However, this leaves him at rather loose ends as he tries to decided what he should do with himself instead.
He soon finds himself involved in another mystery when he spots a young thief slipping from a neighbors house and is soon accused of the crime himself. He and his genius younger sister Putty are also on the case of a missing Martian and find themselves facing their old nemesis Dr. Blood who has his own sinister plot in mind.
This story is filled with adventure, steampunk gadgets, dangerous Martian wildlife, and a large assortment of villains all after Edward and his family. Edward feels that he is the only non-genius in his distinguished and eccentric family but he is underestimating himself. He is brave and bold and cares very much for doing the right thing.
Fans of adventure with a science fiction and alternate history twist will enjoy this exciting middle grade series.
He soon finds himself involved in another mystery when he spots a young thief slipping from a neighbors house and is soon accused of the crime himself. He and his genius younger sister Putty are also on the case of a missing Martian and find themselves facing their old nemesis Dr. Blood who has his own sinister plot in mind.
This story is filled with adventure, steampunk gadgets, dangerous Martian wildlife, and a large assortment of villains all after Edward and his family. Edward feels that he is the only non-genius in his distinguished and eccentric family but he is underestimating himself. He is brave and bold and cares very much for doing the right thing.
Fans of adventure with a science fiction and alternate history twist will enjoy this exciting middle grade series.
September 25, 2017
I loved this sci-fi, steampunk genre-bender of an MG novel, and you will, too! Author Patrick Samphire does it again in this wonderful follow-on to his acclaimed debut novel, SECRETS OF THE DRAGON TOMB. Our favorite characters are back, and they're facing new mysteries and seemingly insurmountable challenges...but nothing's too much for the irrepressible Edward and Putty, and their hilariously odd family circle. The gorgeous word-smithing in this novel will make you want to stop and savor, while the fast-paced thrill ride of a plot won't let you stop till the end! Enjoy!
April 2, 2017
I'm always amazed by Patrick Samphire's writing. He is a master not only at writing but imagining and is able to weave the two together to make his stories come to life. THE EMPEROR OF MARS would be a great read for those who are into exploring the possibilities of living on Mars, fantasy reads like Harry Potter, and readers who are fascinated by inventions. It's fun, witty, inventive, adventurous and full of heart. As a mom of four boys, and a former elementary librarian, I highly recommend this to elementary/middle school readers and even as a read-aloud in classrooms. If you haven't read SECRETS OF THE DRAGON TOMB #1, make sure you start there!
September 22, 2017
Originally posted here here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
Last year's Secrets of the Dragon Tomb by Patrick Samphire was one of my favorite novels of 2016. The Sullivan Family won a forever place in my heart. That place was only solidified by the recently released sequel The Emperor of Mars.
The Sullivan family has taken up residence in Lunae City since their adventures of the previous year. Freddie is back to work as a spy. Father is working hard at the museum creating an exhibit about the dragon tomb they unearthed and continues to invent. Jane and their mother are still tied up with society function. Olivia is missing Freddie, but finding much to occupy her time. Putty is being Putty, inventing things and coming up with ways to evade her new and unwanted governess (though this latest governess is a force to be reckoned with). Edward finds himself at loose ends. Now that he has realized his family doesn't need him to look after them quite as much as he thought, he is on a quest to find out what he enjoys and wants to do with his life. Then he meets a mysterious thief, discovers an old friend has gone missing, mysterious people have been making ominous inquiries at the museum, and a man seems to be shadowing their family. Suddenly there is another mystery to solve and an old nemesis returns to threaten the Sullivan family again.
Edward's character arc is a truly fascinating one. The first book found him struggling with the responsibility he has for his family and then discovering that they had more depths and strengths than he realized. This book has him struggling to find a place for himself in his suddenly new life caused by the family's move and his own shifting perceptions of everyone around him. As his story continues, he comes to more new realizations about his family, especially his sister Jane, that leave him feeling more out of place and confused. The family dynamics are what I appreciate most about these books and they are further strengthened in this story. Edward and Putty's relationship is put through harder tests in particular. Both of them are struggling in similar yet different ways. Putty knows what she wants but has to deal with others expectations being different from hers. Edward can't figure out what he wants to be, but everyone assumes he is fine and going along as always. Putty wants to be with Edward much of the time, but he his trying to find himself. The conflict between them is real and will feel familiar to anyone who has a close sibling.
There are a few new characters introduced and they are as wonderful as the old. Mina, a half-Martian half-Human girl, is my favorite of the new characters. She has a great story of her own and a complicated history and motivations. She is certainly there to help Edward discover some things about himself, but she also has her own thing happening that is equally important.
This book is even more action-packed than the first, which is saying something. I continue to be impressed by the Samphire is able to have such action filled plots and do such incredible character building at the same time. It is a fast paced, quick read with plenty of peril, battles, and intrigue to satisfy any avid adventure reader. I appreciate the humor in this book too, which is exactly as subtle and snarky as I like.
If you haven't read Secrets of the Dragon Tomb yet, you should read that one first. Then you won't be able to help but read this one too. They are an excellent set to give to any young adventurer. I could read a dozen more books set in this world and still want more.
Last year's Secrets of the Dragon Tomb by Patrick Samphire was one of my favorite novels of 2016. The Sullivan Family won a forever place in my heart. That place was only solidified by the recently released sequel The Emperor of Mars.
The Sullivan family has taken up residence in Lunae City since their adventures of the previous year. Freddie is back to work as a spy. Father is working hard at the museum creating an exhibit about the dragon tomb they unearthed and continues to invent. Jane and their mother are still tied up with society function. Olivia is missing Freddie, but finding much to occupy her time. Putty is being Putty, inventing things and coming up with ways to evade her new and unwanted governess (though this latest governess is a force to be reckoned with). Edward finds himself at loose ends. Now that he has realized his family doesn't need him to look after them quite as much as he thought, he is on a quest to find out what he enjoys and wants to do with his life. Then he meets a mysterious thief, discovers an old friend has gone missing, mysterious people have been making ominous inquiries at the museum, and a man seems to be shadowing their family. Suddenly there is another mystery to solve and an old nemesis returns to threaten the Sullivan family again.
Edward's character arc is a truly fascinating one. The first book found him struggling with the responsibility he has for his family and then discovering that they had more depths and strengths than he realized. This book has him struggling to find a place for himself in his suddenly new life caused by the family's move and his own shifting perceptions of everyone around him. As his story continues, he comes to more new realizations about his family, especially his sister Jane, that leave him feeling more out of place and confused. The family dynamics are what I appreciate most about these books and they are further strengthened in this story. Edward and Putty's relationship is put through harder tests in particular. Both of them are struggling in similar yet different ways. Putty knows what she wants but has to deal with others expectations being different from hers. Edward can't figure out what he wants to be, but everyone assumes he is fine and going along as always. Putty wants to be with Edward much of the time, but he his trying to find himself. The conflict between them is real and will feel familiar to anyone who has a close sibling.
There are a few new characters introduced and they are as wonderful as the old. Mina, a half-Martian half-Human girl, is my favorite of the new characters. She has a great story of her own and a complicated history and motivations. She is certainly there to help Edward discover some things about himself, but she also has her own thing happening that is equally important.
This book is even more action-packed than the first, which is saying something. I continue to be impressed by the Samphire is able to have such action filled plots and do such incredible character building at the same time. It is a fast paced, quick read with plenty of peril, battles, and intrigue to satisfy any avid adventure reader. I appreciate the humor in this book too, which is exactly as subtle and snarky as I like.
If you haven't read Secrets of the Dragon Tomb yet, you should read that one first. Then you won't be able to help but read this one too. They are an excellent set to give to any young adventurer. I could read a dozen more books set in this world and still want more.
June 20, 2017
It’s eight months after Secrets of the Dragon’s Tomb main character, Edward Sullivan, and his little—but amazing—sister, Putty, find themselves caught up in more sinister secrets and Martian drama. This time the family has moved to Lunae City and Edward has less time for reading his favorite comic books, “Thrilling Marian Tales.” This time around he’s immediately caught up in his own intrigue when he surprises a thief at Lady Harleston’s house who drops a mysterious clue. Readers will meet Edward and Putty’s new teachers--mysterious and relentless Mr. Davidson and Ms. Wilkins. There are also returning characters—helpful Captain Kol and evil Dr. Blood and his scary Apprentice!
As the author did in Book 1, he again skillfully weaves in the intricate and fascinating elements of his Martian steam punk world filled with cycle-copters, huge airships, and automated henchmen during this alternative nineteenth century—complete with infamous Emperor Napoleon. The setting comes to life with rich details. Here are two examples:
“ A swarm of glass butterflies fluttered around the great balloon like a halo, and as the propellers began to beat, they were swept back in spirals behind it, turning its slipstream into glittering quicksilver.”
“Far away, on the southern horizon, a faint smudge of clouds like a line of charcoal showed that the winter rains had reached the hills that bordered the Lunae Planum and in which the Martian Nile rose.”
The sibling rivalry and camaraderie of Edward and Putty is quite endearing. Another new character, Mina, adds a bit of teen romance to the tale. And the native Martians are multi-layered and mysterious as the oppressed people with buried secrets they don’t want revealed for the betterment of all.
The author provides plenty of mysteries, riddles, puzzles, and red herrings to keep the reader eagerly turning the pages to solve all the unanswered questions. The almost non-stop action also keeps the plot moving along at a break-neck speed. But things come to a satisfying ending, wrapping up loose ends, while keeping just one or two slightly untied for the next installment. Readers of Book 1 will thoroughly enjoy Book 2—but even new readers will quickly be caught up in the thrilling Martian adventures and personable characters. I know I’d be game for a trip to Mars if only I could somehow wrangle an invite to the lively Sullivan household.
As the author did in Book 1, he again skillfully weaves in the intricate and fascinating elements of his Martian steam punk world filled with cycle-copters, huge airships, and automated henchmen during this alternative nineteenth century—complete with infamous Emperor Napoleon. The setting comes to life with rich details. Here are two examples:
“ A swarm of glass butterflies fluttered around the great balloon like a halo, and as the propellers began to beat, they were swept back in spirals behind it, turning its slipstream into glittering quicksilver.”
“Far away, on the southern horizon, a faint smudge of clouds like a line of charcoal showed that the winter rains had reached the hills that bordered the Lunae Planum and in which the Martian Nile rose.”
The sibling rivalry and camaraderie of Edward and Putty is quite endearing. Another new character, Mina, adds a bit of teen romance to the tale. And the native Martians are multi-layered and mysterious as the oppressed people with buried secrets they don’t want revealed for the betterment of all.
The author provides plenty of mysteries, riddles, puzzles, and red herrings to keep the reader eagerly turning the pages to solve all the unanswered questions. The almost non-stop action also keeps the plot moving along at a break-neck speed. But things come to a satisfying ending, wrapping up loose ends, while keeping just one or two slightly untied for the next installment. Readers of Book 1 will thoroughly enjoy Book 2—but even new readers will quickly be caught up in the thrilling Martian adventures and personable characters. I know I’d be game for a trip to Mars if only I could somehow wrangle an invite to the lively Sullivan household.
June 3, 2017
Since I loved Secrets of the Dragon Tomb, I have been waiting impatiently for this sequel. Not only does The Emperor of Mars meet all my expectations, t blows them away. The Sullivans are back, their characters even more delightful and real, and we are throne into the adventure on page one. Patrick Samphire is a master of word-building and story-telling, and we are thrilled to hang on to the copters of his imagination for the ride. I love everything about this book! My only complaint? I'll have to wait another year to see what happens next! A must-read!
November 15, 2018
This is a solid middle-grade adventure! The world he has created is so charming and believable. I mean, of course there are dragon and dinosaurs and human colonies on MARS in the 1800s! And of course Napoleon is trying to conquer Mars. It's so silly and so well-done that it just works. I hope the next book comes out soon because I'm just loving these stories!
May 6, 2017
This book has everything - adventure, excitement, and spectacular Martian mayhem! THE EMPEROR OF MARS is an excellent follow-up to THE SECRETS OF THE DRAGON TOMB. New friends and old villains come into play as Edward and his family get caught up in dangerous new mystery. Peppered with delightful illustrations Jeremy Holmes, Patrick Samphire's latest adventure had me furiously flipping pages to the very end. Putty remains my favourite character (as if she would accept anything less. :D)
July 17, 2017
Another stellar Mars adventure/Victorian comedy of manners/steampunk alternative history featuring Edward and his fascinating family. I loved the new characters and the intrigue of this sequel, which was just as gripping as the first installment. I'd love to see more books in this series!
October 25, 2017
I received a copy of this ARC from #kidlitexchange to read and give an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Emperor of Mars by Patrick Samphire 🌟🌟🌟🌟This is Book 2 of The Dragon Tomb Series. Having never read Secrets of the Dragon Tomb (book 1) I thought this might be challenging, to my surprise it was not. I did feel the relationship between characters felt off but I am assuming that their personalities and bonds were explained in Book 1. With that being said.......this middle grade book has it all. Fighting, thieves, creatures, machines, flying vehicles, sea monsters, Napoleon and Dr. Blood. From the end of Chapter One Edward and Putty are defying death at every corner. Their mission, save a friend, return stolen items, save the planet, save their family, although the mission seems to take different turns it all links together nicely and rescuing Putty becomes Edward's priority. This one will keep middle graders turning the page to see what happens next. Review also posted on Instagram @jasonnstacie, Library Thing and on my blog at https://readsbystacie.com
August 12, 2017
It’s Mars in 1817 and Edward is bored until he runs into a thief escaping from Lady Harleston’s house, and she drops an unusual item which, unfortunately, he decides to keep rather than return. This begins one thread of the story that quickly intertwines with others involving his sister Putty’s governess, his other sister Jane’s suitor, a missing native Martian sailor, and of course, the evil Emperor of Mars. Welcome to another exciting, fast-paced adventure of the extraordinary Sullivan family where you can barely catch your breath, and you’re always torn between yelling, “Don’t go in there,” and “Hurry!” Patrick Samphire has done it again. Another five stars!
June 28, 2019
I enjoyed the first book more.
In it the main character an overanxious young man
who is berated by his younger sister for not being as
smart as their father and herself and ignored by his parents.
Then he goes on an adventure and learns that he doesn't have
to worry about everything and he is capable and intelligent.
In this book forget all that.
He is still an anxious boy who is still berated by his younger sister
mostly, it seems, for still not being as brilliant as their father and herself.
In short, the character arch is nonexistent.
In it the main character an overanxious young man
who is berated by his younger sister for not being as
smart as their father and herself and ignored by his parents.
Then he goes on an adventure and learns that he doesn't have
to worry about everything and he is capable and intelligent.
In this book forget all that.
He is still an anxious boy who is still berated by his younger sister
mostly, it seems, for still not being as brilliant as their father and herself.
In short, the character arch is nonexistent.
July 23, 2017
An action-filled sequel that continues the story begun in book 1 while standing just fine on its own merits. I continue to love the world building, am thrilled there's now a living baby dragon, and miss Freddy. Here's my blog review--http://charlotteslibrary.blogspot.com...
August 11, 2017
I enjoyed the first book, but was unsure whether I would enjoy The Emperor of Mars.
My concerns were unfounded. The Sullivans are just as eccentric and entertaining as always. I will definitely look out for the third book and highly recommend this series.
My concerns were unfounded. The Sullivans are just as eccentric and entertaining as always. I will definitely look out for the third book and highly recommend this series.
July 9, 2017
I was so excited to read THE EMPEROR OF MARS because I loved SECRETS OF THE DRAGON TOMB.
I highly recommend both books--perfect for upper elementary and middle school.
I highly recommend both books--perfect for upper elementary and middle school.
October 17, 2017
Sooooo good. Read it now. Longer review later
December 2, 2017
This was an action-packed adventure that many middle-grade students will enjoy. The author uses steampunk elements to make inventions different--nothing is computerized, and everything runs on cogs and gears. There are two groups of people--the British Martians rule the Martians, which means there is a discussion about colonization and racism waiting to happen that I wish had been explored. And reader be warned, the only character I remember using profanity is Edward, the main character, who is about 13. I know the standards in the UK are a little more relaxed about this than here in the US, but I think it would be more appropriate in a YA novel than here. If the profanity doesn't bother you, then it will be good read.
April 27, 2021
I love books that break molds. We found this series at our local library, and I PURCHASED them, I loved them so much!
This series successfully transcends reality and any pretense of adherence to scientific laws by ignoring them -- in a space setting that is utterly fantastic.
Imagine: Napoleon Bonaparte is alive and well and scheming to invade an already-colonized Mars. Three-masted schooners sail between worlds, on lanes created by now-extinct dragons. Dragon tombs on Mars are stuffed with fantastical technology that make all sorts of amazing inventions possible. All set in a very Austen-esque, or perhaps Bronte-esque (?), British Mars colony, with all it's preconceptions of propriety.
The MC, Edward, is a "damsel," as my daughter calls them -- characters who perpetually need saving. Edward gets into scrapes from which his 9-year-old sister, Putty, must rescue him. Or his uncle Freddy, the spy trying to thwart Napoleon's aspirations of Martian conquest. Or his father, the inventor of the amazing water abacus. Or his sister Olivia (who's in love with Freddy) or his sister Jane (who definitely puts me in mind of Sense and Sensibility).
We do hope there's a third book soon!
Visit my blog for more book reviews, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
This series successfully transcends reality and any pretense of adherence to scientific laws by ignoring them -- in a space setting that is utterly fantastic.
Imagine: Napoleon Bonaparte is alive and well and scheming to invade an already-colonized Mars. Three-masted schooners sail between worlds, on lanes created by now-extinct dragons. Dragon tombs on Mars are stuffed with fantastical technology that make all sorts of amazing inventions possible. All set in a very Austen-esque, or perhaps Bronte-esque (?), British Mars colony, with all it's preconceptions of propriety.
The MC, Edward, is a "damsel," as my daughter calls them -- characters who perpetually need saving. Edward gets into scrapes from which his 9-year-old sister, Putty, must rescue him. Or his uncle Freddy, the spy trying to thwart Napoleon's aspirations of Martian conquest. Or his father, the inventor of the amazing water abacus. Or his sister Olivia (who's in love with Freddy) or his sister Jane (who definitely puts me in mind of Sense and Sensibility).
We do hope there's a third book soon!
Visit my blog for more book reviews, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews