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Secrets of the Dragon Tomb #1
Ed Marsmallow: Auch Held sein will gelernt sein
Fantastische Schauplätze auf dem Mars, gefährliche Schurken und ein Held, der kein Fettnäpfchen auslässt: Ed Marsmallow ist da! Auftakt zu einer Fantasy-Abenteuer-Reihe mit einem besonderen Setting: einer britischen Kolonie auf dem Mars! Action, Witz und Spannung werden erfolgreich vereint und die Protagonisten bieten sowohl für Jungen als auch für Mädchen ab 11 Jahren ideale Identifikationsfiguren. Edward hat mit drei anstrengenden Schwestern, einem experimentierfreudigen Wissenschaftler als Vater und einer überkorrekten Mutter alle Hände voll zu tun – und leider nicht so viel Zeit für seinen größten Traum: Spion sein. Als seine Eltern vom machthungrigen Archäologen Sir Titus entführt werden, weil eine von Dads Erfindungen ihn angeblich zu einem bedeutenden Schatz führen kann, ist das für Ed DIE Gelegenheit, ein Held zu sein. Allerdings ist das nicht so einfach, wie er es sich vorgestellt hat!
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 12, 2016
11 people are currently reading
1512 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 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 25, 2015
I absolutely adore this novel. It's a fabulous MG adventure full of pterodactyls, clockwork crabs, and a wonderful, squabbling, eccentric family, all set on Regency-era Mars. LOVE! And while I admit that, being married to the author, it's hard for me to sound unbiased - well, I'd also just like to point out that when Patrick and I first met at the Clarion West writing workshop, I fell in love with his writing even before I fell in love with him. I would be a huge fan of this book even if I didn't know the author at all.
However, being married to Patrick means I got to read this book before anyone else, and that made me incredibly lucky. Secrets of the Dragon Tomb is full of fabulous humor, both hilarious and scary characters, hugely imaginative world-building, and intense action-adventure. (Also, it features the best little-sister character ever!)
Also, the published edition is going to be illustrated throughout. How cool is that?
It's not out until January 2016, but you can pre-order it now. Woot!
However, being married to Patrick means I got to read this book before anyone else, and that made me incredibly lucky. Secrets of the Dragon Tomb is full of fabulous humor, both hilarious and scary characters, hugely imaginative world-building, and intense action-adventure. (Also, it features the best little-sister character ever!)
Also, the published edition is going to be illustrated throughout. How cool is that?
It's not out until January 2016, but you can pre-order it now. Woot!
April 13, 2016
I received an ARC of this book when I was supposed to be packing for a journey. I was expected to honestly review the book (which is what an advance copy is for, of course), and I feared that if I started it, I wouldn't be able to finish before leaving the next day.
Uh. Wrong.
I'm sitting here staring at THE END like an empty bucket of popcorn. How did that happen?
Patrick Samphire's utterly new take on a Martian Chronicle puts us on the red planet with young Edward Sullivan and his wacky British family, in an alternate reality where the British Empire has colonized Mars via dragon pathways between the spheres. Edward's father is an absent-minded genius, and he's invented something called a water abacus (think steampunk computing) that's attracting attention from some very unsavory characters indeed...including dangerous state-level spies. Will Edward and his oh-so-proper family (proper, that is, with some major exceptions) manage to pull together to outrun or outwit the determined bad guys? And what does this all have to do with the secrets hidden in a Martian imperial tomb, where history says a dragon is buried?
This fast-paced steampunk adventure is part Indiana Jones, part PG Wodehouse, and entirely a cracking good Middle Grade romp!!!!
Uh. Wrong.
I'm sitting here staring at THE END like an empty bucket of popcorn. How did that happen?
Patrick Samphire's utterly new take on a Martian Chronicle puts us on the red planet with young Edward Sullivan and his wacky British family, in an alternate reality where the British Empire has colonized Mars via dragon pathways between the spheres. Edward's father is an absent-minded genius, and he's invented something called a water abacus (think steampunk computing) that's attracting attention from some very unsavory characters indeed...including dangerous state-level spies. Will Edward and his oh-so-proper family (proper, that is, with some major exceptions) manage to pull together to outrun or outwit the determined bad guys? And what does this all have to do with the secrets hidden in a Martian imperial tomb, where history says a dragon is buried?
This fast-paced steampunk adventure is part Indiana Jones, part PG Wodehouse, and entirely a cracking good Middle Grade romp!!!!
Read
April 30, 2018The Emperor of Mars, the sequel to SECRETS OF THE DRAGON TOMB is now also up on Goodreads. Add it here!
A bit weird to review my own book, so here are the "trade" reviews:
"Abundant humor, intricate worldbuilding details, and precisely timed slapstick and mayhem mesh as neatly as the gears and levers of the water abacus, producing a gorgeously articulated clockwork of a novel."
– Publishers Weekly (Starred review)
"This classic boys’ adventure on Mars has dastardly villains, dizzying feats of derring-do, and dragons … Samphire is clearly having the time of his life with this yarn, leavening character types with emotional honesty … A bit Tom Swift-meets-early Heinlein, joyfully modernizing space pulp for a new audience."
– Kirkus Reviews
"...fights, kidnappings, attempted murder, and a great chase. All of this is set in a perfectly delightful steampunk and fantasy world complete with clockwork automatic servants, dragon paths, and spaceships. Deeper topics of race relations and colonization are deftly explored through the political unrest among the British, the French, and the Martians. VERDICT A smart addition for middle grade collections; be prepared to purchase planned sequels."
- School Library Journal
"Engaging characters […] and an action-packed plot are bolstered by some meaningful observations on Martian colonialism […] this will appeal to fans of zany adventure tales."
- ALA Booklist
SECRETS OF THE DRAGON TOMB is now out in your local bookstore or at:
Book Depository | Books-A-Million | Powells | IndieBound | Chapters | Amazon US | Amazon UK
A bit weird to review my own book, so here are the "trade" reviews:
"Abundant humor, intricate worldbuilding details, and precisely timed slapstick and mayhem mesh as neatly as the gears and levers of the water abacus, producing a gorgeously articulated clockwork of a novel."
– Publishers Weekly (Starred review)
"This classic boys’ adventure on Mars has dastardly villains, dizzying feats of derring-do, and dragons … Samphire is clearly having the time of his life with this yarn, leavening character types with emotional honesty … A bit Tom Swift-meets-early Heinlein, joyfully modernizing space pulp for a new audience."
– Kirkus Reviews
"...fights, kidnappings, attempted murder, and a great chase. All of this is set in a perfectly delightful steampunk and fantasy world complete with clockwork automatic servants, dragon paths, and spaceships. Deeper topics of race relations and colonization are deftly explored through the political unrest among the British, the French, and the Martians. VERDICT A smart addition for middle grade collections; be prepared to purchase planned sequels."
- School Library Journal
"Engaging characters […] and an action-packed plot are bolstered by some meaningful observations on Martian colonialism […] this will appeal to fans of zany adventure tales."
- ALA Booklist
SECRETS OF THE DRAGON TOMB is now out in your local bookstore or at:
Book Depository | Books-A-Million | Powells | IndieBound | Chapters | Amazon US | Amazon UK
August 3, 2015
I was fortunate to read an advanced copy of SECRETS OF THE DRAGON TOMB by Patrick Samphire, an amazing and inventive adventure that takes place in a thrilling world I will be thinking about long after reading the last pages. The story takes place on Mars, but it’s not a Mars like we know. There are dinosaurs, clockwork servants, and Zeplins soaring through the sky. Against this exciting backdrop, twelve-year-old Edward dreams of having adventures like the ones he reads about. When a family friend comes to visit, and news of an undiscovered dragon tomb surfaces, Edward gets his adventure. He’ll have to brave the Martian landscape and many dangers to save his family.
This is a great, gripping read that I think kids who like fantasy adventures will really enjoy. Edward and the other heroes of the story, particularly his younger sister Putty, are whole and compelling, and the world building is fantastic! The illustrations were an unexpected bonus!
This is a great, gripping read that I think kids who like fantasy adventures will really enjoy. Edward and the other heroes of the story, particularly his younger sister Putty, are whole and compelling, and the world building is fantastic! The illustrations were an unexpected bonus!
August 24, 2015
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of SECRETS OF THE DRAGON TOMB, and I'd recommend this book for anyone who likes: Mars. Dinosaurs. Robots. Action and thrilling heroics. Smart girls and smart boys working together.
There's so much mystery, action, and so many fascinating creatures in these pages that it's a hard book to put down. Edward's adventure as he tries to save his family is even more thrilling than the ones he likes to read about, and you'll probably find yourself reading this from cover to cover! If you're anything like me, you'll adore Putty and Olivia especially--Edward's brave and resourceful sisters. Their banter with Edward will make you laugh!
Highly recommend this one for all ages.
There's so much mystery, action, and so many fascinating creatures in these pages that it's a hard book to put down. Edward's adventure as he tries to save his family is even more thrilling than the ones he likes to read about, and you'll probably find yourself reading this from cover to cover! If you're anything like me, you'll adore Putty and Olivia especially--Edward's brave and resourceful sisters. Their banter with Edward will make you laugh!
Highly recommend this one for all ages.
September 14, 2015
I received an advance readers copy of Secrets of the Dragon Tomb in exchange for an honest review. And honestly, I absolutely LOVED this book! Here's why:
1) It's hilarious! I had to pause my reading many, many times because I couldn't stop laughing out loud. Think Jane Austen meets Monty Python. Enough said.
2) It's thrilling! The plot is fast-paced and mysterious, full of action and twists and turns and surprises, as the characters pursue a goal that's high stakes and personal for all of them.
3) It's set in a totally fresh and compelling world! I guess I'd call it historical sci fi, or steampunk, but that doesn't even begin to describe it. It's 1816 on British Mars, where the British-Martians subscribe to Regency Society and mannerisms and live in typical British homes of the period (on earth), while dealing with unusual creatures and landscapes and clockwork inventions and discoveries unearthed from dragon tombs and Native Martians and inventors and dinosaurs and naturally, evil villains.
and 4) It's full of fantastic characters! I loved 12 year-old Edward who wants to be a spy, his younger sister Putty (actual name Parthenia) who is way more spy-like than he is, his older cousin Freddie who's extremely un-spy-like, and his older sister Olivia who (like one of the previous three) is full of surprises. Not to mention the supporting cast, who are all equally as interesting and funny and wonderful.
In short, Secrets of the Dragon Tomb is a wildly fun and completely lovable middle grade read. I highly recommend this book to anyone - human, Martian, or mechanical - with a sense of humor, a sense of adventure, or any sense at all. I predict Patrick Samphire is going to need his own water abacus to count up all the five-star reviews for Secrets of the Dragon Tomb!
1) It's hilarious! I had to pause my reading many, many times because I couldn't stop laughing out loud. Think Jane Austen meets Monty Python. Enough said.
2) It's thrilling! The plot is fast-paced and mysterious, full of action and twists and turns and surprises, as the characters pursue a goal that's high stakes and personal for all of them.
3) It's set in a totally fresh and compelling world! I guess I'd call it historical sci fi, or steampunk, but that doesn't even begin to describe it. It's 1816 on British Mars, where the British-Martians subscribe to Regency Society and mannerisms and live in typical British homes of the period (on earth), while dealing with unusual creatures and landscapes and clockwork inventions and discoveries unearthed from dragon tombs and Native Martians and inventors and dinosaurs and naturally, evil villains.
and 4) It's full of fantastic characters! I loved 12 year-old Edward who wants to be a spy, his younger sister Putty (actual name Parthenia) who is way more spy-like than he is, his older cousin Freddie who's extremely un-spy-like, and his older sister Olivia who (like one of the previous three) is full of surprises. Not to mention the supporting cast, who are all equally as interesting and funny and wonderful.
In short, Secrets of the Dragon Tomb is a wildly fun and completely lovable middle grade read. I highly recommend this book to anyone - human, Martian, or mechanical - with a sense of humor, a sense of adventure, or any sense at all. I predict Patrick Samphire is going to need his own water abacus to count up all the five-star reviews for Secrets of the Dragon Tomb!
August 5, 2015
I was lucky to receive an advanced copy of SECRETS OF THE DRAGON TOMB. This is one of those rare books that truly does have something for everyone--action, adventure, and even a bit of romance. The setting is so much fun--Mars, 1816! And the world building is amazing. There's a little bit of science fiction, a little bit of history, a little bit of steampunk--and together, they make for a really hard-to-put-down story.
The main character, 12-year-old Edward, is one of the coolest kids ever. Edward has a fantastic supporting cast: His little sister Putty who, in fact, always gets it right. His older sister Olivia who is sweet and kind and SMART. And Cousin Freddie--perhaps my favorite character in the story.
I'm looking forward to the second book in this series!
The main character, 12-year-old Edward, is one of the coolest kids ever. Edward has a fantastic supporting cast: His little sister Putty who, in fact, always gets it right. His older sister Olivia who is sweet and kind and SMART. And Cousin Freddie--perhaps my favorite character in the story.
I'm looking forward to the second book in this series!
January 12, 2016
In this wildly inventive middle grade novel, Samphire defies many science fiction tropes and cliches to created a world on Mars filled with dinosaurs, strange bugs, and ancient clockwork technologies and populated with Victorian-era characters worthy of P.G. Wodehouse and Jane Austen. An unforgettable page-turner.
(I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review)
(I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review)
February 10, 2016
I love to read adventurous sci fi & fantasy in part because I love to imagine visiting amazing, impossible places, but I am not even kidding when I say I am REALLY VERY ANGRY that I cannot visit the Victorian-era pterodactyl-infested steampunk Mars that Patrick Samphire has imagined in this book.
I want to see all of it! The deserts and wastelands and museums and garden parties and airships! This is SUCH an imaginative book, full of so many things that are 100% pure joy and adventure and FUN. It's like being transported into an old school Golden Era sci fi adventure without any of the icky backwards old school tropes. (Indeed, the girls are just as clever and fierce as the boys--more so, in many instances--and there's some subtle commentary on class issues and colonialism that demonstrates the author knows exactly what kind of story he is paying homage to, and exactly which parts of those stories are best left in the past.)
Edward is a delightful narrator. He's a twelve-year-old boy who feels like he needs to take responsibility for his eccentric, absent-minded family members, so he's always getting in over his head, and needs a bit of a help learning to rely on the strength and smarts of the people around him to solve the barrage of problems and dangers headed his way. He's not always right, but he's not always wrong either, and it's glorious fun to watch him get into trouble over and over again.
This book is absolutely a delight. I read through it in one evening, barely looking up from the pages, and I don't regret a second of it. Highly recommended!
I want to see all of it! The deserts and wastelands and museums and garden parties and airships! This is SUCH an imaginative book, full of so many things that are 100% pure joy and adventure and FUN. It's like being transported into an old school Golden Era sci fi adventure without any of the icky backwards old school tropes. (Indeed, the girls are just as clever and fierce as the boys--more so, in many instances--and there's some subtle commentary on class issues and colonialism that demonstrates the author knows exactly what kind of story he is paying homage to, and exactly which parts of those stories are best left in the past.)
Edward is a delightful narrator. He's a twelve-year-old boy who feels like he needs to take responsibility for his eccentric, absent-minded family members, so he's always getting in over his head, and needs a bit of a help learning to rely on the strength and smarts of the people around him to solve the barrage of problems and dangers headed his way. He's not always right, but he's not always wrong either, and it's glorious fun to watch him get into trouble over and over again.
This book is absolutely a delight. I read through it in one evening, barely looking up from the pages, and I don't regret a second of it. Highly recommended!
August 20, 2015
I got to read an arc of this book and it was a super fun, steampunk adventure!
Secret of the Dragon Tomb is a story about Edward who wants more than anything to be a spy like the hero of his favorite magazine. Instead he's stuck taking care of his family, which includes a precocious younger sister, two older sisters trying to fit into society, a mother who really only favors his oldest sister and a father who pays him hardly any mind. Throw in an idiot cousin and Edward is almost always overlooked.
But when men kidnap his family in order to steal his father's latest invention, Edward learns that maybe looks can be deceiving when it comes to his family, and that maybe spying isn't all it's cracked up to be.
I was immediately in love with the book within the first few pages. Samphire does such an excellent job of worldbuilding his mars, especially when it comes to creatures and creepy crawlies. I absolutely loved reading about all the different kinds of pests and bugs they have in British mars.
All of the characters are so incredibly likeable. Whether it's 9 year old Putty, brawling with adults like the best of them, his cousin who's not quite the idiot he appears to be, or his older sister who's maybe got more under her petticoats that he would have guessed, they all have moments where they shine brightly. And Edward's heart and loyalty and strength carry the story forward in a fast paced adventure.
I think this would appeal to fans of steampunk, of science fiction, of historical fiction, of adventure. There's a bit of something for everyone.
Secret of the Dragon Tomb is a story about Edward who wants more than anything to be a spy like the hero of his favorite magazine. Instead he's stuck taking care of his family, which includes a precocious younger sister, two older sisters trying to fit into society, a mother who really only favors his oldest sister and a father who pays him hardly any mind. Throw in an idiot cousin and Edward is almost always overlooked.
But when men kidnap his family in order to steal his father's latest invention, Edward learns that maybe looks can be deceiving when it comes to his family, and that maybe spying isn't all it's cracked up to be.
I was immediately in love with the book within the first few pages. Samphire does such an excellent job of worldbuilding his mars, especially when it comes to creatures and creepy crawlies. I absolutely loved reading about all the different kinds of pests and bugs they have in British mars.
All of the characters are so incredibly likeable. Whether it's 9 year old Putty, brawling with adults like the best of them, his cousin who's not quite the idiot he appears to be, or his older sister who's maybe got more under her petticoats that he would have guessed, they all have moments where they shine brightly. And Edward's heart and loyalty and strength carry the story forward in a fast paced adventure.
I think this would appeal to fans of steampunk, of science fiction, of historical fiction, of adventure. There's a bit of something for everyone.
February 15, 2016
This is a super fun Victorian historical fiction, sci-fi, adventure mash-up. Like Jules Verne meets Monty Python for kids..in space...with dinosaurs. Seriously, doesn't that sound like a romp? Well, it is. Plus, Patrick Samphire has a blistering sense of humor. Best recommendation I can give...I'm passing it on to my 10 year old son knowing I will get mad mom props when he devours and loves it.
January 25, 2016
Wonderful, fun, imaginative, steampunky ... perfect for MG, but can be enjoyed by all ages. Highly recommend!
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December 16, 2015I read this one to my 10-year-old son, who goes by Jackson on the internet. So I invited him to help me review it. My questions are in bold, followed by his responses.
In your words, what is this book about?
The book is about the family, and the father is an inventor. At the beginning of the book, they run into their cousin Freddie who stole a map to a secret dragon tomb which is a tomb of the ancient Martian emperors. By the way, this is all on Mars, and it’s set in an alternate past, not an alternate future. He stole it from Sir Titus Dane, who had discovered multiple dragon tombs before, but it was proven that he stole the locations, and he actually didn’t find them. Sir Titus Dane wants to use their father’s invention, the water abacus, to decode the dragon map and find the tomb and get rich. He kidnaps their father, mother, and sister Jane. So the brother, sister, and other sister, and cousin Freddie, have to find Sir Titus and stop him. Also, Freddie is [SPOILER], and that’s pretty cool!
What did you like best about it?
I liked the funny bits, and a lot of stuff in it, like the adventure.
Who was your favorite character, and why?
Either Edward or Freddie. They’re both really cool. And Putty is pretty cool too, because she just knows absolutely everything about technology and she’s just a little kid.
What do you think about a twelve-year-old (Edward) setting out to save his family?
It was kind of like Harry Potter, but with robots instead of magic. [Note from Jim: Jackson just finished reading the Harry Potter books, so they’re on his mind a lot these days.]
Were there any parts you didn’t like?
Not really, except for the ancient Martian empire killing dragons when their owners died. I didn’t really like that, because that’s mean to the dragons.
What would be the coolest thing about visiting this Mars?
Seeing the dragons in the museums.
Who should read this book?
I think anyone who likes science fiction books should read it. Probably a lot of my friends would like it.
Do you want to read the next book in the series?
Yes!
###
The book is aimed at younger readers like Jackson, but I enjoyed it too. Like Jackson said, there’s plenty of action, and a cast of young, smart, determined protagonists. It’s not a book that takes itself too seriously — one of the characters is named Doctor Blood. It’s more of an old-fashioned pulp-style adventure, but without the old-fashioned sexism and racism that often went with them.
Everything wraps up rather well at the end, but with plenty of possibility for the next books. I have a few guesses about what might happen next, but we’ll wait and see when book two comes out.
In your words, what is this book about?
The book is about the family, and the father is an inventor. At the beginning of the book, they run into their cousin Freddie who stole a map to a secret dragon tomb which is a tomb of the ancient Martian emperors. By the way, this is all on Mars, and it’s set in an alternate past, not an alternate future. He stole it from Sir Titus Dane, who had discovered multiple dragon tombs before, but it was proven that he stole the locations, and he actually didn’t find them. Sir Titus Dane wants to use their father’s invention, the water abacus, to decode the dragon map and find the tomb and get rich. He kidnaps their father, mother, and sister Jane. So the brother, sister, and other sister, and cousin Freddie, have to find Sir Titus and stop him. Also, Freddie is [SPOILER], and that’s pretty cool!
What did you like best about it?
I liked the funny bits, and a lot of stuff in it, like the adventure.
Who was your favorite character, and why?
Either Edward or Freddie. They’re both really cool. And Putty is pretty cool too, because she just knows absolutely everything about technology and she’s just a little kid.
What do you think about a twelve-year-old (Edward) setting out to save his family?
It was kind of like Harry Potter, but with robots instead of magic. [Note from Jim: Jackson just finished reading the Harry Potter books, so they’re on his mind a lot these days.]
Were there any parts you didn’t like?
Not really, except for the ancient Martian empire killing dragons when their owners died. I didn’t really like that, because that’s mean to the dragons.
What would be the coolest thing about visiting this Mars?
Seeing the dragons in the museums.
Who should read this book?
I think anyone who likes science fiction books should read it. Probably a lot of my friends would like it.
Do you want to read the next book in the series?
Yes!
###
The book is aimed at younger readers like Jackson, but I enjoyed it too. Like Jackson said, there’s plenty of action, and a cast of young, smart, determined protagonists. It’s not a book that takes itself too seriously — one of the characters is named Doctor Blood. It’s more of an old-fashioned pulp-style adventure, but without the old-fashioned sexism and racism that often went with them.
Everything wraps up rather well at the end, but with plenty of possibility for the next books. I have a few guesses about what might happen next, but we’ll wait and see when book two comes out.
September 28, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When Edward's parents are kidnapped for his Father's genius invention, he and his sisters, along with their mysterious cousin race across Mars (yep, the planet) to save them. Simply put, this book is hilarious! And I had to keep stealing it back from my 11-year-old who sneaked it away whenever I set it down. The characters are outrageous, individual, and so much fun. The author's quick wit will keep you laughing even when the characters are in horrible danger.
Even though this is only book 1, the story lines are all pulled together into a very satisfactory conclusion, while still setting us up for the next adventure. And the awesome news is that we will get to hang out with these characters again!
When Edward's parents are kidnapped for his Father's genius invention, he and his sisters, along with their mysterious cousin race across Mars (yep, the planet) to save them. Simply put, this book is hilarious! And I had to keep stealing it back from my 11-year-old who sneaked it away whenever I set it down. The characters are outrageous, individual, and so much fun. The author's quick wit will keep you laughing even when the characters are in horrible danger.
Even though this is only book 1, the story lines are all pulled together into a very satisfactory conclusion, while still setting us up for the next adventure. And the awesome news is that we will get to hang out with these characters again!
January 4, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Secrets of the Dragon Tomb is a thrilling MG adventure! Samphire created a world and characters unlike any I've read before. Set in a unique world (Regency-era British Mars!) it has something for everyone: clockwork creatures, dinosaurs, dragons, airships--a wonderful steampunk/sci-fi mash up infused with witty humor and delightful, fresh characters.
This story reminded me a bit of an "Indiana Jones" adventure, but with kids as the heroes. Each chapter reveals new surprises (and laughs), spies, map-chasing, inventions, and villains--all supporting cleverly interwoven themes. I highly recommend it!
Secrets of the Dragon Tomb is a thrilling MG adventure! Samphire created a world and characters unlike any I've read before. Set in a unique world (Regency-era British Mars!) it has something for everyone: clockwork creatures, dinosaurs, dragons, airships--a wonderful steampunk/sci-fi mash up infused with witty humor and delightful, fresh characters.
This story reminded me a bit of an "Indiana Jones" adventure, but with kids as the heroes. Each chapter reveals new surprises (and laughs), spies, map-chasing, inventions, and villains--all supporting cleverly interwoven themes. I highly recommend it!
January 16, 2016
I was in love with this book from the very first scene! Edward is your normal run of the mill human boy living on Mars, trying to survive his sisters and the arrival of annoying Cousin Freddie, who is harbouring a secret that may or may not have to do with the work of Edward's father. This is world building at its finest, part sci-fi book, part historical fiction, part adventure series and part fantasy, I was enthralled the entire way and cannot wait to read the second!
January 13, 2016
What a debut! I expected an exciting story, and I also got a hilarious, witty one. Impressive world-building and lovable characters!
January 10, 2016
Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
Secrets of the Dragon Tomb by Patrick Samphire is a Napoleonic war spy adventure on Mars that includes pterodactyls and dragon corpses. As nonsensical as that may sound, it all works together perfectly and is so much fun. I added this book to my TBR originally because I'm a big fan of the author's wife, Stephanie Burgis, and I also consider her a friend. But my love for this book was won all on its own merits. This is just so much my aesthetic. With every page I had something new to grin and get excited about. This was the best possible book for me to begin my 2016 reading year.
Edward could have been having a better time on his holiday from school. He could have been enjoying himself at an aristocratic friend's estate. But he came home because his family needs him. There is no way they would make it through the year alive if he wasn't around to keep an eye on things. When the son of his father's best friend (an honorary cousin) crashes into Edward and takes up residence, Edward's summer goes from bad to worse. Everyone knows Cousin Freddie is an idiot, but his arrival kicks off a string of events that leads to the kidnapping of Edward's parents and eldest sister. The evil Sir Titus needs Edward's father to find a lost dragon tomb. Once the tomb is found, Sir Titus has no reason to keep his hostages alive. Knowing they have limited time and few options, Edward, his sisters, and Freddie take off in pursuit to rescue their family and put an end to Sir Titus's evil treasonous plans.
Edward is such an endearing hero. He sees himself as the practical one in his whacky family of absent-minded geniuses and frivolous socialites. He is a boy who dreams of adventure and becoming a spy. He longs to be appreciated for his talents and acknowledged for the important role he plays in keeping the family functioning. He is very much a 12 year old and he learns so much about himself and his family over the course of his adventures. Edward's younger sister Putty has inherited their father's technological genius, is completely uninterested in wearing dresses or being proper, and is the perfect foil for Edward. She is courageous and quick thinking and Edward needs her just as much she needs him. Edward's older sister Olivia is outwardly proper and studious, but has masses of hidden depths her siblings hadn't even seen before they started a perilous journey with her. Any one who follows this blog regularly knows sibling stories are one of my favorite things in the world, and this one is done exactly right. Then there is Freddie. I won't say a whole lot about him for reasons, and even this one little thing is a tad spoilery: I could sum up my feelings for him with a never ending string of heart eye emojis.
Secrets of the Dragon Tomb is a steampunk alternate history. In the world Samphire created, pathways were discovered between earth and mars that allow ships to travel between the two planets in a few weeks time. When this wondrous discovery is made, what do the nations of earth do? Colonize it. Of course. Because if Imperialistic forces had the power to do that we all know they would. There is a heavy British Empire presence and also a large Chinese section of Mars. It is 1816 and the British Empire is attempting to hold back Napoleon on Earth. Napoleon is busy attempting to launch his ships to Mars. The world is an intensely interesting and layered place. The politics and historical aspects push the plot, but don't overtake the adventure aspects and the characters, who are the heart of the story. However, there is a lot to notice in how the ancient Martians are treated, how the colonialists interact with them, and the attitude many seem to have toward the past and the excavating of the dragon tombs. There are many interesting parallels between the British fascination with Egypt at the time and the fascination with the Marian emperors and their dragon tombs.
The plot of the book is sure to please any reader who loves adventure and spy stories. The villains are willing to go to any length necessary to secure their ends, even if it means hurting children. The peril is very real and there are also the fantastic creatures that inhabit Mars that the heroes have to contend with. There are a lot of elements coming together to make the story, but Samphire threads them all together perfectly. The steampunk elements, Martian world, politics of war, spies, and archeology all come together to make a brilliant fully satisfying read. I could not put this book down.
In so many ways this book seems tailor made for my loves, that it is hard for me to fathom how a person might not like it. It's one of those books I will be trying to get everyone to read and I absolutely can not wait for the next one. (This has a satisfying end, but I know there is going to be a next one. YAY!)
I read an ARC received from the author. Secrets of the Dragon Tomb is on sale January 12.
Secrets of the Dragon Tomb by Patrick Samphire is a Napoleonic war spy adventure on Mars that includes pterodactyls and dragon corpses. As nonsensical as that may sound, it all works together perfectly and is so much fun. I added this book to my TBR originally because I'm a big fan of the author's wife, Stephanie Burgis, and I also consider her a friend. But my love for this book was won all on its own merits. This is just so much my aesthetic. With every page I had something new to grin and get excited about. This was the best possible book for me to begin my 2016 reading year.
Edward could have been having a better time on his holiday from school. He could have been enjoying himself at an aristocratic friend's estate. But he came home because his family needs him. There is no way they would make it through the year alive if he wasn't around to keep an eye on things. When the son of his father's best friend (an honorary cousin) crashes into Edward and takes up residence, Edward's summer goes from bad to worse. Everyone knows Cousin Freddie is an idiot, but his arrival kicks off a string of events that leads to the kidnapping of Edward's parents and eldest sister. The evil Sir Titus needs Edward's father to find a lost dragon tomb. Once the tomb is found, Sir Titus has no reason to keep his hostages alive. Knowing they have limited time and few options, Edward, his sisters, and Freddie take off in pursuit to rescue their family and put an end to Sir Titus's evil treasonous plans.
Edward is such an endearing hero. He sees himself as the practical one in his whacky family of absent-minded geniuses and frivolous socialites. He is a boy who dreams of adventure and becoming a spy. He longs to be appreciated for his talents and acknowledged for the important role he plays in keeping the family functioning. He is very much a 12 year old and he learns so much about himself and his family over the course of his adventures. Edward's younger sister Putty has inherited their father's technological genius, is completely uninterested in wearing dresses or being proper, and is the perfect foil for Edward. She is courageous and quick thinking and Edward needs her just as much she needs him. Edward's older sister Olivia is outwardly proper and studious, but has masses of hidden depths her siblings hadn't even seen before they started a perilous journey with her. Any one who follows this blog regularly knows sibling stories are one of my favorite things in the world, and this one is done exactly right. Then there is Freddie. I won't say a whole lot about him for reasons, and even this one little thing is a tad spoilery: I could sum up my feelings for him with a never ending string of heart eye emojis.
Secrets of the Dragon Tomb is a steampunk alternate history. In the world Samphire created, pathways were discovered between earth and mars that allow ships to travel between the two planets in a few weeks time. When this wondrous discovery is made, what do the nations of earth do? Colonize it. Of course. Because if Imperialistic forces had the power to do that we all know they would. There is a heavy British Empire presence and also a large Chinese section of Mars. It is 1816 and the British Empire is attempting to hold back Napoleon on Earth. Napoleon is busy attempting to launch his ships to Mars. The world is an intensely interesting and layered place. The politics and historical aspects push the plot, but don't overtake the adventure aspects and the characters, who are the heart of the story. However, there is a lot to notice in how the ancient Martians are treated, how the colonialists interact with them, and the attitude many seem to have toward the past and the excavating of the dragon tombs. There are many interesting parallels between the British fascination with Egypt at the time and the fascination with the Marian emperors and their dragon tombs.
The plot of the book is sure to please any reader who loves adventure and spy stories. The villains are willing to go to any length necessary to secure their ends, even if it means hurting children. The peril is very real and there are also the fantastic creatures that inhabit Mars that the heroes have to contend with. There are a lot of elements coming together to make the story, but Samphire threads them all together perfectly. The steampunk elements, Martian world, politics of war, spies, and archeology all come together to make a brilliant fully satisfying read. I could not put this book down.
In so many ways this book seems tailor made for my loves, that it is hard for me to fathom how a person might not like it. It's one of those books I will be trying to get everyone to read and I absolutely can not wait for the next one. (This has a satisfying end, but I know there is going to be a next one. YAY!)
I read an ARC received from the author. Secrets of the Dragon Tomb is on sale January 12.
June 3, 2016
When his parents are kidnapped, it's up to Freddie (and his idiot cousin (and his mad scientist younger sister (and his deeply sensible older sister))) to save the day. But nothing and no-one are what they seem.
This is a rollicking adventure with an incredibly fun world. I cannot overstate the incredible funness of this world. Oh my goodness. Hunter-Stalker Tripods! Mummified long-dead dragons! Clockwork butlers! (I will remember you, butler.) Plants that want to eat you! Ships that SAIL THROUGH THE VOID OF SPACE USING DRAGON PATHS DURING THE NAPOLEONIC WAR. MARS. Spies, and cyphers, and secret tombs, and murders! And the characters are lots of fun and we learn not to take people at face value. Also Putty is paralyzed by a venomous snail and must be traversed through a carnivorous forest while unconscious.
This book is also notable because it really manages to include all the fun of Thrilling Adventures-era boys adventures, while neatly side-stepping sexism, colonialism, racism, and even a decent amount of classism. The servants are clockwork, not oppressed human. England is hardly the greatest power in the known world(s). It isn't even the greatest power on Mars, as three other countries (none of them European) have established dominions here. Even the shoddy way the Native Martians are treated is addressed, and they're depicted as both valuable allies and dangerous foes. Plus everybody, no matter their gender, gets a moment of competence (with the possible exception of Mum, but there's book two for that).
This is really solid and really fun. I want so many more books in this world.
This is a rollicking adventure with an incredibly fun world. I cannot overstate the incredible funness of this world. Oh my goodness. Hunter-Stalker Tripods! Mummified long-dead dragons! Clockwork butlers! (I will remember you, butler.) Plants that want to eat you! Ships that SAIL THROUGH THE VOID OF SPACE USING DRAGON PATHS DURING THE NAPOLEONIC WAR. MARS. Spies, and cyphers, and secret tombs, and murders! And the characters are lots of fun and we learn not to take people at face value. Also Putty is paralyzed by a venomous snail and must be traversed through a carnivorous forest while unconscious.
This book is also notable because it really manages to include all the fun of Thrilling Adventures-era boys adventures, while neatly side-stepping sexism, colonialism, racism, and even a decent amount of classism. The servants are clockwork, not oppressed human. England is hardly the greatest power in the known world(s). It isn't even the greatest power on Mars, as three other countries (none of them European) have established dominions here. Even the shoddy way the Native Martians are treated is addressed, and they're depicted as both valuable allies and dangerous foes. Plus everybody, no matter their gender, gets a moment of competence (with the possible exception of Mum, but there's book two for that).
This is really solid and really fun. I want so many more books in this world.
February 6, 2016
This is an excellently entertaining adventure in the tradition of all the best adventure yarns. 12 year old Edward Sullivan is the self-appointed guardian of his incompetent family, but when his parents are kidnapped, Edward has to rely on the help of his two sisters and his ludicrous cousin Freddie to launch a rescue.
Villainous plots are made and thwarted, derring is done, and our heroes dangle from great heights and are hit with blunt objects at most satisfactory intervals. The Martian setting is brilliant with its zany collection of clockwork servants, pterodactyls and airships. The blend of swashbuckling adventure, steampunk, comedy and romance is perfect - Jane Austen meets HG Wells meets Jules Verne.
Hugely fun.
Villainous plots are made and thwarted, derring is done, and our heroes dangle from great heights and are hit with blunt objects at most satisfactory intervals. The Martian setting is brilliant with its zany collection of clockwork servants, pterodactyls and airships. The blend of swashbuckling adventure, steampunk, comedy and romance is perfect - Jane Austen meets HG Wells meets Jules Verne.
Hugely fun.
February 14, 2016
I read SECRETS OF THE DRAGON TOMB with my 7-y-o son, who could not have enjoyed it more. Rollicking adventure, some seriously wonderful world-building, and some excellent characterization made this book a keeper--we can't wait for #2. From an adult perspective--whoa. This is a super book to read to or with your middle-graders. Adults will remain engaged and charmed by Samphire's wit and attention to detail and plot. Not a dull moment. A pleasure.
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October 16, 2016I really loved this MG book, which felt rather like Philip Reeve's Larklight with all the fun adventure and more real feeling to the family cast. Made me wish for a younger friend (like, actually young, as opposed to just younger!) to hand it to, *after* I'd finished enjoying it. Can't wait for the next one.
December 30, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Secrets of the Dragon Tomb crackles with imagination. I was immediately drawn into the world of British Mars and Samphire's lively cast of characters. This is a great, wonderfully inventive adventure.
Secrets of the Dragon Tomb crackles with imagination. I was immediately drawn into the world of British Mars and Samphire's lively cast of characters. This is a great, wonderfully inventive adventure.
July 31, 2015
A grand, exciting (and charming), steam punk adventure!
November 20, 2015
Edward Sullivan has always dreamed of being a spy. He relies on Thrilling Martian Tales to give him ideas. But, at twelve-years-old, he finds himself busy taking care of his inventor father and society-obsessed mother and dealing with his two older and one younger sister as their self-appointed guardian. When Cousin Freddie turns up, things start to get exciting.
Mama is busy organizing a garden party to introduce the oldest daughter Jane to society and Papa is busy working on his latest invention - a water abacus - which can do many calculations much faster then doing them by hand. When an old suitor of Edward's Mama shows up it is to use the abacus to break the code that hides a dragon tomb filled with all sorts of treasures. He kidnaps Papa, Mama, and Jane because he needs them to break the code. This leaves Freddie, Edward, Edward's younger sister Putty and older sister Olivia to rescue them.
The four have all sorts of adventures from airship crashes to desert treks to animal attacks and attacks by mechanicals as they try to get to Papa, Mama and Jane before the old suitor disposes of them. This book would make a great read-aloud because each chapter ends at a point that makes you really want to keep reading.
The characters were interesting people with Freddie filling the role of the silly spy, pretending to be someone so clueless that he couldn't possibly be dangerous. Edward is a typical 12-year-old who is in love with the glamour or being a spy but who doesn't yet have the knowledge. His younger sister Putty is an eccentric who has all the knowledge and bravery that Edward lacks along with a distressing lack of self-preservation.
The setting is Mars in 1816. The native Martians no longer have emperors and a great civilization but the dragon tombs contain great treasures from their past. Many adventurers are eager to uncover the next great dragon tomb filled with treasure. Some of the adventurers are eager to funnel the inventions to Napoleon who is rampaging through Europe back on Earth and who might be turning his eye on Mars after he finishes conquering England.
This was a fun story that I will be eager to share with my middle grade students.
Mama is busy organizing a garden party to introduce the oldest daughter Jane to society and Papa is busy working on his latest invention - a water abacus - which can do many calculations much faster then doing them by hand. When an old suitor of Edward's Mama shows up it is to use the abacus to break the code that hides a dragon tomb filled with all sorts of treasures. He kidnaps Papa, Mama, and Jane because he needs them to break the code. This leaves Freddie, Edward, Edward's younger sister Putty and older sister Olivia to rescue them.
The four have all sorts of adventures from airship crashes to desert treks to animal attacks and attacks by mechanicals as they try to get to Papa, Mama and Jane before the old suitor disposes of them. This book would make a great read-aloud because each chapter ends at a point that makes you really want to keep reading.
The characters were interesting people with Freddie filling the role of the silly spy, pretending to be someone so clueless that he couldn't possibly be dangerous. Edward is a typical 12-year-old who is in love with the glamour or being a spy but who doesn't yet have the knowledge. His younger sister Putty is an eccentric who has all the knowledge and bravery that Edward lacks along with a distressing lack of self-preservation.
The setting is Mars in 1816. The native Martians no longer have emperors and a great civilization but the dragon tombs contain great treasures from their past. Many adventurers are eager to uncover the next great dragon tomb filled with treasure. Some of the adventurers are eager to funnel the inventions to Napoleon who is rampaging through Europe back on Earth and who might be turning his eye on Mars after he finishes conquering England.
This was a fun story that I will be eager to share with my middle grade students.
March 7, 2016
You can’t read Secrets of the Dragon Tomb without feeling a twinge of longing to visit the world that it depicts. Not sure there is really any higher praise for a book than that. The Martian setting Samphire has created is endlessly inventive and fascinating. I found myself lost in the pages, and just as absorbed by the flora and fauna and gadgets as I was by the plucky young heroes and dastardly villains. The ending was wholly satisfying, but offers the tantalizing possibility of further revelation of this amazing world. In the meantime, I’m buying copies of this installment for my nieces and nephews.
October 13, 2018
A quirky middle grade adventure set in regency-era MARS. I absolutely adored this story. The entire time I was reading I kept thinking about how much my kids would love this book. Can't wait to read the next one!
February 27, 2016
So I don't normally buy a book brand-spanking new without reading the advanced reviews and/or without having read it myself (unless it's recommended to me by my friend Lorien, because I trust her judgment regarding what she thinks is good; we disagree on what's bad/unenjoyable, but if she says something is good, I believe her). But I read the summary for this and absolutely fell in love. I knew I had to have it because it hit so many of my "omg" points: Mars, the Regency Era (think Pride & Prejudice), siblings working together, spies, the Napoleonic War, steampunk, dragons, dinosaurs...
The whole idea of the book captured my fancy because it reminded me of the whole wonder and awe I used to feel when I would read middle-grade as a kid, before I'd pretty much seen everything and before they brought back the "let's explore this crazy-whacky world full of amazing, beautiful things" that they're slowly reintroducing into fiction books (because most YA and MG novels are heavily driven by plot, which is absolutely fine, but this means there's not as much whimsy in the world-building as there used to be when I was little).
And when I started the book, I fell in love with the world and the words. Patrick Samphire's Mars is just as original and inventive as Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom, but in a completely new way. Edward is a very relateable kid, and reminds me strongly of a 12-year-old Elizabeth Bennet. Luckily his youngest sister is almost nothing like Lydia; Putty (nickname, because she's adaptable) is a brilliant kid and I adore her to death. Samphire's prose is accessible and easy to understand and he makes Mars an adventure, with amazing world-building. He also explains very early on that no, this is not the Mars that actually exists, and this is how it was colonized way back in the day, and this is how that colonization changed everything.
What I Liked: Samphire's Mars is a landscape I'd seriously want to go on vacation to; his flora and fauna are super cool and beautifully described, and some of them are so whacky and cute, I just love them. The little "vermin" that actually are super prissy, tiny people who set up little civilizations in attics and disassemble houses to build their cities; the luminous fish that chill in Martian rivers; the Martian "fireflies" that shimmer like gold at sunset and look so beautiful. I could picture everything Samphire described and I was totally in love, even with the dangerous stuff.
Edward is such a great kid, trying to do the right thing for his family but believably torn between that and doing what's best for him. He's smart, but I like that he's smart in a way that isn't really lauded in boys - he's spy-smart. On the flip side, Putty is very technically savvy, which I love. It's nice to see a little girl (she's 9) so interested in STEM, and she's like a freaking sponge - she knows everything about the things she's interested in, and they show in the book how bad things can happen when you discount technical information just because the purveyor is a young girl. Olivia, the other sister on the team, is smart and strong but also girly, which is a great contrast to Putty, who likes to dress like her dad (in pants! The scandal! Gasp!) and has no use for romance.
The plot was pretty straightforward, but what plot twists there were, I couldn't call until they were almost right on top of me. Cousin Freddie's identity as foe or friend, I wasn't sure even after Freddie explains things to Edward and claims to be a good guy. Is he lying? Is he telling the truth? I honestly couldn't tell. I liked that, considering Edward is a scion of landed British gentry and lives in a British colony with Martian natives, the narration took subtle jabs at imperialism in a way that wasn't heavy-handed and would make the intended audience think twice about that sort of attitude. The girl power in the book, considering it's a male narrator/protagonist, is great too. Even the mom, who reminds me a bit of Mrs. Bennet, has some good stuff going for her, and her character history shows what happens when you actively discourage girls from being into STEM - again, without being heavy-handed or obnoxious about. The world-building is fantastic, the characters are amazing, I'm a bit in love with Freddie (who's a great spy, for good or evil), Edward's a dear, and I want Putty to be my new best friend. I love, love, love this book SO MUCH! Also the illustrations are cute.
What I Didn’t Like: nothing too much, except I wish Edward's comic book hadn't been destroyed (it's a pulp magazine so it's not good quality anyway, and then it got soaked in a river; my inner comic fangirl died a little inside) and I wish there had been a few more plot twists, instead of just the identities of the villain and whether Freddie is working for him. But that's about it.
Would I Buy This Book? Tech, yes! And I'm dying for the sequel, which sucks because this one just came out last month so I'm gonna have to wait at least a year if not more! Omg I think I might die.
The whole idea of the book captured my fancy because it reminded me of the whole wonder and awe I used to feel when I would read middle-grade as a kid, before I'd pretty much seen everything and before they brought back the "let's explore this crazy-whacky world full of amazing, beautiful things" that they're slowly reintroducing into fiction books (because most YA and MG novels are heavily driven by plot, which is absolutely fine, but this means there's not as much whimsy in the world-building as there used to be when I was little).
And when I started the book, I fell in love with the world and the words. Patrick Samphire's Mars is just as original and inventive as Edgar Rice Burroughs' Barsoom, but in a completely new way. Edward is a very relateable kid, and reminds me strongly of a 12-year-old Elizabeth Bennet. Luckily his youngest sister is almost nothing like Lydia; Putty (nickname, because she's adaptable) is a brilliant kid and I adore her to death. Samphire's prose is accessible and easy to understand and he makes Mars an adventure, with amazing world-building. He also explains very early on that no, this is not the Mars that actually exists, and this is how it was colonized way back in the day, and this is how that colonization changed everything.
What I Liked: Samphire's Mars is a landscape I'd seriously want to go on vacation to; his flora and fauna are super cool and beautifully described, and some of them are so whacky and cute, I just love them. The little "vermin" that actually are super prissy, tiny people who set up little civilizations in attics and disassemble houses to build their cities; the luminous fish that chill in Martian rivers; the Martian "fireflies" that shimmer like gold at sunset and look so beautiful. I could picture everything Samphire described and I was totally in love, even with the dangerous stuff.
Edward is such a great kid, trying to do the right thing for his family but believably torn between that and doing what's best for him. He's smart, but I like that he's smart in a way that isn't really lauded in boys - he's spy-smart. On the flip side, Putty is very technically savvy, which I love. It's nice to see a little girl (she's 9) so interested in STEM, and she's like a freaking sponge - she knows everything about the things she's interested in, and they show in the book how bad things can happen when you discount technical information just because the purveyor is a young girl. Olivia, the other sister on the team, is smart and strong but also girly, which is a great contrast to Putty, who likes to dress like her dad (in pants! The scandal! Gasp!) and has no use for romance.
The plot was pretty straightforward, but what plot twists there were, I couldn't call until they were almost right on top of me. Cousin Freddie's identity as foe or friend, I wasn't sure even after Freddie explains things to Edward and claims to be a good guy. Is he lying? Is he telling the truth? I honestly couldn't tell. I liked that, considering Edward is a scion of landed British gentry and lives in a British colony with Martian natives, the narration took subtle jabs at imperialism in a way that wasn't heavy-handed and would make the intended audience think twice about that sort of attitude. The girl power in the book, considering it's a male narrator/protagonist, is great too. Even the mom, who reminds me a bit of Mrs. Bennet, has some good stuff going for her, and her character history shows what happens when you actively discourage girls from being into STEM - again, without being heavy-handed or obnoxious about. The world-building is fantastic, the characters are amazing, I'm a bit in love with Freddie (who's a great spy, for good or evil), Edward's a dear, and I want Putty to be my new best friend. I love, love, love this book SO MUCH! Also the illustrations are cute.
What I Didn’t Like: nothing too much, except I wish Edward's comic book hadn't been destroyed (it's a pulp magazine so it's not good quality anyway, and then it got soaked in a river; my inner comic fangirl died a little inside) and I wish there had been a few more plot twists, instead of just the identities of the villain and whether Freddie is working for him. But that's about it.
Would I Buy This Book? Tech, yes! And I'm dying for the sequel, which sucks because this one just came out last month so I'm gonna have to wait at least a year if not more! Omg I think I might die.
April 5, 2016
This was a fun adventure story and I really enjoyed it. Sure, it's marketed to the middle-grade kid and I'm an over-40 adult, but I still had fun reading it. :-)
The story is told by Edward Sullivan, a 12-year-old boy with three sisters. Two are older (Jane and Olivia/Livvy), and one is younger (Parthenia/Putty). They live on Mars (!!!), where Edward dreams of one day becoming a spy. But when his parents and eldest sister are kidnapped, Edward learns that being a spy is rather more complicated and dangerous than his stories in Thrilling Martian Tales made it seem. ;-)
I enjoyed seeing Edward work with his two younger-than-Jane sisters and his "cousin" Freddie. I was at first not inclined to like Freddie, as his I also didn't like Edward's mama, who seems like a social-climber of the worst sort. I was all set to like Putty, who seemed like she'd be a great comic sidekick,
So why did I like this book so much, given how much I disliked certain primary characters? Well, Edward was pretty great, the illustrations were fantastic (if scant), and the story-line was full of excitement and adventure. :-)
Plus, Freddie redeemed himself to me, and I enjoyed the ending, when he says he has :-) I had a big smile after finishing this story, and that ending was a big reason for it. :-)
I'm rather disappointed that the only dragons in this story were embalmed. I had been hoping to meet a live one, but apparently they're extinct. . . . Or are they? I need to read book two when it's released. I still have hopes that they'll be found to still exist. :-)
(Note that my hope that the dragons do still exist is purely mine; no hints were given in this book. On the contrary, we were explicitly told that all the dragons are dead and gone.)
The story is told by Edward Sullivan, a 12-year-old boy with three sisters. Two are older (Jane and Olivia/Livvy), and one is younger (Parthenia/Putty). They live on Mars (!!!), where Edward dreams of one day becoming a spy. But when his parents and eldest sister are kidnapped, Edward learns that being a spy is rather more complicated and dangerous than his stories in Thrilling Martian Tales made it seem. ;-)
I enjoyed seeing Edward work with his two younger-than-Jane sisters and his "cousin" Freddie. I was at first not inclined to like Freddie, as his I also didn't like Edward's mama, who seems like a social-climber of the worst sort. I was all set to like Putty, who seemed like she'd be a great comic sidekick,
So why did I like this book so much, given how much I disliked certain primary characters? Well, Edward was pretty great, the illustrations were fantastic (if scant), and the story-line was full of excitement and adventure. :-)
Plus, Freddie redeemed himself to me, and I enjoyed the ending, when he says he has :-) I had a big smile after finishing this story, and that ending was a big reason for it. :-)
I'm rather disappointed that the only dragons in this story were embalmed. I had been hoping to meet a live one, but apparently they're extinct. . . . Or are they? I need to read book two when it's released. I still have hopes that they'll be found to still exist. :-)
(Note that my hope that the dragons do still exist is purely mine; no hints were given in this book. On the contrary, we were explicitly told that all the dragons are dead and gone.)
February 28, 2016
don't read as much middle grade as I should, with a 10 year old reader at home who devours books, but I couldn't pass up a chance to read Patrick Samphire's delightful middle grade sci-fi (though really, it reads as much fantasy as sci-fi). It's a bit Jules Verne crossed with Regency period pieces: Twelve-year-old Edward Sullivan lives with his very British family (including his slightly mad-scientist father and his society-obsessed mother) on a British colony in 1816 Mars. In this alternate universe, Mars has been inhabited for thousands of years, and the oldest inhabitants (much like the ancient Egyptians) left tombs (called "dragon tombs" for their tendency to bury perfectly preserved dragons in them) full of treasure: only in this case, the treasure is technology.
When a deadly and duplicitous explorer thinks Edward's family has clues to the hiding place of a hitherto unlocated dragon tomb, he kidnaps Edward's parents and sister, and it's up to Edward, his two sisters, and a family friend to cross the Martian desert and save them.
This story was, frankly, delightful. It has everything: adventure, humor, strong family relationships, cool gadgets, even cooler invented flora and fauna. And it's all set in a world that makes my 19th-century British loving heart beat faster. Best of all, this is the kind of book that kids and aduls can enjoy equally.
When a deadly and duplicitous explorer thinks Edward's family has clues to the hiding place of a hitherto unlocated dragon tomb, he kidnaps Edward's parents and sister, and it's up to Edward, his two sisters, and a family friend to cross the Martian desert and save them.
This story was, frankly, delightful. It has everything: adventure, humor, strong family relationships, cool gadgets, even cooler invented flora and fauna. And it's all set in a world that makes my 19th-century British loving heart beat faster. Best of all, this is the kind of book that kids and aduls can enjoy equally.
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