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The Zero Chronicles #2
Dragon Planet
Length: 3 hrs and 45 mins
The much-anticipated sequel to Zero G and the middle grade debut by Dan Wells.
The colonists from the Pathfinder have arrived on Kaguya, a planet with low gravity but a very dense atmosphere. It’s fun to jump around, but the air makes you loopy. Even worse than that, the heavy atmosphere means that wind storms, although rare, are absolutely devastating.
Zero and Nyx help to get everything locked down before the first big storm, but they stumble onto a group of thieves who have stolen some mining equipment. Before the kids have a chance to get away and tell anyone, the storm hits and the massive winds carry them far away. Zero and Nyx are stranded on an unknown planet with no way to communicate, being chased by thieves, and with another storm bearing down on them.
And, oh yeah, this planet has dragons.
It will take more than just good luck to get back to the colony. It’s going to take science.
Categories: Kids, Ages 8-10
©2019 Dan Wells (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC
The much-anticipated sequel to Zero G and the middle grade debut by Dan Wells.
The colonists from the Pathfinder have arrived on Kaguya, a planet with low gravity but a very dense atmosphere. It’s fun to jump around, but the air makes you loopy. Even worse than that, the heavy atmosphere means that wind storms, although rare, are absolutely devastating.
Zero and Nyx help to get everything locked down before the first big storm, but they stumble onto a group of thieves who have stolen some mining equipment. Before the kids have a chance to get away and tell anyone, the storm hits and the massive winds carry them far away. Zero and Nyx are stranded on an unknown planet with no way to communicate, being chased by thieves, and with another storm bearing down on them.
And, oh yeah, this planet has dragons.
It will take more than just good luck to get back to the colony. It’s going to take science.
Categories: Kids, Ages 8-10
©2019 Dan Wells (P)2019 Audible Originals, LLC
4 pages, Audible Audio
First published December 12, 2019
About the author
Dan Wells
90 books6,079 followersDan Wells is a thriller and science fiction writer. Born in Utah, he spent his early years reading and writing. He is he author of the Partials series (Partials, Isolation, Fragments, and Ruins), the John Cleaver series (I Am Not a Serial Killer, Mr. Monster, and I Don't Want To Kill You), and a few others (The Hollow City, A Night of Blacker Darkness, etc). He was a Campbell nomine for best new writer, and has won a Hugo award for his work on the podcast Writing Excuses; the podcast is also a multiple winner of the Parsec Award.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
April 14, 2020
Could and probably should have been three stars, if it weren't for one terribly annoying character.
No more "Home Alone" for Zero, as the colonization ship with him and his family, and new friend Nyx, has arrived at its destination, on the Planet Kaguya. But soon the kids get into trouble again, because Zero seems to be some kind of thug magnet. This time around someone is trying to steal mining equipment and Zero and Nyx walk into them. They can't get back to the other colonists to tell them, though, as a storm hits and the winds carry them away from the colony. What follows is the two kids trying to disrupt the thieves' plans, without getting caught, while at the same time they have to get accustomed to the exoflora and exofauna of their new home.
Nice setting, with some cool flora and sometimes cute, sometimes threatening fauna. Two very likeable main characters (aged 12 and 13 respectively). Some basic biology lessons for the target group on the side. And of course there’s also the struggle with those thieves. This could have been as good as the first book in the series. But, unfortunately, one of the bad guys heavily got on my nerves. That woman is a complete lunatic and the narrator almost made me go crazy as well. Midway through I came very close to dnf this. But fortunately then that person faded into the background for long enough to not make me completely lose my mind. And I was able to enjoy most of the rest of this story.
Maybe this would be better read than listened to. But it’s a shame really, as once again this is narrated by a full cast, and also offers some nice music and sound effects.
Alas, 2.5 stars, rounded down.
No more "Home Alone" for Zero, as the colonization ship with him and his family, and new friend Nyx, has arrived at its destination, on the Planet Kaguya. But soon the kids get into trouble again, because Zero seems to be some kind of thug magnet. This time around someone is trying to steal mining equipment and Zero and Nyx walk into them. They can't get back to the other colonists to tell them, though, as a storm hits and the winds carry them away from the colony. What follows is the two kids trying to disrupt the thieves' plans, without getting caught, while at the same time they have to get accustomed to the exoflora and exofauna of their new home.
Nice setting, with some cool flora and sometimes cute, sometimes threatening fauna. Two very likeable main characters (aged 12 and 13 respectively). Some basic biology lessons for the target group on the side. And of course there’s also the struggle with those thieves. This could have been as good as the first book in the series. But, unfortunately, one of the bad guys heavily got on my nerves. That woman is a complete lunatic and the narrator almost made me go crazy as well. Midway through I came very close to dnf this. But fortunately then that person faded into the background for long enough to not make me completely lose my mind. And I was able to enjoy most of the rest of this story.
Maybe this would be better read than listened to. But it’s a shame really, as once again this is narrated by a full cast, and also offers some nice music and sound effects.
Alas, 2.5 stars, rounded down.
April 12, 2020
This book was amazing! Perfect sequel, and now one of my favorite dragon stories of all time. Also, great for children. Perfect middle grade. I cannot recommend this enough for you, your family, or your child. The narrator is fantastic too.
August 15, 2024
Audiobook (3 hours 45 min) narrated by a full cast, including:
Emily Woo Zeller
Steve Rimpici
Margaret Ying Drake
The second installment of The Zero Chronicles is narrated and scored just as beautifully as the first. The production crew should be proud on such a well put together production.
Dragon Planet opens on a new planet. Dan Wells is incredibly creative and has a way of delivering sciencey things in a really fun, respectful, and informative way, like your favorite elementary school science teacher! Zero and Nyx (12 and 13, despite over a hundred years of space travel time) are also really into the science of it all, calling themselves scientists as they explore the new world! They are careful in their discoveries, come up with some fun names, and just really have a lot of fun, making this chapter super fun for the reader.
The actual story line is pretty great, but the world building and the character interactions are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!!!
I am fully enjoying this series, and look forward to what I believe is the conclusion, Stargazer.
For science! 👩🏻🔬 🚀 ⚛︎ 🌿 👨🏻🔬
Recommend for all ages!
Emily Woo Zeller
Steve Rimpici
Margaret Ying Drake
The second installment of The Zero Chronicles is narrated and scored just as beautifully as the first. The production crew should be proud on such a well put together production.
Dragon Planet opens on a new planet. Dan Wells is incredibly creative and has a way of delivering sciencey things in a really fun, respectful, and informative way, like your favorite elementary school science teacher! Zero and Nyx (12 and 13, despite over a hundred years of space travel time) are also really into the science of it all, calling themselves scientists as they explore the new world! They are careful in their discoveries, come up with some fun names, and just really have a lot of fun, making this chapter super fun for the reader.
The actual story line is pretty great, but the world building and the character interactions are 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!!!
I am fully enjoying this series, and look forward to what I believe is the conclusion, Stargazer.
For science! 👩🏻🔬 🚀 ⚛︎ 🌿 👨🏻🔬
Recommend for all ages!
January 14, 2024
Dragon Planet was another lovely MG book from Dan Wells! This time, the colonists make their way to their planet which only has 1/6 of Earth’s gravity and the air knocks you unconscious if breathed for too long. Dragon like creatures also inhabit this new world. Our hero Zero and his friend Nyx once again save the day from a group of colonists who want to steal a mine.
I LOVED LOVED LOVED how Wells incorporated the science of air and gravity and fauna and creatures into this book. The audiobook performances were so well done!!
If book 3 comes out on audiobook, I’ll definitely be listening to it!
I LOVED LOVED LOVED how Wells incorporated the science of air and gravity and fauna and creatures into this book. The audiobook performances were so well done!!
If book 3 comes out on audiobook, I’ll definitely be listening to it!
April 3, 2020
These are so cute. I'm not mad about them.
September 15, 2021
This was great fun, such a cool immersive experience.
March 23, 2024
It’s a middle reader with an incredibly high production value for the audiobook. Fun story too.
June 14, 2025
Surprisingly ok, and the full cast stuff isn't anywhere near as annoying as it normally is.
April 22, 2025
It's an interesting children Scifi/fantasy book. over all it's a good story with lots of science things in the mix.
May 22, 2021
Check out my video review of The Zero Chronicles: https://youtu.be/TpbgXj_ZC84
---
A stunning sequel to Zero G, but this time, out of space and onto a strange new world. The colonists from the Pathfinder have finally arrived on Kaguya, a planet with low gravity but a very dense atmosphere. Kaguya is home to a plethora of exciting exoflora and exofauna that are very different than the plants and animal of earth. Zero now has a "partner in crime", the recently reformed pirate, Nyx, from the previous book. Once Zero and Nyx discover that a very important piece of mining equipment has been stolen, they dive headfirst into a thrilling mission to confront the thieves and retrieve the lost loot.
In my review of Zero G I claimed that it was Home Alone in space. If that's the case, then Dragon Planet is Home Alone 2...on an alien planet...with dragons. Oh what? I didn't mention that in the plot? Say what? You didn't think dragons were allowed to be in sci-fi stories? Well, surprise! Dan created a very fun and very vivid planet in Kaguya. Again, if I were a kid, I would have eaten this story up. As an adult, it's a nice appetizer or maybe a scrumptious dessert.
Now, other than our two protagonists, the gang of villains in this story each fit one of those comical villain stereotypes. While the planet and its quirks provide newness in this story, it's honestly just more of the same as Zero G. The plot points are near identical. This is probably a fine tactic for middle grade books, but not one I'm too fond of. I like evolution as series progress. You don't get tons of that here in The Zero Chronicles.
While Dragon Planet fails to live up to its predecessor, it is still a wonderful listening experience, narrated by a vibrant cast, and is a lot of fun for children and adults alike.
---
A stunning sequel to Zero G, but this time, out of space and onto a strange new world. The colonists from the Pathfinder have finally arrived on Kaguya, a planet with low gravity but a very dense atmosphere. Kaguya is home to a plethora of exciting exoflora and exofauna that are very different than the plants and animal of earth. Zero now has a "partner in crime", the recently reformed pirate, Nyx, from the previous book. Once Zero and Nyx discover that a very important piece of mining equipment has been stolen, they dive headfirst into a thrilling mission to confront the thieves and retrieve the lost loot.
In my review of Zero G I claimed that it was Home Alone in space. If that's the case, then Dragon Planet is Home Alone 2...on an alien planet...with dragons. Oh what? I didn't mention that in the plot? Say what? You didn't think dragons were allowed to be in sci-fi stories? Well, surprise! Dan created a very fun and very vivid planet in Kaguya. Again, if I were a kid, I would have eaten this story up. As an adult, it's a nice appetizer or maybe a scrumptious dessert.
Now, other than our two protagonists, the gang of villains in this story each fit one of those comical villain stereotypes. While the planet and its quirks provide newness in this story, it's honestly just more of the same as Zero G. The plot points are near identical. This is probably a fine tactic for middle grade books, but not one I'm too fond of. I like evolution as series progress. You don't get tons of that here in The Zero Chronicles.
While Dragon Planet fails to live up to its predecessor, it is still a wonderful listening experience, narrated by a vibrant cast, and is a lot of fun for children and adults alike.
February 2, 2020
I enjoyed the first audiobook, Zero G, and its sequel is just as entertaining.
The colonists from the Pathfinder have arrived on Kaguya, a planet with low gravity but a very dense atmosphere. It's fun to jump around, but the air makes you loopy. Even worse than that, the heavy atmosphere means that wind storms, although rare, are absolutely devastating.
Zero and Nyx (ex-pirate girl) have arrived on Kaguya, their new home planet. The colonist must build their base and the scientists must explore this strange new world. Except one of the drills is missing stalling the progress of everyone's work.
Of course, Zero and Nyx figure out that the drill has been stolen, but before they can alert anyone, the planet's dense atmosphere has created a wind storm and it blows our heroes and villains out into this alien planet.
The listener gets to discover this world and how it works along with Zero and Nyx. A lot of it felt like a science special. It was a bit like watching an episode of The Magic School Bus - but it was fun. I enjoyed it.
A nice read for ages 8 and older.
The colonists from the Pathfinder have arrived on Kaguya, a planet with low gravity but a very dense atmosphere. It's fun to jump around, but the air makes you loopy. Even worse than that, the heavy atmosphere means that wind storms, although rare, are absolutely devastating.
Zero and Nyx (ex-pirate girl) have arrived on Kaguya, their new home planet. The colonist must build their base and the scientists must explore this strange new world. Except one of the drills is missing stalling the progress of everyone's work.
Of course, Zero and Nyx figure out that the drill has been stolen, but before they can alert anyone, the planet's dense atmosphere has created a wind storm and it blows our heroes and villains out into this alien planet.
The listener gets to discover this world and how it works along with Zero and Nyx. A lot of it felt like a science special. It was a bit like watching an episode of The Magic School Bus - but it was fun. I enjoyed it.
A nice read for ages 8 and older.
October 24, 2021
Book two in Dan Wells's middle grade space opera. Zero and his friend Nyx the ex-pirate girl have arrived on planet Kaguya. The colony is full of excitement and adventure for a couple of tweens with no responsibilities to speak of. Wells writes this as a fairly hard SF story, describing the atmosphere and gravity of the planet, which enables enormous "dragons" and blimp-like exo-fauna, and devastating windstorms. There is lots of xenobiology and xenoclimatology in this book, at an appropriate level for bright middle-grade readers.
Zero and Nyx discover a plot to steal some of the colony's mining equipment, and if the first book was Home Alone in space, this book is Home Alone 2 in space.
Dan Wells is no Heinlein, but these books would not be a bad introduction to SF for young readers.
Zero and Nyx discover a plot to steal some of the colony's mining equipment, and if the first book was Home Alone in space, this book is Home Alone 2 in space.
Dan Wells is no Heinlein, but these books would not be a bad introduction to SF for young readers.
February 13, 2020
I waited a little for this one, but it was amazing.
I loved the way it is done with a full cast for the voices, it's so compelling and nice to hear so many voices for different people.
Being for middle graders, for me that i'm an adult it has so much to give still, I love this ones since they're so imaginative and exciting, it had a super cool plot actually, loved it a lot.
Do hope for it to more to Zero's and Nix's story in the future.
I loved the way it is done with a full cast for the voices, it's so compelling and nice to hear so many voices for different people.
Being for middle graders, for me that i'm an adult it has so much to give still, I love this ones since they're so imaginative and exciting, it had a super cool plot actually, loved it a lot.
Do hope for it to more to Zero's and Nix's story in the future.
September 25, 2020
Again, the audio production is excellent and the story is fun, if not particularly novel. This one reminded me a bit of Avatar: The Last Airbender with the way the alien creatures are blends of familiar things.
February 9, 2020
A fun but short read.
February 1, 2024
Cute YA space story. Love Zero!
January 25, 2026
Pretty cute for a middle school book I guess. The villains are super over the top however and I would imagine might scare younger kids and there is some peril. Although super obvious on Goodreads, on Amazon it just came up as "Dragon Planet" with no mention of it being part of a series-so I subtracted two stars. How blessed hard is it for an author to put that on the cover? Some interesting science things as well. I would, however, recommend starting with book one.
June 14, 2020
Just finished listening to this with my seven year old and we both really enjoyed it. The narration was spot on and the story was fun and engaging. I would certainly continue to listen to any future installments of Zero and Nyx.
December 3, 2020
Notes:
Currently on Audible Plus
- Great narration by Full Cast of Narrators
- Another fun adventure story for kids. The intro was loaded with knowledge bits for kids but it didn't take long for the actual story to get going.
Currently on Audible Plus
- Great narration by Full Cast of Narrators
- Another fun adventure story for kids. The intro was loaded with knowledge bits for kids but it didn't take long for the actual story to get going.
January 23, 2022
I loved the fun, new setting on the Planet Kaguya.
August 16, 2024
The audio on this is graphic audio and it's great. My kids really enjoy this series. It's one of the only books all my kids can agree on.
April 2, 2025
This was a cute audiobook that I enjoyed with my son
September 11, 2025
AUDIBLE very cute and imaginative
February 6, 2026
The kids and I are looking forward to reading Book 3 together
June 1, 2020
I was so glad to see Dan Wells wrote a follow up to Zero G! And Dragon Planet did not disappoint! My kids and I are going to listen to this on our next car trip!
December 6, 2021
*4.5 stars
So much fun!! Am loving this series.
So much fun!! Am loving this series.
April 11, 2026
Critical Review of Dragon Planet by Dan Wells
Introduction
Dragon Planet, the second installment in The Zero Chronicles by Dan Wells, continues Zero’s story by moving the action from a spaceship to the colony world of Kaguya. That shift gives the series more room to explore alien biology, strange physics, and survival on an unfamiliar planet. The result is a book that clearly knows its audience: young readers who want excitement, humor, danger, and enough real science to make the world feel believable. While the novel does not appear to aim for emotional complexity or literary weight, it succeeds at delivering a vivid, science-driven adventure with strong middle-grade appeal.
Basic Plot Summary
The colonists from the Pathfinder have finally arrived on Kaguya, a planet with low gravity, a dangerously dense atmosphere, violent storms, and strange local lifeforms that include dragon-like creatures. Zero and Nyx quickly find themselves tangled up in another crisis when they uncover a group of thieves stealing important mining equipment. Before they can warn the adults, a devastating storm strands them far from the colony. Cut off from help, pursued by criminals, and trapped on a dangerous alien world, they have to rely on observation, problem-solving, and science to survive and find their way back.
Analysis / Evaluation
The novel’s core strength is its ability to make scientific ideas feel adventurous rather than instructional. Gravity, atmosphere, wind, biology, and survival are not just background details; they actively shape the story. That gives Dragon Planet a sense of purpose that many children’s adventures lack. The book is not simply set on an alien world; it actually uses that world.
At the same time, the plot itself seems more functional than remarkable. The criminal subplot gives the story momentum, but it also appears somewhat contrived. Several readers clearly found the villains’ plan weak or overly convenient, and that criticism makes sense. The story is strong when it is exploring Kaguya and letting Zero and Nyx interact with the environment. It is weaker when it depends on cartoonish antagonists or thriller mechanics that do not fully hold up under scrutiny.
Characters
Zero and Nyx seem to remain the heart of the series. Their friendship gives the book warmth and energy, and their curiosity helps sell the science-focused approach. They work because they are not just passive children being dragged through a plot; they are active participants, asking questions, experimenting, observing, and adapting. That gives them a useful role beyond simply being “the kids in danger.”
That said, the supporting cast appears less memorable. The villains in particular seem broad rather than nuanced. In a middle-grade book, that is not automatically a flaw, but it does limit the story’s depth. Some readers may find the exaggerated antagonists fun, while others will likely find them distracting or implausible.
Setting
Kaguya is easily the most compelling element of the book. A low-gravity planet with a dense atmosphere, rare but catastrophic windstorms, strange plants, unusual flying lifeforms, and dragon-like creatures gives the novel a strong imaginative identity. More importantly, the setting is not decorative. The unusual conditions affect movement, danger, problem-solving, and even the tone of the story.
This is the kind of setting that invites wonder, which is especially important in middle-grade science fiction. The world feels designed to spark curiosity. Even readers who find the plot formula familiar are likely to remember Kaguya itself.
Structure
Structurally, Dragon Planet appears to follow a fairly familiar sequel model. The protagonists arrive somewhere new, stumble into danger, get isolated from adult help, and must outthink the threat. That structure makes sense for younger readers because it is clean, easy to follow, and naturally suspenseful. It also allows the book to move quickly.
The downside is that the story may feel too similar to the first book. Several reactions suggest that the sequel repeats the general shape of Zero G rather than evolving dramatically from it. For a younger audience, repetition with variation can be a feature. For older readers, it may feel slightly safe.
Themes
The most obvious theme is the value of science. This is not science fiction that merely wears scientific language as decoration; it treats science as a method of understanding and surviving the unknown. Curiosity, observation, experimentation, and critical thinking all seem central to the novel’s worldview.
There are also themes of friendship, courage, adaptation, and resilience. Zero and Nyx are placed in an environment they do not control, but the story emphasizes learning rather than panic. That makes the book feel constructive. It tells younger readers that knowledge matters, and that intelligence is a practical tool, not just an academic trait.
Writing Style
Dan Wells’ style here appears direct, approachable, and built for clarity. That is appropriate for the intended age group. The prose seems less focused on elegant language than on momentum, explanation, and accessibility. In a book like this, that is largely the correct choice.
The main stylistic risk is over-explaining. Because the novel is so invested in teaching readers about the environment and its science, parts of it may come across as a little too instructional. Whether that feels engaging or excessive will depend on the reader. Younger science-minded readers will likely enjoy it; others may feel that the exposition occasionally slows the story.
Tone
The tone is adventurous, clever, and energetic, with a clear sense of wonder. It seems aimed at making science feel exciting and discovery feel fun. At the same time, there is enough peril to give the story stakes, even if the book never appears to become truly dark. This balance is one of its strengths: it presents danger without becoming oppressive.
The novel also appears to carry a playful tone in the way it handles alien creatures and environmental oddities. That lightness helps make the book feel welcoming, especially for younger readers.
Impact
For its target audience, Dragon Planet likely has strong impact. It is the kind of book that can make science feel cool, exploration feel thrilling, and reading feel active rather than passive. It may not be a deeply transformative novel, but it is the sort of middle-grade science fiction that can leave younger readers wanting more stories about space, planets, biology, and survival.
For adult readers, the impact is probably more limited unless they are especially receptive to children’s fiction. Adults may appreciate the creativity, but they are also more likely to notice the implausibilities and formula.
Praise and Critique
Praise:
The strongest element of Dragon Planet is its setting and the way the story uses science as part of the action. Kaguya feels imaginative, distinct, and memorable. Zero and Nyx seem to make a strong team, and the book’s educational side is woven into the plot instead of feeling completely separate. The audiobook production also appears to be a major asset, with multiple readers praising the full-cast narration, music, and sound design.
Critique:
The main weaknesses seem to lie in the villains and the overall plot construction. The antagonists sound exaggerated, and their scheme appears thinner than the book would need for a truly strong conflict. There is also a sense that the sequel repeats some of the same beats as the first book. Readers hoping for a more ambitious progression in scope or character complexity may find it enjoyable but slightly limited.
Evaluation
Overall, Dragon Planet seems like a solid sequel that understands exactly what it wants to be. It is not trying to be a sweeping, emotionally layered science fiction novel. It is trying to be a clever, exciting, science-forward middle-grade adventure, and by that standard it appears to succeed. Its flaws are real, but they do not seem fatal. They mostly prevent the book from rising above its category rather than stopping it from being good within it.
Comparison
Compared with many middle-grade adventures, Dragon Planet stands out because of how much attention it gives to planetary conditions, alien biology, and practical scientific thinking. Compared with the first book, it seems broader in setting but somewhat similar in narrative shape. In that sense, it offers expansion more than reinvention. It sounds like the kind of sequel that gives fans more of what worked before, while adding a more imaginative environment and stronger exploratory appeal.
Conclusion
Dragon Planet is an engaging and intelligent sequel that builds its appeal on curiosity, momentum, and a memorable alien setting. Dan Wells gives younger readers a story where science is not dry background material but the key to survival, which is probably the book’s most admirable quality. While the villains and plot mechanics may be thinner than the worldbuilding deserves, the novel still appears to deliver a fun, educational, and imaginative adventure.
Hook and Thesis:
Dragon Planet works best when it embraces what makes it distinct: middle-grade science fiction that treats science as part of the adventure rather than an obstacle to it. Its alien world, fast pace, and strong friendship dynamic make it engaging and accessible, but its villains, repeated plot structure, and light dramatic depth keep it from becoming truly exceptional. In the end, it is an entertaining, smartly educational sequel that is more charming than profound.
Introduction
Dragon Planet, the second installment in The Zero Chronicles by Dan Wells, continues Zero’s story by moving the action from a spaceship to the colony world of Kaguya. That shift gives the series more room to explore alien biology, strange physics, and survival on an unfamiliar planet. The result is a book that clearly knows its audience: young readers who want excitement, humor, danger, and enough real science to make the world feel believable. While the novel does not appear to aim for emotional complexity or literary weight, it succeeds at delivering a vivid, science-driven adventure with strong middle-grade appeal.
Basic Plot Summary
The colonists from the Pathfinder have finally arrived on Kaguya, a planet with low gravity, a dangerously dense atmosphere, violent storms, and strange local lifeforms that include dragon-like creatures. Zero and Nyx quickly find themselves tangled up in another crisis when they uncover a group of thieves stealing important mining equipment. Before they can warn the adults, a devastating storm strands them far from the colony. Cut off from help, pursued by criminals, and trapped on a dangerous alien world, they have to rely on observation, problem-solving, and science to survive and find their way back.
Analysis / Evaluation
The novel’s core strength is its ability to make scientific ideas feel adventurous rather than instructional. Gravity, atmosphere, wind, biology, and survival are not just background details; they actively shape the story. That gives Dragon Planet a sense of purpose that many children’s adventures lack. The book is not simply set on an alien world; it actually uses that world.
At the same time, the plot itself seems more functional than remarkable. The criminal subplot gives the story momentum, but it also appears somewhat contrived. Several readers clearly found the villains’ plan weak or overly convenient, and that criticism makes sense. The story is strong when it is exploring Kaguya and letting Zero and Nyx interact with the environment. It is weaker when it depends on cartoonish antagonists or thriller mechanics that do not fully hold up under scrutiny.
Characters
Zero and Nyx seem to remain the heart of the series. Their friendship gives the book warmth and energy, and their curiosity helps sell the science-focused approach. They work because they are not just passive children being dragged through a plot; they are active participants, asking questions, experimenting, observing, and adapting. That gives them a useful role beyond simply being “the kids in danger.”
That said, the supporting cast appears less memorable. The villains in particular seem broad rather than nuanced. In a middle-grade book, that is not automatically a flaw, but it does limit the story’s depth. Some readers may find the exaggerated antagonists fun, while others will likely find them distracting or implausible.
Setting
Kaguya is easily the most compelling element of the book. A low-gravity planet with a dense atmosphere, rare but catastrophic windstorms, strange plants, unusual flying lifeforms, and dragon-like creatures gives the novel a strong imaginative identity. More importantly, the setting is not decorative. The unusual conditions affect movement, danger, problem-solving, and even the tone of the story.
This is the kind of setting that invites wonder, which is especially important in middle-grade science fiction. The world feels designed to spark curiosity. Even readers who find the plot formula familiar are likely to remember Kaguya itself.
Structure
Structurally, Dragon Planet appears to follow a fairly familiar sequel model. The protagonists arrive somewhere new, stumble into danger, get isolated from adult help, and must outthink the threat. That structure makes sense for younger readers because it is clean, easy to follow, and naturally suspenseful. It also allows the book to move quickly.
The downside is that the story may feel too similar to the first book. Several reactions suggest that the sequel repeats the general shape of Zero G rather than evolving dramatically from it. For a younger audience, repetition with variation can be a feature. For older readers, it may feel slightly safe.
Themes
The most obvious theme is the value of science. This is not science fiction that merely wears scientific language as decoration; it treats science as a method of understanding and surviving the unknown. Curiosity, observation, experimentation, and critical thinking all seem central to the novel’s worldview.
There are also themes of friendship, courage, adaptation, and resilience. Zero and Nyx are placed in an environment they do not control, but the story emphasizes learning rather than panic. That makes the book feel constructive. It tells younger readers that knowledge matters, and that intelligence is a practical tool, not just an academic trait.
Writing Style
Dan Wells’ style here appears direct, approachable, and built for clarity. That is appropriate for the intended age group. The prose seems less focused on elegant language than on momentum, explanation, and accessibility. In a book like this, that is largely the correct choice.
The main stylistic risk is over-explaining. Because the novel is so invested in teaching readers about the environment and its science, parts of it may come across as a little too instructional. Whether that feels engaging or excessive will depend on the reader. Younger science-minded readers will likely enjoy it; others may feel that the exposition occasionally slows the story.
Tone
The tone is adventurous, clever, and energetic, with a clear sense of wonder. It seems aimed at making science feel exciting and discovery feel fun. At the same time, there is enough peril to give the story stakes, even if the book never appears to become truly dark. This balance is one of its strengths: it presents danger without becoming oppressive.
The novel also appears to carry a playful tone in the way it handles alien creatures and environmental oddities. That lightness helps make the book feel welcoming, especially for younger readers.
Impact
For its target audience, Dragon Planet likely has strong impact. It is the kind of book that can make science feel cool, exploration feel thrilling, and reading feel active rather than passive. It may not be a deeply transformative novel, but it is the sort of middle-grade science fiction that can leave younger readers wanting more stories about space, planets, biology, and survival.
For adult readers, the impact is probably more limited unless they are especially receptive to children’s fiction. Adults may appreciate the creativity, but they are also more likely to notice the implausibilities and formula.
Praise and Critique
Praise:
The strongest element of Dragon Planet is its setting and the way the story uses science as part of the action. Kaguya feels imaginative, distinct, and memorable. Zero and Nyx seem to make a strong team, and the book’s educational side is woven into the plot instead of feeling completely separate. The audiobook production also appears to be a major asset, with multiple readers praising the full-cast narration, music, and sound design.
Critique:
The main weaknesses seem to lie in the villains and the overall plot construction. The antagonists sound exaggerated, and their scheme appears thinner than the book would need for a truly strong conflict. There is also a sense that the sequel repeats some of the same beats as the first book. Readers hoping for a more ambitious progression in scope or character complexity may find it enjoyable but slightly limited.
Evaluation
Overall, Dragon Planet seems like a solid sequel that understands exactly what it wants to be. It is not trying to be a sweeping, emotionally layered science fiction novel. It is trying to be a clever, exciting, science-forward middle-grade adventure, and by that standard it appears to succeed. Its flaws are real, but they do not seem fatal. They mostly prevent the book from rising above its category rather than stopping it from being good within it.
Comparison
Compared with many middle-grade adventures, Dragon Planet stands out because of how much attention it gives to planetary conditions, alien biology, and practical scientific thinking. Compared with the first book, it seems broader in setting but somewhat similar in narrative shape. In that sense, it offers expansion more than reinvention. It sounds like the kind of sequel that gives fans more of what worked before, while adding a more imaginative environment and stronger exploratory appeal.
Conclusion
Dragon Planet is an engaging and intelligent sequel that builds its appeal on curiosity, momentum, and a memorable alien setting. Dan Wells gives younger readers a story where science is not dry background material but the key to survival, which is probably the book’s most admirable quality. While the villains and plot mechanics may be thinner than the worldbuilding deserves, the novel still appears to deliver a fun, educational, and imaginative adventure.
March 29, 2023
This sequel picks up right after the events in Zero G but could be read out of sequence and still be its own story. Naturally, it is best to read Zero G first. This is a quick engaging read, predictable but it is great at explaining natural science to young children. Adults can also learn some concepts they might have missed.
The story has a similar action plot to its predecessor, but I really enjoyed the full cast narration and the look at science, family dynamics and friendship. This is a great series to listen when in a slump or as a palate cleanser with tough books. Great to listen with the entire family.
The story has a similar action plot to its predecessor, but I really enjoyed the full cast narration and the look at science, family dynamics and friendship. This is a great series to listen when in a slump or as a palate cleanser with tough books. Great to listen with the entire family.
August 26, 2024
The sequel to Zero G wasn't as great as I wanted it to be, but it was a great read nonetheless.
Zero, his family, Nyx and the rest of the colony finally arrived on Kaguya, a new planet they traveled 105 years to get to. However, when they get here, they aren't allowed outside because the air is somewhat poisonous, and they stay in some underground chambers.
However, not long after their arrival, they realise that a mining equipment is nowhere to be found. So Zero and Nyx go to search and find out that a bunch of scientists stole it. But before managing to do something about it, a powerful storm comes and throws them very far away from the colony.
This is how their journey begins and on their way back to the colony, they discover interesting species of exofauna, delicious exoflora that consist in soft petals, and a new way of travelling around and escaping the mad scientists.
Plus, a dragon lurks around menacingly.
The story wasn't extraordinary. It had some unheard elements but it just dragged a little. The idea of betrayal from the first book was present, so nothing I wasn't expecting. Plus, the excitement of a new planet and the exploring of it was killed by the disappointment from the beginning.
3.5 stars overall.
Zero, his family, Nyx and the rest of the colony finally arrived on Kaguya, a new planet they traveled 105 years to get to. However, when they get here, they aren't allowed outside because the air is somewhat poisonous, and they stay in some underground chambers.
However, not long after their arrival, they realise that a mining equipment is nowhere to be found. So Zero and Nyx go to search and find out that a bunch of scientists stole it. But before managing to do something about it, a powerful storm comes and throws them very far away from the colony.
This is how their journey begins and on their way back to the colony, they discover interesting species of exofauna, delicious exoflora that consist in soft petals, and a new way of travelling around and escaping the mad scientists.
Plus, a dragon lurks around menacingly.
The story wasn't extraordinary. It had some unheard elements but it just dragged a little. The idea of betrayal from the first book was present, so nothing I wasn't expecting. Plus, the excitement of a new planet and the exploring of it was killed by the disappointment from the beginning.
3.5 stars overall.
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