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Space Dragons

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If Stan Pollux had known he would be spending his summer holidays in the outer reaches of our solar system, he would have put on different underpants.

But when he gets kidnapped by the Planet Dragon Mercury, most things suddenly seem small and insignificant. Stan finds himself in a universe of dragons who had once ruled the skies as gods: Mars, Venus, Saturn and even Uranus way out back. This is shaping up to be the best summer holiday in the history of the cosmos until Stan discovers his stupid sister is missing and that Pluto (AKA Hades) is trying to use her to destroy the Solar System. And it will be all Stan’s fault if he doesn’t get Poppy back.

So, all Stan has to do is learn how to fight like a hero in space armour, defeat the dragon god of the Underworld, Hades, rescue his sister and save the world. All before his parents realise she is missing.

116 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 2019

1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read

About the author

Robin Bennett

31 books20 followers
Robin Bennett is an author and entrepreneur who has written several books for children, sometimes under the nom de plume R.S Harding, and a few more on the swashbuckling world of business: How to Make a Good Living Running Your Own Business, Kicking the Property Ladder and Start up Smart, all published by Harriman House.

In 1997, Monster Books was founded as a way for Robin to sound moderately respectable when he was selling his books and also to allow full control over his work.

Robin has spoken at conferences on fantasy literature. His first book for young adults, Picus the Thief, won the Writer's News Indie Published Book of the Year Award in 2012.

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Christi M.
345 reviews86 followers
June 19, 2019
In Space Dragons a boy named Stan has a lot of things on his mind - mainly his telescope that was broken by his little sister.   But that all changes when he gets kidnapped by a space dragon, who actually turns out to be rather friendly.  Apparently Stan had been in contact with the Particle of Light, which is what caught the dragon's attention -  even though Stan has no idea what that is.  But then Stan's sister gets kidnapped too, but this time the dragon that kidnaps her is not so friendly.  So Stan and Mercury (the friendly dragon that kidnapped Stan) go seek advice and assistance from the other dragons in order to help free his sister and save the universe.

What I didn't expect, but should have, was how Roman mythology is woven within the story.  Each dragon takes on some of the characteristics of the Roman God his or her planet is named after.  Children reading this book will not only learn about our solar system, but also about Roman mythology.  Every dragon is unique - from their body color to their flame color to even what their body is made of, such as water or gas or rock.  Readers will find that many of the dragons have some type of similarity with that dragon's home planet.  In addition, various space or planet facts is provided at the beginning of each chapter.

The story is engaging and very likeable and funny. I read the first sentence to my 10-yr old nephew and he started giggling - I think it was the 'underpants' part.  But, I must admit there were one or two parts that made me giggle too.   I did find the pacing at the beginning of the story a little uneven - getting to when the dragons enter the story is the main attraction and I feel the story leading up to that part could have been a little shorter in some areas.

I can definitely recommend this book, with the only notable item that kids that are not from Great Britain may need help in understanding some of the slang. I look forward to when it becomes released so that I can purchase it for my nephew.

Thanks to NetGalley and Monster Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,883 reviews136 followers
June 14, 2019
From the very first paragraph, this story had me laughing out loud! It is a fun sci-fi for middle grade readers involving eleven year old Stan Pollux initially resenting his five year old sister, Poppy, but then needing to help rescue her when they inadvertently become embroiled in an interplanetary feud between space dragons! It is only by the siblings working together that they can help themselves and every living in the solar system to survive. No pressure then, is there?

It is an intriguing mix of mythology, science fiction and superhero story, something children will be enthralled by and will incidentally help them learn about the solar system and mythology as the story progresses. It also involves differing attitudes to bullying and I loved the ending regarding this!

This is a great adventure, one reaching to the outer reaches of space and involving siblings helping to fight to save the universe in a fantastic read that I have no hesitation in highly recommending for children - and adults - to read. It certainly had me smiling and turning the pages as the story progressed.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Profile Image for Amanda (Smitten For Fiction).
643 reviews20 followers
June 10, 2019

Whadda ya at book lovers! I'm here with a book review for the Space Dragons Blog Tour. Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, the publisher, and the author for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.



"The whole universe
every planet, star, black hole and life form
started with a single atom
exploding into a great void of nothing.
Right after that, came the Dragons."




› Plot
Eleven-year-old Stan is dealing with a bully, an annoying five-year-old little sister, and missing his Dad who's often away for work. After his sister, Penelope (Poppy) accidentally breaks his telescope Stan is at his wit's end. He takes a peek into the telescope and sees something very strange. He embarks on a dragon space adventure to save the universe where he discovers his courage and a new appreciation for his sister.


"If Stan Pollux had known he would be spending the rest of his summer holidays in the outer reaches of our solar system, he would have put on different underpants."


Space Dragons has info about crystals, light particles, dimensions, dragons, planets, and even some Greek and Roman mythology wrapped up in a super exciting story with DRAGONS in SPACE. I mean, can it get even better than that for a kid? This is a FANTASTIC book for kids 8+, especially reluctant readers. A lightning-fast plot will have kids turning the pages as they get to learn cool stuff about our universe.



Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.


*Quotes taken from an ARC copy and subject to change*


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Profile Image for Deborah J Miles.
Author 1 book17 followers
June 10, 2019
This story is about an eleven-year-old boy called Stan Pollux. Stan has a little sister, Poppy, who is five years old. They don't always get on, and Stan doesn't like her in his room or touching his belongings. Stan and Poppy live with their parents on the edge of the village and go to the local school. The school bully has been picking on Stan for some time, and matters have been made worse because Poppy once intervened on his behalf, causing Stan great embarrassment. Stan seems to blame Poppy for all of his troubles.

The summer holidays have just begun, and Poppy has been in Stan's room, where she knocked over his telescope. He is furious with her when he thinks it is broken. He looks through the lens and sees something which frightens him. This causes him to sleep badly. The next evening he takes his telescope into the garden to get a better look at something strange in the sky, and is kidnapped!

Poppy has seen Stan disappear from the garden. One minute he was there, and the next he wasn't! She gathers her courage, and a crystal she took from Stan's room when she knocked over his telescope, and goes into the garden, where she is also kidnapped, but by a more sinister force.

Stan, with the help of his new friends, the space dragons, must save the world and his little sister, from Hades and the Titans.

Hooked from the first line, I found Space Dragons to be entertaining, well-written, and funny on a level that will definitely appeal to its intended audience. Younger readers will also be able to identify with the main characters, Stan and Poppy, and their relationship.

I loved that each chapter begins with its own explanatory note, particularly the ones which defined the planets. I felt I was learning something, as well as enjoying a rip-roaringly gripping adventure story.
Profile Image for Gmr.
1,251 reviews
June 15, 2019

This is the story of one young boy whose fate was turned towards to extraordinary...thanks to the meddling of his kid sister.

Stan and Poppy were quite the little duo. Seemingly your average brother and sister, only to be revealed as the potential defender of our species and keepers of the particle of light, respectively. Talk about having to grow up quick! I love how honest Stan's reaction to the whole debacle was. I applaud his growth over the course of the story, as well as his determination to see things through, come what may. Poppy, on the other hand, was quite the SURPRISE! Who'd have thought the precocious tyke could hold the dragon version of Hades at bay? Right?! I mean, talk about a powerful little "princess"! Her rash decisions get her both IN and OUT of trouble, but she always acts with kindness at heart.

Aside from our little leading humans, we have the GREAT AND MIGHTY SPACE DRAGONS! No, really...they are dragons in space, but not really our space because they are outside our dimension where time doesn't reach and...I'm getting ahead of myself. Suffice it to say, they are awesome...and in the story, the reptilian equivalent to the gods and goddess of Greek Mythology, and rather impressive, but they have issues just like us wee humans.

In the end, is it too cliche to say it was definitely an out of this world adventure? Okay well then let me say that although it's high flying, space soaring "fun" (meaning cool yet dangerous! ), it also reminds us to hold close the ones we love even, if they drive us a bit batty at times.


*ebook received for review; opinions are my own
Profile Image for Bev.
1,177 reviews54 followers
June 3, 2019
Stan isn't a typical hero's name but that's just what year 7 Stan Pollux is - although he doesn't know it yet! His adventures with a race of huge planet size celestial dragon are unexpected but an enjoyable read. I thought the references to Greek and Roman mythology were interesting and I loved the fact that the character you perceive to be the weakest, Stan's annoying little sister, turns out to be the bravest in the end. Looking forward to reading further adventures, dragons are my favourite (mythical) creatures and this book is chock a block full of 'em! Good MG read for adventure/fantasy lovers.
Profile Image for Cynde.
746 reviews23 followers
March 25, 2019
This is a fabulous read for all ages. Target audience is 4th-6th grade. Older brother with a younger sister with all the aggravation that entails. Little sister comes in his room and knocks over his telescope - he is sure it is broken but when he looks through it he sees an eye looking back at him. He spends the rest of the night in fear that something is coming to get him. The next night he gets up the courage to look out his window and sees something large in the back yard. he sneaks out and finds a gray dragon waiting for him. His little sister is looking out her window and she can't see the dragon but she does see her brother disappear! This is where their adventure begins and it is a fantastic one reaching to the outer reaches of space and fighting to save the universe!!!
79 reviews8 followers
April 14, 2019
A fun and action-packed story that I would highly recommend. Loved the references to Greek and Roman Mythology and the distinct personalities of each of the dragons.

I received this title on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Lynn Cheryl.
724 reviews35 followers
June 19, 2019
4.5 stars

Stan Pollux is a year seven pupil at Long Wittenham Primary School. Interested in space, he's a boy lucky enough to own a telescope. He also has a little sister called Poppy who likes taking his belongings. One day, whilst rummaging in his bedroom his sister knocks over the telescope. Stan soon finds out something isn't quite right with his treasured belonging as he peers into the eyepiece... 

Space and dragons are popular themes and together, the author has blended them into a well-crafted story which should resonate with many children. As someone who grew up with a younger sibling, six years younger than myself, I definitely identified with Stan's annoyance at his sister's snooping around his bedroom! Yet, the story promotes the joy of having a close family and I liked how Stan looked beyond his irritation and became the protective big brother. 

Targeted at children between eight and twelve years old, but I feel this novel has a slightly wider reach based on my own personal experience with my son. Myself, I particularly liked the humour injected within the story:
'It was the sort of summer's day that you only get once or twice a year in England.'
As well as the creative way the author blended two popular themes together with an added twist.
As readers view things differently, I know for a fact the things I laughed at are different from what my son has found funny so far.

As I write this review, my son (Ogmoe) is at the 60% point in the e-book version and is really enjoying it. He found the book difficult to get into at first because the introduction didn't pique his interest, but once Stan's adventures began around chapter three, his Kindle has become his new 'best friend' again. As a young reader, he has just finished year seven at school (Norway), so relates to Stan and his interests in astronomy and PC games… The space-related information and facts are nothing new to him, but with the inclusion of the dragons and mythological references, he's now absorbed within the narrative, laughing out loud and telling me he doesn't want any spoilers from me now that I've finished reading Space Dragons. After the shaky start, I'm pleased he's fully invested in finishing this adventure with the same enthusiasm he's had for his favourite books (Warrior Cats series by Erin Hunter and the William Wenton series by Bobbie Peers)

Overall, a big thumbs up from our household and we look forward to more adventures featuring Stan and Poppy in the future? 

***review copy generously received courtesy of the publisher Monster Books***
Profile Image for Graham.
68 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2019
Before we even get onto the review I just want to talk about the hardcover I received. The cover is unreal. It has a little charm on the spine of the book which I’ve never seen on a book before. The inside has pictures throughout at the start of the chapters. With brief descriptions of each of the dragons.

It’s been well designed and it’s going to look really nice on my book shelf once I finally decide to put it up.

I was lucky enough to be on this blog tour. I’m so glad I was as I really enjoyed the book. I was suprised at how much Robin put into this especially as its only 200 pages. The amount of action in this book has you engrossed from the start. I literally couldn’t put it down. I loved it that much I read the book the very afternoon I received it. (which is pretty quick for me)

This book is my two favourite genres in one book. Sci-fi and fantasy. What more could you ask for. Dragons in space. Actually in our solar system. The dragons actually dwell on the planets in our solar system. Which I thought was pretty cool.

The book starts off with a lad called Stan who has the most annoying sister ever. To be honest we’ve got annoying little sister. Stan loves anything to do with space that hes got a telescope in his bedroom. Stan runs up to his bedroom after he hears a clash coming from his room.

Stan notices that his telescope is lying on the floor. Stan is furious that this has happend and its obvious that its only one person could do this. Stan could hear something rattle inside the telescope and he obviously thinks that one of the lens have fallen out and ruined his telescope. Stan decides to put it back together and looks through it when he gets the biggest fright of his life.

What Stan was expecting was to see the moon in all her glory. Except he saw an eye of a dragon. Which he wasn’t supposed to have seen. What happens next unfolds a lot of untold stories and adventures for Stan to the point where they would become unbelievable if he dared to tell someone.
Profile Image for Billy Buttons.
Author 19 books192 followers
May 6, 2020
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Space Dragons
Author: Robin Bennett

Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 18
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 18 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
14 thought the cover was good or excellent.
18 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
‘This is an exciting space adventure but with dragons, not spaceships. I liked the boy, Stan. He was brave and often funny. I also liked how he looked after his little sister even though he thought she was annoying.’ Boy, aged 12
‘Lots of myths and legends in this fun dragon adventure for 9 – 12 yr olds. Strong protagonist, a good moral about family and a wild adventure for kids to enjoy. There’s also a little humour in there too which all kids love.’ Primary teacher, aged 43
‘I liked how the dragons were all different. I also liked that so much happened all of the time. The ending was exciting.’ Girl reader, aged 11
‘A bit slow at the start but then when the dragons turned up it was much better. I thought the picture on the cover was hard to make out.’ Boy, aged 11

To Sum It Up:
‘A fun, exciting, dragon-filled adventure for 9-12 yr olds to enjoy. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Profile Image for Cassandra MADEUP BookBlog.
458 reviews9 followers
June 20, 2019
If you’re looking fir a story that will keep younger readers entertained from start to end, ways reading but full of things to keep an active mind engaged and curious, then this is the perfect book!

The characters are just relatable enough whilst also being that bit different and exciting. The story progresses at a quick pace without seeming to be rushed or lacking in detail, rather the details are done cleverly to give the reader enough information whilst allowing a young readers imagination to flourish.

The story is just that bit different to other childrens books, and has wonderfully grasped the fine balance between Sci-Fi and Fantasy. i often find that stories tend to stick to one or the other, where there is much room to span both. This author has used both in an entirely original and exciting way.

The book itself is also unique, looking entirely different to others on the market whilst maintaining a similar look to the Authors previous book. That difference will certainly appeal to younger readers and they certainly look GREAT on the bookcase! But aesthetics aside, the story is fun and exciting.

If you have a young reader who devours books, or are trying to convince someone you know to read more, this will certainly give your younger readers a giggle, and to be honest.... maybe even yourself!
Profile Image for Jessica Bronder.
2,015 reviews31 followers
June 21, 2019
Stan Pollux has got a lot on his plate and when his little sister, Poppy breaks his telescope he about snaps. But when he looks through his telescope he sees something impossible. The next day he wants to verify what he sees and ends up being kidnapped. Poppy sees her brother disappear and wants to help him and ends up being kidnapped too, but not by the same dragons. The Space Dragons need Stan’s help to save the universe and he is going to need their help to save his sister.

Stan has his hands full with a bully from school, a father that is gone a lot working, and his annoying little sister. But once he gets kidnapped he learns that he has had contact with the Particle of Light. I loved how the dragons were based from Greek and Roman mythology but also relate to the planets. I also have to admit that for being five years old Poppy is very spunky and I loved how she kept Hades on his toes.

This is a wonderful mid grade read that I think will delight any child to adult. It has many topics that can help children that miss their parents, deal with bullies, and cope with younger siblings. I loved all the mythology and astronomy that is in the book. It’s a great introduction to all of these sciences. It’s definitely one to add to your shelves.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Profile Image for Josh.
29 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2019
I.... well I have to be honest in my review for exchange of this book. I didn’t like it personally. It was very fast paced and not enough detail background information for the setting it bounced around a lot with plot. I did enjoy the character development and I had no trouble remembering the characters throughout the novel.

If you like syfy and fantasy and of course dragons, then this novel will do just fine. There wasn’t anything particularly negative about the novel as in overall, the only negative thing I can say that I personally didn’t like was the lack of setting development and descriptive setting diction. I personally loved the character development and enjoyed the journey alongside them! I felt like I was right there in that world which is what I personally need. I would have just liked to get more description of my setting but overall
This novel was fantastic and I certainly recommend! I love planets and syfy it fit right in!
Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books236 followers
June 23, 2019
Readers ages eight and up are in for quite the adventure as this tale spins into space, dragons, and bullies too.

Stan Pollux has a hard enough life dealing with a bully, his irritating younger sister and a father, who is often at work. When he looks through his telescope, his entire life takes a drastic turn. Before he knows it, he's involved in a Space Dragon adventure, where he and his sister must somehow save the galaxy.

This is a terrific mix of mythology, space and science. The adventure flies on fast-paced speed, while packing fun and even an couple important messages in along the way. There's never a boring moment, which makes this a great read even for more reluctant readers. Imagination knows no limits, although the reader also learns a few things about mythology and space along the way.

This is a fun read, which young space fans are sure to enjoy!

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed the adventure quite a bit. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Jessica.
1,627 reviews54 followers
June 19, 2019
I admit…I picked this book up because of the title, Space Dragons. If you know me, I love Sci-Fi and Fantasy, and I’m obsessed with dragons. Combining them all into one title had me hooked.

Space Dragons is a really fun Middle Grade that follows Stan, who is (literally) swept up into an adventure with dragons. I love the mixture of Roman mythology and space facts. Not only is this a great adventure story for kids, but it also has some facts for them to learn from.

But this story isn’t just great for the target audience of Middle Grade. Adults can love it too. It’s fast-paced, well written, and had me hooked from beginning to end. I highly recommend checking out Space Dragons!

*I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. All opinions are my own.*
66 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2019
This book is aimed at young people. However I have to say I really enjoyed the story line.
It was unusual , they way the story focussed on not one hero but two . I'll say no more .
The interaction between all the main characters is good . You find out what they are like easily and build a rapport with them well.
I have let my 10 yr old grandson read this and his words are
" This is ace Granny".... What more praise do you need
234 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2019
Space Dragons instantly struck me as a book that would appeal to so many different children (and adults for that matter), whether they have a fascination with dragons, are a future astronomer, have a passion for mythology, or are just fans of adventure. Add to this the fact that although the main character is a young boy, he has a fiesty little sister who girls will love, and this book really does have something for everyone.

As a Rick Riordan fan and a lover of mythology in general, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this incarnation of the ancient gods. Having the appearance of each dragon reflect that of their namesake planet is just such a clever way of educating children without them even realising, and with each dragon taking to the extreme their individual quirks and foibles, the astronomical information takes on a form that will give kids a point to focus on so it will stick in their memory. Add to this the little facts and snippets of information at the start of each chapter and you have a young scientists dream.

Although this book is clearly aimed at the young market, the language used manages to feel mature enough for adults to also enjoy it, but still perfectly reflects the thought process of an 11 year old boy. Even as an only child I could feel the frustration caused by a careless younger sibling, and by the inability to stand up to the school bully. I think a lot of children will find Stan to be an extremely relatable character.

I loved getting to know each of the dragons, with their complicated family dynamics. Their reunion dinner on Jupiter was a true feast for the imagination, both in terms of the food they eat, and the way they interact with each other. I found I was particularly fond of excitable Mercury and fierce Mars. I even found I developed a soft spot for the hellhound Cerberus.

This book is a thoroughly enjoyable read for all ages, and struck me as the perfect bed time reading, when the young readers could view the night sky as they read, and maybe spot a dragon of their own.
Profile Image for Martha.
867 reviews49 followers
August 12, 2019
This is a fun, middle grade sci fi adventure.

Stan is an eleven-year-old who lives with his parents, five-year-old sister, Poppy, and their dog. Stan gets bullied at school by the tougher boys who make fun of his love of science. They are just beginning the summer vacation when Poppy, breaking house rules, enters his room and accidentally knocks over Stan’s telescope. Stan is so angry he doesn’t realize at first that his favorite rock, a treasure from his grandmother, is missing from his collection. Stan is alarmed when he sees a scary eye starring back at him through his broken telescope.

Stan steps outside the next night to see if the problem is with his equipment or the view from his room. Suddenly he is overshadowed by a darkness and scooped away from his home. Shockingly he finds himself traveling through space on the back of a gray dragon. Once Stan realizes he is within a safe air bubble he begins to be awed by the experience. Still he wants the dragon, Mercury, to explain what is happening.

Poppy is upset when she watches Stan disappear from their backyard. She runs outside hoping to find him but instead she is kidnapped by a monstrous, three-headed dog. Stan is all for letting the dragons and enemy Titans sort out their own problems until he learns that his sister has been captured by the other side. Can Stan find the courage to stand beside the dragons and face the enemies while they try to save Poppy? And can Stan and Poppy work together to prevail against the enemy?

This is a fun story with space dragons named after planets, titan characters and creatures (Cerberus the three-headed hound of Hades) from mythology. The plot is well developed with adventure, battles and sibling relationships that should be enjoyable to middle graders. The sibling relationship is naturally real and there are plenty of laugh out loud comments. I recommend this as fun sci fi for young people.

Source: 2019 NetGalley.
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