New Dragon City

New Dragon City #1

by Mari Mancusi

No one predicted the dragon apocalypse. The dragons came suddenly and decimated the world as we knew it, including New York City. Now, three years later, Noah, his hardcore survivalist father, and a ragtag group of survivors are barely scraping by in this new reality. Kids scavenge not only for materials in abandoned homes but also for leftover books at the library. Adults spend their time establishing a make-shift society and defending their shelter... with any means available. At least for the few months the dragons are hibernating, until it’s no longer safe aboveground.

Noah has seen the damage these creatures can do firsthand. It's kill or be killed. But a chance encounter between Noah and a young dragon causes him to question everything he thought he knew. With rumors spreading that there’s a group of survivors living in harmony with dragons instead of hiding underground, Noah teams up with his fire-breathing ally to find out if peace between humans and dragons is really possible. But the division runs deeper than scales versus skin because trying to follow his heart might just cost Noah his family too. If Noah and his father can’t see eye to eye, can he really get humans and dragons to?
 

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Middle Grade, Dystopia, Adventure, Audiobook, Fiction

343 pages, Hardcover

First published October 4, 2022

About the author

Mari Mancusi grew up where the north wind meets the sea (otherwise known as Massachusetts), but has since made her home in the great state of Texas, mostly due to her love of summer. (And tacos.) A former Emmy Award winning TV news producer, today she is the author of more than two-dozen books for kids, teens, and adults, mostly of the sci-fi/fantasy variety. In addition to writing, Mari loves traveling, video games, and cosplaying. She is also Mom to an eight year old Frozen superfan who, when recently asked by her teacher to describe her hero answered: “My Mom!” (Okay, fine, she said Kristin Bell.)

You can find Mari online at www.marimancusi.com. She knows several Samanthas.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Dragon City by Mari Mancusi
Middle grade paranormal adventure. Post apocalyptic.
Noah, his friends and family live underground for part of every year when the dragons wake up and roam the skies. It’s a battle for survival of humans vs. dragons.
This year, the dragons woke a bit earlier than expected, and Noah ends up above ground rather than in the bunkers below. And he ends up befriending a young female dragon! Unheard of.
Noah‘s mother is part of a team that thinks dragons and humans can love together peacefully. His father disagrees and Noah must make a decision

An adventure of danger and an unlikely friendship. Noah must bridge the gap between beliefs.

[Pierre · Rating 4 out of 5]

As many review say, the crossing of Reign of Fire with HTTYD is a rather accurate description.
The story is well delivered, with the young protagonists dealing with events as they go with their limited life experience but also limited, or less rooted prejudice.
A nice tale of an apparently doomed situation between protagonists that everything opposes, yet the only way out is breaking the cycle of fear that only brought wholesale slaughter.

The post-apocalyptic setting works, at least from a non survival expert pov, most things about how the survivors scrape resources seem fitting.
Only thing, I had some doubt the rats would have left any chocolates or anything in soft wrappings for anyone to scavenge.
Regarding the dragons, one might be surprised why they remain in cities where game is scarce and humans gathering to scavenge whatever is left, adds pressure, but sheer population and their territorial behavior can explain some groups being forced so.

Good read for its intended target as well as older readers if you like it.
Note, for those looking for a similar thing but for an older audience, with more development and not averting the themes that would not fit a younger target, I'd recommend the "Dragons and Skylines" trilogy by Rowan Silver.

[Jan farnworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I Liked:
Are you a reader who loved the Wings of Fire series and How to Train your Dragon? Do you like middle-grade novels that tackle more vital than yourself questions, stories about survival, and a significant overall situation that makes you think, what if? Noah and his father are part of a group of humans who survive the take over of the world by dragons hiding in subway tunnels during the time of year dragons are awake and the rest above ground, scavaging for whatever can be found. Until one day, everything changes, the dragons arrive sooner, the dad decides to stay behind to see the mom, and Noah, desperate to help, does.
Final Verdict:
What unfolds is a story of thinking if what you have always known is true. Who is the monster in this story? Are the dragons more extensive than life and burn the city to the ground? Or is it the humans who hunt and kill dragons all in the name of protection and, let's face it, fear? New Dragon City is a fast-paced middle-grade novel centered around family, truths, and striving for a better path for all. It kept my attention and is well thought out and perfect for middle-grade readers.

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

No one expected the invasion of Dragons into our world but three years later Noah and his hard core survivalist dad and a small group of survivors are barley scrapping by in their new reality. People scavenger for food, books and materials at least for the four months dragons hibernate and then its back under ground where it's safe. Noah has seen first hand the destruction dragons can cause and he knows he has to live by his dad's saying "kill or be killed". That is until he has a chance encounter with a dragon who saves his life making him question everything he thought he knew about his way of life and the dragons. Is there a way dragons and humans can survive in the world together?

I know so many of the middle schoolers will really get into this book. For me it could have been better and could have been worse- with that said I am not the intended audience. It's a really solid recommendation for people who like dystopian novels and dragons.

[papilionna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wer Maze Runner, Drachenzähmen, oder, unter den älteren Lesern, The Last of Us mag, wird mit diesem Buch eine Menge Freude haben.
Vor fünf Jahren haben die Drachen die menschliche Zivilisation zerstört. Seitdem gibt es nur noch wenige Überlebende, die sich im Untergrund verstecken, darunter auch Noah und sein Vater.
Aber was ist, wenn man sich zwischen der Verpflichtung gegenüber geliebten Menschen und seiner eigenen Überzeugung entscheiden muss?

Noah ist ein toller Protagonist. Er ist zwar stürmisch und handelt mitunter unüberlegt, das hat mich aber nicht gestört, da es seinem Alter angemessen ist. Was ihn für mich so liebenswert gemacht hat ist seine Sensibilität und Liebe gegenüber seiner Familie. Er ist wirklich ein toller, großherziger Junge.

Ich hatte super viel Spaß mit diesem Buch und die Seiten sind nur so vorbeigeflogen. Ich kann nur allen meinen Bibliothekskolleginnen empfehlen, es zu kaufen :)

[Katinka Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cool concept. Had to remember its junior fiction, as the 12yr old MC was annoying in his way of thinking/acting but i suppose he acted true to that age bracket. For a junior fiction reader i think this book would be 5stars.
However as an adult reader, the MC's father was terrible/toxic and would rather have his own child put in harms way over safety and rather than listening to his wife and son and thats not cool! Asha was really cute and the star of the book 🐉

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a dragon apocalypse takes over the world, one boy finds a connection between the two species.
🐉
Five years ago Noah and his parents went underground to live in a shelter when dragons took over the planet. Three years later they emerged to find only five percent of the earth still populated. They found a group of survivalists in NYC and have been scavenging ever since. However, Noah’s mom mysteriously went missing and when the group goes underground now that the dragons have come out of hibernation early, he decides to stay behind with his dad to search for her. What he finds is that his mom was never missing. She left to live with a group of people who are cohabitating with dragons. Meanwhile Noah comes across a baby dragon and saves her life. When the opportunity presents itself, Asha then saves his. What happens next is nothing that Noah could have seen coming.
🗽
I thought this was a fantasy only book which is why I held off reading this @txbbaward title for so long, but wow! This was a dystopian novel that blew me away! I read it in one sitting and will be book talking this heavily in the fall. I already sent the book rec to a student that loves dragons!

CW: animal death, gun violence, xenophobia, abandonment

[Lisa Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

When dragons suddenly appear and wreak devastation on the world, Noah and his family escape under ground for 3 years, only to discover a totally world. A world where people only come out when the dragons are hibernating and people have to scavenge to survive. But when Noah somehow can hear a baby dragon's thoughts, it changes his whole perspective of things, and that maybe dragon aren't the monsters everyone thinks they are.

Fund ful, and I think it was make even better because I read it with my twelve year old - and students all loved it as well.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre read this one before I read it with my 9 year old. I absolutely loved it. It’s middle grade fiction at its finest. Excellent story, even fun for an adult to read.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

honestly super fun dragon apocalypse is a cool concept

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

A post-apocalyptic story with dragons? Sounds pretty awesome. Unfortunately, the author handled this premise quite poorly. I found this story to be boring, unrealistic, and disappointing. Sure, dragons could be seen as unrealistic, but I mean in the sense of a post-apocalyptic world. Sending 10 year old children out alone to scavenge? Even if there aren’t many humans left in the world, I would be more cautious sending children out alone, defenseless (they weren’t mentioned as having weapons or tools to defend themselves with) in such a desperate world. I know this is a children’s book, but let’s be a bit more realistic.

Throughout the story, the dragons are seen as these large, terrifying, deadly creatures. Yet, give them food and a cute name and treat them like a pet/dog and they’re docile and will protect you and be your BFF. I feel like their treatment of the dragons in this way is insulting. They have intelligence, language, a family system. The main character, Noah, says they’re “just like humans.” Ok, so then treat them as your equals, not the newest toy everyone’s excited to have. And the author’s choice of names for the dragons? Good grief. Tolkyn?? You expect us to believe a dragon is going to name himself/one of their own that? (Rolling eyes).

It’s hard to pinpoint what age group this was written for. On one hand, it’s a pretty watered-down post apocalyptic/fantasy story, probably great for older grade school level. Yet the interactions Noah has with his dad and the things he does and says to his son are pretty messed up, making me feel it’s probably better suited for middle-school age. I suppose this would be a good story for kids looking for a simple dystopian/dragon story. But there are certainly better dragon stories out there.

[Dolorianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome dragon book by this author. Intended for the middle school crowd, it's full of adventure, unexpected friendships, and real world lessons woven through an entertaining story. But it isn't just for kids. I loved 12-year-old Noah and young Asha, both trying hard to convince their family and friends to consider a new way of life. Their bond was sweet, and at times, put them both in jeopardy. The ending was even more satisfying for their efforts in doing what was right.

[Caoimhe Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely sensational! This book makes a statement on the back saying “perfect for fans of ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ and ‘Wings Of Fire’”, and they are not wrong! I am huge fans of both novel series! This book is one of my year favourites! MUST READ!!!!!!

[ZeilenZauber · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘*‘ Meine Meinung ‘*‘
Hmmm, ich bin mir nicht sicher, ob „ab 10 Jahre“ nicht zu früh ist. Denn es ging teilweise schon recht brutal zu. Aber wenn ich an unsere deutschen Märchen denke, dann erkenne ich, dass es dort noch brutaler zugeht. Mir fällt sofort die Hexe im Ofen ein. Also hängt es vom Kind und dem dazupassenden Elternhaus ab.
Noah lebt im Winter mit seinem Vater und einer Gruppe von Überlebenden in der Stadt. Denn im Sommer gehört die Stadt den Drachen und die haben Menschen zum Fressen gern. Doch Noah lernt ein junges Drachenmädchen kennen und dieses Treffen stellt alles, an was er geglaubt hat, in Frage. Doch seinem Vater kann er sich nicht anvertrauen und seine Mutter ist einfach bei Nacht und Nebel verschwunden.
Es war interessant zu sehen, wie Noah seine eigenen Schlüsse zieht, wie er sein Schicksal in die eigene Hand nimmt und für sich und seine Gedanken einsteht. Und das gegen die Erwachsenen.
Der Ansatz, dass Frieden selbst in scheinbar ausweglosen Situationen möglich ist, wenn nur ein paar Menschen, und in diesem Fall auch Drachen, umdenken und ihr Verhalten ändern, vermittelt in meinen Augen eine wundervolle Botschaft. Einfach mal die Motivation der Gegenseite herausfinden und in den Austausch gehen. Da kann eine aufkeimende Freundschaft wirklich einen Paradigmenwechsel hervorrufen.
Die Story wird aus zwei Perspektiven erzählt. Da hätten wir auf der einen Seite Noah und auf der anderen Seite das junge Drachenmädchen. Beide Handlungsstränge wurden geschickt miteinander verwoben, so dass ich immer genau wusste, wer warum wie handelte. Und natürlich bekam ich auch Hintergrundinformationen von beiden Seiten. Dabei sparte die Autorin nicht an Überraschungen und Twists.
Der Schreibstil ist für junge Leser doch recht eloquent und ich denke, ab 12 Jahre wäre die bessere Empfehlung. Die Schrift wurde etwas größer gewählt und die einzelnen Kapitel hatten eine angenehme Länge, sodass einerseits die Handlung mit Cliffhangern vorangetrieben wurde und andererseits die jungen Lesenden nicht die Lust verlieren. Dafür vergebe ich gern 5 Dragon-Sterne.
Feedback des jungen Lesers:
Das war total cool. Wenn es wirklich Drachen geben würde, hätte ich auch gern einen als Freund. Dass Noahs Mutter weg ist, ist total doof und ich verstehe, dass er sie vermisst. Aber er hat ja seine Freunde. Und er findet neue Freunde. War klasse, was Noah noch alles erlebt hat.
‘*‘ Klappentext ‘*‘
Seit vor fünf Jahren plötzlich Drachen die Menschen angegriffen haben, hat sich Noahs Welt komplett verändert: Statt in die Schule zu gehen oder sich mit Freunden zu treffen, streift der 12-Jährige nun auf der Suche nach Lebensmitteln durchs völlig zerstörte New York City. Und auch das geht nur in den Wintermonaten. Denn im Sommer erwachen die Drachen und jagen erbarmungslos jeden, der in den Straßenschluchten unterwegs ist. Noah hat keine Zweifel, dass die Welt ohne Drachen eine bessere wäre.
Doch dann trifft er auf ein junges Drachenmädchen. Zwischen den beiden entsteht eine verbotene Freundschaft - und eine gefährliche. Denn Noahs Vater versucht mit allen Kräften, die Drachen auszurotten. Kann Noah seine neue Freundin und ihre Familie retten?

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Post apocalyptic world where dragons and humans are enmeshed in a battle over food and against each other. New York City is a wasteland of fire-scorched debris with pockets of humans struggling to scavenge enough food to survive while above ground during the dragons hibernation period as well as store enough to scrape by when they live underground in the subway system during the monsters’ awake time. But a change in the dragons’ normal cycle of sleep and wakefulness may force humans to stay underground for even more of the year and that is untenable unless the two species can figure out a way to live differently, maybe even co-exist in a mutually beneficial way.

Mancusi’s newest book is dragon-fantasy that makes my winged reptile-loving heart happy and will appeal to readers in grades 4-8 as well. Noah is a 12 year old boy who has known little but time underground and fighting for survival and until recently has lived with only his now bickering parents. Suddenly, life shifts when Noah rescues a young dragon who in turn heals him from his life-threatening dragon fire burns and the two find that they can communicate telepathically. Then the discovery that his mom has found a community of humans and dragons who live in a positive and almost symbiotic relationship throws all he has believed into turmoil. His character is torn over more than what to believe about dragons and humans as his parents both believe differently and his dad’s anger against the dragons multiplies and may cost him his life. The friendship of Noah and Maya as well as Noah and his dragon-friend Asha represent the kind of unconditional love and sacrifice that young readers will envy and maybe try to emulate in their own relationships.

Text is free of profanity and sexual content and the violence is not overly graphic. Characters appear to be from a variety of economic, racial and family configurations. New Dragon City can stand alone but the author clearly leaves things open for a sequel, possibly a series.

Thanks for sponsoring a giveaway for this 2024-2025 Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee, Mari Mancusi.

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mari Mancusi's "New Dragon City" paints a post-apocalyptic world that pulsates with a palpable sense of urgency. In the wake of the unexpected dragon apocalypse, the remnants of humanity cling to survival, carving out an existence in the ruins of New York City. The author brings to life the harsh reality faced by Noah, his survivalist father, and their fellow survivors, immersing readers in a landscape where every decision is a matter of life or death.

What sets this narrative apart is its exploration of the intricate dynamics between humans and dragons. As Noah grapples with the brutal reality of a kill-or-be-killed world, a chance encounter with a young dragon introduces a captivating twist. The gradual shift from viewing dragons as adversaries to potential allies injects a refreshing and thought-provoking element into the storyline. Mancusi deftly navigates the complexities of this evolving relationship, delving into the possibility of coexistence and challenging preconceived notions.

The characters, particularly Noah, are skillfully developed, showcasing the emotional toll of living in a world constantly on the brink. The author adeptly captures Noah's internal conflict as he questions everything he thought he knew, introducing a layer of moral ambiguity that adds depth to the narrative. The exploration of the division between humans and dragons goes beyond the physical differences, delving into the complexities of societal prejudices and the challenge of forging understanding in a world torn apart.

"New Dragon City" is not merely a tale of survival; it's a multifaceted exploration of humanity's capacity for adaptability, compassion, and the quest for coexistence in the face of overwhelming adversity. Mancusi's storytelling shines through in this engaging and thought-provoking dystopian adventure.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique and imaginative post-apocalyptic and dystopian story for middle-grade readers.

New Dragon City is one of the most unique and imaginative post-apocalyptic and dystopian stories I've read. While destruction by war, zombies, pestilence, and extreme climate change have all been done to death, an infestation of dragons feels like a fresh take on this theme.

I enjoyed immensely that the story is told from two points of view, that of the boy Noah and Asha, the young dragon. The parallels in their situations made the story much more interesting, entertaining, and emotion-filled. Both are still so young and are thrust into situations that would be tough on those older and more experienced. Noah is being tugged in different directions by his disagreeing parents. Asha, as the daughter of the dragon herd's queen, has restrictions on her actions and a heavy burden of responsibility for the herd. I liked that during their brief encounters with one another that they could eventually relax and relate and just be "kids."

The ruins of New York City are described in compelling detail, with familiar sights and locations sprinkled throughout. I had a clear picture of where everyone was and what it looked like. Unlike other books in this genre, I liked how organized these survivors had gotten and how well they seemed to get along and help each other. The survivors Noah meets away from the safety of the organized groups were scary and surprisingly creepy to me. I can't get that couple he encountered in the restaurant out of my mind.

Young readers will easily relate to the two very likable main characters. Their budding friendship and ability to get along despite the years of terror of the other's species will delight. They will soon be rooting for Noah and Asha to overcome their friends' and families' objections and anxieties.

I recommend NEW DRAGON CITY to middle-grade readers that enjoy novels with fantasy elements such as dragons and won't be disturbed by the post-apocalyptic setting, dragons hunting and trying to eat people, or people hunting and killing dragons.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author or publisher through NetGalley and TBR and Beyond Book Tours.

[Timme9515 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book! I enjoyed reading the adventures of Noah and how he discovers the truth about the dragons that attacked the humans. How he fought for his family and how that family kept failing him. But he made a friend that changes everything he knows. It's nice to experience this saga with the POV from two sides.

Overall it's a really nice story. Great characters and a nice world. I found myself sometimes struggling to understand some decisions from some characters. But hey I don't live in a dragon apocalypse unlike them.

But the world and story has so much potential for more. With the characters and world that is established in this book I feel like there could be at least 2 more books. Maybe we will get one? So I think the book could be longer. A bit more time for the relationship of the two main characters would be nice.

I had some criticism but if the book description and the amazing cover art creates some interest, then you'll have a good time with this book. I can't decide if I should go for 4 or 5 stars...

[Charles Desjardins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ce n'était pas une mauvaise lecture, mais je crois être un peu trop vieux pour un roman de ce genre qui utilise des clichés courant. Ceux-ci sont toutefois bien, mais cela reste en surface. J'ai eu peur que les dragons soient trop animal et on dirait que l'auteure voulait les rendre intelligent, mais pas assez pour comprendre le langage humain. J'aurais adoré lire cela jeune ado.

[RenegadeReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute. A cute, heartwarming read about dragons and humans. I was curious about this and it was short so I thought I would give it a shot. I am so glad I did! It was fun and had adventure. Would recommend if you’re looking for a fast easy middle grade.

[Maree Silver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, lots of action and Dragons!

[Macushla Myles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great middle grade fantasy apocalyptic future adventure. Loved the descriptions of New York City after dragons have wiped out nearly all of the human population.

[lauriane · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was amazing!!! I started reading it and couldn't put it down!! It was perfect!

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story about family, friends, and dragons! I've never read a middle grade book about dragons before, and this one was so much fun! I also noticed that a lot of the themes in this book were taken from current events and I liked seeing the parallels between Mancusi's world and our world today. I can't wait to read more Mancusi's books!

[Core · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting to love this book so much!!! Dystopian world meets fantasy. Absolutely perfect combination. I have always loved dragons, and this story was so well done! Stand alone too.
When I'm able to buy books again this is going right on my Favorites Shelf 😍

[Molly Tierney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book!!!!

[Mary Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids loved this book. Such a great read aloud and my 3rd grade class picked this as their favorite Bluebonnet book this year.

Dragons and humans battling it out in an "after" in New York City, clashes among herd and groups of humans- just scary enough to be thrilling.

Be aware for younger kids that there is some death- both dragon and human. So just be aware.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute juvenile reader story

[Jason LaRue · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW!!!! This book was back and forth. I went from “oooooo this is good” to “what is this??” To “this book is confusing” to “THIS BOOK IS AWESOME!!!!!!” The ending was awesome and it really finished to my expectations.


How in the world there’s another book, I have know idea. But I’m extremely excited to start it