I rated this book 4 stars because I loved the experience of reading this book. I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.

Thank you NetGalley and Oneworld Publications for this eCopy to review

When I picked up The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen, I was intrigued by the unique blend of science fiction and fantasy. The story follows Lunar Jones, a 13-year-old boy living in a struggling Martian settlement called Harvest. The premise is captivating: Mars, once thought to be a new hope for humanity, is cursed by the dying breath of its dragon, Ares, making survival incredibly difficult.

Lunar, known as "Dad" to the other orphans at the Martian Relocation Clinic, is a scrapper who scavenges for valuable gear in the dangerous Martian landscape. His life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers an underground bunker and meets General John Poppy, who is secretly raising a dragon named Dread. This discovery sets Lunar on a path filled with dragon flights, mid-space battles, and the hope of saving Mars.

The plot is fast-paced and filled with action, which kept me engaged throughout. Reintgen does a great job of building a vivid and harsh Martian world, where every day is a fight for survival. The concept of dragons tied to celestial bodies adds a fascinating layer to the story, blending myth with futuristic elements.

The themes of resilience, hope, and the fight for a better future are well portrayed, making it a thought-provoking book. It's a solid start to what promises to be an exciting series, and I'm curious to see where Reintgen takes the story next.

My two favourite themes/genres in an unlikely blend of dragons and science-fiction? Never thought I would see this so had to request this book! And I have to say they worked perfectly together to produce an innovative, exciting space adventure! The universe that is portrayed ticks so many boxes with themes of greed, power, leadership and friendship. Gripping action from page one never lets up and the individual characters convince and intrigue. This is an epic new series, a brilliant read that I didn't want to put down. Can't wait for the next

This is fabulous. I was hooked from the very start and I couldn't put it down. Lunar Jones' parents die when he is very young and he ends up in a Martian equivalent of an orphanage. One day his life changes forever when a scavenging trip goes wrong and he comes face to face with a dragon. Lunar then has some difficult decisions to make, some of which will impact the people on Mars. There's friendship, courage, loyalty and so many dragons!