The Last Dragon on Mars

Perhaps best known for his science fiction and fantasy novels for young adults, Scott Reintgen has successfully expanded his writing into middle grade fiction and The Last Dragon on Mars is no exception.

Set on Mars at some point in a not too distant parallel future, we find a barren, stormy planet populated by an increasingly desperate people scavenging for an existence as help from Earth, the planet from which their forefathers originated, is being withdrawn. Everyone knows that each planet, moon and star is powered by a dragon and that transport between the planets is powered by dragons and their dragonship crew, but Lunar’s schooling has been limited as, orphaned as a baby, he has crafted a life supporting his makeshift family of fellow orphans by scavenging and selling scrap from the desert lands outside of the place they loosely call home. They are surviving, rather than living, with hard work and keeping their wits about them.

Until, one day, a scavenging mission goes wrong and Lunar is forced to hide underground, discovering a hidden military bunker where his life is threatened before being saved by a most unlikely ally –  a dragon called Dread. Why did the dragon choose him and what does that mean for him and his fellow crew of scavengers from the Harvest?

A brilliant tale of trust and betrayal, set against a background of mythology and science fiction, the Last Dragon on Mars twists and turns as the character of Lunar and his relationship to Dread and his crew mates develops, before spinning off in another unexpected direction and finally concluding, or rather finishing, on a cliff hanger leaving you crying out for more. Everything that a work of fantasy and science fiction should contain and a brilliant stepping stone on to the world of young adult fiction. Perfect for engaging the more able KS2 reader.