The Last Dragon on Mars, by Scott Reintgen

     I saw the second book in this series at the public library, and I decided that if I was going to try it (because the cover looked very cool!), I needed to read the first book first! The Last Dragon on Mars is the first book in this series, although not the first book for author Scott Reintgen. I have not read any of his other books before, but after finishing this one, I definitely want to read the second book in this dragon series!

    I admit up front that I am not normally much of a dragon dog, and I've mentioned before that I don't read a lot of fantasy, either (although I probably should - I almost always enjoy it!). The first two chapters of The Last Dragon on Mars made me want to go back and read my favorite dragon book ever - Dragon's Milk by Susan Fletcher, over again. However, after the second chapter of this book, I was hooked! Reintgen creates a universe where every planet, moon and star has a companion dragon, and these dragons, like their planets and moon and stars, are very unique characters and have history with each other. The Last Dragon on Mars is about Dread, the newest dragon in our solar system, and the 12-year-old boy Lunar Jones, who Dread is somehow connected with. I can't tell you much more without starting to give away details that you, dear reader, need to discover for yourself!

    This first book in the Dragonship Series is fun, creative, easy to follow, and a definite page-turner! I sent my human right to the library for the next book (although it was checked out...darn! Waiting patiently....). Even though I'm reading something else now, I'll come right back to the next book as soon as it gets returned! I don't think this will appeal to younger readers as much, as it is detailed and well over 300 pages long. But for you dragon-loving 4th and 5th graders? And especially middle grade readers? Go get this, put up your "do not disturb" sign, and enjoy! This is a treat! 5 paws!