Review Detail

For fans who enjoyed the first book’s battle scenes and fast-moving plot, this sequel delivers. The opening is very action-oriented, and the tension grows as mysteries around Neptune deepen. Incorporating dragons tied to planets and moons in our solar system gives the story a mythic scope. Neptune’s dragons are being split among themselves, the military roles of dragons and dragoons (humans bonded with dragons), and how lunar, planetary, and off-world politics work. Lunar continues to grow into his responsibilities. Being young, facing leadership challenges, and anticipating betrayals and strange alliances force him to mature. The dynamics among the Dread Knights, with supporting characters like Proctor, Doc, Mara (“Wildcard”), Little Will, etc., help flesh out the cast. The Rise of Neptune is a solid and engaging sequel, especially if you’re already invested in Lunar Jones’s journey and the Dragonships universe. It builds well on its predecessor: expanding the scale (moving further into space, involving more planetary stakes), deepening the lore, and upping the tension. While it sometimes leans on genre conventions and some plot conveniences, it delivers for readers who like fast-paced action, dragon mythos, and interplanetary conflict. The Rise of Neptune is for middle-grade / young-adult readers (ages ~10-14, though older fantasy/sci-fi lovers will likely enjoy it too), especially if you liked The Last Dragon on Mars. It leaves you wanting more, wondering what the true motivations behind Neptune are, and eager to see how Lunar will grow further and what challenges lie beyond.