Samphire, Patrick . Secrets of the Dragon-Tomb.

Samphire, Patrick .  Secrets of the Dragon-Tomb.  Macmillan/Henry Holt  2016  326p  $16.99  ISBN 978-0-8050-9906-5      elem/ms  Science fiction  VG 

It is 19^th-century British Mars, and twelve-year-old Edward Sullivan feels he must pass up an adventurous summer vacation with a friend in order to protect his eccentric family and their obliviousness to danger. He is proven correct in his decision, as the nefarious Sir Titus, searching for a hidden dragon tomb to redeem his reputation, swoons and then kidnaps Edward’s mother (his erstwhile love), his inventor father, and his eldest sister. Teaming up with his “idiot” cousin Freddie, who is actually a spy, and his older sister Olivia and younger sister Putty, Edward sets out to find their family and the hidden dragon tomb in order to save everyone.

Young readers will delight in this highly adventurous, fast-paced novel. Each page abounds with new dangers and predicaments that the rescuers must overcome in their quest to save the family and the sacred tomb. Readers will root for the liberators on their journey and feel their desperation and struggle as they are challenged by Sir Titus’s crew at every turn. This book is exciting and well-written, and will engage and entertain young readers.

Summary: In 19^th-century British Mars, twelve-year-old Edward Sullivan feels he must pass up an adventurous summer vacation to protect his eccentric family. He is proven correct as his mother, father, and eldest sister are kidnapped by the evil Sir Titus, who is searching for a lost dragon tomb. Edward teams up with his cousin Freddie, older sister Olivia, and younger sister Putty to save the family and the dragon tomb.      
     

Dragons-Fiction, Adventure-Fiction              --Virginia McGarvey