Secrets of the Dragon Tomb (Book 1 of the Secrets of the Dragon Tomb Series)

A STORY OF THRILLING ADVENTURE AND DESPERATE PERIL ON MARS

Mars in 1816 is a world of high Society, deadly danger, and strange clockwork machines. Pterodactyls glide through the sky, automatic servants hand out sandwiches at elegant garden parties, and in the north, the great dragon tombs hide marvels of Ancient Martian technology.

Twelve-year-old Edward Sullivan has always dreamed of becoming a spy like the ones he reads of in his favourite magazine, Thrilling Martian Tales. Instead, he spends his days keeping his eccentric family from complete disaster … that is, until the villainous archaeologist, Sir Titus Dane, kidnaps Edward’s parents as part of a scheme to loot an undiscovered dragon tomb.

Edward sets off in pursuit across the Martian wilderness. With him are his brilliant and outrageous little sister, Putty, his impossibly starchy older sister, Olivia, and his secretive cousin, Freddie. Together they must evade Sir Titus’s minions, battle mechanical nasties, and escape deadly Martian hunting machines. If they can’t, they will never uncover the secrets of the dragon tomb and rescue Edward’s family.

Secrets of the Dragon Tomb by Patrick Samphire is a classic adventure story, full of fun, humour and heart with stunning illustrations by Jeremy Holmes throughout. The thrilling adventure continues in Book 2 of the Secrets of the Dragon Tomb series, The Emperor of Mars.

Reviews

"Abundant humor, intricate worldbuilding details, and precisely timed slapstick and mayhem mesh as neatly as the gears and levers of the water abacus, producing a gorgeously articulated clockwork of a novel." Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Engaging characters and an action-packed plot are bolstered by some meaningful observations on
Martian colonialism...this will appeal to fans of zany adventure tales." - Booklist

"Samphire is clearly having the time of his life with this yarn, leavening character types with emotional honesty . . . A bit Tom Swift-meets-early Heinlein, joyfully modernizing space pulp for a new audience." - Kirkus Reviews

"Science fiction meets classic adventure tales in this quirky novel, and it s a real treat to know that it s the first in an intended series." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Spiced with exciting illustrations and plenty of humor . . . Short, action-filled chapters and a satisfying denouement will have readers clamoring for the next installment." - VOYA