This was an engaging and fun middle grade book! Dusty and Eva made for well-developed main characters and the side/friend characters didn’t detract from the plot.

I’m invested and will be watching for book 2!

So thankful I was able to read this ARC!

We absolutely loved this book! My boys and I read this together a chapter a night. We can’t wait for this to hit the shelves to share wide with all our friends.

If you're into clever kids getting into (and out of) wild situations, dragons that may or may not hatch at exactly the worst time, and stories that keep you turning the page way past bedtime, this one’s a must-read.

Well written prose with dialogue for 30 year old 12 year olds. This should be her first and last book if not a sign she should leave proper society. This is a gender confused racist and sexual book that is intent on grooming minors. The Author is a white straight woman, In the first few pages we have her black token character whose mother tells her to whore herself out at the age of 12! This author is disgusting. Children don't need to learn about this let alone how she should 'explore' other girls. THIS IS PREDATORY and creepy. Only parents who bring their kids to Pride Parades should read this book. It has good writing but the world view is creepy let alone illegal and morally, ethically, scientifically disgusting. I hope this author finds herself in an investigation soon and if she has kids they need to be protected from this creep.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)

I extend my gratitude to NetGalley, Lily Berlin Dodd, and Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

The characters in this narrative are well-developed and distinct, offering a rich tapestry of relatable personalities. Eva Alexander stands out as strong, intelligent, brave, and caring, with resilience and determination that resonate with readers. Her companion, Dusty, is a brave and compassionate fighter, forming a courageous pair with Eva that evokes a range of emotions. The supporting characters are equally compelling, adding depth with their bravery, intelligence, and humor. Each brings something special, enhancing the dynamic and creating authentic camaraderie. The antagonist, Eoin Parnassus, is a mysterious and determined villain, whose cunning and pursuit of power create tension throughout the story. Collectively, these characters form a dynamic ensemble that inspires courage and bravery, making their journeys feel personal and impactful.

The settings and atmosphere change frequently, sometimes causing confusion, but Dodd excels at vividly describing locations, immersing readers in the atmospheres. Each setting is richly detailed, contributing to the mood and tone. The plot is intriguing and mysterious, engaging readers with character and world-building. Interlude chapters provide character backstories, enhancing development and deepening connections. Though they may distract from the main narrative, they offer valuable insights into motivations and histories. The plot twists are unpredictable, keeping readers questioning what will happen next.

Overall, "The Last Ember" is a well-developed first installment that captivates with its exploration of friendships and connections. It leaves readers eager to discover what happens next, posing questions about the encounter with a dragon egg and the lengths to protect it from those seeking power. This blend of adventure, emotion, and moral dilemmas creates a compelling narrative that resonates deeply, ensuring readers ponder the implications long after finishing.

What worked:
The author portrays Dusty as a sympathetic character by describing his life in an orphanage, or more accurately, a workhouse. The boys live in dismal conditions and are forced to work hard for the director/warden, Wakey-Wakey. He rouses the boys from nighttime sleep and looks for reasons to beat them with his dangerous stick. Readers immediately develop empathy for Dusty when he protects a new, young orphan from punishment for wetting his bed. Dusty knows he’ll be inducted into the kingdom’s navy when he’s fourteen, and he’s likely to die in the ongoing war. He joins the Thieves Union out of necessity, which leads to him kidnapping Eva, a rich girl at a private school.
The mystery of the egg carries suspense throughout the plot, as Eva, her roommate, and the Kingdom Director of Secrets, Eoin Parnassus, know the potential, devastating power it holds. The countdown to its hatching is always in the mental background, but readers know it can happen at any moment. Eva is told not to touch the egg, so of course, that’s exactly what happens. Dusty’s simple intent to steal the object becomes complicated when Eva can’t let go of it. Dusty and Eva develop a shaky relationship as they find refuge in the dense forest. Dusty doesn’t understand why Eva fails to alert others when she has the opportunity. Eva can’t understand why Dusty tried to steal the egg without knowing anything about it. The pair must avoid the Kidnappers Union, the Murderers Union, other nefarious Unions, and the Parnassus, because they’re certain that those people only want the egg to harm others. The author creates an air of mystery, as it’s unclear who can be trusted.
Some authors switch settings without any warning, and readers may need a moment to reorient their minds. This book makes it clear when Dusty and Eva won’t be mentioned in chapters by labeling them as Interlude I, Interlude II, etc. This simple strategy lets readers immediately know what to expect. These chapters often describe Parnassus and emphasize his malevolence and joy in causing pain in others. He’s the main antagonist, and his reputation is well-known throughout the kingdom. Some of the interludes involve Dusty’s best friend Cal, who’s one of the few people to return alive from the war. He’s missing one arm, but he’s survived. The interludes let readers know what minor characters are doing, and readers can then see the separate subplots converging into one.
What didn’t work as well:
Some chapters end with a date, like “October the Second”. The dates are written in a larger, bold font, so they seem to have significance. The story doesn’t count down to an important date, so readers may wonder why they’re being reminded with a large, bold font that time is passing.
The final verdict:
The prospect of an aerimander, a dragon, especially one that can destroy armies and cities, will draw readers in, and this book only hints at the possibilities. Eva and Dusty are an unlikely pair of main characters, and the mysterious, secret organizations are intriguing. I’m looking forward to the book’s sequel, and I recommend you try this one for yourself!

What a fun juvenile fantasy! Engaging, clever, and ending on a cliff-hanger - highly recommended and I'm already anticipating the next one!

This book is a must read if you like young fantasy type books. There are several young characters from across the city structure that are kind, clever and have a tendency to find trouble. There is at least one evil character. A betrayal and a dragon!
I loved how all the characters were circling around the same path. Picking up other characters and building the world at the same time. I like that the betrayal doesn't feel too dark for this age. I feel like there is definitely enough that has happened to make me want to read the series as it releases
Thank you to the author for writing such a fun book

This book has all a fantasy reader could ever want! It's fast paced, but character development is on point. It's funny, it's magical, the relationships between characters are written in a very organic way. There's tons of adventure, which I appreciated. This story is a quick read that will let you wondering what's next, as it ends in a cliffhanger!!! I recommend.

The Last Ember is a fast-paced, imaginative middle grade fantasy full of magical creatures, secret societies, unlikely friendships, and one extremely slow (and extremely lovable) getaway pony named Gourd.

As someone who loved The Mysterious Benedict Society as a kid, I really enjoyed this one and definitely saw the similarities—clever kids, high-stakes secret organizations, and a world that feels just a little off-kilter in the best way.

I ended up blowing through this in one sitting. The pacing is brisk without being overwhelming, and the story just kept pulling me along. Twelve-year-old Eva accidentally ends up with what might be the last aerimander egg, and things spiral quickly from there. When the wrong people start taking an interest in her and the egg, Eva finds herself swept up in a fast-moving series of events involving secret organizations, hidden agendas, and one very unexpected ally. What follows is a cross-kingdom adventure full of danger, close calls, and a surprising amount of heart.

Eva and Dusty are both strong, well-drawn characters, and their dynamic is full of tension, humor, and heart. I also loved the clever worldbuilding (especially the Thieves’ Union) and the fun little details that brought the setting to life.

One of my favorite structural choices was the use of interludes between chapters. Early on, they directly address the reader with a witty, self-aware tone that adds a sense of playfulness and perspective. As the story progresses, they shift toward brief glimpses into the lives of side characters, expanding the world and deepening the stakes without slowing the pace. It’s a clever way to build out the larger story and keep the reader grounded in the world beyond Eva and Dusty.

The prose is clear, funny, and just elevated enough to make it feel special. A few moments felt a bit rushed, and I would’ve liked a bit more space between big plot beats, but overall it was a strong and engaging read.

The book ends on a satisfying cliffhanger that raises the stakes and sets up the second installment perfectly—I’ll definitely be picking up book two.