The Last Ember was my first book by Lily Dodd. I thoroughly enjoyed Eva and Dusty's story. It was an interesting and unique premise. I will be recommending The Last Ember to my book club.

I thoroughly enjoy The Last Ember” ! The story was engaging, the characters well written and fleshed out, and the pacing perfect! I really cared about Eva, Dusty, and Myrnie and their quest(s)! And I will definitely be on the lookout for the published book when it releases and looking forward to the sequel! So impressive for a first book…young adult that didn’t read too young, without any unnecessary content. T try Hank you for the opportunity to read this advanced copy!

Eva is shopping for a birthday gift from her father and picks a mysterious sphere-like object, only to later discover it is the last egg of a dragon-like creature.

This book was interesting, fun and had a dash of mystery and adventure. I enjoyed the story and character development. I also appreciated the dual storylines, female STEM-focused MC and peppering of science throughout. My five year old was really captivated by the cover, but the story was a bit too complex for him. He enjoyed joining me for some synthesized chapters.

Another enjoyable middle grades dragon fantasy book.

This story features two very different children who end up on a journey together to save the last dragon. It is entertaining, well written, and keeps the audience engaged.

I will be looking forward to the next book in the series!

The Last Ember by Lily Berlin Dodd is a quick middle school fantasy novel that you will adore. It has a smart and sassy female main character, Eva, who accidentally purchases the last aerimander egg. Dusty, a poor orphan who is trying to make his way into the Thieves Union, is tasked with stealing the egg. Thus the adventure begins. The story is fast paced and filled with adventure, magic, and the magic of friendship in unlikely places. It's a wonderful fairytale story.
Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for the advanced copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a free copy of this book!
First off, I just want to say that aside from my personal opinion and rating, I have a lot of respect for this being the author's first book. I can't imagine all the hard work that goes into writing a book and having it published for the first time.
Now for my opinions, haha. I'll admit, I think the beginning was a little slow and confusing for me, and for a while, I wanted to DNF the book (this might be because I typically read YA fantasy). Once I got to the middle (about 60% in), things picked up I wanted to rush to the finish. I really liked the character development that Dusty and Eva went through by the end of the book.
Overall, I think the targeted age range would find this book interesting, and the author did a great job for this being their first book! One of my favorite things in the whole book was the several chapters we had where there seemed to be a narrator giving us inside information.

Last Ember is a fast paced, middle grade fantasy full of magical creatures. I really enjoyed this book and ended up reading it in one sitting, it was that good. It is fast paced with out being so overwhelming and the story just keeps pushing you to know more of what was going to happen. This book is a must read if you love fantasy books. I love how all the characters revolve around the same path. The story centers around Ava and how she accidentally ends up with the last aerimander egg and then things spiral from there as people start taking interest in her

Beautiful cover and very nice writing style, would likely enjoy a YA or adult story by this author, but as a middle school teacher and librarian I don’t think this style will appeal as much to the middle grace crowd, even with the upper MG tag. This is the type of style we see more often now that appeals to professional journals and critics, but may not actually appeal to the intended audience.

An aerimander egg. A runaway orphan. A getaway pony named Gourd. This adventure sneaks up on you with smoke, snark, and a surprising dose of heart.

There are books that shout their magic at you from page one. The Last Ember does something better: it whispers it, hidden behind dusty chemistry texts, secret codes, and one silver secret that could change the Kingdom of Glaucus forever.

Eva isn’t your typical middle-grade heroine. She’s bookish, sharp as flint, and just reckless enough to accidentally blow up her life, literally. She’s been raised on her mother’s very particular brand of wisdom:

“Do not wait around for Lady Fortune, seize her by the hair and wrestle her to the ground!”

And she does wrestle Fortune, or tries to. One unexpected find at Bronsworth’s Department Store flips her careful life upside down, launching her into a world of whispered secrets, stolen treasures, and an egg no one should have.

Then there’s Dusty St. Ichabod. The name alone should tell you he’s trouble in a battered coat. He’s the Thieves’ Union’s newest headache, an orphan who’s lost more than his fair share and isn’t about to lose what he’s owed. His dry humor and loyalty sneak up on you, like when he scoffs at Eva’s moral high ground:

“That is something only a rich person would say.”

That’s the heart of this story, overlooked things that change everything. A hidden burrow, a secret egg, a promise not to look away. And of course, Gourd the pony, who absolutely refuses to gallop when he’s supposed to.

The Thieves’ Union is a brilliant invention, part shady brotherhood, part makeshift family. They’re the perfect morally grey foil for Eva’s science-wired mind and Dusty’s streetwise survival. Their safehouses, secret hand signals, and whispered alliances make Porttown feel gritty but alive.

And when things do go sideways (they do, spectacularly), the story never loses its warmth. Every chase, betrayal, and impossible choice feels rooted in loyalty, and in Eva’s stubborn refusal to let go of what her mother once told her:

“You will start to notice things you had not seen previously, though they were there all along.”

If you want a middle-grade fantasy that treats its young heroes like real people, clever, flawed, and full of heart, The Last Ember is it. It’s sly, warm, and never once talks down to its reader.

If I have one quibble, it’s that the pacing dips a little in the middle, and a few scenes felt more like charming detours than real momentum. I also found myself wishing we’d spent even more time with the Thieves’ Union itself, their tangled rules and rivalries are so good they deserve a spotlight. And maybe it’s just me, but a few side characters blur together now and then. Still, none of that takes away from how big-hearted this story is at its core.

Perfect for fans of Nevermoor, Howl’s Moving Castle, or anyone who knows the best adventures start when you pick up the one thing you were told to leave behind.

Long live the Union. Long live Gourd!!!

Plot: engaging and adventurous! The world created by the author was well done. I could imagine being right there!
Characters: Enjoyable with clear motives. They were relatable.
Would definitely recommend for middle grade fantasy readers who love adventure.

The writing is so engaging! These characters are smart and curious, which makes a good story! This book has adventure, suspense, and wonder. The villain is well written. The interludes helped tie things together and push the story forward. I had so much fun reading this.
It is a little dark so I think it should be YA, not middle grad

“You think you’re smarter than everyone else. And maybe you are, in certain ways. But that doesn’t mean you have to be all alone.”.

This book was stylistically unique. There are moments where the narration reminds me of movies and shows where we “break the fourth wall”. At first, I didn’t know how to feel about this, but as the book went on, I found myself enjoying these moments for the humor and the further insight into the story.

The book has a cozy entry to fantasy vibe to it that I think is perfect for young readers. The dialogue is smart while still fun, and the world building is simple enough for a young reader to easily follow.

Evangeline, or Eva, is a whip smart FMC who thinks on her feet, despite encountering numerous trials and tribulations. I enjoy watching Eva reconcile that most people are not all good or all bad. She allows herself to see the good in others, even when she has many reasons to not like them. She is clever and scientific, and her approach to most things, and I very much enjoyed her character.

Dusty, our MMC, has grown up in the school of hard knocks, knowing that he would likely die before ever getting to truly live free. Dusty feels like the entry level morally grey MMC, but does demonstrate that he does most things for the right reason. I enjoyed the relationships that we saw Dusty have with other characters in the book, and his commitment to protecting others.

I would definitely recommend this book for the young readers in your life, especially if they enjoy fantasy and humor. Some content warnings to be aware of: there are some moments of violence in this book (not graphic), including violence against children. The language is mostly clean, with one instance of the word “damn”.

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.

This book is best suited for readers aged 15 and up due to its mature themes. It touches on topics such as first crushes, LGBTQ+ representation, and the emotional complexities that come with them. The story also doesn't shy away from darker elements there are scenes involving death across different age groups (including that of a child), potential animal cruelty (specifically involving a fictional dragon), and references to being institutionalized in an asylum.

That said, the book handles these themes with intention and care, though readers sensitive to these subjects should be aware of the potential triggers.

Despite the heavier content, it's a compelling and engaging read (once you get into the thick of it). The main characters, along with their best friends, are well-developed and emotionally resonant. Their relationships and personal growth are a strong highlight of the story.

Prose was heavily reminiscent of Charles Dickens; that is, florid and weighty. Believe the intended audience, middle schoolers (even with an advanced reading skill set) may find it challenging to sift through.

Dragon and drama are all the rage but this fell short.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), in exchange for an honest review.

Dusty lives in deplorable conditions in an orphanage and is forced to work for the horrible warden who literally beats them with a stick. Dusty escapes and joins the Theives Union and ends up kidnapping Eva, a rich girl. What happens next is a quick paced fantacy that is perfect for middle school children. There are strong characters and the world building is exciting. Some of the side characters, a very lovable donkey, are some of my favorites. The characters are witty, clever, and relatable. I will probably buy this book for my 12 year old, when it comes out in Nov. It does leave you on a cliffhanger, but don't let that sway you. Read it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Lily Berlin Dodd's The Last Ember is a captivating fantasy adventure that draws readers into a world teetering on the brink of darkness. This novel delivers a rich tapestry of magic, peril, and the enduring power of hope, centered around a crucial quest to reignite a dying light. Dodd skillfully crafts an immersive setting filled with ancient lore, formidable creatures, and a pervasive sense of urgency. The protagonist is compelling, embarking on a perilous journey that tests their courage and resolve at every turn. The magic system feels organic and well-integrated, adding depth to the challenges faced. The narrative unfolds with a steady build-up of tension and excitement, making for a truly engaging read. This book is a fantastic choice for fans of epic fantasy with a focus on world-ending stakes, magical quests, and a strong sense of destiny. It's a story that explores themes of perseverance, sacrifice, and the belief that even the smallest spark can ignite a revolution.

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.