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The Last Ember
Aerimanders are extinct. Or so the government would have you think. Centuries ago, the Kingdom of Glaucus decreed the destruction of these dangerous, dragon-like creatures whose deadly flame could level entire cities and upend world orders.
But when twelve-year-old Eva Alexander, a wealthy chemistry student in the city of Porttown, walks into a fashionable department store and walks out (accidentally) with the world’s last aerimander egg, everything changes. Suddenly, Eva is the target of unwanted attention―including from the Thieves’ Union, a mysterious organization with a rebellious streak and fingers in every pie in Porttown. The Union orders its youngest member, the orphaned dairy delivery boy Dusty St. Ichabod, to steal the egg from Eva. Which is far easier said than done.
When Eva and Dusty meet one autumn night under extraordinary circumstances, an epic game of cat and mouse unfolds across the Kingdom. Initially at odds, the unlikely pair must come together to navigate a maze of sinister crime syndicates, elite boarding schools, and an incredibly slow getaway pony named Gourd―all while fighting to keep the egg out of the hands of power-hungry Eoin Parnassus, Director of Kingdom Secrets. As the duo races against time, their fates and that of the whole world are at stake. Because there’s one question no one dares to ask: What happens when the egg hatches?
But when twelve-year-old Eva Alexander, a wealthy chemistry student in the city of Porttown, walks into a fashionable department store and walks out (accidentally) with the world’s last aerimander egg, everything changes. Suddenly, Eva is the target of unwanted attention―including from the Thieves’ Union, a mysterious organization with a rebellious streak and fingers in every pie in Porttown. The Union orders its youngest member, the orphaned dairy delivery boy Dusty St. Ichabod, to steal the egg from Eva. Which is far easier said than done.
When Eva and Dusty meet one autumn night under extraordinary circumstances, an epic game of cat and mouse unfolds across the Kingdom. Initially at odds, the unlikely pair must come together to navigate a maze of sinister crime syndicates, elite boarding schools, and an incredibly slow getaway pony named Gourd―all while fighting to keep the egg out of the hands of power-hungry Eoin Parnassus, Director of Kingdom Secrets. As the duo races against time, their fates and that of the whole world are at stake. Because there’s one question no one dares to ask: What happens when the egg hatches?
352 pages, Hardcover
First published November 18, 2025
38 people are currently reading
20726 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
October 16, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This unfortunately was not what I was expecting for this book at all. It really reads rather new adult range, but marketed more towards middle grade? I think this will go right over their heads. Also, there are themes throughout the story that don't necessarily need to be thrown into what's marketed as a middle grade book. The plot is very much all over the place and the writing style was just rough. There was good world building, however the character development and plot ultimately fell flat. Give the book a try if it interests you as you may like it, but I feel this needs a lot of work.
This unfortunately was not what I was expecting for this book at all. It really reads rather new adult range, but marketed more towards middle grade? I think this will go right over their heads. Also, there are themes throughout the story that don't necessarily need to be thrown into what's marketed as a middle grade book. The plot is very much all over the place and the writing style was just rough. There was good world building, however the character development and plot ultimately fell flat. Give the book a try if it interests you as you may like it, but I feel this needs a lot of work.
July 8, 2025
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:
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’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:
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!!!
ARC provided by the publisher, Macmillan Children's Publishing, and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
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!!!
ARC provided by the publisher, Macmillan Children's Publishing, and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2025
While reading Lily Berlin Dodd's The Last Ember, my first thought was, "How old are these kids?" Although marketed as upper-middle grade, the content feels firmly rooted in the YA section, making the cute, cartoony cover incredibly misleading.
The book introduces themes that are too dark for its intended audience. The villain, Eoin Parnassus, is portrayed as purely sadistic, demonstrated by his brutal handling of a five-year-old and his delight in Titch's pain. Mentions of a kidnapper’s and murderer’s guild and recreational drug use by minors feel deeply inappropriate for a middle-grade fantasy, especially given how young readers often read up.
Beyond the tonal issues, the story itself was disjointed. The narrative did not flow seamlessly, frequently interrupted by jarring interludes that pulled the reader out of the action without effectively building the world. Ultimately, I was bored; I didn't care enough about the characters or the cliffhanger to pursue the rest of the series in the future. While the writing felt like a 2-star experience, the strong audio narration helped my overall enjoyment, bumping my final rating up to 3 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Macmillan Children's & Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The book introduces themes that are too dark for its intended audience. The villain, Eoin Parnassus, is portrayed as purely sadistic, demonstrated by his brutal handling of a five-year-old and his delight in Titch's pain. Mentions of a kidnapper’s and murderer’s guild and recreational drug use by minors feel deeply inappropriate for a middle-grade fantasy, especially given how young readers often read up.
Beyond the tonal issues, the story itself was disjointed. The narrative did not flow seamlessly, frequently interrupted by jarring interludes that pulled the reader out of the action without effectively building the world. Ultimately, I was bored; I didn't care enough about the characters or the cliffhanger to pursue the rest of the series in the future. While the writing felt like a 2-star experience, the strong audio narration helped my overall enjoyment, bumping my final rating up to 3 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Macmillan Children's & Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 23, 2025
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.
Thank you to the author for writing such a fun book and to Net Gallery for giving me the opportunity to read this story pre-release.
I loved how all the characters were circling around the same path. Picking up other characters and building the world at the same time.
Thank you to the author for writing such a fun book and to Net Gallery for giving me the opportunity to read this story pre-release.
December 31, 2025
The Last Ember is a middle grade fantasy book full of heart and adventure. The story centers around a mysterious possible clump of silvery metal. I adored Eva’s scientific nature and that she used her scientific side to try to determine the origins of the substance. Dusty on the other hand is tasked with stealing it from Eva. Naturally, that goes awry which results in an interesting partnership as they try to discover what the substance is. I appreciated that Dodd created well rounded characters that are interesting while being realistically flawed. The found family created by The Thieves Union was one of the more interesting elements of the story. The pacing of the story was okay, but some parts were slower than I would’ve liked. The narration fit the story well. It captured the adventurous nature and essence of the characters. It also kept my attention focused on the story.
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ALC courtesy of Macmillan Audio
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ALC courtesy of Macmillan Audio
December 12, 2025
A debut fantasy that has wit, charm, and emotional depth. The Last Ember is the story of the unlikely pair of Eva and Dusty. Eva has all the privilege of a well known family name and Dusty has very little to call his own, but his own name. Eva is a woman of science and believes in evidence. Dusty has quick fingers and a sense of right and wrong. Both of their outlooks will be challenged when they come across ,(what could not possibly be), an aerimander egg. Eva believes, no, knows they are extinct and to Dusty they are just a myth.
A well written, plotted and paced fantasy novel, great for reading together. Asides and interludes keep the story fresh and the reader engaged.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
A well written, plotted and paced fantasy novel, great for reading together. Asides and interludes keep the story fresh and the reader engaged.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
November 7, 2025
⭐️ 4.25/5. The Last Ember: The Aerimander Chronicles book 1 is a great fantasy for middle grade readers. The protagonist’s are 12 year old Eva and 13 year old Dusty who live in the same city, Porttown, but come from very different worlds.
When Eva gets a voucher from her nobility-parents to buy anything at a fancy department store, she chooses what appears to be a lump of silver-ish metal. Ever the chemist, Eva takes it back to her boarding school and starts experimenting with it. Only to find out it is much different than anything she thought it might be. And suddenly, she has government officials after her trying to take back the orb as official government property.
Then enters Dusty, an orphan from the boys workhouse on the other side of town, who has joined the Thieves Guild and who’s first big assignment is to break into Eva’s room and steal the silver orb. His plan is to steal it away in the night, but Eva wakes up during his attempted robbery, and suddenly theft turns to a sort of partnership/kidnapping as they’re running through the city trying to avoid government officials and find someone who knows that this orb really is.
With themes of:
Girls in science
Thieves guild
Dragon-like creatures
Adventures
On the run from the corrupt law
City rebellion
This is a perfect fantasy adventure for middle grade readers. Thank you so much MacMillan Audio for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
When Eva gets a voucher from her nobility-parents to buy anything at a fancy department store, she chooses what appears to be a lump of silver-ish metal. Ever the chemist, Eva takes it back to her boarding school and starts experimenting with it. Only to find out it is much different than anything she thought it might be. And suddenly, she has government officials after her trying to take back the orb as official government property.
Then enters Dusty, an orphan from the boys workhouse on the other side of town, who has joined the Thieves Guild and who’s first big assignment is to break into Eva’s room and steal the silver orb. His plan is to steal it away in the night, but Eva wakes up during his attempted robbery, and suddenly theft turns to a sort of partnership/kidnapping as they’re running through the city trying to avoid government officials and find someone who knows that this orb really is.
With themes of:
Girls in science
Thieves guild
Dragon-like creatures
Adventures
On the run from the corrupt law
City rebellion
This is a perfect fantasy adventure for middle grade readers. Thank you so much MacMillan Audio for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review!
December 19, 2025
There are several things that make this NOT a middle grade book. Just because your characters are children does not make this a book for children. I was previewing this for a middle grade reader and quickly decided it wasn’t for them. Perhaps older middle grade readers might be okay with this, but really this reads like YA or older. The thing that made me DNF though is the casual mention of murder and mode of murder of an 8 year old cabin boy. There is also mention of sexual preferences, beatings, thievery, ptsd and missing limbs in a child returned from the war. All in just 86 pages.
November 1, 2025
Genre: Upper Middle Grade Fantasy
Fast paced magical adventure about a girl who finds an egg with a magical creature inside and a group of thieves who try and steal jt.
If you like Impossible Creatures, Nevermoor, & The Mysterious Benedict Society you will enjoy this one.
Fast paced magical adventure about a girl who finds an egg with a magical creature inside and a group of thieves who try and steal jt.
If you like Impossible Creatures, Nevermoor, & The Mysterious Benedict Society you will enjoy this one.
January 4, 2026
A great MG fantasy adventure novel about secrets and good vs. evil. Fans of dragons and Harry Potter will enjoy this new series.
November 17, 2025
This was a fun one! I enjoyed the sort of turn of the century (maybe) era this took place in and the rich girl and poor thief storyline. The Aerimander egg storyline is the BEST and I genuinely can’t wait for book two to come out next fall! I hope we get far more Aerimander powers revealed!
Pacing was a little strange at times, everyone seemed to be going through the Inn for a seemingly long part of the story, but perhaps only hours passed?
I very much enjoyed the mapping out of the story and though I read the audiobook, I have glimpsed a hardcover version and WOW it really takes it to the next level with the visual map.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
3.5/5 star
Pub. Date: November 18, 2025
Pacing was a little strange at times, everyone seemed to be going through the Inn for a seemingly long part of the story, but perhaps only hours passed?
I very much enjoyed the mapping out of the story and though I read the audiobook, I have glimpsed a hardcover version and WOW it really takes it to the next level with the visual map.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
3.5/5 star
Pub. Date: November 18, 2025
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2025
Fantasy is my favorite genre and although it seems to be losing out to action/survival, scary and all things graphic novel recently, I think a previously unknown fantastical creature plus the blending of two main characters coming together from two completely different socio-economic levels and one female and one male will be appealing to those who are faithful fantasy fans.
Dusty is an orphan living in a workhouse for boys. Underfed, denied clothing appropriate to the weather and provided with little in the area of opportunity or even basic hygiene, he has found a niche in the Thieves Union and using that affiliation has been able to better the lives of his fellow orphans a little bit. A directive from the queen of Thieves sends him to an exclusive girls’ STEM academy to steal an object from one of the privileged students even though he has no clue what it is. Eva is that upper crust student who has acquired a silvery orb thing that may be a new element or possibly a previously thought to be extinct aerimander, a salamander-lizard kind of creature that shoots such destructive flame that a previous king ordered all existing ones to be destroyed. What follows is a botched theft, now turned kidnapping with Dusty and Eva racing into the scary forest, each with their own goal. They are followed by Cal, Dusty’s fellow thief and closest friend, an evil member of the King’s court and Director of Kingdom Secrets and Eva’s roommate and best friend Myrnie. The obstacles in the way, new clues about the orb and several interesting supporting characters abound and the conclusion leaves almost every thread of the plot still untied.
While I appreciated much about Dodd’s new fantasy series, I have three possible sticking points: First and foremost, Eoin Parnassus, the Director of Kingdom Secrets is beyond evil. The author states that he is sadistic but unfortunately, she also demonstrates it with his brutal handling of a 5 year old orphan and his delight in young Titch’s pain. She continues to over prove his pleasure in causing pain and utter disregard for human life. Her handling of this character seems more appropriate for YA readers of horror and not middle grade fantasy. Point two concerns the authors handling profanity. On the fun and creative side, she uses the word “plod” in the context some would say “shit,” as in bullplod and assorted other expressions. She also has characters exclaim such things as “Holy Jerpis,” “What in the Jerpis,” and “For Jerpis’ Sake.” Great idea to avoid the profanity that most do not want to have in their middle grade books but then she has two characters use the word damn or damned. Why? My last concern about the success of this book has to do with complete unresolved nature of almost every aspect of the developing plot. I, for one, am unlikely to seek out book 2 because it took 350 pages for romp through the forest and the egg/orb to hatch but only a handful of pages after that gave any real information about the aerimander or what Dusty or Eva will be doing now. I am still a bit unsure of the title, too. Flame is a part of the creature but there was nothing significant about embers. It’s an aeriMANDER.
With the sadistic Director and two bits of profanity, I would suggest this for no younger than 6th grade.
Thanks for sharing an eARC with me, Edelweiss.
Dusty is an orphan living in a workhouse for boys. Underfed, denied clothing appropriate to the weather and provided with little in the area of opportunity or even basic hygiene, he has found a niche in the Thieves Union and using that affiliation has been able to better the lives of his fellow orphans a little bit. A directive from the queen of Thieves sends him to an exclusive girls’ STEM academy to steal an object from one of the privileged students even though he has no clue what it is. Eva is that upper crust student who has acquired a silvery orb thing that may be a new element or possibly a previously thought to be extinct aerimander, a salamander-lizard kind of creature that shoots such destructive flame that a previous king ordered all existing ones to be destroyed. What follows is a botched theft, now turned kidnapping with Dusty and Eva racing into the scary forest, each with their own goal. They are followed by Cal, Dusty’s fellow thief and closest friend, an evil member of the King’s court and Director of Kingdom Secrets and Eva’s roommate and best friend Myrnie. The obstacles in the way, new clues about the orb and several interesting supporting characters abound and the conclusion leaves almost every thread of the plot still untied.
While I appreciated much about Dodd’s new fantasy series, I have three possible sticking points: First and foremost, Eoin Parnassus, the Director of Kingdom Secrets is beyond evil. The author states that he is sadistic but unfortunately, she also demonstrates it with his brutal handling of a 5 year old orphan and his delight in young Titch’s pain. She continues to over prove his pleasure in causing pain and utter disregard for human life. Her handling of this character seems more appropriate for YA readers of horror and not middle grade fantasy. Point two concerns the authors handling profanity. On the fun and creative side, she uses the word “plod” in the context some would say “shit,” as in bullplod and assorted other expressions. She also has characters exclaim such things as “Holy Jerpis,” “What in the Jerpis,” and “For Jerpis’ Sake.” Great idea to avoid the profanity that most do not want to have in their middle grade books but then she has two characters use the word damn or damned. Why? My last concern about the success of this book has to do with complete unresolved nature of almost every aspect of the developing plot. I, for one, am unlikely to seek out book 2 because it took 350 pages for romp through the forest and the egg/orb to hatch but only a handful of pages after that gave any real information about the aerimander or what Dusty or Eva will be doing now. I am still a bit unsure of the title, too. Flame is a part of the creature but there was nothing significant about embers. It’s an aeriMANDER.
With the sadistic Director and two bits of profanity, I would suggest this for no younger than 6th grade.
Thanks for sharing an eARC with me, Edelweiss.
May 23, 2025
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!
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!
August 17, 2025
Do not wait around for Lady Fortune— seize her by the hair and wrestle her to the ground!
We have two main protagonists. Eva and Dusty. Eva is a rich girl with huge ambitions. She's a chemistry student. Dusty is an orphan and recently joined the Thieves’ Union (although he's been helping his buddy on jobs and whatnot before this). His first big task in the Union is to steal something from Eva. Something a lot of dangerous and powerful people want. Eva isn't going down without a fight, though.
Anyway, this book is pretty good??? In many ways, it's your typical fantasy novel, but the writing style elevates it and makes it feel just different enough that it's gonna stick with me. The characters are definitely archetypes, which I pretty much expected. But that wasn't an issue for me, even if there were times I wanted it to go a little deeper.
And though Dusty had no real god, he prayed. He prayed to everything. Please, piece of driftwood, let Cal live. Please, lighthouse, bring Cal home . Please, single red mitten; please, moss-on-bricks; please, pewter cup and glass jar and matchbox, keep Cal safe.
I came for popcorn and chill vibes. I did not expect to tear up. I wish we'd gotten more time with Dusty and Cal together. Their dynamic was a huge highlight of the book for me.
“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.”
Eva tends to act like she's the smartest person in the room. At the very least, it's how she can be perceived by others even if she doesn't think she's superior. It's an interesting flaw because she doesn't always seem to be aware of it. Her best friend has to encourage her to open her mind to other perspectives and ideas. I'll be interested to see how this continues to impact her friendship with Dusty, as there seems to be some movement here. She's even been known to put aside her ego and (sometimes) admit when she's wrong!
Overall, I really liked this book. The end though!!! Hurt my feelings. Like a lot. Like I went from excitedly wanting to read the second book to… I sorta don't want to, now? The author made a choice that was definitely partly foreshadowed. I saw it coming. I get why it happened. But at least for now it's killed my desire to read further. Maybe I'll change my mind when the next book comes out, though.
Final thoughts: 1) Gourd is best boy and 2) I don't understand why people were screaming about this having queer characters???? We get a throwaway comment by a FRIEND of Eva's that implies that maybe Eva would like girls but it's very immediately obvious that Eva has no interest in crushes at all. I do feel more strongly that Dusty is some flavor of queer but it hasn't been confirmed by him from what I remember. It's just certain dialogue and actions that made me (happily) squint.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
December 18, 2025
The Last Ember is a vibrant and imaginative upper middle grade fantasy that blends high-stakes adventure with sharp humor and heartfelt character development. Lily Dodd crafts a world that feels both classic and refreshingly original, evoking the sense of wonder found in beloved stories like Impossible Creatures and The Mysterious Benedict Society while confidently standing on its own.
At the heart of the story is Eva Alexander, a twelve-year-old chemistry prodigy whose orderly, privileged life is turned upside down when she unknowingly leaves a department store with the last known aerimander egg. The aerimanders ragon-like creatures thought to be long extinct are central to the Kingdom of Glaucus’s history, feared for their destructive fire and erased through official decree. This intriguing premise immediately raises questions about power, truth, and who gets to decide what is “too dangerous” to exist.
Eva’s unlikely partnership with Dusty St. Ichabod, an orphaned dairy delivery boy entangled with the Thieves’ Union, adds depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. Their dynamic is one of the book’s greatest strengths: Eva’s analytical, privileged perspective contrasts beautifully with Dusty’s streetwise resilience. Watching their mistrust evolve into genuine friendship feels earned and deeply satisfying, particularly as they face escalating danger together.
Dodd excels at pacing, delivering a fast-moving plot filled with clever escapes, eccentric side characters, and memorable settings from elite boarding schools to shadowy crime networks. The inclusion of an absurdly slow pony named Gourd provides moments of levity that balance the darker undertones of political corruption and exploitation, embodied by the chilling antagonist Eoin Parnassus.
Beyond its adventure, The Last Ember explores meaningful themes of responsibility, courage, and moral choice, asking young readers to consider what it truly means to protect something powerful. The final question what happens when the egg hatches? lingers long after the last page, making the wait for Book 2 in Fall 2026 feel tantalizing.
Overall, The Last Ember is an engaging, smartly written fantasy debut that will delight young readers and adults alike. It promises an exciting series ahead, fueled by imagination, heart, and just the right spark of danger.
At the heart of the story is Eva Alexander, a twelve-year-old chemistry prodigy whose orderly, privileged life is turned upside down when she unknowingly leaves a department store with the last known aerimander egg. The aerimanders ragon-like creatures thought to be long extinct are central to the Kingdom of Glaucus’s history, feared for their destructive fire and erased through official decree. This intriguing premise immediately raises questions about power, truth, and who gets to decide what is “too dangerous” to exist.
Eva’s unlikely partnership with Dusty St. Ichabod, an orphaned dairy delivery boy entangled with the Thieves’ Union, adds depth and emotional resonance to the narrative. Their dynamic is one of the book’s greatest strengths: Eva’s analytical, privileged perspective contrasts beautifully with Dusty’s streetwise resilience. Watching their mistrust evolve into genuine friendship feels earned and deeply satisfying, particularly as they face escalating danger together.
Dodd excels at pacing, delivering a fast-moving plot filled with clever escapes, eccentric side characters, and memorable settings from elite boarding schools to shadowy crime networks. The inclusion of an absurdly slow pony named Gourd provides moments of levity that balance the darker undertones of political corruption and exploitation, embodied by the chilling antagonist Eoin Parnassus.
Beyond its adventure, The Last Ember explores meaningful themes of responsibility, courage, and moral choice, asking young readers to consider what it truly means to protect something powerful. The final question what happens when the egg hatches? lingers long after the last page, making the wait for Book 2 in Fall 2026 feel tantalizing.
Overall, The Last Ember is an engaging, smartly written fantasy debut that will delight young readers and adults alike. It promises an exciting series ahead, fueled by imagination, heart, and just the right spark of danger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
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.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
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.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
May 28, 2025
Rating: 3.5 Stars
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.
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.
July 3, 2025
“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.”
Prefacing my review with two notes:
First, I read this as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Second, this is book is intended for middle grade readers not adults. I applied for the opportunity to read it because I liked the summary and wanted to see if this was a book I would purchase for my preteen nephew.
My review of this book takes both points into account.
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”.
Prefacing my review with two notes:
First, I read this as an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Second, this is book is intended for middle grade readers not adults. I applied for the opportunity to read it because I liked the summary and wanted to see if this was a book I would purchase for my preteen nephew.
My review of this book takes both points into account.
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”.
November 6, 2025
Thank you LB Dodd (author) and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for making this book available via NetGalley. I read an advance digital ARC; the final published version may differ slightly. They did not influence the following review.
Last Ember started as a solid three-star read for me but earned its fourth star by the end. The characters were engaging and distinctive, though the main villain felt two-dimensional compared to the rest of the cast.
The pacing could have been smoother—particularly in the first half, where frequent jumps between perspectives made the story feel fragmented despite the number of events unfolding. This narrative style created a strange sense of momentum without much flow.
Tonally, the book shifts dramatically. The opening chapters have a quirky, self-aware tone reminiscent of A Series of Unfortunate Events, complete with precocious children studying complex subjects and a narrator who breaks the fourth wall to add humor and context. But as the story progresses, the tone darkens considerably. Themes of physical abuse, attempted murder, and warfare—including disfigurement and death—replace the early playfulness, and the meta-narration disappears entirely.
It’s as if the author set out to merge Lemony Snicket’s sardonic humor with the moral gravity of Oliver Twist and Les Misérables—but the tonal shifts between whimsy and brutality sometimes clash instead of complementing each other. Along with the complexity of the language and the darker subject matter, this make the story feel more suited to readers older than the middle grade target.
Despite these inconsistencies, I found the ending satisfying and emotionally resonant. The characters grew on me, and the final chapters tied the plot together with more purpose and engagement than I expected. It’s an uneven book, but a memorable one. The story ends on a cliffhanger, clearly setting up the next installment.
Content Warnings: Physical abuse of children and young adults, attempted murder (strangulation), murder (stabbing), threats of torture and imprisonment, and wartime violence including disfigurement and death.
Last Ember started as a solid three-star read for me but earned its fourth star by the end. The characters were engaging and distinctive, though the main villain felt two-dimensional compared to the rest of the cast.
The pacing could have been smoother—particularly in the first half, where frequent jumps between perspectives made the story feel fragmented despite the number of events unfolding. This narrative style created a strange sense of momentum without much flow.
Tonally, the book shifts dramatically. The opening chapters have a quirky, self-aware tone reminiscent of A Series of Unfortunate Events, complete with precocious children studying complex subjects and a narrator who breaks the fourth wall to add humor and context. But as the story progresses, the tone darkens considerably. Themes of physical abuse, attempted murder, and warfare—including disfigurement and death—replace the early playfulness, and the meta-narration disappears entirely.
It’s as if the author set out to merge Lemony Snicket’s sardonic humor with the moral gravity of Oliver Twist and Les Misérables—but the tonal shifts between whimsy and brutality sometimes clash instead of complementing each other. Along with the complexity of the language and the darker subject matter, this make the story feel more suited to readers older than the middle grade target.
Despite these inconsistencies, I found the ending satisfying and emotionally resonant. The characters grew on me, and the final chapters tied the plot together with more purpose and engagement than I expected. It’s an uneven book, but a memorable one. The story ends on a cliffhanger, clearly setting up the next installment.
Content Warnings: Physical abuse of children and young adults, attempted murder (strangulation), murder (stabbing), threats of torture and imprisonment, and wartime violence including disfigurement and death.
October 28, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for this ARC.
Nothing is more satisfying than picking up a book that can whisk you away to a whole new world and leave you wanting more. That's what The Last Ember by Lily Berlin Dodd entails: an adventure that is full of whimsy and cheek that'll keep you turning the next page until you're disappointed to have reached the end.
The description of The Last Ember did not prepare me for how much I was going to love this world. Although some may argue this is a bit on the higher end of middle grade, I feel the enchanting prose matches that of some authors of my childhood that I absolutely adored. It feels reminiscent of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events but with a much more hopeful tone.
We begin the story learning about our two main characters who were bound to meet. Dodd takes meticulous care laying down the foundations of their personalities, desires, as well as driving factors in the story. The narrator's charm makes the characters leap off the page, including our nefarious villain. Even when the reader is inside a character's brain for mere seconds, you leave the chapter feeling like you met a new person in their entirety and that you were well informed about the facets of their persona.
I loved the matter of factness of the narrator as it juxtaposed the character's inner minds. Reading their anxiety and uncertainty made them more three dimensional and in turn, I became really attached to them. At the end I was gasping at the events that were unfolding, hoping for the best possible outcome though I kind of guessed what it would be.
No words can describe the magical feel The Last Ember exudes. I feel this is a book you just have to experience to understand the intrinsic whimsical nature. For a debut author, Dodd really outdid themselves and I can only hope that the next book in the series meets my expectations.
Nothing is more satisfying than picking up a book that can whisk you away to a whole new world and leave you wanting more. That's what The Last Ember by Lily Berlin Dodd entails: an adventure that is full of whimsy and cheek that'll keep you turning the next page until you're disappointed to have reached the end.
The description of The Last Ember did not prepare me for how much I was going to love this world. Although some may argue this is a bit on the higher end of middle grade, I feel the enchanting prose matches that of some authors of my childhood that I absolutely adored. It feels reminiscent of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events but with a much more hopeful tone.
We begin the story learning about our two main characters who were bound to meet. Dodd takes meticulous care laying down the foundations of their personalities, desires, as well as driving factors in the story. The narrator's charm makes the characters leap off the page, including our nefarious villain. Even when the reader is inside a character's brain for mere seconds, you leave the chapter feeling like you met a new person in their entirety and that you were well informed about the facets of their persona.
I loved the matter of factness of the narrator as it juxtaposed the character's inner minds. Reading their anxiety and uncertainty made them more three dimensional and in turn, I became really attached to them. At the end I was gasping at the events that were unfolding, hoping for the best possible outcome though I kind of guessed what it would be.
No words can describe the magical feel The Last Ember exudes. I feel this is a book you just have to experience to understand the intrinsic whimsical nature. For a debut author, Dodd really outdid themselves and I can only hope that the next book in the series meets my expectations.
September 14, 2025
The Last Ember
Lily Dodd
Many years ago, the Kingdom of Glaucus dictated the eradication of the Aerimanders. They were similar to dragons; their flame was so hot, intense and reached so far they could burn everything in their path.
Eva Alexander was a chemistry student in Porttown. The twelve-year-old went shopping and accidentally walked out with the world’s last aerimander egg. The Thieves’ Union wanted the egg and were determined to steal it. Dusty St. Ichabod, their youngest member, (an orphaned dairy delivery boy) was ordered to steal the egg. One fall evening Dusty and Eva meet. Dusty was determined to steal the egg, and Eva was just as determined he would not. Eventually they realize they must work together to circumnavigate a network of ominous corrupt organizations, exclusive boarding schools, and an extremely slow pony called Gourd. The duo must keep the egg away from Eoin Parnassus, the Director of Kingdom Secrets. Their lives were at stake and so was the whole world for no one knew what would happen when the egg hatched.
This is a delightful fantasy read. There is one evil character in this book, and several characters are caring and shrewd, but they always manage to find mischief. The Last Ember was written for 11–13-year-olds, I’m a long way from a middle schooler but I enjoyed this tale immensely. Eva is an intriguing female lead. She is not someone you would think of as a hero but that is exactly who she is. She is intelligent, a bit irresponsible at times. She had a high standard morally. Dusty is a very interesting male lead. He’s an orphan living in a workhouse; he has street smarts. He and the other boys are forced to live in dreary conditions and are forced to work hard for the director. They are beat for little to no reason.
This book ends with a cliffhanger. You will have to wait for book 2 to find out what happens next.
Lily Dodd
Many years ago, the Kingdom of Glaucus dictated the eradication of the Aerimanders. They were similar to dragons; their flame was so hot, intense and reached so far they could burn everything in their path.
Eva Alexander was a chemistry student in Porttown. The twelve-year-old went shopping and accidentally walked out with the world’s last aerimander egg. The Thieves’ Union wanted the egg and were determined to steal it. Dusty St. Ichabod, their youngest member, (an orphaned dairy delivery boy) was ordered to steal the egg. One fall evening Dusty and Eva meet. Dusty was determined to steal the egg, and Eva was just as determined he would not. Eventually they realize they must work together to circumnavigate a network of ominous corrupt organizations, exclusive boarding schools, and an extremely slow pony called Gourd. The duo must keep the egg away from Eoin Parnassus, the Director of Kingdom Secrets. Their lives were at stake and so was the whole world for no one knew what would happen when the egg hatched.
This is a delightful fantasy read. There is one evil character in this book, and several characters are caring and shrewd, but they always manage to find mischief. The Last Ember was written for 11–13-year-olds, I’m a long way from a middle schooler but I enjoyed this tale immensely. Eva is an intriguing female lead. She is not someone you would think of as a hero but that is exactly who she is. She is intelligent, a bit irresponsible at times. She had a high standard morally. Dusty is a very interesting male lead. He’s an orphan living in a workhouse; he has street smarts. He and the other boys are forced to live in dreary conditions and are forced to work hard for the director. They are beat for little to no reason.
This book ends with a cliffhanger. You will have to wait for book 2 to find out what happens next.
November 12, 2025
Eva Alexander received a wonderful birthday present. Or rather, she picked out her own wonderful birthday present. But what was it? In Lily Berlin Dodd’s debut novel, “The Last Ember”, we follow Eva and her friend, Myrnie, as they discover what Eva’s gift is and protect it from those who want to misuse it. Their adventure crosses paths of street urchins, Dusty and Cal, as well as adults such as Director Eoin Parnassus of the Department of Kingdom Secrets and Dr. Benedicta Frogg, author of “The Comprehensive Guide to ‘So-Called’ Cryptoecology”. While protecting Eva’s gift, they travel through the forest and survive various attacks. They are captured, betrayed and punished. And…….. This book ends with a cliffhanger.
Lily Dodd had a fantastic imagination when she created the world of “The Last Ember”. I enjoyed this middle school oriented Sci-Fi adventure. The use of the “Interludes” felt very choppy to me and interrupted the flow of the story line. I think that the information in them could have been incorporated into the various chapters for better clarity. I understand the need of cliffhangers, but this one was very abrupt. On the other hand it does give one hope and the desire to read the next book in this three part series. Middle school readers who like science fiction and fantasy will enjoy this book.
I wish to thank Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for providing me with the eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#TheLastEmber
#MacmillanChildren’sPublishingGroup
#NetGalley
#Sci-FiFantasy
#TheAerimanderChronicles
Lily Dodd had a fantastic imagination when she created the world of “The Last Ember”. I enjoyed this middle school oriented Sci-Fi adventure. The use of the “Interludes” felt very choppy to me and interrupted the flow of the story line. I think that the information in them could have been incorporated into the various chapters for better clarity. I understand the need of cliffhangers, but this one was very abrupt. On the other hand it does give one hope and the desire to read the next book in this three part series. Middle school readers who like science fiction and fantasy will enjoy this book.
I wish to thank Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for providing me with the eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#TheLastEmber
#MacmillanChildren’sPublishingGroup
#NetGalley
#Sci-FiFantasy
#TheAerimanderChronicles
September 18, 2025
3.5
First of all, it is incredibly refreshing to read a light fantasy novel where romance is not a factor.
For the first 200 pages, I had settled on about 3 stars but as I got into the last 150 pages, everything suddenly got so much more interesting. I will admit that I saw every single plot twist coming but that didn't take away from my enjoyment. The number one important thing to me when reading a book: IS IT WELL WRITTEN? Lily Berlin Dodd definitely had a few hiccup moments, however, I was suitably impressed for her first novel. I wasn't a massive fan of her 'interludes' (especially the first few) because they seemed like a bit of a cheat code for world building, but I can understand why that would be super helpful for a 9-13 age group with a low attention span. That being said, I am very glad that the rest of the interludes were not from that external perspective since I found that it really limited the narrative.
The dystopic politics of Dodd's world came to fruition only in the last 100 pages, which was really disappointing because it was exactly what the rest of the book was missing and was BY FAR my favourite part. We finally got to see that the world isn't really what it is, that someone has warped history to increase political gain.
This entire book almost felt like a prequel, like everything was world building in preparation for the real story. For that reason, I will definitely read the second book (if we get another arc).
First of all, it is incredibly refreshing to read a light fantasy novel where romance is not a factor.
For the first 200 pages, I had settled on about 3 stars but as I got into the last 150 pages, everything suddenly got so much more interesting. I will admit that I saw every single plot twist coming but that didn't take away from my enjoyment. The number one important thing to me when reading a book: IS IT WELL WRITTEN? Lily Berlin Dodd definitely had a few hiccup moments, however, I was suitably impressed for her first novel. I wasn't a massive fan of her 'interludes' (especially the first few) because they seemed like a bit of a cheat code for world building, but I can understand why that would be super helpful for a 9-13 age group with a low attention span. That being said, I am very glad that the rest of the interludes were not from that external perspective since I found that it really limited the narrative.
The dystopic politics of Dodd's world came to fruition only in the last 100 pages, which was really disappointing because it was exactly what the rest of the book was missing and was BY FAR my favourite part. We finally got to see that the world isn't really what it is, that someone has warped history to increase political gain.
This entire book almost felt like a prequel, like everything was world building in preparation for the real story. For that reason, I will definitely read the second book (if we get another arc).
November 18, 2025
First and foremost, I loved this book and can't wait to read it with my kids.
The Last Ember, the first book in The Aerimander Chronicles by Lily Berlin Dodd, is a engaging high-fantasy Middle Years novel that interweaves classic adventure tropes with modern twists.
The story centers on Dusty St. Icabob, a destitute orphan, and Eva, a wealthy heiress/brilliant chemistry student. Their differences—Dusty's street smarts, kindness & strong moral compass paired with Eva's highly logical and audacious mind—create a compelling team.
The novel delivers first-class world-building with varied settings. It uses classic elements—such as the orphan protagonist, a friendship across class lines, and an evil authoritarian monarchy—but subverts them with crypto-ecology (the science of mythical beasts & plants) and unique institutions. These include various "crime unions," like a Thieves Union and Kidnapper’s Union, alongside elite science-based boarding schools for girls. I appreciated how the book utilized these traditional tropes while making space for contemporary representation, notably including racially ambiguous and queer characters.
With an engaging story, unique world, and dry humor perfectly delivered by narrator Sid Sagar, The Last Ember is a fantastic blend of old and new. I am looking forward to reading it with my own children. I highly recommend this book and give it 4/5 stars.
The Last Ember, the first book in The Aerimander Chronicles by Lily Berlin Dodd, is a engaging high-fantasy Middle Years novel that interweaves classic adventure tropes with modern twists.
The story centers on Dusty St. Icabob, a destitute orphan, and Eva, a wealthy heiress/brilliant chemistry student. Their differences—Dusty's street smarts, kindness & strong moral compass paired with Eva's highly logical and audacious mind—create a compelling team.
The novel delivers first-class world-building with varied settings. It uses classic elements—such as the orphan protagonist, a friendship across class lines, and an evil authoritarian monarchy—but subverts them with crypto-ecology (the science of mythical beasts & plants) and unique institutions. These include various "crime unions," like a Thieves Union and Kidnapper’s Union, alongside elite science-based boarding schools for girls. I appreciated how the book utilized these traditional tropes while making space for contemporary representation, notably including racially ambiguous and queer characters.
With an engaging story, unique world, and dry humor perfectly delivered by narrator Sid Sagar, The Last Ember is a fantastic blend of old and new. I am looking forward to reading it with my own children. I highly recommend this book and give it 4/5 stars.
December 23, 2025
Started listening and felt like it was a similar story to something I've read before, wasn't sure if I was going to finish it. Decided to give it a little bit longer, and finished the book!
This was definitely a set up for a series, but I'm really going to enjoy waiting for the next one! It pulled me in unexpectedly, and I really loved it.
Last year there was a lot of hype for Impossible Creatures, but I felt like this did a better job of setting up a series that's really going to take off. The characters here are a bit more relatable. There's also quite a trend of stories taking place over just a few days. Both Impossible Creatures, Amari and the Night Brothers books 2 & 3, and this story take place over a very short amount of time. Anywhere from 3 days to two weeks. I keep thinking about how so many want to be the next Harry Potter. I think if they want to do that they need to extend the story. Make it take place over the course of at least six months. There's so much more planning that the author has to do for that, but the story is so much deeper then. The reader is able to really get invested in the character and their life instead of a quick window. Just my observation.
I don't know if I like the new trend or not. It makes me speed through the story because it's so fast paced, and maybe that's a good thing. I listened to the 7th HP in two days. But I remember getting much more emotionally invested in the characters than I do now. Maybe that's just middle grade.
This was definitely a set up for a series, but I'm really going to enjoy waiting for the next one! It pulled me in unexpectedly, and I really loved it.
Last year there was a lot of hype for Impossible Creatures, but I felt like this did a better job of setting up a series that's really going to take off. The characters here are a bit more relatable. There's also quite a trend of stories taking place over just a few days. Both Impossible Creatures, Amari and the Night Brothers books 2 & 3, and this story take place over a very short amount of time. Anywhere from 3 days to two weeks. I keep thinking about how so many want to be the next Harry Potter. I think if they want to do that they need to extend the story. Make it take place over the course of at least six months. There's so much more planning that the author has to do for that, but the story is so much deeper then. The reader is able to really get invested in the character and their life instead of a quick window. Just my observation.
I don't know if I like the new trend or not. It makes me speed through the story because it's so fast paced, and maybe that's a good thing. I listened to the 7th HP in two days. But I remember getting much more emotionally invested in the characters than I do now. Maybe that's just middle grade.
January 5, 2026
The Last Ember is a beautifully atmospheric story that pulls you in with its sense of longing, danger, and quiet intensity. Lily Berlin Dodd creates a world that feels fragile and burning at the edges, where hope survives in small sparks rather than grand gestures.
At its heart, this novel is about survival—of love, identity, and belief—set against a backdrop that feels both magical and emotionally grounded. The characters are driven by loss and determination, and their choices carry real weight. Rather than rushing the story, Dodd lets the tension build slowly, allowing relationships and stakes to deepen naturally.
One of the book’s strengths is its mood. There’s a constant sense of something slipping away, balanced by moments of warmth and connection that feel earned. The writing leans lyrical without becoming heavy, making it easy to get lost in the world while still feeling closely tied to the characters’ emotions.
If there’s a quiet power to The Last Ember, it’s in how it explores resilience—how even when everything seems to be fading, one small ember can still change everything. Fans of character-driven fantasy with emotional depth will likely find this story especially satisfying.
Overall, The Last Ember is a thoughtful, immersive read that lingers after the final page—a story about holding on, even when the fire is almost gone.
At its heart, this novel is about survival—of love, identity, and belief—set against a backdrop that feels both magical and emotionally grounded. The characters are driven by loss and determination, and their choices carry real weight. Rather than rushing the story, Dodd lets the tension build slowly, allowing relationships and stakes to deepen naturally.
One of the book’s strengths is its mood. There’s a constant sense of something slipping away, balanced by moments of warmth and connection that feel earned. The writing leans lyrical without becoming heavy, making it easy to get lost in the world while still feeling closely tied to the characters’ emotions.
If there’s a quiet power to The Last Ember, it’s in how it explores resilience—how even when everything seems to be fading, one small ember can still change everything. Fans of character-driven fantasy with emotional depth will likely find this story especially satisfying.
Overall, The Last Ember is a thoughtful, immersive read that lingers after the final page—a story about holding on, even when the fire is almost gone.
August 6, 2025
Inventive worldbuilding and quirky charm, but a bit uneven in pacing
The Last Ember has all the ingredients for a fun, fast-paced middle grade fantasy: a fiery dragon-like egg, a high-stakes chase, secret organizations, and an unlikely friendship between two very different kids. I was especially drawn in by the whimsical world of Porttown, the political intrigue of the Thieves’ Union, and the humor (Gourd the getaway pony is a true scene-stealer).
That said, while the concept is clever and the characters have potential, the pacing felt uneven. Some plot points moved too quickly to land emotionally, while other sections dragged just a bit. At times, the tone veered between silly and serious in a way that felt disjointed rather than balanced. I also found myself wishing for deeper character development, especially for Eva and Dusty, whose emotional arcs felt somewhat rushed.
Still, I can see this book appealing to readers who enjoy clever worldbuilding, a touch of chaos, and an adventurous tone reminiscent of The Mysterious Benedict Society. It's a promising start to a new series, even if it didn’t fully soar for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Last Ember has all the ingredients for a fun, fast-paced middle grade fantasy: a fiery dragon-like egg, a high-stakes chase, secret organizations, and an unlikely friendship between two very different kids. I was especially drawn in by the whimsical world of Porttown, the political intrigue of the Thieves’ Union, and the humor (Gourd the getaway pony is a true scene-stealer).
That said, while the concept is clever and the characters have potential, the pacing felt uneven. Some plot points moved too quickly to land emotionally, while other sections dragged just a bit. At times, the tone veered between silly and serious in a way that felt disjointed rather than balanced. I also found myself wishing for deeper character development, especially for Eva and Dusty, whose emotional arcs felt somewhat rushed.
Still, I can see this book appealing to readers who enjoy clever worldbuilding, a touch of chaos, and an adventurous tone reminiscent of The Mysterious Benedict Society. It's a promising start to a new series, even if it didn’t fully soar for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group
I really enjoyed this book a lot. This is definitely a middle school age book the characters are all about 12 years old. The author does a wonderful job of introducing each character, giving them backstory, purpose, heart, wit, and they were all very smart in their own ways. I don’t think I could pick a favorite they all bring something unique to the table. They all have strong relationships. It’s seems they accept each other for who they are. Eva and Myrnie, were great together and Dustys relationship with the other Orphans was sweet and his relationship with Cal was special. The. Villain was perfect in this book, believable not to exaggerated. I thought this story was all incredibly funny, which I wasn’t expecting. They way they I reacted and communicated, the trouble the got into mostly seemed to Involve a bit of humor. I like how the outshot used interlude chapters to give us more information and insight about a character or a place. It didn’t feel like an information dump but easily flowed with the story. I found myself not wanting to put it down. I’m very excited to see where the second book goes. This is a book I would buy for my daughter, who is 9. I think she would love it.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. This is definitely a middle school age book the characters are all about 12 years old. The author does a wonderful job of introducing each character, giving them backstory, purpose, heart, wit, and they were all very smart in their own ways. I don’t think I could pick a favorite they all bring something unique to the table. They all have strong relationships. It’s seems they accept each other for who they are. Eva and Myrnie, were great together and Dustys relationship with the other Orphans was sweet and his relationship with Cal was special. The. Villain was perfect in this book, believable not to exaggerated. I thought this story was all incredibly funny, which I wasn’t expecting. They way they I reacted and communicated, the trouble the got into mostly seemed to Involve a bit of humor. I like how the outshot used interlude chapters to give us more information and insight about a character or a place. It didn’t feel like an information dump but easily flowed with the story. I found myself not wanting to put it down. I’m very excited to see where the second book goes. This is a book I would buy for my daughter, who is 9. I think she would love it.
August 19, 2025
The variety of intriguing characters, moral ambiguity, and tension (as we wait for the aerimander to hatch) made this book enjoyable and engaging. The writing was excellent, with enough description to set the scene, but not so much as to be boring. I found the interludes helpful and enjoyable; they reminded me a lot of the narrative style in Lemony Snicket’s "A Series of Unfortunate Events".
While I loved this book, I do think the content is middle grade, which is not apparent based on the cover. The cover was remarkably done, but it also seems geared toward younger grades. At first, I was expecting this to be a great read alike for "Impossible Creatures", but "The Last Ember" contains more mature content. Specifically, a child is shot, a horse is shot, and one of our main characters is tortured. Had our main characters been 2-3 years older, this also would have made it a more appealing book to tweens/teens.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to mature 4th and 5th graders (who I’ve had experience with and know that the content will not bother them) and middle schoolers.
While I loved this book, I do think the content is middle grade, which is not apparent based on the cover. The cover was remarkably done, but it also seems geared toward younger grades. At first, I was expecting this to be a great read alike for "Impossible Creatures", but "The Last Ember" contains more mature content. Specifically, a child is shot, a horse is shot, and one of our main characters is tortured. Had our main characters been 2-3 years older, this also would have made it a more appealing book to tweens/teens.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to mature 4th and 5th graders (who I’ve had experience with and know that the content will not bother them) and middle schoolers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2025
Thank you @macmillan.audio #partner #macaudio2025 for the gifted audiobook!
This one was such a fun and magical middle grade fantasy read! 🐉💫
In this book we follow Eva who is a clever and brave girl. She is launched into a secret world and discovers a rare aerimander egg...ya know the one that no one is supposed to have. Ope! Eva is determined to protect it at all costs and that journey takes her on a wild and mysterious adventure. Of course this story is filled with danger and friendship and some well placed humor along the way.
I do want to point out that while this is being marketed toward middle grade readers I’d say it leans more upper middle grade for sure..or maybe even lower high school grades. It’s definitely a bit more sophisticated than your typical MG fantasy, so keep that in mind when picking it up or gifting it! With the right reader though I think this one will be such a hit.
I adored the magical creatures (so creative!) and the friendships most of all. I’m such a sucker for great bonds in middle grade stories and this one totally delivered. There are even some light and funny moments sprinkled in that made me smile.
Oh, and can we talk about this gorgeous cover?! It’s purty! If you have any fantasy lovers in your life or you just love escaping into a mysterious and marvelous world yourself then this one’s an absolute treat!
This one was such a fun and magical middle grade fantasy read! 🐉💫
In this book we follow Eva who is a clever and brave girl. She is launched into a secret world and discovers a rare aerimander egg...ya know the one that no one is supposed to have. Ope! Eva is determined to protect it at all costs and that journey takes her on a wild and mysterious adventure. Of course this story is filled with danger and friendship and some well placed humor along the way.
I do want to point out that while this is being marketed toward middle grade readers I’d say it leans more upper middle grade for sure..or maybe even lower high school grades. It’s definitely a bit more sophisticated than your typical MG fantasy, so keep that in mind when picking it up or gifting it! With the right reader though I think this one will be such a hit.
I adored the magical creatures (so creative!) and the friendships most of all. I’m such a sucker for great bonds in middle grade stories and this one totally delivered. There are even some light and funny moments sprinkled in that made me smile.
Oh, and can we talk about this gorgeous cover?! It’s purty! If you have any fantasy lovers in your life or you just love escaping into a mysterious and marvelous world yourself then this one’s an absolute treat!
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