We find ourselves immersed in a time when dragons are fighting over territory and the humans don’t know about them yet.

As a prequel to New Dragon City, I was excited to learn about how the dragons and humans got to the point they were at at the opening of that book-with humans “hibernating” underground 6 months of the year and fearing dragons.

Although this book is based around two new characters, Lucas and Cinder, it does a good job at setting a back story. It’s action packed and full of lots of parental advice for a middle-grader (both from Lucas’ parents and Cinders elders).

Both my tween and I loved this book. I feel it’s super relevant for today with the message that misinformation does so much harm, especially when people jump to conclusions and don’t seek out the facts. My tween wanted more connection to the sequel-he wanted the story to keep going to the beginning of New Dragon City. (I think that could be its own book!)

We love this author and can’t wait to see what her next book is.

4.75 stars

Publication date: September 2, 2025

** Thank you Little, Brown and Company for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.**

Thank you NetGalley for my ARC. I read New Dragon City last year because it was a bluebonnet book, so when I heard Mari say that a new prequel was coming out, I jumped on NetGalley pretty fast!

This series is about dragons waking up from hibernation, and now they are faced with humans who have more than just sharp sticks to fight back. But is it all just a big misunderstanding? When Lucas saves a dragon’s life, Lucas the human and Cinder the dragon are on a mission to prove that both species can live in peace.

Both books have an engaging plot line with thrill and action! The characters are relatable and the dialogue rich with themes of acceptance, compassion, and friendship. Mari Mancusi’s writing will suck you right into this enthralling world of dragons where the threat of war is looming!

Dawn of the Dragons takes place before New Dragon City, but it would be best to read it second as to not spoil New Dragon City. Lucas is growing up in rural New York when word that dragons exist becomes a rumor. When Lucas sees something he cannot explain, he goes to investigate and discovers a hurt baby dragon that he assists. A huge misunderstanding occurs when the dragons go to thank the humans which could possibly lead to the dragon apocalypse. Can the dragons and humans get along and will they ever understand each other?

This is a fun fantasy for any dragon lover. It is a wonderful addition to Mancusi's series and will be a first purchase for our library.