THE LAST DRAGON HOUSE, by Olivia Mae Morris, Harry N. Abrams, May 12, 2026, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 8-12)
Two siblings find themselves at the center of a plan to save a magical boarding house for dragons in The Last Dragon House, by Liv Mae Morris.
Siblings Olly and Jenny Atwood have never met a dragon―Olly doesn’t even think they’re real. But when the strange and brilliant Dr. Lady Abernathy offers Olly a job at her mysterious house, the Atwoods learn that these incredible beasts are very much alive―and they need help.
Dragons have been forced into hiding, and as caretakers of the Dragon House, Dr. Lady and Olly are the only protectors these magnificent creatures have left. But when evil forces conspire to poison Dr. Lady, Olly and his dragon friends find themselves locked in a race against time, political conspiracies…and one very large corgi.
Can Olly recover the antidote before it’s too late? And can Jenny harness her stirring powers to keep Dr. Lady alive until then? Or could this be the end of the Dragon House―and dragons―as they know it? —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams
The Last Dragon House is fantasy adventure that’s warm and immersive.
Middle-grade literature is a sweet spot where authors can craft worlds and stories with room for reader discovery and imagination. It takes a deft hand to craft a story with room for the reader while still building a world and characters unique unto the author.
Such is the case with The last Dragon House.
Author Liv Mae Morris is to be commended for her balance, whit and heart, crafting a book that will have readers clamoring for more.
At the heart of the story is Olly, a smart kid who dreads taking on a job. But that all changes when he meets Dr. Lady, Mindi, and a cast of endearing dragons, each with their own personality and each wonderfully developed.
Though readers don’t see much of Olly’s sister Jenny until about halfway through the book, she ends up being a major player, too, with magical abilities that will make your hair stand on end. It’s great to see the siblings’ relationship, which is likely to further be explored in later books (fingers crossed). Because it does feel like The Last Dragon House is just the beginning of books from this world.
The Last Dragon House is a charming tale full of adventure and surprising characters. It’s a grand adventure that celebrates teamwork and unlikely friendships.
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