Chronicle of the Dark Star

By: Kevin Emerson

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Paperback | 14 April 2026

At a Glance

Paperback
352 Pages

Age
8 - 12

Grade
P - 2

Dimensions(cm)
24 x 15.5 x 3

Paperback

$23.75

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“Last Day on Mars is thrillingly ambitious and imaginative. Like a lovechild of Gravity and The Martian, it''s a rousing space opera for any age, meticulously researched and relentlessly paced, that balances action, science, humor, and most importantly, two compelling main characters in Liam and Phoebe. A fantastic start to an epic new series.” —Soman Chainani, New York Times bestselling author of the School for Good and Evil series

“Emerson''s writing explodes off the page in this irresistible space adventure, filled with startling plot twists, diabolical aliens, and (my favorite!) courageous young heroes faced with an impossible task.” —Lisa McMann, New York Times bestselling author of the Unwanteds series

It is Earth year 2213—but, of course, there is no Earth anymore. Not since it was burned to a cinder by the sun, which has mysteriously begun the process of going supernova. The human race has fled to Mars, but this was only a temporary solution while we have prepared for a second trip: a one-hundred-fifty-year journey to a distant star, our best guess at where we might find a new home.

Liam Saunders-Chang is one of the last humans left on Mars. The son of two scientists who have been racing against time to create technology vital to humanity’s survival, Liam, along with his friend Phoebe, will be on the last starliner to depart before Mars, like Earth before it, is destroyed.

Or so he thinks. Because before this day is over, Liam and Phoebe will make a series of profound discoveries about the nature of time and space and find out that the human race is just one of many in our universe locked in a dangerous struggle for survival.

Industry Reviews

"This is perfect science fiction: a terrifying yet very cool vision of the future, lots of technological awesomeness, mind-bending alien mysteries, a mission to save the human race--and two funny, resourceful, very real kid heroes who I'd follow to the edges of the universe." -- Tui T. Sutherland, New York Times bestselling author of the Wings of Fire series

"Emerson's writing explodes off the page in this irresistible space adventure, filled with startling plot twists, diabolical aliens, and (my favorite!) courageous young heroes faced with an impossible task." -- Lisa McMann, New York Times bestselling author of The Unwanteds series

"Last Day on Mars is thrillingly ambitious and imaginative, a rousing space opera for any age, meticulously researched and relentlessly paced. A fantastic start to an epic new series." -- Soman Chainani, New York Times bestselling author of The School for Good and Evil

"A hugely enjoyable blend of adventure, humor, science, and kids trying to find their place when humanity itself doesn't have one." -- Emma Trevayne, author of The Accidental Afterlife of Thomas Marsden

"With high-stakes tension, propulsive action, multidimensional characters, and vivid scenes, this well-wrought and thrilling series starter is perfect for middle-graders who prefer their sci-fi to be grounded in the realm of the possible." -- Booklist (starred review)

"Enigmatic enemies, sabotage, space travel, and short, bone-wracking bits of time travel make for a banging adventure." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"This first installment of the Chronicle of the Dark Star trilogy is ambitious, exciting, and just a shade terrifying." -- Publishers Weekly

"With a focus on space and time travel, including well-researched and accurate science, the novel will be an easy sell for sci-fi enthusiasts." -- School Library Journal

"Action-packed science-fiction adventure." -- Brightly

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