Rostam Wrecks the Realm

By Olivia Abtahi

About The Book

“Fast-paced, funny, and wholly entertaining, this is a must-read for fans of Rick Riordan.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

The Last Dragon on Mars meets Persian mythology in this action-packed sci-fi fantasy space adventure about a boy fighting to save his planet after making a pact with an ancient demon that snuffs out their sun.

After leaving Earth, Rostam Zamini had just gotten used to life on Enceladus—one of Saturn’s many moons—only to once again have to move when one of his moms gets a fancy new job on dusty and dull Pars-1.

Rostam had worked hard and managed to make friends on Enceladus, but none of the Pars-1 kids seem to be impressed with Rostam’s big-city background. In desperate need of some space cred, Rostam makes a deal with Zahhak—a centuries-old demon prince—for popularity in exchange for the golden mace described in The Persian Book of Kings.

But when Rostam hands the mace over, he unknowingly plunges the planet into darkness by accidentally killing their ancient sun, a red giant. Now he must right his wrongs and save his new home before it’s too late.

About The Author

Photograph © Heritage and Bloom
Olivia Abtahi

Olivia Abtahi is a proud Iranian Argentinian American. Her debut novel, Perfectly Parvin, received the SCBWI Golden Kite Honor, the YALSA Odyssey Honor, and numerous starred reviews. Her sophomore novel, Azar on Fire, was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, and her third novel, Twin Flames, was a New Visions Award winner. Her fourth novel is Rostam Wrecks the Realm. She is also the author of the picture book The Interpreter, which received six starred reviews. She currently lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and children.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (June 9, 2026)
  • Length: 304 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781665951029
  • Ages: 8 - 12

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Raves and Reviews

A JLG SELECTION

★ "With its masterful blend of space opera and Persian mythology, Abtahi’s middle-grade debut entertains and edifies. Rostam faces issues ranging from social angst to inequality, discrimination his family faced on Earth, and forced labor by the djinn. Fast-paced, funny, and wholly entertaining, this is a must-read for fans of Rick Riordan. Prepare to blast off: This soaring delight with enthralling mythological mayhem is luminous."

– Kirkus, STARRED REVIEW

"With a captivating concept of space travel and thrilling action sequences involving ancient magic, this story is sure to please current Abtahi fans as well as those of the Percy Jackson series."

– Booklist

"Abtahi nimbly weaves together Persian mythology, futuristic space travel, and, at its heart, a tender examination of a kid who has always wanted to be better than he thinks he is...it is easy to see his vulnerability in how he narrates his own life, and readers will likely root for his continued growth as he embraces choices and people that support him."

– The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Awards and Honors

  • Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

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Rostam Wrecks the Realm

By Olivia Abtahi
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