Dinosaurs fight for survival in book one of this action-packed new middle-grade series. Jurassic Park – from the dinosaurs’ point of view!
The last surviving dinosaur kingdoms are waging war.
Eleri is an oryctodromeus, a small dinosaur raised in an underground warren. He dreams of becoming his herd’s storyteller but when he saves an enemy soldier from a pterosaur attack, he is exiled to the Deadlands. To survive this scorched desert full of carnivores, he joins a herd of other young exiles, including a peppy stegosaur, a stoic sauropod, an irritable triceratops… and a mysterious spy. Can five young misfits save their warring kingdoms?
Recommended for ages 9+.
Buy a copy of The Deadlands: Hunted here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
The Deadlands: Hunted by Skye Melki-Wegner is an action-packed middle grade fantasy novel where dinosaurs are the main characters. However, these dinosaurs have evolved with intelligence – they can speak and think like humans – and now must fight to save their kingdoms. Eleri, the young prince of the Mountain Kingdom finds himself exiled into the Deadlands where danger constantly lurks. I absolutely loved the characters and the friendships made along the way as well as the worldbuilding and lore which included vivid descriptions of the terrifying Deadlands and the intricate histories of the dinosaur species and kingdoms. The themes of friendship and perseverance in this story reminded me of The Land Before Time and I felt so deeply invested in the adventure. I absolutely loved this story which I believe is suitable for children, teens and adults. I am very excited to read future novels from this series. Sharon, VIC, 5 Stars
This was amazing to read as dinosaurs brought to life in character form! Really felt like I’d escaped into another world – a land before time – with dueling Dinos at war with each other but still some with humanity to care for other kinds of Dinos too. A great fantasy read. Melanie, VIC, 5 Stars
The Deadlands: Hunted is a YA book written with middle-graders in mind, but is a page-turner for adults as well. Easy to read, with enchanting characters that are engaging and keep you enthralled with their teamwork during very difficult, unpredictable circumstances and adversity. What if dinosaurs still roamed the world and could also talk and tell the stories of their ancestors? What would their stories be? A must-read for dinosaur and adventure lovers alike. I eagerly await the next book in this Trilogy – what will this herd get up to next? Jody, SA, 5 Stars
Deadlands tells a great story where the characters who are dinosaurs have survived the Fallen star and exist in a world where they can talk, dream and wage war! There are the herbivorous residents of the Mountain Kingdom and the Prairie Alliance of Cretacea. Eleri, the main character, is a storyteller, who is exiled by his horrible brother to the Deadlands, a land full of dust, gases, and death, all for warning an enemy about impending danger from a carnivore. It is a real underdog story and I empathized with them as they’ve all been exiled from their friends and families and they struggle to survive the Deadlands. The story has a few surprises and an exciting climax. Teresa and Frances, VIC, 5 Stars
Rrrrarrrrrr!!!! That’s my compliment in Dinosaur language. This book was fun, action-packed and full of great dinosaurs! I thought it would be like Jurassic Park, but it’s all about the dinosaurs which makes it more fun and interesting. My favourite was Starsweeper, they have great names and tribes. I’m going to definitely read the rest of the trilogy. It’s as if humans were dinosaurs because they go to court and talk to each other. I loved it and you will too if you love dinosaurs or don’t! The scenery and action make you feel like you’re there! Thanks for writing an action-packed book! Ray, WA, 5 Stars
I was very hesitant at first, not knowing how I would find the book as I am not at all interested in Dinosaurs, but it was not at all a chore to read as I had imagined. I was very surprised to find I thoroughly enjoyed it. The 5 main characters, Eleri, Tortha, Sorielle, Lerithon & Zyre all have very different personalities and traits but ones we come to love. Some are stronger and more caring than they think they are and show other sides of themselves they didn’t know they had. It is very descriptive and I can easily picture the landscapes and the smells. It really takes you there. Eleri has a very touchy relationship with his brother and I was happy with how it played out (no spoilers). I am keen for my eldest grandson to read this in a few years so I can see his reaction. Very different, very enjoyable. Tracey, NSW, 5 Stars
A perfect mix of dinosaurs, fantasy, friendship, and wartime with just the right amount of secrets and legends. I loved it all the way up to the last page! Cara, WA, 5 Stars
The Deadlands: Hunted is a thrilling story about survival, friendship, belonging and trust, that follows the journey of a motley crew who have been exiled from their herds. If you think you wouldn’t like a book about dinosaurs, think again! These characters are so well developed that you feel like they are among us as real people whose pain and other emotions you can feel, achieved through Melki-Wegner’s descriptive writing. What is also particularly special is the way the author incorporates historical facts and myths to support the storyline and the beautiful illustrations add something different as well. It is a page-turner with plenty of cliffhangers at the end of the chapters. Expect a few twists and a feeling of anticipation as the plot builds up and challenges your thoughts about who the traitors really are. The Lyrebird Book Club, Picton PS, NSW, 5 Stars
Do I believe dinosaurs could talk? No. Did I think I would enjoy reading a book about talking dinosaurs? No. Could I put this book down once I began reading it? Also no. Very grateful to have previewed this book. Kirralee, SA, 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed Skye Melki-Wagner’s imagined world of dinosaurs. The introduction of the Dinosaurs of Cretacea lend the book a Shakespeare feel (think family introductions) and the character details at the end help bring the characters alive. I loved how the story just rolled along, each page enticing me to turn to the next. A terrific buddy story that will enchant middle grade readers and leave them wanting more! Nicole, QLD, 5 Stars
This was a really thrilling read, loved the characters and to have dinosaurs that have feeling and emotion, and to actually be able to understand the way families can sometimes be harsh in that world was fantastic. I couldn’t put it down so I know my grandsons are going to love it! Andrea, VIC, 5 Stars
I love dinosaurs and if you do too then this book is just perfect. Gives a good background as to why they are so clever and also more of their history. There is a picture gallery of characters and that is great. I love the characters and Eleri is a wonderful hero. It’s a good story – well worth reading and well written too. A great adventure and full of action page after page. A secret that is so important to remedy, and lurking evil. Read the story and enjoy. Even the chapters aren’t too long which is really great. I thoroughly recommend this book. Chrissy, WA, 5 Stars
The Deadlands: Hunted was an adventurous and fascinating read. A brilliant literary masterpiece that took us on a journey of discovery and fantasy as each character was uniquely created and imaginatively brought to life. With a marvelous blend of friendship, courage and magic, the standout of each page-turning moment is wondering what will happen next, the twists and turns of the unexpected and diverse, fun expressionism portrayed. Mystery, survival, originality – a world of inspiring artistry and a true pleasure to read. Kylie, QLD, 5 Stars
Really enjoyed this book. Loved the characters, especially Sorelei. Interesting and did not take me long to read. Great for a middle school read. Walter, NSW, 5 Stars
My teenage neighbours devoured this book and told me it is as good as any they have read. Not my type of genre but their review is enough for me. Enthralling and exciting were just two of the superlatives they used, so a well-worth read if this is your type of book. Jenny, VIC, 5 Stars
Like Jurassic Park but with a twist, where dinosaurs have the ability to talk and express how they feel about each other and themselves. There is chaos though that suddenly turns to an action-packed war. So, if you love reading about dinosaurs and war or enjoy action adventures, then this book has something in store for you! Joel, NSW, 4 Stars
The Deadlands: Hunted is a fantasy book by Skye Melki-Wegner. It is aimed at ages nine to eleven. Perfect for all dinosaur enthusiasts, the plot is extremely engaging and you won’t want to put it down. The book takes place in an alternate time, where the meteor hit Earth but didn’t cause all the dinosaurs to go extinct, and instead caused them to become hyperintelligent, able to strategize, communicate and tell stories. Two herbivore kingdoms have been in an ongoing war, constantly fighting for territory. I found The Deadlands: Hunted to be an enjoyable read, with characters that are hard not to become attached to and continue the story with. Max, NSW, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed The Deadlands: Hunted as an adult and think it is an appropriate book for middle grade. The young dinosaurs had very different characters and strengths and learned to work as a team to survive. We are first introduced to Eleri, a young oryctodromeus, who is devastatingly exiled to the Deadlands by his herd, meaning almost certain death. There were some very moving sections about how the five young dinosaurs were exiled to the Deadlands by their own herds. Descriptions of the dinosaurs and their homelands made the story come alive. I cared about the young characters as they made their way through a dinosaur “odyssey” of adventures and dangers. Each chapter painted a clear picture of difficult choices the characters made. There was humour and banter as well. The carnivores were truly fierce and frightening, particularly the General. Definitely looking forward to the next installment in this trilogy! Robyn, NSW, 4 Stars
I enjoyed the book as it was like Wings of Fire and Jurassic Park. It is about dinosaurs with some outcasts going through trials together and they learn some secrets that could be the end of their tribes. They try and save their tribes and make some friends along the way. It was a bit scary at times. Matthew, NSW, 4 Stars
The Deadlands: Hunted is an action-packed adventure and dinosaur book. Some intense ideas and concepts for the middle school age group. My children are fans of Wings of Fire books so this appealed to them. We can’t wait for the next book by Skye. Christine, WA, 4 Stars
The Deadlands: Hunted will appeal to mid-upper primary students who love dinosaurs but it has more to it than that! There are moments of compassion and messages about acceptance and teamwork. The characters are introduced in a gradual way that doesn’t overwhelm and the information portfolios (and section resembling collector cards) will appeal to younger readers while acting as a reminder about characters. These will also appeal to people who like the facts about particular dinosaur species. Occasionally, the pace was a bit slow but this did not cause any loss of interest. The book could be used as a class novel in school. It sets up a great introduction to a series of stories about the main characters, which is always a hook for younger readers. I’d definitely recommend this for readers 9+, even if they are not dinosaur fans! Sara, SA, 4 Stars
Ever wondered what it would’ve been like if dinosaurs didn’t become extinct? Skye Melki-Wegner has written an exciting story set in the time after the dreaded asteroid struck, where some dinosaurs survived and adapted to their new world, developing the ability to talk and think. The remaining dinosaurs merged into three distinct groups. Two groups are herbivores who wage war for dominance and land. The third group is the surviving carnivores, believed to act on their individual desires and to be avoided at all costs. The book follows a group of exiles banished to the Deadlands for crimes against their tribes. The exiles find each other, learn to survive, discover secret plots and aim for redemption by becoming unlikely heroes in the Dino War. The plot takes an enjoyable path, keeping the reader hooked by mysteries and adventure, with excellent and timely character development, all while building to a satisfying ending that lines the book up nicely for a sequel. I found it difficult to easily identify which dinosaurs the author was talking about as she bounced around from their names to their type and their group. Clare, ACT, 4 Stars
Well-written and a nice change from the usual fantasy books starring dragons, with dinosaurs taking the lead. A twist or two makes for a very enjoyable read for both younger and older audiences alike. Megan, QLD, 4 Stars
Dinosaurs can’t talk, they can’t wage war… right? Imagine a world where dinosaurs didn’t go extinct and not only did they survive but now they are intelligent, they can talk and fight each other, because now they have leaders that tell them to. I loved this book, the character development is brilliant, and the plot is wonderful. This book hooked me from the very beginning and is a real page-turner. There are lots of wonderfully used plot twists that make for a remarkable story. The characters and settings are described beautifully, and they allow the story to reach its full potential, a story that really brings the reader into another realm. Alexander, VIC, 4 Stars
Deadlands has been a book that my younger son has enjoyed reading every evening. As a typical dinosaur mad boy, he has been glued to this book each night. Having the benefit of pictures of each character has been a visual help. All and any younger readers with a hint of dinosaur interest will enjoy this narrative. Dylan, QLD, 4 Stars
This book was action-packed and so much fun. Any dinosaur-loving kid (or adult) will adore this! Kate, QLD, 4 Stars
The Deadlands: Hunted is an action-adventure middle-grade story, authored by Skye Melki-Wegner. My daughter snatched this from me and devoured it in one night! Five outcasts are thrown together and are the only hope to save their warring kingdoms. Battling dinosaur kingdoms of Cretacea, who survived the Fallen Star that brought death and destruction, survive and evolve to a new world. The unlikely heroes must come together to save their kingdom and their lives. Fantastic escapism read for the teenage reader. Recommended. Peter, NSW, 3 Stars
I got maaajor Land Before Time vibes from this one but that’s probably showing my age more than anything, as that was 35(!) years ago. A society of intelligent dinosaurs that were given culture and a shared language after the meteor failed to annihilate them is a great starting point for a premise, and a discussion I’ve had with my two boys on innumerable occasions. The idea that gaining intelligence has led pretty quickly to the segregation of species and wars is sobering and believable. While I enjoyed the tale and found the characters interesting, distinct, and fun, my advanced reader 7-year-old and my reluctant reader 15-year-old were both alienated by the prose and drifted away to leave me to finish alone. Richard, VIC, 3 Stars
I have to say while reading the book there were some Land Before Time flashbacks but having said that my grandson who devours everything dinosaur loved it. Gai, NSW, 3 Stars
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