This book review was part of a podcast discussion.
Listen to the episode here.
I would liken The Dinosaur Lords to The Game of Thrones, as both have different storylines that are tangentially connected, intrigue, rebellions, and an overall epic feel. They have one main difference: the dinosaurs.
Dinosaurs are a part of Paradise, the world made by the eight Creators for humans and their “five friends” brought from Old Home. The “friends” are horses, dogs, cats, ferrets, and goats, and Old Home was the world before the creators made it into Paradise. Dinosaurs take the place of more familiar animals as mounts, beasts of burden, and food.
The book opens on battle. Rob Korrigan, dinosaur master and bard, provides commentary to a soldier and lays down exposition for the reader, introducing other characters: Voyvod Karyl Bogomirskiy, a mercenary lord. Count Jaume Llobregat, the Imperial Champion, Lord of Flowers, and Commander of the legendary Companions. Lord Falk von Hornberg, a rebel lord fighting against a decision made by the Emperor over matters of state and the combined forces of the Voyvod and the Companions. Princesa Imperial Melodia, daughter of the Emperor. And of course, Rob Korrigan.
For the most part, these characters pair off for the story, princess and champion, mercenary and minstrel. The closest they get to being all together is the battlefield in chapter one, where only princess is missing. Pressed by Emperor Filipe, Count Jaume leads the Imperial Army in wars he wants no part of. Princess Melodia feels useless at court. She wants to be more included in matters of state, but her father delicately and lovingly pushes her aside. From them I got a Jasmine and Sultan vibe, solidified by Melodia’s feelings of inadequacy and Filipe’s childish affection for theatrics and an advisor with questionable motives. Voyvod Karyl along with dinosaur master Rob are hired to train volunteers to fight off invaders from their pacifist county of Providence. The unrest in Providence comes up a few times in the Melodia/Jaume storyline, but otherwise they don’t cross.
I’m very excited to read the next two books in the series. I love dinosaurs and hope they see much more use in later books. Also, dolphins are mythical creatures that probably never existed, according to “educated folk.”
Minnesota
Caty Willis works a boring day job, but in downtime fancies herself an artist and writer. She loves reading, especially fantasy, and dreams of opening a bookstore one day. Follow her on Twitter @shimmybook.
