Get 50% off Catholic Books & eBooks

Discover the Next Tolkien & O'Connor

Join Here for FREE to Never Miss a Deal

Find new favorites & Support Catholic Authors

A Very Jurassic Christmas by Corinna Turner

Genre

Science Fiction, Young Adult, Dystopia

Audience

13 & Up

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2020

Themes

Jurassic dinosaurs, Christmas, family, farmers, hunters, putting others ahead of yourself, dystopian future

 

Reviewed by

Tiffany Buck

This book is a part of Catholic Teen Books.

Click Here to Find Out More.

What’s a mama Allosaurus doing hatching baby chicks in the winter? Teen hunter Joshua and his Uncle Z can hardly believe it. The worst part is this mama is starving, and she’s willing to do anything to keep her babies alive. Seeing this sweet but dangerous dinosaur care for her chicks, Joshua convinces his uncle to transport all of them in their Habitat Vehicle (HabVi) to a zoo in the south. He even names the chicks Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. The mama Allosaurus was given the fitting name of Star. It should be an easy trip, as long as there’s plenty of fuel; the tranquilizers don’t run out; and the chicks don’t bite off any human fingers.

Hosting Christmas Eve carols is the perfect way to start off the Christmas season, according to Darryl. She and her brother Harry have spent all day decorating and getting everything ready for the neighbors. Their father has made sure the fence is secure, so no raptors can disrupt the event. There’s only one problem: the guest of honor, Father Benedict, is late–very late. In raptor-infested mountains, this usually requires a rescue mission with hunting gear.

In “A Very Jurassic Christmas,” Corinna Turner has created a wild world with fully realized dinosaurs living side by side with humans.  I was on the edge of my seat reading Joshua’s story.  An Allosaurus is enormous and barely fits inside the HabVi. What if this mama wakes up? Yikes! Consider travelling with a modern day alligator on tranquilizers in your SUV, and that is only a taste of what Joshua and Uncle Z went through. Instead of falling into panic, Joshua and Uncle Z were so calm and seemed to be able to handle whatever came their way― which was a lot more than just the dinosaurs. In Darryl’s story arc, we see a teenager who has ideas of how her Christmas should be, but her plans keep getting interrupted. Will she ever be able to enjoy this Christmas and learn a lesson in patience and humility?

The two story arcs in the book are well written, with authentic-sounding dialogue. Only one character and a fictional saint who lived unharmed in the wild near dangerous raptors, cross over into both stories. All of the characters are Catholic―even if they don’t attend Mass often. Catholic themes are present in both stories. Putting others ahead of yourself is a major theme and one that seems to be needed in today’s world.

“A Very Jurassic Christmas” is a prequel to the first novel in the Unsparked series. This is the first one I have read, and I am already hooked. I want to learn more about Joshua, Darryl, and this fictional saint that has a huge following among the dinosaur hunters and farmers. The story is fun and fast-paced. This could be read in a day, which I love. Although this is a Catholic book, I would recommend this to anyone who is fascinated with dinosaurs.

Get Catholic Books & eBooks for as little as $1 to FREE

Pink Noise by Leonid Korogodski

A classic Martian adventure that plumbs the spiritual life of a future humanity.

Boxers and Saints by Gene Luen Yang

This two part graphic novel tells its story from 2 sides China’s bloody civil war: A Boxer Rebel & a “traitor” Christian-Convert.

Old Man & The Void by Karina Fabian

When Dex decides to catch the treasure of a century, he is pulled into a black hole and must fight the robotic ghosts of an alien war.

The Academy Saga: Book 1 By C.J. Daly  

A thrilling, yet clean, high school romance.

Sunrise on the Icewolf by Colleen Drippe

Helen grew up on a world ruled by women where showing interest in your father is taboo, but she will journey across planets to save him.

The Phantom Phoenix

A humble phoenix rises from the ashes to clean up corrupt, 1920s Chicago in this thrilling superhero comic

Defend the Tabernacle by Deacon Patrick Augustin Jones

Catherine and Bernard get whisked away to do battle on the Soulscape, where the true nature of things is revealed.

Best of 2020

Yes some good things DID happen this year- Catholic creators have not let turmoil stop their mission.

Comet Dust by C.D. Verhoff

A Catholic end-of days inspired by the private revelations of the saints.

Freeing Tanner Rose by T.M. Gaouette

Hollywood Starlet meets Kung Fu Country boy with a God obsession.

Brave Water by Sarah Robsdottir

What if you had to risk your life for a simple cup of water?

Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.

In a post-apocolyptic world a small Catholic monastery fights to preserve civilization for the next age.

Earthquake Weather by Kevin Rush

The mist that settles over San Francisco hides the ugly parts of her world. Can Kristine find the courage to see with unclouded eyes?

Unlikely Witnesses by Leslea Wahl

When four boys glimpse a crime in their Colorado town they end up in an interrogation cell of the FBI.

For Eden’s Sake by T.M. Gaouette

Life is precious whether it’s planned or not.

Standing Strong by Theresa Linden

Keefe hides his call to the priesthood and no matter how much Jarrett tries he still gets into trouble. Can the brothers find their courage?

Our Lady of the Artilects by Andrew Gillsmith

Robots, Souls, Muslim & Catholic Friendships, and the sacramental reality that binds them all together.

The Boy Who Knew (Friends in High Places: Carlo Acutis) by Corinna Turner

Faced with his death, a fifteen-year-old learns how to live through the wisdom of Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Soul Cycle books I – IV: by Brian Niemeier

In a evil universe a band of space pirates begin a journey of revenge that instead takes them in search of the true, the good and the beautiful.

Honor at Stake by Declan Finn

If you’re looking for a vampire-romance with a truly unique twist look no further.