Genre

Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult. Dystopian

Audience

Teens & Adult

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2019

Themes

friendship, new beginnings, second marriage, responsibility, dinosaurs, survival, loss

 

Reviewed by

Dr. Lisa Theus

Darryl and Harry survived their quick trip to the city—but can they survive the first day back with their new stepmom? In this second entry to the UnSPARKed series, the reader continues following two stories: the lives of farmer children Darryl and Harry, and the (as of yet unconnected) story of young hunter Joshua. Darryl and Harry are used to life on their dinosaur farm, outside the protection of the well-gated city, but their stepmother is still jumping at every new thing. How will she fit in on the farm as she meets their neighbors and their saurian livestock? Joshua meanwhile tries to fulfill his job as a hunter—capturing, culling, and otherwise handling adventures in the dinosaur-infested wilderness. But will his impatience to continue work without an assistant get him killed?

Even though there are several edge-of-your-seat moments, the overall pace of this book is set up for the adventure to come. In A Truly Raptor-ous Welcome, Turner fleshes out the culture of this dangerous future. What is life like out on the farms? How do people interact? What becomes routine when you might have raptors on your doorstep? I have thoughts of the American Wild West, with the city folk, the farmers, and the cowboys – hunters – working out how to get along and the interdependence that develops. The main characters of the series (Darryl, Harry, and Joshua) are also fleshed out in this entry, no doubt setting us up for the plot that will develop from here.

My only complaint is that I wish this book were longer, but it is a quick read by design. You will end this book wanting more. In fact, I wouldn’t recommend reading this book on its own. It ends on a major cliffhanger, so plan to read the rest of the series if you want a truly satisfying read. Personally, I hope that once the entire main series is finished, they’ll all be put in one convenient volume for those of us who’d rather read the entire story at once. 

But otherwise, this book is a fantastic read for all ages (except the youngest readers, as it can be scary!). This book also introduces a minor character who is a priest and who brings religion into focus, but in a way that is natural and world-building, not obnoxious. I don’t think secular readers would mind, even if they wouldn’t necessarily geek out about what Catholicism might look like in a dino future.

All in all, A Truly Raptor-ous Welcome is an enjoyable second installment in the UnSPARKed series – and best read in order. Once you get to this volume, you’ll be hooked for the rest of the series.

Playing by Heart by Carmela Martino

In this historical drama, Emilia longs for a love as beautiful as her sonata, but the ambitions of her father put her and her sister in great danger. Winner of our 2018 Best of the Year Awards.

Shadows: Visible and Invisible By Catholic Teens Books

Bringing the holy back to All Hallows, these short stories entertain & remind us of the mercy we all rely upon.

The Fisherman’s Bride by Catherine Magia

The wife of Peter takes up her pen to tell her side of the story, and forces us to examine our ideas of perfection and holiness.

End of Year Releases

The newest stories in Catholic literature! End your year with a good book.

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Seeking Allah Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi

When a Muslim man asks God to show him who he is, he is unprepared for the answer.

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.

From Afar by Roger Thomas

Three astronomers follow the stars in a search for order and meaning. An action adventure based on the three wise men of the Gospels.

The Joining by J. H. Dierking

The aliens will surprise you and lead you into greater insight into how our own bodily design determines much of what is considered right and wrong.

Wake of Malice by Eleanor Bourg Nicholson

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Sydney and Calvin Have a Baby by Adrienne Thorn

Sydney writes romances but living her own romance will require more courage than anything yet required of her.

Dying for Revenge by Barbara Golder

After her husband’s murder Dr. Jane Wallace moves to Colorado to nurse her grudge against the world and ends up tracking a serial assassin.

Nephilim Corruption by Ann Margaret Lewis

Jedi Adventure meets Christian Epic

The Fruit Tree by Mark Restaino, Illustrations by J.P. Alcomendas

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To Crown with Liberty by Karen Ullo

What must you do when nothing you can do will save those you love?

Absence by Kaye Park Hinckley

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My Brother’s Keeper by Bill Kassel

What if you were Jesus’ protective older brother? Could you navigate the courts of Rome & Jerusalem to save him?

Wanderings of an Ordinary Pilgrim by Tim Bete

Poetry that will take you deeper into Scripture and help you see the extraordinary in the simple.

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Books with the themes of the All Hallows season grouped according to scariness level.