Genre

Young Adult Sci-Fi Dystopian

Audience

YA, 13-18 years

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2020

Themes

Adventure, survival, dinosaurs, grief, loss, family, community, mystery

 

Reviewed by

Nancy Bechel

This book is a part of Catholic Teen Books.

Click to find out more.

Still reeling from the loss of their father, sixteen-year-old Darryl and her younger brother, Harry, are left in the care of their new stepmom. But Carol grew up in-city, and she can’t bear to stay at the dinosaur farm without their dad. When she insists upon taking them all on a three hour car ride to town before dark, both Darryl and Harry know how dangerous it will be. Even some herbi’saurs can be deadly. But how can they let Carol go alone? Meanwhile, eighteen-year-old hunter, Josh, is still trying to fulfill his dangerous contracts on his own, despite an injury that is only getting worse. But where the rubber meets the road, they all know the risks of living unSPARKed

Fans of survival adventures—and especially dinosaur lovers—will get a thrill from this quick, action-packed read. This third installment of Corinna Turner’s unSPARKed series is chock full of peril, heroics, and ample dinosaur encounters, and features the continuing adventures of the beloved characters from the first two books. 

The series takes place in a future dystopian United States where dinosaurs have long since been brought back through the misguided efforts of scientists. Written before Jurassic World Dominion (if you are familiar with the Jurassic Park franchise), Turner explores the theme of “man versus nature” in unique ways and gigantic proportions. The world is vivid, detailed, and enthralling, and her worldbuilding is as impressive in its scope as it is in its details. 

For example, the main characters belong to different subcultures within the world. Darryl and Harry belong to a farming family who raise dinosaurs for various purposes, the way modern ranchers raise cattle. Everyday life “out-city” has a rhythm that ensures their, and their stock’s, safety from outside predators…. Until something goes wrong. But there are protocols for that. Josh, on the other hand, belongs to a group known as the Hunters who have their own subculture and way of survival, down to their very own patron saint. Each group even has its own slang or dialect, as might arise naturally from the way they live. And of course, there are those who live in-city, who would never dream of trying to live beyond the electric fences that protect their metropolis—a.k.a. live unSPARKed. 

Turner excels at creating capable, believable characters who make it easy to cheer for them. Darryl, Harry, and Josh are all realistic teens who are used to solving problems in adverse conditions. It’s fascinating to watch them face hair-raising challenges head on—from the safety of one’s own home! Turner doesn’t pull punches, and everyone is fair game for danger and disaster. 

Tender-hearted and squeamish teens may find the peril of the adventure difficult to swallow, but there is nothing spectacularly gory—well, except maybe one scene where an infected wound gets cleaned out in realistic detail. But the faint of heart can skim those bits if need be. Fans of movies like Jurassic Park might find this more extensive exploration into survival with dinosaurs particularly exciting. 

Readers of all faith backgrounds can enjoy this book. The main focus is on family and survival, which are universals. There are Catholic nods, such as a priest who is a family friend, and reference to the Eucharist. Readers who are unfamiliar with the Catholic belief in the Real Presence may be slightly confused by the behavior of a certain character at one point, but this is not a large plot point and shouldn’t affect the understanding or enjoyment of the rest of the story. 

PANIC! does contain massive spoilers, so I recommend reading the first two books of the series before this one: Please Don’t Feed the Dinosaurs and A Truly Raptor-ous Welcome. I’d also recommend having book four on hand (Farm Girls Die in Cages), because the end features a twist that will send you clamoring for the next installment. 

To readers young and old who love life-or-death adventures with plenty at stake, and capable characters who are relatable and realistically human, I heartily recommend PANIC!

Pilgrim River: A Spiritual Memoir by Kenneth Garcia 

“I see a small-time scholar and a semi-autistic loner, a flawed man who has persistently sought the Holy. The Quiet One.”

Bead by Bead: The Scriptural Rosary by Meggie K. Daly 

A scriptural meditation and a moving witness of how the rosary brought the author back to The Church.

Greater Treasures by Karina Fabian

Will Vern sacrifice the fate of two worlds for the life of his best friend?

Rachel’s Contrition by Michelle Buckman

After the loss of her child, Rachel goes insane but she must pull her mind back together to solve a murder and save her own life.

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.

An Exorcist Tells His Story by Fr. Gabriele Amorth

Do not be afraid. The Vatican’s top exorcist shares stories of his day job that prove God’s power over evil.

Worth Dying For By Marie C. Keiser

In the shady corporate-ruled galaxy, a man can acknowledge no god. Yet having nothing worth dying for frightens Mark more than death itself.

Finding Grace by Laura Pearl

Amidst the Free-love Women’s-lib culture of the 70’s how can one young girl find her path to sainthood?

The 1st Catholic Reads Readers Choice Award

The list of books that won by popular vote for 2024, with a Honorary Mention section for notable past year’s books.

Hell Spawn by Declan Finn

What does it look like when an every-man saint battles a demon?

Finding God Anew by Barbara Kudwa

After multiple divorces, a suicide, and a murder, Barbara Kudwa shares how she found peace through her faith in God.

Best of 2020

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

How the Dragon Awards Could Uplift Catholic Fiction

If you don’t like current state of mainstream publishing and wish there were more widely available alternatives, this is your chance to help make that a reality.

Death Cult by Declan Finn

St. Tommy continues his fight against the death cult, battling Voodoo priests and zombies along the way.

Lessons In Leadership from the Saints by BJ Gonzalvo, Ph.D.

A book about different Saints to help inspire you to become both a leader and a saint.

I, Claudia By Lin Wilder

Will the extraordinary events lead the wife of Pontius Pilate, Claudia Procula, to the Son of God?

A Changing of the Guard; Three Last Things Book 2 by Corinna Turner

A priest to Death Row inmates, Fr. Jacob must face the earthly consequences of ‘love thy enemy’

Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids by Kathryn Griffin Swegart, O.F.S.

Teach your children about the real presence through these short bedtime stories.

Mary, Seat of Wisdom By, J.T. Frodin

A child’s journey with Mary to discover why her heart is pierced.

Paul’s Prayers by Susan Anderson

A mother reveals with honesty and authenticity the difficulties of raising a child with autism and the struggles that child faces every minute of every day.