The Extinction Trials: Exile

Just like book 1 of this amazing series by SM Wilson, Exile grabs you right from the first page and doesn't let you go until the end and then it leaves you wanting more... The stakes are now even higher for our two main characters, Stormchaser and Lincoln. Due to unfolding events Stormchaser ends up at Parliament House working for Octavius, who is the head of the ruling Stipulators. After her initial shock, she finds that she enjoys being with him, as she is learning from his vast knowledge about the dinosaurs. However, things quickly change due to an ambitious Chief Stipulator, Silas, who discovers that Reban Don is Stormchaser's father. Meanwhile, after being defeated by Storm at the end of the trail in book 1, Lincoln continues his work in the lab and visits his seriously ill sister Arta, who has the blistering plague, as often as he is allowed. Storm still refuses to talk to him after his deception and he feels remorse for his actions. The scientists of Earthasia, have developed three viruses that could potentially kill the main predatory dinosaurs. Storm, along with Lincoln, Leif, the now the exiled Reban Don and an unexpected volunteer Jesa, are swiftly taken without question and sent back to Piloria to plant the viruses. They can only return when they have completed the task. When they arrive, Lincoln takes advantage of this and quickly collects the evergreen plants and vines in order to make more of Blaine's ointment as it is helping control the plague; but will Blaine help and how will he cope when he meets his daughter, Jesa? Things do not go according to plan! New dinosaurs are discovered as soon as they land on this menacing new continent. They are relentlessly battling to stay alive with only the basic weapons that they have been allowed to take with them from the ship. Will they all return to Earthasia? Will Lincoln have the cure for the plague? Will Storm take the opportunity to see past Reban's role of Chief Stipulator and see him for who he really is? Exile is a dinosaur rollercoaster ride. The author, once again, has cleverly written each pacy chapter so that it transports the reader deep into the story so much so, that you can imagine yourself alongside these characters on this menacing, dangerous and unexplored continent. The book has 381 pages that are set out in manageable chapters with a dual narrative that will have the most reluctant readers of 11+ totally engaged and engrossed in the story line. Exile would also be great for intervention groups and book clubs as there are numerous discussion points. I did find, however, that this second book felt darker and more menacing than its predecessor (even the amazing cover has a menacing evil eye peering at you), it has more violence and blood thirsty dinosaurs as you would perhaps expect, after all they are not dealing with puppies and kittens on this fantasy continent!! Such a great read, but some of the scenes are not for the faint hearted. I'm now looking forward to book three and discovering how things pan out for these wonderful fictional characters. 381 pages / Ages 11+ / Reviewed by Linda Brown, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 11+