The Deadlands: Survival (The Deadlands 3) by Skye Melki-Wegner

What worked:

All of the characters are dinosaurs and the plot follows a small band of exiles. Eleri was sent away from his herd in the first book because his warning saved an enemy triceratops from being killed. They’re now best friends. Eleri’s returning to warn the herbivores that the carnivore predators are amassing to attack but there’s a chance he’ll be killed when his former herd spots him. He now has proof that the leaders have been lying to the herds but those same leaders will do anything to stop Eleri. He displays honorable qualities and bravery as he’s willing to sacrifice himself to save others, even if they hate him. However, he's not sure if the bit of starmist embedded inside his body is a blessing or a curse.

Eleri’s brother Agostron has been an antagonist since the beginning of the series and their conflict continues in this book. In the first book, Agostron had a spy follow his younger brother to make sure he was killed so their reunion is unexpected. He’s actually excited when Eleri shows up because he’ll now be able to watch his “traitor” brother die. Agostron is now in a position of power although there’s little information about how he was able to convincingly defeat the Prairie Alliance army. He knows Eleri’s presence and knowledge are a danger to his status so it’s a precarious balance to ensuring his brother dies without revealing dark secrets to the herd.

Eleri’s close relationship with the unlikely members of his Grotto Herd highlights the book. Zyre was once a spy for the carnivores and she still can’t believe Eleri and the others are willing to be her friend. Tortha is Eleri’s best friend and the Triceratops provides a nice blend of fierceness and humor. Her horns and crest are formidable weapons in battle but her nicknames of bug muncher and dirt muncher for Zyre and Eleri are amusing. Lerithon is an immensely large dinosaur but he provides dreams and vague comments regarding future decisions and events that the others must figure out. Sorielle is a lifelong learner with an inventive mind whose curiosity sometimes pops up at the strangest times.

What didn’t work as well:

This book has the same issue as the previous ones. Mental images of the characters are vague since most of the dinosaurs have unfamiliar names. The introduction has descriptions of them but that doesn’t help to envision Eleri, an oryctodromeus (small, speedy herbivore), or an iguanodon (large herbivore with spiked thumbs). Small, inset pictures of the creatures would definitely help. You’ll also need to accept that dinosaurs in this book are able to perform some tasks that require dexterity not found with hooves and claws.

The final verdict:

This book and series are quite engaging, thoughtful, and full of adventure. Eleri is the self-doubting underdog who endears himself to other dinosaurs and young readers. The plot builds to an ultimate climax between the carnivores and herbivores, and a showdown between Eleri and Agostron. I recommend you give this book a shot.