Edge of Extinction #2

February 15, 2017
Sky's search for her long-missing father becomes a race against time following the discovery of a scheme to reclaim Earth's surface from the resurgent dinosaurs--with nukes.Rightly thinking that the environmental effects of a nuclear apocalypse would wipe out the last surviving remnants of humanity too, Sky leads a seemingly quixotic attempt to infect the tech of the plan's brutal but charismatic architect, a political boss known as "the Noah," with toxic software. But getting to his headquarters beneath shattered New York's Grand Central Station requires making her way through multiple betrayals, shootings, subway tunnels, firefights, and explosions. And that's not to mention the frequent, terrifying (if low on explicit gore) encounters with hosts of prehistoric creatures--from Dracorex hogwartsia and rhinolike pentaceratops to predatory carnotaurus, plesiosaurs, condorraptors, and troodons. Red-haired, white Sky needs rescuing a little too often this time around to come off quite as tough and resilient as in the opening episode, and like allies Shawn (the brilliant white hacker) and Todd (the hunky white survivalist), those around her are by and large typecast sorts. A decent finish featuring plenty of action and lots of dinos--the latter furnishing not only thrills, but both bacon and eggs for a closing breakfast. (afterword) (Science fiction. 11-13)

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April 1, 2017
Gr 4-6-Martin continues to delight both dinosaur lovers and techno geeks with her effectively conceived and well-written tales about a world where a dinosaur-sourced pandemic has ushered in a new era. In this fun and fast-moving sequel to The Ark Plan, the adventure starts with a bang, or rather with a frantic race from enraged dinosaurs, and never stops. Sky and her two companions, Shawn and Todd, are still searching for clues to the mystery of Sky's missing biologist father and his connection to -the Noah,- a self-styled savior of the United States who cropped up after the pandemic wiped out much of the country's population. All they have to go on is the map that Sky's father left in his compass and a port plug that they don't have the technology to read. The map leads them to a secret compound. From the deep, plesiosaur-infested waters of Lake Michigan to the remains of the New York City subways, Sky and her companions elude pursuers, both dinosaur and human, in their quest to stop the Noah. Martin doesn't pull her punches, the dinosaurs pack a vicious bite, and the guns shoot real bullets. VERDICT An exciting thriller that will more than satisfy fans of the first title.-Gretchen Crowley, formerly at Alexandria City Public Libraries, VA

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April 1, 2017
Grades 4-7 When readers last encountered Sky Mundy and her friends Shawn and Todd in The Ark Plan (2016), they were topside, trekking toward Lake Michigan among roaming dinosaur herds. This sequel doesn't miss a beat, beginning with the trio reaching the lake, only to be whisked away to the underwater Lincoln Lab, where researchers are breeding dinosaurs. Now joined by another girl, Chaz, the group faces more danger as the Noah attacks the lab and is revealed to have a plan to destroy the world. The clock ticks down as the kids try to outwit the villain and foil his plot. As Sky relates their wild adventures, readers share in her excitement, fears, and hopes for the future. Martin's long-standing fascination with dinosaurs is delightfully evident, and her spunky human characters realistically interact with them. From one adrenaline-charged scene to another, the kids use their ingenuity to escape from or work with the prehistoric creatures. This exciting conclusion to Martin's two-part adventure series will keep readers on the edge of their seats.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)