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teachinsci's review
2.0
Maybe a 2.5 because of the art.
I first read this years ago and didn't recall being impressed. Upon rereading, I was struck with the same sense. Even my 10 year old daughter said, "that's it?" as we finished the last page.
The story is of the past of Dinotopia, buuuut in true Atlantean tradition, the technology of the past far outstrips that of even modern day. That was not wholly unexpected after the last book. The menagerie of creatures from along the primate family branch... all of which could easily talk to the human and all of whom invented and used tools were more unexpected. The lack of humans at all amongst the dinosaurs, that we encounter at least, also seems strange.
For me, while the art was amazing as always, the story just seemed rather slapped together. The plot holes you could fly a pterosaur through and missing information that would quadruple the length of the book if added.
I honestly think I bought this book and kept it more because I am a completionist than because it has lots of redeeming value.
I first read this years ago and didn't recall being impressed. Upon rereading, I was struck with the same sense. Even my 10 year old daughter said, "that's it?" as we finished the last page.
The story is of the past of Dinotopia, buuuut in true Atlantean tradition, the technology of the past far outstrips that of even modern day. That was not wholly unexpected after the last book. The menagerie of creatures from along the primate family branch... all of which could easily talk to the human and all of whom invented and used tools were more unexpected. The lack of humans at all amongst the dinosaurs, that we encounter at least, also seems strange.
For me, while the art was amazing as always, the story just seemed rather slapped together. The plot holes you could fly a pterosaur through and missing information that would quadruple the length of the book if added.
I honestly think I bought this book and kept it more because I am a completionist than because it has lots of redeeming value.
billyhopscotch's review
4.0
A nice backstory for the land of Dinotopia, but the story feels less exploratory and a little more safe. Still great for kids of all ages and fans of the series or Gurney's artwork.
amylynn44's review
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
jadejade's review against another edition
3.0
I have been a fan of this beautifully-illustrated series for decades now so of course I wanted to read this book once I realised it existed.
The framing device is that Will Denison is reading a scroll about Poseidos. The start of the tale was interesting enough: giving the reader an idea of what it was like for new character Gideon to live in Poseidos. Unlike the more modern Dinotopia that we are familiar with, this empire treated dinosaurs as an exploitable resource. Gideon is a drone pilot, showing how technologically advanced Poseidos was, and sets Gideon up for the first flight of the book's title. We are introduced to a likely antagonist. Gideon then befriends a pterosaur, even though no one in Poseidos is allowed to keep an animal. This is a great set up.
However, everything thereafter is rushed. I have no problem with these story beats per se but they fly past so quickly (pun - ha!) and feel unearned. This makes the book feel like it is aimed at a younger audience than the previous books of the series.
Despite the story not being my cup of tea, the art is genuinely gorgeous, as always. Fans will particularly appreciate the bonus material at the end of the 20th Anniversary edition, which I estimate take up maybe a third of the book.
The framing device is that Will Denison is reading a scroll about Poseidos. The start of the tale was interesting enough: giving the reader an idea of what it was like for new character Gideon to live in Poseidos. Unlike the more modern Dinotopia that we are familiar with, this empire treated dinosaurs as an exploitable resource. Gideon is a drone pilot, showing how technologically advanced Poseidos was, and sets Gideon up for the first flight of the book's title. We are introduced to a likely antagonist. Gideon then befriends a pterosaur, even though no one in Poseidos is allowed to keep an animal. This is a great set up.
However, everything thereafter is rushed.
Spoiler
We get an exposition dump about the Ruby Sunstone. Gideon rescues some more pterosaurs that need to be established for the climax but will drop out of the story for now. We meet some primates. We rescue some eggs by hiding them then put them back. Hey, you wanna fly on a pterosaur for the climax? Sweet, we're totes best friends now.Despite the story not being my cup of tea, the art is genuinely gorgeous, as always. Fans will particularly appreciate the bonus material at the end of the 20th Anniversary edition, which I estimate take up maybe a third of the book.
librarianryan's review
4.0
I read this as a child and loved the opertunity to come back to it as an adult. I still find it has the ability to enchant me with its mix of machines and dinosaurs, and the world that was created.
depleti's review
3.0
This story wasn't in the journal-format as the very first book, and it reads a bit clunky and simple, but the art is still solid and great.
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