The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly
Reviewed by: Dawn Dickey, Reference Assistant
Genre: Adventure/Thriller
Suggested Age: Adults
What is the book about?: Reptile expert Dr. Cassandra Jane (CJ) Cameron, her photographer brother, Hamish, and a small group of VIPs have been invited to a mysterious, hidden location in southern China to preview a new take on theme parks: The Great Zoo of China. The park – secretly built over a 40 year period at a cost of billions of yuan – hopes to become the destination of choice for tourists from around the world. The main attraction? Several species of dragons that by chance were found hibernating in the hills of this remote area of China!
My review: If the idea for this book reminds you of the novel and film Jurassic Park, you’re on the right track! Beginning with the prologue, there are hints of the disaster to come: 19 people have met a tragic end due to encounters with the dragons. The suspense builds because you, as the reader, know this before reptile expert CJ finds out. CJ soon learns that the Chinese zookeepers have seriously underestimated the dragon’s hunting and problem-solving skills. In the chaos that follows, will CJ and her brother and the other VIPs escape? With dragons hunting and chomping on humans, it’s a gory read but also a get-your-heart-pumping and thrilling read. I especially liked the maps and diagrams of the theme park – they are interesting additions to the book. Available in print or as an eBook.
Rating: 5/5
About FDL Reads
Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!