I recently read an excerpt of Dinosaur Lords which was great.  I really enjoyed it and will definitely pick up and conclude the story.  I can’t deny that the cover grabbed my attention – it’s amazing and what’s not to love about the notion of knights racing into battle atop dinosaurs.  I love it and the fact that each chapter starts off with a dinosaur sketch and a rough description – colour me happy.

Anyway, to the story.  We kick off to an immediate start with a huge scale fight about to break out.  We flit about from person to person sharing their thoughts and comments before the action begins and you can practically taste the tension in the air.  I’m going to be honest and say that the start could be a little bit confusing as at this point you have no notion of what the fight is about or who are the main parties, for that matter you have very little time to become attached to anyone before the fighting beginnings.  But, the action begins and is terrific with Triceratops standing stoic in defence and T-rex rushing into the fray.  Tell me this isn’t exciting.  I was quite giddy!

Now, yes, the start could be a little bit confusing with all the introductions but believe me when I say this is fairly quickly resolved.  The dust settles and the day awakens over the bloody battlefield and this is where, for me, the story really came into its own and all the characters started to become more defined.

We start with the noble captain Karyl.  He awakens to a desperate scene and things quickly go from bad to worse for him!  He meets with an entity of sorts who predicts his death, he’s chased by dinosaurs and he takes something of a tumble.  Enough said for now other than that I can assure you this particular character has not seen the end of action and in spite of having a tough time somebody is clearly looking out for him.

We are then introduced to the court and the character Melodia.  Melodia is a princess but rather than lolloping around on cushions and eating peeled grapes Melodia is bored.  She wants more involvement and I have a feeling she may see more action along the way.  For the present time she eagerly awaits her true love’s return.  Jaume, the lover in question is the returning hero.  Victorious and loved by all.  Shortly before Jaume arrives we meet Falk.  A huge knight who fought on opposing sides but has apparently now seen the error of his ways and pledged his sword in allegiance to the Emperor. Frankly – I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him – which wouldn’t be far because he’s a bit of a huge so and so.

The dinosaurs – well, they’re like the icing on the cake really.  They’re used for battle and to hunt as well as for food and they’re a major part of this world.  I was particularly intrigued to read a short chapter which seemed to be the thoughts of one of the defeated dinosaurs from the battle – unless I’ve just gone a bit crazy and dreamt that part up!  Somebody correct me if I’m wrong.  Very intriguing and I want more of that.

Anyway, I’m not going to over elaborate here as this is an excerpt and I don’t know whether I’m potentially spoiling anything – so,  Synopsis.  Very intriguing.  So far a great world set up with the potential for court intrigue, plots and back stabbing.  Captivating writing with no insufferable info dumps – you’re kind of thrown in and expected to swim really but I liked that approach.  Characters that you can get on with, particularly Karyl, and, of course, dinosaurs.  What’s not to love?

Well, I must admit that being an excerpt I wanted to scream at the point at which it concluded – but frankly that will just make me pick up the rest of the story that much quicker.

What are you waiting for!