The Deadlands: Trapped - by Skye Melki-Wegner

Book Synopsis

Wings of Fire meets Jurassic Park in The Deadlands: Trapped, the second book of this action-adventure series by Skye Melki-Wegner about five outcasts--and former enemies--who are the only hope to save their warring kingdoms from impending doom.

As bloody battle rages on between the two surviving dinosaur kingdoms, Eleri and his fellow outcasts, newly exiled from their herds, are searching for evidence to prove a mass conspiracy--a conniving cabal of carnivores have manipulated the herbivore kingdoms into war, so they can feast on the slain. But after their temporary home is discovered by a vengeful pack of raptors, the exiles must flee and soon find themselves trapped inside the Fire Peak: the volcanic heart of the dreaded Carrion Kingdom.

Before they have a chance to escape, they discover a cavern of imprisoned herbivores, who are being picked apart--literally--one by one. Can the outcasts stage an elaborate heist to free the prisoners and gather proof of the Carrion Kingdom's vicious plans in one fell swoop?

Review Quotes

Praise for The Deadlands: Hunted

"This is my favorite middle grade book of the year . . . Full of heart, I would have inhaled a series like this as a kid--I did as an adult. It's the full package." --New York Times-bestselling author Amie Kaufman

"A claw-biting epic fantasy full of family drama, clever humor, nonstop action, weighty themes, and of course, the coolest band of misfit dinosaurs around." --John David Anderson, author of Ms. Bixby's Last Day and Posted

"A fast-paced trilogy opener . . . will undoubtedly spark interest among Jurassic enthusiasts, and the engaging adventure will entice readers." --Publishers Weekly

"A terrific series opener . . . The world building is exquisite, with intricate mythologies, governments, and histories in place. The growing rapport between species is a delight, and though the focus is on friendship and family, there are deeper meditations on morality and war. A treat for any dinosaur devotee." --Booklist

About the Author

Skye Melki-Wegner started writing as soon as she could hold a pen. She was immediately drawn to fantasy--and soon her notebooks overflowed with dragons, pixies, and wizards. After graduating with an honors degree in law, she traded in practicing law for writing fantasy novels. Her first middle-grade trilogy, The Deadlands, draws inspiration from her time working in a museum (where some of her colleagues were dinosaurs).