I’m back!
It’s been a while, hasn’t it? The last time I posted was back in 2021, a whole two years ago. The digital cobwebs may be thick, but I’m excited to dust them off and reignite the warm glow of literary discourse in this space.
You might wonder what took me away. The answer is a celestial one – I was wholly absorbed in working on my Astrophysics thesis. As you can imagine, delving into the mysteries of the cosmos is a time-consuming endeavor. It was a grand adventure, but it also meant that my beloved blog had to take a back seat for a while. But now that I’m a legit PhD, I have no excuse to stay away!
Another reason, and it’s important to be candid about these things, was my mental health. It’s been a rough ride, with more downs than ups, and maintaining a regular blog – not to mention reading whole books – amidst the turbulence was a challenge too steep. I believe in being open about such issues, and I hope that anyone reading this who may also be battling their mental health knows they’re not alone.
But let’s talk about now, about this beautiful moment of reconnection. I’ve missed this. I’ve missed diving into literary worlds, surfacing with treasures to share, and engaging with all of you in a mutual love for books.
So, what’s the first gem I’m bringing to you from my reading treasure chest? Well, I thought I’d start with something a little different, a little exciting – ‘Dino-Rift’ by Derek Borne. Trust me, it’s a wild ride, filled with prehistoric excitement, teenage angst, and yes, plenty of dinosaurs.
Blurb
The Rift.
A gateway to a prehistoric world.
For years, SauraCorps has kept its existence confidential while touting themselves as a run-of-the-mill dinosaur museum.
For two Utah teens, Kamren and Vivienne, a care-free night to themselves quickly turns into a daunting trek through an exotic, unfamiliar time.
Not only do they stumble upon SauraCorps’ nefarious agenda, they also encounter major discrepancies concerning the past that would rewrite history books as we know them.
Kam and Viv’s reliance on each other through the primeval environment also tests their friendship in unexpected ways.
Will they survive and make it home…together?
Review
“Dino-Rift” by Derek Borne sweeps you up in a whirlwind adventure that will leave dinosaur enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike brimming with excitement. Honestly, it’s a rollercoaster of a read, and I kept picturing it as a blockbuster movie.
The characters are a joy to journey with. Kamren and Vivienne are not just likeable, but relatable and fun, which makes their journey all the more engrossing. You’ll find yourself rooting for them as they navigate the exotic prehistoric world they’ve stumbled into. The romance in the story is a delight. I’ve always had a soft spot for the friends-to-lovers trope, and Borne has nailed it here. It’s sweet, a touch sappy, but ultimately heartwarming and just adds that extra layer of depth to the characters’ relationship.
The dino-facts and tidbits throughout the book are a delight! The illustrations accompanying the species descriptions make the prehistoric world come alive, adding a layer of immersion that is simply fantastic.
The villains are superbly crafted – they’re complex, morally grey characters that you can’t help but love to hate and hate to love. They add an extra dash of spice to the mix that keeps the story feeling fresh and exciting.
That’s not to say that “Dino-Rift” is without its quirks. There’s a bit of narrative whiplash as we jump between perspectives – it’s a little disorientating at times. Some of the scientific discoveries also push the boundaries of believability (let’s be real, not all dinosaurs can be plant-eaters), but this is, but these surprising moments are part of what keeps the story fresh and entertaining.
In essence, Dino-Rift feels like a delightful cross between Jurassic Park and The Kaiju Preservation Society. It might lean more towards the middle-grade side of the spectrum, but that doesn’t stop it from being a rollicking good time for all ages. Perfect for fans of thrilling, adventurous stories featuring our long-extinct friends!
Find me on socials!
Some of you may have noticed my Instagram handle has changed. I’m no longer @readcommendations, but @seandersonauthor full-time now. You can also find me on TikTok, of all places.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and support. Here’s to our shared journey back into the heart of literature and an exciting new chapter for Readcommendations! Let’s hope I can keep it up!
Eternally lost in a book,
Sarah
Readcommendations 