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cluckingbell's review
3.0
Aimed at grades 5-7, this is pretty tame fare compared to what I was reading in middle school, and the cover and title misrepresent the story a bit. But it's a pleasant enough read, especially because the kids are pretty smart and responsible (until the plot requires otherwise, of course, but even then they handle themselves well in a crisis), and the adults treat the kids like actual people, which I like.
kyla45's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
feigndark's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
This book was engaging enough to keep me reading through it to the end; the concept and plot was extremely fascinating and something I'd like to see more of. That said, the writing itself was... too simple? Lacking, I suppose though that's my fault - I'm an adult reading a book for younger readers. When I saw the cover, it's just I thought it would be similar to Roland Smith's books. Written for younger audiences, but in a way that can still make it enjoyable for older readers.
That said, I think this is a great book for younger audiences: it'll be a lot of fun and moves fast enough that it keeps the pages turning! I'd say it's probably ideal for average readers from 8-12.
That said, I think this is a great book for younger audiences: it'll be a lot of fun and moves fast enough that it keeps the pages turning! I'd say it's probably ideal for average readers from 8-12.
readertz's review against another edition
3.0
The alligator on the cover of this book caught my eye right away! It turns out that the creature on the cover isn't exactly an alligator. Dr. Catalyst has combined the DNA of alligators and owls to create the pterogator. He hopes it will eradicate the snakes causing so much damage in the Everglades, but a plan like that can only go one way- wrong! Readers may have to suspend belief for this far-fetched adventure, but most will be so into the book they won't mind!
froggylibrarian1's review against another edition
4.0
Emmett is not very happy when his dad’s job moves them from Montana to the Everglades. What is worse, it doesn’t make any sense. Why do they need his dad who specializes in raptors in the Everglades? What they soon discover is that there is a terrible new species on the loose in the Everglades. This species seems to be a combination of an alligator but with better eyes, the ability to climb trees, and the ability to glide. What is this new species? Dr. Catalyst, the creator of the species, wants his “pets” to get rid of invasive snakes in the Everglades so it can be restored but at what cost? What if his “pets” get out of control?
This was a fun book. It had a lot of action, suspense, and danger with some science and mystery added it. I enjoyed it.
This was a fun book. It had a lot of action, suspense, and danger with some science and mystery added it. I enjoyed it.
abigailbat's review against another edition
3.0
Emmet and his conservationist father get caught up in a deadly adventure when they move to Florida for dad's job at the Everglades Park. Something is causing animals to migrate away from the park and park rangers are investigating why. A mad scientist bent on eradicating the invasive species (pythons and boa constrictors) that are damaging the park's ecological system has created what he thinks is a solution. He's bioengineered a new species, a cross between alligators and birds of prey that can be trained to hunt the snakes as prey. But this new species turns out to be much more dangerous than anyone could have imagined.
I'd hand this one to kids who like thrillers and exciting adventure stories, particularly kids who are also interested in science and/or ecology. Kids who like B science fiction movies like Sharktopus might also enjoy this series. The book has strong STEM connections as Emmet and other characters use science throughout the story. I will say that while the cover is certainly enticing, it's also a little misleading as there is no super-giant reptile hiding in the swamp.
I'd hand this one to kids who like thrillers and exciting adventure stories, particularly kids who are also interested in science and/or ecology. Kids who like B science fiction movies like Sharktopus might also enjoy this series. The book has strong STEM connections as Emmet and other characters use science throughout the story. I will say that while the cover is certainly enticing, it's also a little misleading as there is no super-giant reptile hiding in the swamp.
demon_princess_reads's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book!! It is really cool! I want to read more.
iceangel9's review against another edition
4.0
The first book in the Killer Species series. Emmet and his scientist father have moved from Montana to Florida to work with the park rangers in the Everglades, who are having animal control problems. He, and his new friend Calvin, are attacked in the swamp by creatures that are a cross between an alligator and a bird. Then Emmett's father is kidnapped by a nut who is genetically creating Pterogators, supposedly to save the Everglades. A fast-paced action series boys will love. Can't wait for the next installment.
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