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The Deadlands #3
The Deadlands: Survival
Wings of Fire meets Jurassic Park in the thrilling finale of this action-adventure series about five outcasts ― and former enemies ― who are the only hope to save their warring dinosaur kingdoms from impending doom.
As bloody battle rages between the two surviving dinosaur kingdoms, Eleri and the other young exiles―including a peppy stegosaur, a stoic sauropod, a testy triceratops, and a mysterious spy―have temporarily thwarted the Carrion Kingdom, a conniving cabal of carnivores, and destroyed their secret stronghold.
Fearing that their cunning enemies will soon regroup and seek vengeance, the exiles must risk their lives by returning home to unite and lead the war-torn herds that turned their backs on them into one final, all-out battle for the very future of the land of Cretacea. Will they convince their kingdoms to follow them into battle against the true enemy, or will Cretacea be overrun by an army of predators?
As bloody battle rages between the two surviving dinosaur kingdoms, Eleri and the other young exiles―including a peppy stegosaur, a stoic sauropod, a testy triceratops, and a mysterious spy―have temporarily thwarted the Carrion Kingdom, a conniving cabal of carnivores, and destroyed their secret stronghold.
Fearing that their cunning enemies will soon regroup and seek vengeance, the exiles must risk their lives by returning home to unite and lead the war-torn herds that turned their backs on them into one final, all-out battle for the very future of the land of Cretacea. Will they convince their kingdoms to follow them into battle against the true enemy, or will Cretacea be overrun by an army of predators?
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2024
8 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Skye Melki-Wegner
13 books123 followersHello and thanks for visiting my Goodreads profile! I'm a writer of fantasy/ adventure books from Melbourne, Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 20, 2024
A windswept and on the edge of your seat finish. The drama and turns kept coming right until the very end
October 13, 2023
What worked:
All of the characters are dinosaurs and the plot follows a small band of exiles. Eleri was sent away from his herd in the first book because his warning saved an enemy triceratops from being killed. They’re now best friends. Eleri’s returning to warn the herbivores that the carnivore predators are amassing to attack but there’s a chance he’ll be killed when his former herd spots him. He now has proof that the leaders have been lying to the herds but those same leaders will do anything to stop Eleri. He displays honorable qualities and bravery as he’s willing to sacrifice himself to save others, even if they hate him. However, he's not sure if the bit of starmist embedded inside his body is a blessing or a curse.
Eleri’s brother Agostron has been an antagonist since the beginning of the series and their conflict continues in this book. In the first book, Agostron had a spy follow his younger brother to make sure he was killed so their reunion is unexpected. He’s actually excited when Eleri shows up because he’ll now be able to watch his “traitor” brother die. Agostron is now in a position of power although there’s little information about how he was able to convincingly defeat the Prairie Alliance army. He knows Eleri’s presence and knowledge are a danger to his status so it’s a precarious balance to ensuring his brother dies without revealing dark secrets to the herd.
Eleri’s close relationship with the unlikely members of his Grotto Herd highlights the book. Zyre was once a spy for the carnivores and she still can’t believe Eleri and the others are willing to be her friend. Tortha is Eleri’s best friend and the Triceratops provides a nice blend of fierceness and humor. Her horns and crest are formidable weapons in battle but her nicknames of bug muncher and dirt muncher for Zyre and Eleri are amusing. Lerithon is an immensely large dinosaur but he provides dreams and vague comments regarding future decisions and events that the others must figure out. Sorielle is a lifelong learner with an inventive mind whose curiosity sometimes pops up at the strangest times.
What didn’t work as well:
This book has the same issue as the previous ones. Mental images of the characters are vague since most of the dinosaurs have unfamiliar names. The introduction has descriptions of them but that doesn’t help to envision Eleri, an oryctodromeus (small, speedy herbivore), or an iguanodon (large herbivore with spiked thumbs). Small, inset pictures of the creatures would definitely help. You’ll also need to accept that dinosaurs in this book are able to perform some tasks that require dexterity not found with hooves and claws.
The final verdict:
This book and series are quite engaging, thoughtful, and full of adventure. Eleri is the self-doubting underdog who endears himself to other dinosaurs and young readers. The plot builds to an ultimate climax between the carnivores and herbivores, and a showdown between Eleri and Agostron. I recommend you give this book a shot.
All of the characters are dinosaurs and the plot follows a small band of exiles. Eleri was sent away from his herd in the first book because his warning saved an enemy triceratops from being killed. They’re now best friends. Eleri’s returning to warn the herbivores that the carnivore predators are amassing to attack but there’s a chance he’ll be killed when his former herd spots him. He now has proof that the leaders have been lying to the herds but those same leaders will do anything to stop Eleri. He displays honorable qualities and bravery as he’s willing to sacrifice himself to save others, even if they hate him. However, he's not sure if the bit of starmist embedded inside his body is a blessing or a curse.
Eleri’s brother Agostron has been an antagonist since the beginning of the series and their conflict continues in this book. In the first book, Agostron had a spy follow his younger brother to make sure he was killed so their reunion is unexpected. He’s actually excited when Eleri shows up because he’ll now be able to watch his “traitor” brother die. Agostron is now in a position of power although there’s little information about how he was able to convincingly defeat the Prairie Alliance army. He knows Eleri’s presence and knowledge are a danger to his status so it’s a precarious balance to ensuring his brother dies without revealing dark secrets to the herd.
Eleri’s close relationship with the unlikely members of his Grotto Herd highlights the book. Zyre was once a spy for the carnivores and she still can’t believe Eleri and the others are willing to be her friend. Tortha is Eleri’s best friend and the Triceratops provides a nice blend of fierceness and humor. Her horns and crest are formidable weapons in battle but her nicknames of bug muncher and dirt muncher for Zyre and Eleri are amusing. Lerithon is an immensely large dinosaur but he provides dreams and vague comments regarding future decisions and events that the others must figure out. Sorielle is a lifelong learner with an inventive mind whose curiosity sometimes pops up at the strangest times.
What didn’t work as well:
This book has the same issue as the previous ones. Mental images of the characters are vague since most of the dinosaurs have unfamiliar names. The introduction has descriptions of them but that doesn’t help to envision Eleri, an oryctodromeus (small, speedy herbivore), or an iguanodon (large herbivore with spiked thumbs). Small, inset pictures of the creatures would definitely help. You’ll also need to accept that dinosaurs in this book are able to perform some tasks that require dexterity not found with hooves and claws.
The final verdict:
This book and series are quite engaging, thoughtful, and full of adventure. Eleri is the self-doubting underdog who endears himself to other dinosaurs and young readers. The plot builds to an ultimate climax between the carnivores and herbivores, and a showdown between Eleri and Agostron. I recommend you give this book a shot.
November 8, 2025
Small issues of the series hangs throughout, namely sparse descriptions of the characters.
However, the story is very solid, and I quite liked how this final book wrapped up each character.
The action is engaging and essentially nonstop in this book. I think some parts can feel just a touch cheesy (in a "we're all in this together" kind of way, haha), but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.
There's a part of me that doesn't quiiite sit right with the consistent notion that all carnivores are inherently evil. The carnivores are, for the purposes of the story, monsterously evil, but I think it would have made for a bit more of an in-depth and rounded story had we gotten a bit more from carnivores outside of them just being bloodthirsty and power-hungry. That being said, I do understand that realistically, herbivorous dinosaurs would have no feasible future living with carnivores.
So, consider that really my one little, tiny nitpick of the overall plot.
A small thing, really and I tend to be iffy about pointing this out since I think it should simply be the norm in books like these, (but we live in a time where it unfortunately isn't the norm and thus, should be given flowers when it feels right to), especially in children's literature when it is possible: thank you for adding queer characters, even despite being relatively minor.
Children's literature needs characters like Olithine and Jorela: strong, warm, openly queer characters without becoming a caricature of queerness. They just: are. They exist, are in love, and provide a strong, supportive foundation for the main cast, and I think that is wonderful.
While they are minor characters, they have had a large presence since introduced, and aren't shoved to the back nor buried.
I personally love a story that doesn't overstay its welcome and wraps up neatly, and this trilogy did a wonderful job of doing just that!
While I would gladly read more stories in this universe, I feel very satisfied with the ending; a very nice sweet spot for a book series to be in.
However, the story is very solid, and I quite liked how this final book wrapped up each character.
The action is engaging and essentially nonstop in this book. I think some parts can feel just a touch cheesy (in a "we're all in this together" kind of way, haha), but I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.
There's a part of me that doesn't quiiite sit right with the consistent notion that all carnivores are inherently evil. The carnivores are, for the purposes of the story, monsterously evil, but I think it would have made for a bit more of an in-depth and rounded story had we gotten a bit more from carnivores outside of them just being bloodthirsty and power-hungry. That being said, I do understand that realistically, herbivorous dinosaurs would have no feasible future living with carnivores.
So, consider that really my one little, tiny nitpick of the overall plot.
A small thing, really and I tend to be iffy about pointing this out since I think it should simply be the norm in books like these, (but we live in a time where it unfortunately isn't the norm and thus, should be given flowers when it feels right to), especially in children's literature when it is possible: thank you for adding queer characters, even despite being relatively minor.
Children's literature needs characters like Olithine and Jorela: strong, warm, openly queer characters without becoming a caricature of queerness. They just: are. They exist, are in love, and provide a strong, supportive foundation for the main cast, and I think that is wonderful.
While they are minor characters, they have had a large presence since introduced, and aren't shoved to the back nor buried.
I personally love a story that doesn't overstay its welcome and wraps up neatly, and this trilogy did a wonderful job of doing just that!
While I would gladly read more stories in this universe, I feel very satisfied with the ending; a very nice sweet spot for a book series to be in.
May 3, 2025
A good conclusion and quick read
I read this entire book in one sitting over like 2 hours. It wrapped up the series nicely and I enjoyed it.
I'll start with the negatives for once because why not.
The combat wasn't as creative as it was in the other two books. The nets of poisonous vines were the most creative aspect, and other than the anurognathus swarming the pterosaur there wasn't really much outside the typical heavyweight combat you expect to find in dinosaur media.
It also felt like the Carrion King's potential was wasted in this book. He shows up for like 3 pages where he dies instantly. General Korvia also felt wasted in this book with about the same screentime and fate and the Carrion King.
Both the mountain and prairie kings revealing their plot in front of everyone also felt like a copout.
Now onto the things I liked!
I liked how the main group's ideas weren't instantly accepted, there was quite a bit of pushback from more than just the kings and that was a good touch.
The anurognathus from the previous book had a well rounded ending, and a prosthetic wing being the first out-of-war creation by the herbivores was really good. Zyre's parents also instantly disowning her once they figured out she was the problem anurognathus was nice, and I loved how anurognathid combat was essentially just swarming things and then killing them through a thousand papercuts.
Other than that there's not much to say. Overall a pretty good arc and an enjoyable conclusion.
I read this entire book in one sitting over like 2 hours. It wrapped up the series nicely and I enjoyed it.
I'll start with the negatives for once because why not.
The combat wasn't as creative as it was in the other two books. The nets of poisonous vines were the most creative aspect, and other than the anurognathus swarming the pterosaur there wasn't really much outside the typical heavyweight combat you expect to find in dinosaur media.
It also felt like the Carrion King's potential was wasted in this book. He shows up for like 3 pages where he dies instantly. General Korvia also felt wasted in this book with about the same screentime and fate and the Carrion King.
Both the mountain and prairie kings revealing their plot in front of everyone also felt like a copout.
Now onto the things I liked!
I liked how the main group's ideas weren't instantly accepted, there was quite a bit of pushback from more than just the kings and that was a good touch.
The anurognathus from the previous book had a well rounded ending, and a prosthetic wing being the first out-of-war creation by the herbivores was really good. Zyre's parents also instantly disowning her once they figured out she was the problem anurognathus was nice, and I loved how anurognathid combat was essentially just swarming things and then killing them through a thousand papercuts.
Other than that there's not much to say. Overall a pretty good arc and an enjoyable conclusion.
April 21, 2025
Phenomenal and outstanding book. An epic conclusion for an epic trilogy.
The character development for each of the exiles is simply fantastic and very well fleshed out. I even cried at the emotional impact of watching them caring and protecting each other after been through so much together. Despite being a middle grade book, so much can be learned about empathy, community, grief, and survival. It filled my heart watching each one of them becoming what they were meant to be since the beginning, after all the trauma and fighting for their lives so many times.
Almost all of the antagonists got what they deserved. I'm pretty sure more than one of us adult readers would've wanted a worse punishment for Agostron. But it would be out of character of Eleri if he didn't show leniency, even after Agostron showed no remorse until the very end. The Scorch Lords are another loose end. I wonder if we'll get to see more books from the universe in the future. Agostron and the Scorch Lords living to tell the tale is the perfect excuse to create more stories of this incredible universe.
This third book just reinforces that this book is for children and adults alike.
The character development for each of the exiles is simply fantastic and very well fleshed out. I even cried at the emotional impact of watching them caring and protecting each other after been through so much together. Despite being a middle grade book, so much can be learned about empathy, community, grief, and survival. It filled my heart watching each one of them becoming what they were meant to be since the beginning, after all the trauma and fighting for their lives so many times.
Almost all of the antagonists got what they deserved. I'm pretty sure more than one of us adult readers would've wanted a worse punishment for Agostron. But it would be out of character of Eleri if he didn't show leniency, even after Agostron showed no remorse until the very end. The Scorch Lords are another loose end. I wonder if we'll get to see more books from the universe in the future. Agostron and the Scorch Lords living to tell the tale is the perfect excuse to create more stories of this incredible universe.
This third book just reinforces that this book is for children and adults alike.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2024
This is it. Everything we’ve worked for is leading up to this moment. The stakes are higher than ever before, and our protagonists have only one shot to end this war, or die trying.
Once again, this is a terrific story that has the same qualities that made the first two books so good, and I’m satisfied to say the ending was well worth it, this series was a journey of ups and downs, so to see it end the way it did was super nice. I enjoyed every page of it.
Alas, now the Deadlands series is finished. A pity, I really would have loved to see more. Whist reading this book, I thought about this book being adapted into a graphic novel like Wings of Fire, that would definitely be a big hit, no doubt. But that said, I’m glad the book ended on this note, so even if this is the last we hear from the Grotto herd, I’m glad the end was worth it.
Thank you for reading my reviews, and as always
Good night
Once again, this is a terrific story that has the same qualities that made the first two books so good, and I’m satisfied to say the ending was well worth it, this series was a journey of ups and downs, so to see it end the way it did was super nice. I enjoyed every page of it.
Alas, now the Deadlands series is finished. A pity, I really would have loved to see more. Whist reading this book, I thought about this book being adapted into a graphic novel like Wings of Fire, that would definitely be a big hit, no doubt. But that said, I’m glad the book ended on this note, so even if this is the last we hear from the Grotto herd, I’m glad the end was worth it.
Thank you for reading my reviews, and as always
Good night
January 18, 2025
Survival by Sky Milki-Wegner
Tw: animal death and war
So we are back at the final book.(for now…hopefully there are more)
So our little group finally our little group make it back to their kingdom with survivors. As proof of their kings’ betrayal. But the situation back at home is more complex than when they left. Sp a tense political alliance was forged between the groups for survival.
So this improved on the previous book and stuck the landing. There were twists and turns but nothing that made my jaw drop to the floor but still it made sense in the universe and improved the story. There is a surprise alive character that I wasn’t sure if they should have kept him dead or alive.
But besides that, I give this a 9/10
but please give this book series a chance. If like wings of fire and the land before time. Then I believe you will enjoy this book series. Plus I just want to see more about this world and characters. So please give it a read.
Tw: animal death and war
So we are back at the final book.(for now…hopefully there are more)
So our little group finally our little group make it back to their kingdom with survivors. As proof of their kings’ betrayal. But the situation back at home is more complex than when they left. Sp a tense political alliance was forged between the groups for survival.
So this improved on the previous book and stuck the landing. There were twists and turns but nothing that made my jaw drop to the floor but still it made sense in the universe and improved the story. There is a surprise alive character that I wasn’t sure if they should have kept him dead or alive.
But besides that, I give this a 9/10
but please give this book series a chance. If like wings of fire and the land before time. Then I believe you will enjoy this book series. Plus I just want to see more about this world and characters. So please give it a read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2024
A good, solid ending to an intense trilogy! The author set out to create a believable world and she definitely succeeded. The characters here are fleshed out and the story makes sense and brings home all the right conclusions from the problems set up in the first book.
As an adult, I find the foreshadowing a little heavy handed. Repeatedly, characters who say "I'll be there when you need me" conveniently show up just in the moment where the heroes would otherwise lose. I figured out the watery conclusion long before the characters did. However, for the intended audience I think that's more than fine. The author has set ups and payoffs, leading to a very satisfying conclusion. I especially liked the ending.
I hope the author someday continues writing in this world. I think there are more stories to tell!
As an adult, I find the foreshadowing a little heavy handed. Repeatedly, characters who say "I'll be there when you need me" conveniently show up just in the moment where the heroes would otherwise lose. I figured out the watery conclusion long before the characters did. However, for the intended audience I think that's more than fine. The author has set ups and payoffs, leading to a very satisfying conclusion. I especially liked the ending.
I hope the author someday continues writing in this world. I think there are more stories to tell!
January 1, 2024
I don't know why I started a middle grade book about talking dinosaurs other than pure curiosity, but I am so glad I did. The depth and nuance that somehow manages to maintain the appropriate age level is fantastic. Survival is the perfect conclusion to this story. It was tense throughout and concluded in an elegant way that tied the series together. I love the characters. Nostalgic notes remind me of the Land Before Time and my childhood obsession with those characters. This will be a series I revisit with my kids when they are a couple years older.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 5, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
A stunning conclusion to a fantastic trilogy! It wraps everything nicely and provides a satisfying conclusion to the intrepid heroes' adventure. I really hope we see more from this world--a sequel, maybe? I'd love to see POV books from the other dinosaurs like Tortha.
A very entertaining and thrilling series, I'll be recommending this to any of the Warriors & Wings of Fire fans who come to the library.
A stunning conclusion to a fantastic trilogy! It wraps everything nicely and provides a satisfying conclusion to the intrepid heroes' adventure. I really hope we see more from this world--a sequel, maybe? I'd love to see POV books from the other dinosaurs like Tortha.
A very entertaining and thrilling series, I'll be recommending this to any of the Warriors & Wings of Fire fans who come to the library.
September 20, 2024
3.5 stars
Book 3 and conclusion to series
Eleri and the other exiles have escaped the volcano and done some major damage. However, their enemies are not out of the picture yet!! They (the enemy) are preparing to completely destroy the two clans that have been warring for so long. It will take everything the exiles have got (strength, courage, smarts) to foil their plans.
A bit predictable ending but still a thrilling and engaging read. Lots of action and adventure.
CW: violence (Fighting, death, blood/gore)
Book 3 and conclusion to series
Eleri and the other exiles have escaped the volcano and done some major damage. However, their enemies are not out of the picture yet!! They (the enemy) are preparing to completely destroy the two clans that have been warring for so long. It will take everything the exiles have got (strength, courage, smarts) to foil their plans.
A bit predictable ending but still a thrilling and engaging read. Lots of action and adventure.
CW: violence (Fighting, death, blood/gore)
December 9, 2023
This series is so fun! I really enjoyed the character development and the friendships.
Survival is a great conclusion to The Deadlands trilogy. Pretty fast paced, and lots of action.
I think this series is great for middle grade readers and dino lovers.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy for review.
Survival is a great conclusion to The Deadlands trilogy. Pretty fast paced, and lots of action.
I think this series is great for middle grade readers and dino lovers.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy for review.
June 20, 2024
What a fantastic way to end a story. All the trials all the heartbreak you couldn’t ask for a better ending Agostron gets his comeuppance the carnivores are in shambles all the grotto herd are leaders of their own kingdoms. And Eleri goes off with the Star sweeper. To find his own story. Great ending.🥹
July 4, 2025
These books would make a great movie. How can you go wrong with talking dinosaurs. Especially if you think Jurassic Park instead of Barney. You have heroes and villains. Young heroes who have to learn about themselves. Vicious villains, both outside of their herds and within. It's also about the bond of friendship and the power friendship can have on making everyone better.
April 26, 2024
If you'd told me how invested I would be in this story about dinosaurs I was reading with my 9-year-old, I would have thought you were mad, but here we are! Great characters, great pacing, great line by line prose. This series is fantastic.
February 3, 2025
This book is amazing
I love this book so so much the characters are amazing! I still haven't gotten to the end of the book 😀but it's so good I love the group skills!
I love this book so so much the characters are amazing! I still haven't gotten to the end of the book 😀but it's so good I love the group skills!
December 3, 2024
Well what started out as a bit of a rough start in the first book really wrapped up to be a fantastic middle grade trilogy. My FAVORITE part, which I don’t know if the author really had this thought because you literally have to be of a certain age to to see the connection, is there is what could be a ‘The Breakfast Club’ reference “…a Brain, an Athlete, a Basketcase, Princess, and a Criminal…” obviously different words were chosen for the dinosaurs, but the second I read this part it immediately drew my brain to that line from Brian’s essay. Anyways, great trilogy!
June 17, 2024
Fantastic finale, amazing worldbuilding! Would love to see more from the Deadlands' world in the future. (It appears open-ended enough for sequels or a prequel!). Was very satisfied with how each kernel of foreshadowing came to fruition, while still opting for surprising conclusions that I wasn't expecting. Only critiques I have would have been for the last few chapters to stick around a while longer, and an updated map on the initial index to reflect most of the kingdom(s) in more detail. 🙂
I am shocked that this series hasn't become more popular, but that may just be a side-effect of it being so new and unique among "Animal protagonist" middle-grade series. I have already put in an order request for the library that I work at to add The Deadlands 1-3 to our collection ASAP!
I am shocked that this series hasn't become more popular, but that may just be a side-effect of it being so new and unique among "Animal protagonist" middle-grade series. I have already put in an order request for the library that I work at to add The Deadlands 1-3 to our collection ASAP!
July 2, 2024
I can’t believe this series has come to an end! This has been one of the most enjoyable MG series I’ve read in quite a while. I love the characters and how much personality they have. Eleri, an oryctodromeus, is thoughtful and loves stories and the power of storytelling. Tortha, a triceratops, is a salt-of-the-earth warrior girl. She’s pragmatic and fierce. Sorielle, an ankylosaur, is endlessly curious, especially when it comes to math and science. She’s an inventor. Tiny, timid Zyre, an anurognathid, uses her abilities to fly and to hide easily to listen and gather information. She may be easily frightened, but attack one of her allies, and she will fight back.
The steady pacing kept me reading just one more chapter long past when I planned to quit. The chapters seemed pretty short, which makes it so easy to read one more. So much happens in this book that it felt like a new danger or uncertainty was always springing up. I loved seeing how much the characters have grown through the whole series.
Readers who enjoyed the Warrior series or Wings of Fire will definitely want to pick up this series. Do start at the beginning of the series, as the books build on each other. If you like books featuring animal characters at all, absolutely check these books out.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.
The steady pacing kept me reading just one more chapter long past when I planned to quit. The chapters seemed pretty short, which makes it so easy to read one more. So much happens in this book that it felt like a new danger or uncertainty was always springing up. I loved seeing how much the characters have grown through the whole series.
Readers who enjoyed the Warrior series or Wings of Fire will definitely want to pick up this series. Do start at the beginning of the series, as the books build on each other. If you like books featuring animal characters at all, absolutely check these books out.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.
November 22, 2025
great book
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