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New Hunter
If you enjoy dinosaur fiction, then you are sure to enjoy New Hunter, a novel set in the Cretaceous period.
When Valdosaurus discovers a partially-eaten Iguanodon by the river, she knows it means there is a new and deadly predator on the island. It can only be a Neovenator—a two-ton, seven-meter-long killing machine and the most dangerous dinosaur of its time.
As the Iguanodon herd tries to defend itself from attack, Valdosaurus makes plans of her own to find the Neovenator’s lair. There, she makes a shocking discovery—there are two of them, and the female has a nest…
New Hunter is the first in an intended series of dinosaur stories for kids, teens and adults by Jack Mantell.
When Valdosaurus discovers a partially-eaten Iguanodon by the river, she knows it means there is a new and deadly predator on the island. It can only be a Neovenator—a two-ton, seven-meter-long killing machine and the most dangerous dinosaur of its time.
As the Iguanodon herd tries to defend itself from attack, Valdosaurus makes plans of her own to find the Neovenator’s lair. There, she makes a shocking discovery—there are two of them, and the female has a nest…
New Hunter is the first in an intended series of dinosaur stories for kids, teens and adults by Jack Mantell.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2023
43 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 3, 2023
Great read
I guess reading this book makes me a very old "young adult." Once I started reading the book, I had a hard time putting it down. It reminded me of the kids' series "The Land Before Time" only bumped up for slightly older readers. I will be hoping for more books from this author.
I guess reading this book makes me a very old "young adult." Once I started reading the book, I had a hard time putting it down. It reminded me of the kids' series "The Land Before Time" only bumped up for slightly older readers. I will be hoping for more books from this author.
December 15, 2023
This is an adventure story with mainly dinosaur characters facing a new threat - a new and large predator. It is a bit more than just an exciting adventure story of a gang of school kids but as talking dinos : it has some more depth something I was wondering about when I started reading it. The two main characters who seem to be maybe ten to twelve if they were human kids are involved in a new threat facing every dino on a previously peaceful Island (well there is a difficult to cross bridge.) Defending the island is the leader of the dominant herd of herbivores, but most of the other species are affected. Without too many more spoilers the story speculates about dino behaviour. The island community is based on a real and well known fossil site so the dinos are all from one place and one time period. This isn't some nonsense with a T. Rex. There are lessons about friendship, death and responsibility. There are species names to look up. And there are a couple non dinos who make an appearance, a few narrow escapes and a little humor (pun.). I actually expected more humor from watching the writer's narrations on YouTube. I did expect an excellent knowledge of fossils. I unfortunately havent had a chance of reading this book aloud to kids but I think this would also make an excellent book for bedtime reading for younger kids. There is mention of a sequel.
Criticism. Well it isnt a five star mainly because its not a story I would reread -it was simple and memorable rather than a complex puzzle of actions and personalities. I feel a book should have a couple places where the reader is surprised with the unexpected and what first seems almost illogical; I feel this is a big element in good childrens books. How the herbivores fight back and the island history (when I dug it up on Wikipedia) gave me a little of that but not enough. Editing: the writing was clear and said what it meant to say. The story didn't take detours and when it reached the end, it stopped. I found five trivial typos but the writing was a pleasure to read.
Criticism. Well it isnt a five star mainly because its not a story I would reread -it was simple and memorable rather than a complex puzzle of actions and personalities. I feel a book should have a couple places where the reader is surprised with the unexpected and what first seems almost illogical; I feel this is a big element in good childrens books. How the herbivores fight back and the island history (when I dug it up on Wikipedia) gave me a little of that but not enough. Editing: the writing was clear and said what it meant to say. The story didn't take detours and when it reached the end, it stopped. I found five trivial typos but the writing was a pleasure to read.
December 1, 2023
An exciting Dino adventure you're gonna love!
I couldn't wait for this book to release on Amazon. When it finally did, I read the whole thing in one long session. It's a fun, fast read. I’d classify this book as teenage to young adult adventure literature. But that doesn’t mean that older readers will find this story beneath them. On the contrary, I’m nearly Jurassic myself and I love it! The dinosaurs are slightly anthropomorphized in that they talk with each other and they strategize as the events unfold. Indeed, at times you can hear the dinosaurs’ inner monologue. It’s a somewhat unique perspective. There's lots of creative action that makes story super compelling. The author’s descriptions really draw the reader into the middle of this prehistoric setting. It's obvious that the author knows and loves the subject matter really well and his enthusiasm for it shows on every page. All together it’s a really fast paced, action adventure. I can't recommend it enough! If anyone you know is a Dino lover, treat them, or yourself, to this outstanding dinosaur escapade. They’ll love you for it!
I couldn't wait for this book to release on Amazon. When it finally did, I read the whole thing in one long session. It's a fun, fast read. I’d classify this book as teenage to young adult adventure literature. But that doesn’t mean that older readers will find this story beneath them. On the contrary, I’m nearly Jurassic myself and I love it! The dinosaurs are slightly anthropomorphized in that they talk with each other and they strategize as the events unfold. Indeed, at times you can hear the dinosaurs’ inner monologue. It’s a somewhat unique perspective. There's lots of creative action that makes story super compelling. The author’s descriptions really draw the reader into the middle of this prehistoric setting. It's obvious that the author knows and loves the subject matter really well and his enthusiasm for it shows on every page. All together it’s a really fast paced, action adventure. I can't recommend it enough! If anyone you know is a Dino lover, treat them, or yourself, to this outstanding dinosaur escapade. They’ll love you for it!
December 15, 2023
An old story told by an old soul
It can be hard for a 78 year old to decide to read a book about a teenage dinosaur written by an Aussie who also writes about the heinous invasion of Ukraine perpetrated by the Russians. I'm glad I did. So now I have bought it for my 10 year old grand daughter.
Jack (sorry to be so familiar but I love the name) has written a novel novel about prehistoric beasties behaving suspiciously like folks; and just like people our young (and old) protagonists are equally capable of good and not so good deeds.
Death is always nearby for our characters to defeat or succumb to. Our young heros' are guided and chided by the adults, who are not immune to mistakes of their own.
The editing is shocking in its absence and the writing is meant for teens and preteens so don't expect something as sophisticated as Hemingway...more in the way of H G Wells. (Which for me is a great compliment). Way to go Jack. A fun read full of new info along with a moral awareness underpinning a well told tail (proves I read it)
It can be hard for a 78 year old to decide to read a book about a teenage dinosaur written by an Aussie who also writes about the heinous invasion of Ukraine perpetrated by the Russians. I'm glad I did. So now I have bought it for my 10 year old grand daughter.
Jack (sorry to be so familiar but I love the name) has written a novel novel about prehistoric beasties behaving suspiciously like folks; and just like people our young (and old) protagonists are equally capable of good and not so good deeds.
Death is always nearby for our characters to defeat or succumb to. Our young heros' are guided and chided by the adults, who are not immune to mistakes of their own.
The editing is shocking in its absence and the writing is meant for teens and preteens so don't expect something as sophisticated as Hemingway...more in the way of H G Wells. (Which for me is a great compliment). Way to go Jack. A fun read full of new info along with a moral awareness underpinning a well told tail (proves I read it)
July 25, 2025
This was an engaging and endearing read - more aimed at the YA market I think. Kind of a Prehistoric WIND IN THE WILLOWS vibe. Lots of dinosaurs, some action, and some good take out messages as morals, like any good fable. Thank you to the author and Amazon for the free book.
I follow the author's Suchomimus YouTube channel for updates on the war in Ukraine too.
I follow the author's Suchomimus YouTube channel for updates on the war in Ukraine too.
July 27, 2024
Very good dinosaur novel and a fun read
Great storyline and well-crafted short novel. There were a few proofreading errs throughout the book, but overall this is a fun book for light reading
Great storyline and well-crafted short novel. There were a few proofreading errs throughout the book, but overall this is a fun book for light reading
December 1, 2023
A great book about dinosaurs
January 13, 2024
New Hunter
Adventure? Check. Comedy? Check. Dino action? Check. A great tale told by dinosaurs and I recommend for all ages. Loved it.
Adventure? Check. Comedy? Check. Dino action? Check. A great tale told by dinosaurs and I recommend for all ages. Loved it.
October 16, 2024
Excellent!
This book was so immersive - It felt like I was there among the dinosaurs, one of them,
living their adventures with them.
This book was so immersive - It felt like I was there among the dinosaurs, one of them,
living their adventures with them.
October 18, 2024
a rousing good read
I came here from watching Suchomimus on YouTube, but it’s a book that is good on its own merits. Support NAFO69 and Slava Ukraini!
I came here from watching Suchomimus on YouTube, but it’s a book that is good on its own merits. Support NAFO69 and Slava Ukraini!
August 10, 2025
Cool
I really liked this story. The characters are engaging and you really feel like you get to know them. Their world feels so real. It is a wonderful exciting tale for all ages.
I really liked this story. The characters are engaging and you really feel like you get to know them. Their world feels so real. It is a wonderful exciting tale for all ages.
December 4, 2023
lots of fun!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has well drawn characters, good descriptions and plenty of action. I admit that it’s aimed at a younger audience- maybe teens? But this old guy had a lot of fun with it. It’s what we used to call ‘A thumping good yarn.’
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has well drawn characters, good descriptions and plenty of action. I admit that it’s aimed at a younger audience- maybe teens? But this old guy had a lot of fun with it. It’s what we used to call ‘A thumping good yarn.’
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews