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The Dino-Rift #3
Primeval Ranch
This fast-paced spin-off from Dino-Rift and SauraCorps: Salvation introduces all new characters, including two who use their grief to protect time-displaced dinosaurs, and to honor the ones they love. In true Borne fashion, this sci-fi fantasy adventure is told with lots of humor and plenty of heart.
The ranch.
Time-displaced dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures have found a secluded home near Big Bend National Park in Texas. Earnie, an elderly widower, cares for each and every one of them on his property.
Lucero “Luz” Sanchez eagerly awaits each weekend to covertly help out at Earnie's. Finding solace with the primeval animals, she distracts herself from dealing with the loss of her mother.
SauraCorps, still operated by Sebastian Sharpe, assigns ex-military Evander Evers and a wildcard agent Zoey Beaumont to a special mission: inspect space-time energy activities in the area, and return all displaced animals to their proper time.
A local cartel with a focused interest in prehistoric creatures is about to make things much worse.
Can Earnie’s primeval ranch be saved?
The ranch.
Time-displaced dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures have found a secluded home near Big Bend National Park in Texas. Earnie, an elderly widower, cares for each and every one of them on his property.
Lucero “Luz” Sanchez eagerly awaits each weekend to covertly help out at Earnie's. Finding solace with the primeval animals, she distracts herself from dealing with the loss of her mother.
SauraCorps, still operated by Sebastian Sharpe, assigns ex-military Evander Evers and a wildcard agent Zoey Beaumont to a special mission: inspect space-time energy activities in the area, and return all displaced animals to their proper time.
A local cartel with a focused interest in prehistoric creatures is about to make things much worse.
Can Earnie’s primeval ranch be saved?
- GenresScience Fiction
288 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2025
6 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Derek Borne
15 books155 followersHey hey! Derek Borne here, and I'm a Canadian author of Sci-Fi novels. When I'm not writing, I spend time with my lovely wife and moody bearded dragon Ziggy (She's always looking at me like I'm an idiot). Other times, I'm eating pizza, belting out Broadway showtunes, playing guitar, eating pizza, watching anything to do with Marvel superheroes, and making movie references daily. Oh, and eating pizza.
And for added emphasis...... pizza
And for added emphasis...... pizza
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 27, 2025
If you loved Dino Rift and SauraCorps, you are in for a treat with Primeval Ranch.
Derek and A.L. Borne have spun a whole new dino adventure, full of familiar faces from the Dino Rift series, and brilliant new characters alike. This novel continues as the series does, suitable for the whole family, with great pop culture references and jokes for the adults. The story was fast paced and engaging, with lots of adventure (of course), but also beautiful heartfelt and emotional moments too. Earnie and Zoey were my favourite human characters, and Tess for favourite dinosaur!
I am truly honour to have been mentioned in this book, forever a part of this series I love so much. The Mysterious Bookcase, Matt, Ally and Harry all mentioned in a cameo early on. Let me know when you spot it!
Thank you Derek for our early copy.
Derek and A.L. Borne have spun a whole new dino adventure, full of familiar faces from the Dino Rift series, and brilliant new characters alike. This novel continues as the series does, suitable for the whole family, with great pop culture references and jokes for the adults. The story was fast paced and engaging, with lots of adventure (of course), but also beautiful heartfelt and emotional moments too. Earnie and Zoey were my favourite human characters, and Tess for favourite dinosaur!
I am truly honour to have been mentioned in this book, forever a part of this series I love so much. The Mysterious Bookcase, Matt, Ally and Harry all mentioned in a cameo early on. Let me know when you spot it!
Thank you Derek for our early copy.
February 20, 2025
Another great addition to a great series. One thing you can expect from Derek Borne is the best characters and lots of laughs. Ernie is my favorite by the way! But for real Dino Ranch set in Texas, what is not to like? I also love we got bits from previous characters we know and love.
My 12YO son is currently starting book One and is already obsessed!!
My 12YO son is currently starting book One and is already obsessed!!
March 7, 2025
5 starsssss - OH MY GOSHH!!! First things first, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book. My thanks to the author for that! ALSO...the preorder for this is just 99 cents right now!
HOLY TARBOSAURUS, I seriously think this is the best book in the Dino Rift Universe! Perhaps I am slightly biased as this takes place in my home state of Texas. 😂
But nah, that's not actually why. This book excels in its great pacing and moments of pure action. This author has a way of writing his stories so that you feel fully immersed and almost forget where you are. Yes, to me the world building is THAT good.
The new characters introduced are also just so dang endearing and I love them all. (Earnie most of all! 🥺) The plot is epic in nature and I can just imagine being where these characters are and experiencing all of the cool elements included here. I also felt like I could feel the characters pains and losses. My little eyes were filled with tears in some parts.
As always, this book had so much humor and so many references to movies and modern day things that it was just a joy and a half to read. (My favorite was "The Three Amigos" reference. I was on the floor laughing because it reminded me so much of my dad.) The end credits scene with some returning characters also made my heart so happy!
Overall, an amazing book and I really hope the author continues to expand in this world. The teaser at the end too!! 👀 I anxiously await what is to come! 😄
HOLY TARBOSAURUS, I seriously think this is the best book in the Dino Rift Universe! Perhaps I am slightly biased as this takes place in my home state of Texas. 😂
But nah, that's not actually why. This book excels in its great pacing and moments of pure action. This author has a way of writing his stories so that you feel fully immersed and almost forget where you are. Yes, to me the world building is THAT good.
The new characters introduced are also just so dang endearing and I love them all. (Earnie most of all! 🥺) The plot is epic in nature and I can just imagine being where these characters are and experiencing all of the cool elements included here. I also felt like I could feel the characters pains and losses. My little eyes were filled with tears in some parts.
As always, this book had so much humor and so many references to movies and modern day things that it was just a joy and a half to read. (My favorite was "The Three Amigos" reference. I was on the floor laughing because it reminded me so much of my dad.) The end credits scene with some returning characters also made my heart so happy!
Overall, an amazing book and I really hope the author continues to expand in this world. The teaser at the end too!! 👀 I anxiously await what is to come! 😄
April 15, 2025
Yet another fantastic addition to the series!
This time we're in Texas and we are introduced to some great new characters - human and dinosaur alike!
There's a bit more of an emotional journey for some of the characters as they learn to live with grief and try to learn how to move on with their loved ones. Nothing that takes over the adventure and light heartedness feel of the series, just a bit if the feels.
Kids love the illustrations - it really helps to bring the story to life for them, and again there was plenty of references to movies and alike to discover which is also fun for kids and adults alike!
Cant wait for more!
This time we're in Texas and we are introduced to some great new characters - human and dinosaur alike!
There's a bit more of an emotional journey for some of the characters as they learn to live with grief and try to learn how to move on with their loved ones. Nothing that takes over the adventure and light heartedness feel of the series, just a bit if the feels.
Kids love the illustrations - it really helps to bring the story to life for them, and again there was plenty of references to movies and alike to discover which is also fun for kids and adults alike!
Cant wait for more!
February 17, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book and I absolutely loved this book from the illustrations of the dinosaurs throughout to Earnie who is like your grandad to the family dynamics of humberto and his children one of the best best books I have read this year from laughing to crying this to meeting the dinos my favourite dino being Sauropelta. For kids and adults alike this book will keep you turning the pages to the end another fantastic book by Derek
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2025
Honored to have been considered for an ARC:’) this book made my heart happy. The complex family dynamics paired with unlikely friendships + (as always) pee your pants level references had me laughing one second and wanting to cry the next. If you loved everything Dino Rift then you’ll love Primeval Ranch!
This book is a spin off so it follows a whole new cast of characters and Dinos. You get to see the ongoing chaos of having these time rifts popping up in the modern world. There are some familiar faces we touch base with (which made me smile so hard!!!) but ultimately Derek has crafted a new family of characters to hold close to your heart and a Dino Ranch that makes me seriously jealous I can’t show up for some “horse riding lessons” on the regular.
10/10 would recommend!
This book is a spin off so it follows a whole new cast of characters and Dinos. You get to see the ongoing chaos of having these time rifts popping up in the modern world. There are some familiar faces we touch base with (which made me smile so hard!!!) but ultimately Derek has crafted a new family of characters to hold close to your heart and a Dino Ranch that makes me seriously jealous I can’t show up for some “horse riding lessons” on the regular.
10/10 would recommend!
March 3, 2025
I was so excited to be sent an ARC and to be able read Primeval Ranch early.
I absolutely LOVED Dino-Rift and SauraCorps: Salvation, so when I found out Derek was writing a third book in the series, I was so happy and this did not disappoint.
Primeval Ranch has laughter & tears alongside a good old dose of action. This is a feel good book suitable for all ages and a great family read. If you enjoyed Dino-Rift and Sauracorps, then you need to read this.
Derek Bourne has done it again and I'm hoping there will be more to come!!!
I absolutely LOVED Dino-Rift and SauraCorps: Salvation, so when I found out Derek was writing a third book in the series, I was so happy and this did not disappoint.
Primeval Ranch has laughter & tears alongside a good old dose of action. This is a feel good book suitable for all ages and a great family read. If you enjoyed Dino-Rift and Sauracorps, then you need to read this.
Derek Bourne has done it again and I'm hoping there will be more to come!!!
April 18, 2025
Review to come
February 24, 2025
I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC copy of Primeval Ranch by Derek Borne and A.L. Borne, and I can confidently say this might be my favorite installment in the Dino Rift series! While I absolutely loved the original cast from the first two books, I really enjoyed meeting some new faces in this adventure.
Derek Borne has a way of bringing his characters to life, making them feel so real and engaging. His writing style makes the story accessible to all ages, which is one of the things I love about his YA books. The concept of a dino ranch set in good ol’ Texas was such a perfect and exciting setting—it felt like the best mix of adventure, action, and prehistoric wonder.
From start to finish, Primeval Ranch had me hooked, and I can’t recommend it enough to fans of dinosaurs, adventure, and thrilling storytelling. A fantastic addition to the series. Definitely a 5-star read!
Derek Borne has a way of bringing his characters to life, making them feel so real and engaging. His writing style makes the story accessible to all ages, which is one of the things I love about his YA books. The concept of a dino ranch set in good ol’ Texas was such a perfect and exciting setting—it felt like the best mix of adventure, action, and prehistoric wonder.
From start to finish, Primeval Ranch had me hooked, and I can’t recommend it enough to fans of dinosaurs, adventure, and thrilling storytelling. A fantastic addition to the series. Definitely a 5-star read!
April 15, 2025
This was a fantastic book in this series as Lucero and Earnest have dinosaurs and with the help of family and SauraCorps employees battle against a cartel who want to harm these dinosaurs.
May 15, 2025
The mark of someone dedicated to their craft is when each book is better than their last. The mark of a great YA book is when it also keeps adults engaged. Borne has done both of these with Primeval Ranch.
At the core, this is a story about grief, love and how much we all need to care about something — family, friends, living creatures past or present— even when it hurts.
Each character is on their own journey of grief and renewal and Borne delves deep into these emotionally important themes without ever letting go of the heart, banter and sweeping cinematic scenes we loved in the Dino Rift series.
This is easily my favorite work of his yet.
At the core, this is a story about grief, love and how much we all need to care about something — family, friends, living creatures past or present— even when it hurts.
Each character is on their own journey of grief and renewal and Borne delves deep into these emotionally important themes without ever letting go of the heart, banter and sweeping cinematic scenes we loved in the Dino Rift series.
This is easily my favorite work of his yet.
April 15, 2025
“Primeval Ranch” is the third book in the series and it is just as amazing as the first two books! I am very grateful to have received an ARC to continue the series.
Some characters from the previous books return in this installment, but we also get to meet some new (great) characters, you can really relate to. And, of course (the reason why I enjoy these books) lots and lots of new dinosaurs I have never heard of before. Illustrations of the dinosaurs are included, which makes it even more fun to read, since you can really have an idea of what these dinosaurs look like.
I really enjoy Derek’s writing style and just love how he includes movie references and such, they always make me smile. There is a lot of action and adventure in his book(s), they are suitable for all ages. So no matter how old you are, if you enjoy dinosaurs and a good story & plot, you will definitely enjoy the books! And yes, I do mean all three of them.
Some characters from the previous books return in this installment, but we also get to meet some new (great) characters, you can really relate to. And, of course (the reason why I enjoy these books) lots and lots of new dinosaurs I have never heard of before. Illustrations of the dinosaurs are included, which makes it even more fun to read, since you can really have an idea of what these dinosaurs look like.
I really enjoy Derek’s writing style and just love how he includes movie references and such, they always make me smile. There is a lot of action and adventure in his book(s), they are suitable for all ages. So no matter how old you are, if you enjoy dinosaurs and a good story & plot, you will definitely enjoy the books! And yes, I do mean all three of them.
February 22, 2025
Another amazing read from the Dino king himself! This book is such a fun fast paced read with action and found family. Lots of wonderful dinos and illustrations of the dinos which are super helpful so you can really picture what they look like. Dereks books are written so well that they manage to keep both younger readers and adults in gaged. There stuff in them for all the family. I laughted and got emotional and smiled so much. This is a beautiful story that touches on some emotional subjects that really make you feel for the characters. If you love dinosaurs and enjoy a fast paced fun read then this series is defo for you. Recommend reading the first 2 in the Dino rift series first so you can enjoy this one to the fullest. Thank you Derek for allowing me to arc read for you, now I have to patiently wait for the next one in your wonderful Dino world 😍
February 25, 2025
I wish that I could give more than five stars because this book was extraordinary!
There is amazing continued world building from the previous books in the Dino-rift universe. I don’t care if you are 8 or 80, the dinosaurs, action, and adventure grab your attention and hold it until the very last page.
This novel had such heartwarming beauty as it tackled issues like grieving and PTSD. Though this is an action adventure novel, it weaves into the characters and the narrative so well the truth, happy and sad, that we face in our lives.
While reminding us that there are “first world problems”, this book is absolute fun and not something you can just put down and walk away from. I give this my highest recommendation: go, read it, and enjoy!
There is amazing continued world building from the previous books in the Dino-rift universe. I don’t care if you are 8 or 80, the dinosaurs, action, and adventure grab your attention and hold it until the very last page.
This novel had such heartwarming beauty as it tackled issues like grieving and PTSD. Though this is an action adventure novel, it weaves into the characters and the narrative so well the truth, happy and sad, that we face in our lives.
While reminding us that there are “first world problems”, this book is absolute fun and not something you can just put down and walk away from. I give this my highest recommendation: go, read it, and enjoy!
March 28, 2025
My 14-year-old brother was given an ARC of this books, and this is his review: I thought that the book was great and that the relationship between Zoey and Evander was a nice touch to the story. I also thought that adding the different ethnicity (which is Latino [Mexican]) was a nice appreciation for other cultures in the world. The villain was pretty good, as were the throwbacks to the first book, with references to Nandy and such. I also loved the fact that you did show what happened to Kamren and Vivian after the events of Dino-Rift and Sauracorps, like how Kam's writing career expanded. But overall, the book was great, and I recommend it to all readers who have interest in sci-fi, action, and a little romance. I would give this book 5 stars would read again.
March 26, 2025
There’s nothing like settling down with a YA sci-fi full of whit and dinosaurs!
“Better being a nerd than following the herd.”
This book is filled with adventure, love, family, laughter, and of course—dinos! We get a whole cast of new characters in this Dino-Rift spin off, plus the return of old favorites.
Borne is a natural story teller who’s full of compassion that comes through on the page. Having a bad day? Read a Derek Borne novel. I promise, you’ll feel better!
“Better being a nerd than following the herd.”
This book is filled with adventure, love, family, laughter, and of course—dinos! We get a whole cast of new characters in this Dino-Rift spin off, plus the return of old favorites.
Borne is a natural story teller who’s full of compassion that comes through on the page. Having a bad day? Read a Derek Borne novel. I promise, you’ll feel better!
April 13, 2025
Thank you to Derek for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"Primeval Ranch" is a spin-off in the Dino Rift series, and it is my favourite of the three books. The tension, sarcasm, and overall love in this story are beautifully written, and I truly enjoyed the plot.
If you're looking for a fresh perspective on the relationship between dinosaurs and humans, this series is for you!
"Primeval Ranch" is a spin-off in the Dino Rift series, and it is my favourite of the three books. The tension, sarcasm, and overall love in this story are beautifully written, and I truly enjoyed the plot.
If you're looking for a fresh perspective on the relationship between dinosaurs and humans, this series is for you!
May 5, 2025
I don't even know where to begin, this was an incredible journey from start to finish. Being familiar with Borne's works, we see the classic humour and witty banter that seams well into a neatly woven storyline. There were quite a few parts that made me nearly laugh out loud, and let's not forget those Princess Bride references! Honestly, I can say that reading this was truly the highlight of my day.
April 30, 2025
Derek has done it again! I love that these are quick, easy, and fun reads. The illustrations in the book of all of the prehistoric creatures make my nerdy heart so happy! I will definitely continue to read any prehistoric books that he writes.
March 6, 2025
I absolutely loved this books. I enjoyed all the action and Dino’s! Tess is the best one ever!
March 8, 2025
A great continuation of the series, I loved the adventure this has taken me on.
April 15, 2025
Great new characters added along with amazing new dinosaurs. This is an another captivating dinosaur adventure book for all the family.
Also loved the little cameo from The Mysterious Bookcase!
Also loved the little cameo from The Mysterious Bookcase!
April 28, 2025
I love it love it love it!!!!
since I read Dino rift and SauraCorps: Salvation and now PrimevalRanch I really want to ride a dinosaur and I love Earnie and his personality 😍😍
since I read Dino rift and SauraCorps: Salvation and now PrimevalRanch I really want to ride a dinosaur and I love Earnie and his personality 😍😍
May 13, 2025
Brilliant
Another fantastic dinosaur 🦕 book!! I savored every single word of this story an am super psyched about the next one!
Another fantastic dinosaur 🦕 book!! I savored every single word of this story an am super psyched about the next one!
May 30, 2025
One thing is guaranteed when entering a Derek Borne world—there will never be a dull moment. Primeval Ranch is no exception. While geared toward the YA crowd, the entire Dino Rift series is fun for the whole family. Despite the intense action, Borne never gets too graphic with the death scenes (we are talking dinos here) or the touches of romance.
This third installment includes old friends and new, not the least of whom are a whole new cast of dinosaurs. Said dinos are made all the more real by Borne’s vivid descriptions and even illustrations for those who prefer visuals. Filled with these, witty banter, and some heart-touching moments regarding the importance of friends and family, Primeval Ranch is not to be missed.
This third installment includes old friends and new, not the least of whom are a whole new cast of dinosaurs. Said dinos are made all the more real by Borne’s vivid descriptions and even illustrations for those who prefer visuals. Filled with these, witty banter, and some heart-touching moments regarding the importance of friends and family, Primeval Ranch is not to be missed.
June 8, 2025
Primeval Ranch by Derek Borne and A.L. Borne (A spin-off to the Dino Rift series) was very well done.
It’s a fantastic YA dinosaur novel that’s very intense at times.
Derek and A.L are very good authors
I would definitely recommend this novel if you love dinosaurs novels
It’s a fantastic YA dinosaur novel that’s very intense at times.
Derek and A.L are very good authors
I would definitely recommend this novel if you love dinosaurs novels
April 15, 2025
The Sanchez family is lost, struggling to learn to live with great loss. Teenager Luz meets Earnie after mysteriously arriving at his ranch, and so starts adventure, danger, suspense, and healing for them all. This is an amazing book. I especially enjoyed the drawings in it.
April 28, 2025
Definitely my favourite of the trilogy, read it in an evening!! And as a Mysterious Bookcase fan was so good to have Ally, Matt & Harry-Floof in there ❤️
February 21, 2025
This fast-paced young-adult adventure is filled with thrills, chills, laughs, and abundant family warmth. And lest I forget, dinosaurs!
Time rifts are spontaneously opening and letting dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures through to our time. Sauracorps is working to return time-displaced animals to their own times. But drug cartels have discovered a profitable sideline in dino trafficking, and a kindly Texas rancher is providing sanctuary to creatures who come through on his property. The storylines collide when teenage siblings Luz and Zavier rescue a trafficked Spinosaurus and bring it to the ranch.
While it is recommended that you read Dino-Rift and Sauracorps: Salvation first, if you happened to read this one on its own, you would still enjoy a fun read and not be lost. I liked the way this book got right into the story without trying to explain about time rifts or Sauracorps. The main characters are fun and likable. The story is sprinkled with banter and pop-culture references, as well as Easter eggs for readers of Borne’s other books. I appreciated that in this outing, it was female characters who knew all about dinosaurs, because dinos are equal opportunity! This book keeps any romance offstage and in the past. There’s quite a bit of action violence, mostly deserved and much of it, creative and hilarious. As a bonus, the book is loaded with illustrations of prehistoric creatures.
I received an advance-reader ebook from the author.
Time rifts are spontaneously opening and letting dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures through to our time. Sauracorps is working to return time-displaced animals to their own times. But drug cartels have discovered a profitable sideline in dino trafficking, and a kindly Texas rancher is providing sanctuary to creatures who come through on his property. The storylines collide when teenage siblings Luz and Zavier rescue a trafficked Spinosaurus and bring it to the ranch.
While it is recommended that you read Dino-Rift and Sauracorps: Salvation first, if you happened to read this one on its own, you would still enjoy a fun read and not be lost. I liked the way this book got right into the story without trying to explain about time rifts or Sauracorps. The main characters are fun and likable. The story is sprinkled with banter and pop-culture references, as well as Easter eggs for readers of Borne’s other books. I appreciated that in this outing, it was female characters who knew all about dinosaurs, because dinos are equal opportunity! This book keeps any romance offstage and in the past. There’s quite a bit of action violence, mostly deserved and much of it, creative and hilarious. As a bonus, the book is loaded with illustrations of prehistoric creatures.
I received an advance-reader ebook from the author.
March 20, 2025
Primeval Ranch is an amazing spin off from the excellent Dino-Rift series. The story follows Ernie who turns his ranch into a safe haven for time displaced dinos and other prehistoric animals.
Lucero "Luz" Sanchez, a young woman mourning the loss of her mother, finds solace and a sense of purpose in helping Earnie care for these extraordinary creatures. Their tranquil life is upended when SauraCorps, a corporation led by Sebastian Sharpe, dispatches agents Evander Evers and Zoey Beaumont to investigate space-time disturbances and return the displaced animals to their original era.
The plot thickens as a local cartel, intrigued by the prehistoric inhabitants, poses a new threat to the safety of Earnie's ranch. This conflict adds a layer of suspense and excitement to the narrative, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
Primeval Ranch is a delightful blend of action, humor, and heartfelt moments. The characters are well-crafted and relatable, and the unique setting of a dinosaur ranch in Texas provides a fresh and captivating backdrop for the story.
Overall, Primeval Ranch is a must-read for fans of adventure, dinosaurs, and compelling storytelling. It's a perfect mix of thrill, emotion, and prehistoric wonder
Lucero "Luz" Sanchez, a young woman mourning the loss of her mother, finds solace and a sense of purpose in helping Earnie care for these extraordinary creatures. Their tranquil life is upended when SauraCorps, a corporation led by Sebastian Sharpe, dispatches agents Evander Evers and Zoey Beaumont to investigate space-time disturbances and return the displaced animals to their original era.
The plot thickens as a local cartel, intrigued by the prehistoric inhabitants, poses a new threat to the safety of Earnie's ranch. This conflict adds a layer of suspense and excitement to the narrative, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
Primeval Ranch is a delightful blend of action, humor, and heartfelt moments. The characters are well-crafted and relatable, and the unique setting of a dinosaur ranch in Texas provides a fresh and captivating backdrop for the story.
Overall, Primeval Ranch is a must-read for fans of adventure, dinosaurs, and compelling storytelling. It's a perfect mix of thrill, emotion, and prehistoric wonder
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews