Unnaturals #2: Escape from Lion's Head: An Action-Packed Sequel About Lab Hybrids and Survival for Children

Unnaturals #2

by Devon Hughes

In the second book in the action-packed Unnaturals duology, perfect for fans of the Animorphs or Warriors series, the amazing hybrid animal heroes embark on a dangerous journey as they fight to find home. K-07M0 has never had a name. As a fox-bat, she has lived her entire life silently hiding from the other hybrids and the scientists who created her…until the day a new animal gives her the name Kozmo and they help each other escape the underground lab. In the outside world Kozmo meets a pack of hybrids just like her, led by a feisty eagle-dog named Castor. But Castor and his pack are being viciously pursued, and Kozmo is forced to do something she's never done trust others to survive. Kozmo will discover that Castor and his friends have unexpected human allies but can they uncover the truth about why the Unnaturals were created together?

Genres: Animals, Dogs, Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Action

384 pages, Paperback

Published March 6, 2018

Reviews

[Ethan the Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Umm... okay... I was very excited for this one. I was so looking forward to what would happen after book one, when, truthfully, I think it really could have remained a standalone. All of the mystery and stuff seemed to have been made up for the second book, which really bothered me.

That as well as the fact that it took a couple of chapters for me to be invested. Now, don't get me wrong, gimme a good book and I really don't care how long it takes to get good. And while, yes, this book did eventually get better, I wasn't too... "engulfed?" "intrigued?" by the story as I was hoping to be.

Now, that's not to say that the story was bad. I would actually argue that it was better than that of the first. However, it was my stupid self that wasn't getting too invested.

My last problem was the detail. The middle of this book was very frustrating for me to read because I couldn't picture anything in my head. The detail didn't seem quite "misleading" or anything, it was just very... absent?

BUT I LOVE THIS WORLD!!!! I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS!!!! I LOVE DEVON HUGHES'S WRITING AND I LOVE THE UNIQUENESS OF EVERYTHING IN THIS DUOLOGY!!!!

And... the ending... boy do I love it when an author feeds me a good ending because. And boy did Devon Hughes do it well.

I was tempted to give this book a three stars (I liked as much of the book as I didn't like), but, in the end, a four star seems just right (I liked more of the book than I disliked). While the bad parts of the book were certainly THERE, the good parts also delivered.

[Asher Torlina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the "Unnaturals: Escape from Lion's Head" by Devon Hughes is a great book. I think the plot is very interesting. Kozmo is a fox who was infected with a serum that caused bat wings to grow on his back in an underground lab. Later on in the story, Kozmo escapes the lab and finds a pack of more hybrid-like animals led by Castor, a dog with eagle wings. Castor's pack is being hunted by other hybrids who have gone mad, which leads to interesting plot twists and adventures. Now Kozmo and Castor's pack travel to the Greenplains and find something that would explain details about Kozmo's past. I think that this is a great book because of the mysteries and plot twists.

[Ember Fire Goddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an amazing ending to the Unnaturals books. I don't understand why I found so many people hating on this book, it was amazing! Though I do understand that from Kozmo's point of view, Castor's personality was a tiny bit off.

[Kaitlynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good end to the series. I loved all the characters and the story was awesome. I would definitely read more books like this.

[Lunapine__watercat]

One of the best books i'v read! Already read it 5 times. :D

[Kathleen Mckenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second of a 2 book set. The premise of humans experimenting on animals in the way it happens in this story made me mad. Humans would actually do the things described in the books considering the real animal experimentation humans have been doing for just about forever.

I have been an animal lover all my life. The loyalty shown each other by the animals in this story is no surprise to me. Animals show an incredible ability to forgive humans even when they don't deserve it.

For the most part, I tend to talk about how much I enjoyed the stories I have read in the Goodreads forum. In this instance it's not so clear cut. Yes, I enjoyed parts of what I read. However, there were so many times, reading the story, when my heart just broke. For anyone reading the books, be prepared to laugh, cry, and be just so furious at man's inhumanity towards, not just the "lesser" creatures he shares the world with, but towards his own kind.

I'll be 70 this year. I have been a reader all my life. I've also loved animals all my life. The beginning of December 2023 was the 1 year anniversary of the death of Yoda, my 14 year old shorthaired Chihuahua. It's taken me all this time to consider finally getting another dog. Yoda was my first little dog; all the others were big breeds. A heart attack in 2010, after the death of my Labrador, Lady, decided me on a little dog because I just can no longer handle the big ones. My next pup, a rescue of course, just like Yoda, will also be a short haired Chihuahua.

One of the Unnatural animals, Pookie, was a Chihuahua; a very brave, intelligent, and compassionate creature. The thought of my Yoda in Pookie's place was horrifying. I really doubt that anything like this would happen in my lifetime. However, considering how mankind is slowly, but surely, destroying species after species, and the very globe we live on, well... I don't find it hard at all to think humanity might go down this road. I'd rather be like Marcus and Leesa.

[Wild Thorns · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hoping for so much more. This book series is about mutated animals with traits from different species. And it's still a painful book to read. First of all; Castor, the main character, has completely changed character from book to book. I know experiences change mains, but nobody changes this completely from so little. Castor is now hostile, sullen, and utterly hopeless most of the time. Also, getting his brother back has seemed to make no difference to him at all! Second; What happened to that storyline!?! Suddenly, instead of there just being the Unnaturals, there is also the Kill Clan, which is composed of animals stripped of reason and blind to anything but death. And, Mayor Eris has a daughter who this is all about, and she made the Unnaturals in order to find a cure for her. Except, very little of this book manages to focus on the actual ANIMALS THEMSELVES!!! All in all, this book had a worse plot than the first one, and I have no idea if there is going to be another because the ending leaves off on a pretty wrapped up note, which is in sharp contrast to the first book, which successfully left a cliffhanger.

Also; I ship Jazlyn and Castor (I don't care how wrong that seems)
And Kozmo is a great character

[Sean Harding · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second and last in two book sequence was again a struggle, it is presented well, but is ultimately fairly dull, and never really engages you on a deeper level. The plot is average, but the characters are fairly dull.

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong sequel in a magnificent series!

[Kiri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending was a little hurried but otherwise a good end to a decent series. Didn't see that coming.

[PoisonFoxSoldierMan]

Read this ages ago and am surprised that there still isn't a third part.

[Worm of the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one as well. I love how friendship grew, how everyone one got happy endings for the most part.

[Kairi Coyour · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good but had too many perspectives.

[Teah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the ending it’s perfect for the series

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing the story which started with The Battle Begins, Castor and his friends, other unnaturals, continue their dreams of freedom. There are many animal characters to keep track of as well as their mutant make-up. The narrative moves back and forth from animals to humans in short chapters which will help to keep readers engrossed. It is helpful to have read the first book before picking up this title in order to best understand the setting and main characters. Though the animals are mis-treated by the villianous characters there are good people, namely 2 children, as well as a few adults, who do whatever they can to aid the mutants. This apocalyptic story gives us an idea of what an environmental disaster might be like.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great choice for fans of Warrior series and animal stories in general. A little bit on the intense side, but Warriors fans will be unfazed.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I was disappointed reading this so soon after the first book. One of the strongest elements of the first book was the first-person narration of Castor. This one is all third-person, even for the main character, Kozmo, a fox-bat. The story line is kind of scattered and focuses too much on the humans, rather than on the Unnaturals. Anyway, this should still be an enjoyable read for middle-graders who like animal fantasy/science fiction.

[Liza]

Need to re-read book 1 cause I am so lost and confused at the moment.