The Extincts: Quest for the Unicorn Horn

Extincts #1

by Scott Magoon

A team of extinct animals embark on top-secret missions around the world in this new graphic novel series

Meet Scratch, Martie, Lug, and Quito, members of a secret organization called R.O.A.R., or the Rescue Ops Acquisition Rangers. When their boss, Dr. Z, finally calls on them for their first big mission, the team heads to Siberia to retrieve an ancient unicorn horn from the thawing permafrost. Scratch is thrilled at the chance to prove his worth to Dr. Z—but as soon as they land, the team runs into a mysterious enemy determined to take them down.

With exciting missions, plenty of humor, and an environmental angle, this series starter from New York Times bestselling illustrator Scott Magoon is an action-packed adventure from start to finish. The book will also include nonfiction back matter about extinct animals, climate change, and what kids can do to help!

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Childrens, Adventure, Fiction, Animals, Fantasy

160 pages, Paperback

Published March 29, 2022

Reviews

[Cherlynn | cherreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ "Each of us is the last of our kind. But our family is the first of its kind."

This action-adventure graphic novel was quite enjoyable despite some preachy vibes. The characters grew on me but there were some parts that I didn't care for. The book also tended to go overboard with the jokes and puns, which weren't always funny.

I think it's an important and educational read about environmentalism and climate nevertheless, especially for kids. The story was entertaining enough and I liked the trivia about various extinct animals at the end.

Looking forward to the next installment in the series and following Scratch, Martie, Lug and Quito on more adventures!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scratch, a saber-toothed tiger, leads a group of animals that are the last of their kind, in retrieving artifacts for the mysterious Dr. Z. As members of the secret organization R.O.A.R. (Rescue Ops Acquisition Rangers), Scratch, Martie, Lug, and Quito work to protect valuable artifacts from villains who would misuse them. Their newest mission sends them deep into the wilds of Siberia to retrieve the horn of an extinct rhino called the Siberian Unicorn. The horn supposedly has healing powers. But once they reach their destination, things quickly go wrong. Not only do they have to face off with a laser shooting bear, but the local thieves don't like having their turf encroached upon. But it turns out the greatest threat comes from a direction they never could have imagined. This graphic novel and opening volume in a new series, presents readers with an exciting adventure while slipping in some information related to prehistoric animals and climate change. The back matter provides information about each of the real animals shown in the book (including the Siberian Unicorn) as well as some tips for taking better care of the earth. Young readers who enjoy a quick read with a factual foundation will find much to enjoy here. I appreciated the text indicating when a language other than English was being spoken. The illustrations are eye-catching and enjoyable. Overall, Magoon provides readers with a quick, fun, and informative read.

[Christine Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love what this book is trying to do but the story is too abstract and complicated. The illustrations are fun and overall idea of extinct animals saving others is perfect for kids and the action scenes were drawn out so thoughtfully. It’s the over complicated dramatic story that did not do this book justice. The way the matters were displayed did not work to the characters benefit. We weren’t able to connect with any except the main sabertooth.

I loved the compendium at the end and further details about extinct animals so much

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first of a series about a team of extinct animals (passenger pigeon, Collins' poison frog, sabretooth tiger, and wolly mammoth) who are members of a secret organization called R.O.A.R., or the Rescue Ops Acquisition Rangers. In this installment the team's mission is to retrieve an ancient unicorn horn in Siberia from the thawing permafrost. An action-packed, inventive mix of adventure, environmentalism, and humor.

[Aaron]

I had an e-ARC of this title but the formatting (empty speech bubbles with the dialogue on the next page, sometimes out of order) made it really hard to read, so I am not rating it. A group of extinct animals form a team that is exploring Siberia in search of the Unicorn Horn. They had adversaries that they are unaware of however, and will need to work together and figure out who to trust. There is a lot of environmental science in this one, both in the main part of the book and in the back matter (which was formatted just fine, and took up 25% of the book- this seemed different for a graphic novel). This could be the start of a good series. I will need to see a finished copy.

[Elysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel is climate fiction wrapped in a fun super team story. The team consists of extinct animals, and they make tons of puns. I think the humor would work wonderfully for the target audience. There's a great section of supplemental material in the back with a page of information for each extinct species mentioned, instructions for a science experiment, and information about climate change and what you can do to help. It's an accessible and informative story while still being fun.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a review copy.

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous art, fantastic back matter on climate action and species. I love the Extincts team and will definitely follow this GN series.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scratch, Martie, Lug, and Quito are all unusual animals who form the secret operatives team ROAR (Rescue Ops Acquisition Rangers). They work for Dr. Z who is sending them to Siberia to retrieve a Siberian unicorn horn uncovered in a giant hole in the permafrost. Legend says the Siberian unicorn horn has healing properties and could be revolutionary for the world. But from the moment they land, ROAR is up against people who are trying to prevent them from getting to the horn's location.

I had thought that this was a LG/MG transitional graphic novel from the cover and descriptions, but it is most definitely upper MG from the text and situations they face (there are lines like saying a character belongs in the permafrost hole that some have dubbed "the hole to hell" and serious situations when lives are threatened). Scratch, Martie, Lug, and Quito are all in the dark about their origins and learn along the way that they have been revived from extinct creatures. That's when they change their group name. For upper MG readers who like spy-type stories, this may be a good pick. I like the educational information about an actual permafrost hole in the ground in Siberia called the Batagaika Crater and why it is growing at an exponential rate and the problems that is causing. That was eye-opening. This was a ok, but not my favorite graphic novel personally, but I can see some readers absolutely loving it.

Notes on content:
Language: 1 use of mild profanity, there's some double usage of the nickname for Batagaika Crater
Sexual content: None
Violence: There's an attempted burying alive of some characters. One character is hit by a weapon and injured (injuries not shown, but context says it is serious...he ends up ok thanks to a miracle). Non-destructive weapons like mold spore cloud grenades and such are used by the good guys.
Ethnic diversity: Quito speaks some Spanish. Scratch speaks some Russian. Others aren't clearly identified with a certain culture yet.
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Betrayal by a trusted adult.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Extincts: Quest for the Unicorn Horn is the first book in a graphic novel series featuring known extinct animals who have become secret agents for Dr. Z. The team consisting of a passenger pigeon (Martie), a poison frog (Quito), a wooly mammoth (Lug), and a sabertooth tiger (Scratch); just finished an operation to retrieve a sword. Now Dr. Z wants them to find a Serbian unicorn's horn down in the melting permafrost zone. While they go on the mission, it becomes clear that Scratch is becoming a little reckless in command of the team. In contrast, the others try to look other for each other and attempt to do research prior to arriving in Serbia. Meanwhile, they soon realize they are also being stalked by a bear who may be after the horn too. Time is running out, and the team must get to the horn first before they become extinct as well.

Being a graphic novel, the story does move at a decent pace, providing a little background between the characters here and there. And while moving along, there are messages provided to the readers about the importance of caring for the environment, with issues concerning: climate change, deforestation, pollution, and extinction being all mentioned since our lead protagonists are revived extinct species. I do believe the message is important, as it also pertains to the plot at hands also where it's noted about how things have been looking more differently the last few years. There's also a back page for the more scientific words used in the text along with a fact sheet about the extinct species that appears in the story as well. I find readers will have fun reading a spy story while also learning the importance of conservation in the process of The Extinct series. Here's to awaiting for Book 2 to come!

[Luz Riviera · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the consistent use of puns and animal-fact references, Scott Magoon combines the reality of the climate crisis with the fictional solution of adventure. The combination of four unique extinct animals, and their hologram leader, The Extincts attempt to preserve a mythical artifact that will heal the environment surrounding such. In graphic novel form, Magoon shares the tribulations of collaboration at the start of a team while pursuing a mutual goal. Multiple perspectives of the animals' original habitats become present in their language, representing culture and mutual understanding in the morals of effective communication in teamwork.
As an adult reading this for a Young Adult Literature class, I can see how this would aid the quick resolve of young students in their communication. The novel offers multiple circumstances where a conflict arises and is quickly solved throughout the overall storytelling conflict that is solved at the end. This resolve likely allows the young reader the information readily available to solve issues they may have in their personal lives. This story is likely for students with a curiosity in animal history as well, as it offers a glimpse into paleontological material in a concise form. The understanding is aided by a glossary and consistent definitions of language and advanced vocabulary, which I feel applies excitingly to both the average and advanced learners interested in nature.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a fun concept, but unfortunately it tried to do too much, and as a result it failed to do anything well. On the one hand, it tried to tell the story of this superhero team of extinct animals. On the other, it wanted to be educational. However, kids reading for the plot will get bogged down in the educational sections, while those looking for something educational will likely reach for nonfiction instead. There is a section in the back of the book to teach kids about the extinct animals found in the book, and I think it would have worked a lot better if most of the educational content had been here instead of spread throughout.

The plot itself also somehow managed to be both too busy and too boring. I finally got interested in a plotline near the end, but even that seemed to wrap up too easily. Some sections were confusing and I wasn’t quite sure what was going on. The characters also had very little personality. They consisted of being extinct animals and making bad puns based on their animal types (ex a “pigeonholed” pun by the pigeon, etc). It wasn’t funny and I couldn’t tell you anything else about the characters by the end of the story.

I was looking forward to this one since I thought it would be a fun read that kids would reach for and enjoy, but unfortunately it just didn’t hit the mark.

Thanks to Netgalley and Abrams for the eARC.

[Jane Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This action-packed, strikingly illustrated graphic novel chronicles the Rescue Ops Acquisition Rangers’s first spy mission. The team, Scratch the sabertooth tiger, Martie the passenger pigeon, Lug the woolly mammoth and Quito the Collin’s poison frog, set off to Siberia to recover the mythical healing “unicorn horn” of an extinct giant rhinoceros for their mysterious leader Dr. Z.

Along the way, the team encounters friends and enemies, danger and laughter. And before it’s all over, Scratch, Martie, Lug and Quito finds themselves questioning exactly “who are the good guys?” and “who are the bad guys,” only to be surprised by the answers.

Set firmly in the present world, The Extincts places climate change and its effects at the heart of a story that is part Captain Planet, part Indiana Jones and part James Bond, in the best possible way. Bonus non-fiction material at the end highlights extinct animals and climate change with an emphasis on how kids can be agents of positive change.

Fast-paced and full of humor & heart, The Extincts accomplishes the mission of delivering an awesome read!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was quite fun and well done. The Extincts are a 007 like team that are out to save the world. They get sent on a mission to find and save a Siberian Unicorn horn. Yes that is a real thing. That is one of the things that makes this books so much fun. While it is completely fictional, there are info bits and real life interests hidden in-between the story panels. Some topics covered are the unicorn, towns in Siberia, and the Batagaika Pit (which I had never heard of until now.) This book does a nice job of sneaking in the non-fiction bits that will interest a reader in more information, while also offering the standard back matter of info on instinct animals, experiments etc. My only complaint about the back matter is, the book lists ways to help save the world and one is to stop using disposable plastic water bottles, and on the next page has an experiment that uses a disposable full plastic water bottle, and a disposable plastic cup. I think in terms of what this book aims to accomplish, they need to change that out.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read an uncorrect proof. This is a fiction graphic novel, but contains a lot of actual fun facts and some cute play on words! This book is geared towards younger children. Extinct animals, a sabertooth tiger, passenger pigeon, woolly mammoth, poison frog work together as ROAR (Rescue Ops Acquisition Rangers) under the command of Dr. Z. The animals use their talents to rescue items for Dr. Z. They are called upon to travel to Siberia to retrieve the horn of the Siberian Unicorn (all of which is real!) . This book is entertaining, has a few twists, and a good story. It does also harp on extinction and climate change. I enjoyed the book as well as the facts and information at the end. FYI- It does have a location called "the Doorway to Hell" in the frozen tundra of Siberia. Otherwise, I would say it is fine for 8-13 year olds.

[Urdestan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven't read any works in a significant amount since 2022, I've decided that this would be the first review for 2023. But I'll be scarce with it unless I somehow got around be hooked again by reading after peaking in 2020-21.

I only saw this through Amazon promoting it and bought it with the idea. It seems to be fine, I guess for the target audience in terms of story and subversion, but I'm not of the target audience and am definitely older who had seen some things, including harvesting mammoth tusks, but its because I read a Vice, ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation, not the American one) or BBC article about a year ago or so about it but never popped into my mind a lot.

If there's one thing I would add sometime down the line, it would be dodos for obvious reasons. If there's no dodo in future installments, I'll eat shoes.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Middle grade readers will love the superhero aspect of this action adventure graphic novel. The conservation/ecology aspect adds a little learning into the mix but author/illustrator Scott Magoon keeps it all so entertaining that no one will even realize that the books is actually educational! A bonus section at the back, called an Extinctiary, includes detailed information about all the extinct animals personified in the story plus a glossary and activities that families/individuals can do to positively impact our world. Target audience is likely grades 4-6. Text is free of profanity and sexual content. Mild violence is bloodless and uses instruments such as a sword made from megalodon teeth and a massive horn from a Siberian unicorn.

Thanks for the print arc, Amulet Books/Abrams Kids.

[Nancy Goulet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A daring adventure saga entwined with a climate change message. The Extincts: Quest for the Unicorn Horn (The Extincts #1) is part Charlie's Angels with a touch of Dr. Moreau and a splash of Bond — James Bond. The action-packed middle grade graphic novel offers readers an important message about the stewardship of our planet and its inhabitants while launching them on a hunt for the unicorn horn and their true path. Packed with puns, factoids, and relevant backbatter, this story is sure to entertain and educate. The moody images set an ominous tone. The art includes a beautiful somber palette, interesting detail, fun contraptions, and a flurry of motion. Looking forward to the next installation.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an adventure book that teaches readers about extinct animals. All of our main characters had been declared extinct, but they are very much alive and part of a team retrieving artifacts to help save the world. This mission is to find a unicorn horn that supposedly has healing properties. It's a dangerous mission leading them across the world and against other groups determined to find the horn. It was a little corny to me as an adult, but it's animals being secret agents on special quests with science facts interspersed throughout. The villain won't surprise adults, but it will probably surprise younger readers. For fans of Catstronauts and Secret Explorers, even The Bad Guys, but the humor is scaled down and meant for a bit older of an audience.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very intellectual MG graphic novel full of information about the impact of climate change. Examples include the Siberian Unicorn, yedoma, and the Batagaika Crater in Eastern Siberia. I had to look a few of these up, but there is information in the story and the backmatter to help readers out. They will learn lots about climate change.
The Extincts are a team of extinct animals on missions to help save the world. In this first installment though, they need to find out who to trust and the meaning of family, in addition to fighting off creatures to help save the planet. The first in a promising new series.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, and educational, start to a new lower middle grade graphic novel series. Any child interested in animals, science, history, and adventure will enjoy this book. The book is obviously not based in reality (talk extinct animals) but does provide factual information about extinct animals, global warming, and history. The art is nice, with lots of great action and details. I look forward to more adventures of The Extincts. (Read a digital ARC via Netgalley.)

[alexander shay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the concept of this one a lot, but I wasn't too crazy about the art. You also don't know what species half the team is until they have profiles at the end of the book. It felt very much like a kid friendly Mission Impossible, twists and turns included. There were a few panels I thought might be a bit intense for kids, but it is published by a kids' publisher. A little heavy handed with the pro-environmentalism at times, but not a bad medium to try out mixing story and information.

[Angela Malone Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story line and matching art that fills every cell. Usually for my 11 year old daughter the graphic novels tend to be too simplistic or too abstract but not this gem! Filled with great puns and more than a few spots where we laughed together, this graphic novel approaches climate change in an engaging and most of all, FUN way. That’s what reading should be after all. A bit of a mission impossible ending with book 2 on the horizon! We can’t wait.

[Betsy Ellor · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 9-year-old loves this action-packed graphic novel. It's got the right amount of heart and humor mixed with informational elements that hooked his curiosity. Oh, and puns. Lots of puns - what could be better than that? So far he's read it at least 4 times and even went to find out more about the animals in the book. All in this book was a great addition to our library.

[Towntaker · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations were often unclear instead of helpful in depicting the action, and the story was not that compelling. The end matter about extinct species & the science experiment tied to a major plot point was cool. https://twitter.com/towntaker/status/...

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to amulet books for the advanced release copy! My seven year old flew through this book. She loved it! I had her explain the plot of it and her favorite parts. She loved the saber tooth tiger and all the true facts at the end!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have great adoration for Scott Magoon’s work, & his first-ever graphic novel releases this week! The Extincts: Quest for the Unicorn Horn is so full of adventure & humor that I am *way* less mad at him for skipping Chicago on his Going Extincts Tour. :-)

[Jami Ellis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This graphic novel has a good message to kids. It talks about the problems that arise from not taking care of the planet. The characters are ok, but the writing is a bit on the cheesy side. I wouldn't recommend this as a Sequoyah book, but I guess it has a place in the library.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw Mr. Magoon read an excerpt of this book to some kids and they really loved it! I thought the humor was pretty good, even as a 48-year-old. The illustrations set the mood very well and the plot was great. An enjoyable beach read for me.

[Jerry Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun adventurous and educational read!

Really enjoyed the story, the artistic comic styling, and the tidbits of notes about our climate, which this book is chock full of, along with tons of cheesy puns. Your kids will love it.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.