Trapped

The Deadlands #2

by Skye Melki-Wegner

Wings of Fire meets Jurassic Park in The Deadlands: Trapped , the second book of this action-adventure series by Skye Melki-Wegner about five outcasts ― and former enemies ― who are the only hope to save their warring kingdoms from impending doom.

As bloody battle rages on between the two surviving dinosaur kingdoms, Eleri and his fellow outcasts, newly exiled from their herds, are searching for evidence to prove a mass conspiracy―a conniving cabal of carnivores have manipulated the herbivore kingdoms into war, so they can feast on the slain. But after their temporary home is discovered by a vengeful pack of raptors, the exiles must flee and soon find themselves trapped inside the Fire Peak: the volcanic heart of the dreaded Carrion Kingdom.

Before they have a chance to escape, they discover a cavern of imprisoned herbivores, who are being picked apart―literally―one by one. Can the outcasts stage an elaborate heist to free the prisoners and gather proof of the Carrion Kingdom’s vicious plans in one fell swoop?

Genres: Middle Grade, Dinosaurs, Animals, Fantasy, Childrens, Adventure, Fiction

304 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2023

About the author

Hello and thanks for visiting my Goodreads profile! I'm a writer of fantasy/ adventure books from Melbourne, Australia.

If you'd like to get in touch, please come and say hi on Twitter, Facebook or my website.

Reviews

[Reading is my Escape · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent sequel. I enjoyed the character development as much as the action, danger, and suspense. The outcasts are brave and loyal; I love watching their friendships grow and develop. Young people who like dinosaurs will enjoy this. It is also great for fans of Warriors and similar animal adventures.

[Star Gater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners for allowing me to read and review The Deadlands: Trapped on NetGalley.

Narrator: John Pirhalla

Published: 10/03/23

Stars: 4

Imaginative.

I had Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, as well as the Little House on the Prairie series when I was young. Melki-Wegner has created an entire world that felt real. I don't recall reading anything like this before. I enjoyed the different creatures, their roles, as well as the descriptive writing.

I did have trouble the first 30% finding the story. Then one of the characters explained why the journey was happening. This reiterated what I read and helped me move forward. If you are a fantasy reader, you won't have my issues on visualizing.

I recommend this, and will keep the title in my gift book should I need a middle grade gift.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect series for any dino-fan: fast paced, action packed and entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[C.J. Daley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and Henry Holt and Co. for the audio ARC. Apologies as this one definitely languished a bit. The narration is solid again, with continued voices/accents from the first production.

Much like the first novel in the series, this is some dinosaur goodness that brings to mind the likes of The Land Before Time and We’re Back! A Dinosaur Story. But as it’s not a scifi so much as an alt-history or even entirely fantasy world, with its talking dinosaurs and hierarchical nature, Jurassic Park just does not come to mind—even if it’s the largest dinosaur IP out there. Due in part to this one’s middle grade nature too though.

As I’ve only done audio for this, I’ve not seen the formatting for the physical copies. I hope there is some type of pictures or glossary, as the children interested in this could really learn some cool stuff and it’d help with visualization.

Our ragtag group of castaways are back…well actually they’re exactly where we left them. The carnivores are still hunting them. They are still without a home or even place to hide. They still desperately need proof to stop the incoming war, to save their people. And that is the impetus for this entire sequel. While that’s some truly heavy content—not to mention the carnivores in question not only want to stop them, but to literally eat them for dinner—the author does a solid job of suffusing humor, heart, and warmth into the story. Our friends are still learning to be around each other, to truly trust, and the way they flip flop and fumble is a fantastic way to showcase accepting others and their differences. Of showing emotion and accepting the way others feel.

But while this one was big on growth and character development, it was quite loose on plotting. As it’s middle grade, I suppose that’s not such a surprise. Their trek across the desert is a huge chunk of the novel, and when they finally arrive at their destination, the Fire Peak, the climax is already in full swing. But with that being said, this is once again a perfectly enjoyable story that makes you itch to see where they head next! I look forward to tackling book three at some point.

https://fanfiaddict.com/review-the-de...

[Indrig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melki-Wagner has once again created another brilliant story, and I am thrilled to have the honor of reading it! This sequel to this trilogy has everything the first book had: A thrilling adventure with a wonderful writing style, fun dialogue and great world building, as well as the addition of new friends, foes, and unexpected twists that will certainly effect the future of the story and our group of misfits. I would even go as far to say this story is better than the first one!

I am really excited to finish this series, and I have no doubt the ending is going to be absolutely terrific!

[Yara Rubi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caelith omgg he should’ve liveeeddd 😭.

The story continued very nicely from the first book. Every character was as i remember them and the story was interesting (not as grappling as the first book but it was good towards the second half of the book).

Unfortunately they didn’t make much use for Sorielle and Lerithon as they were barely in the book while still being there (idk). This book focused more on Eleri and Zyre and not much of Tortha (she was used mostly to bicker with Zyre and call her a traitor).

But my favorite highlight and what made me lock in was the introduction of Caelith. I really liked his character even if he wasn’t as fleshed out and he died rather quickly i wish he remained with the herd.

Bonus points for Jorela and Olithine (my old lesbian grandmas) we loved them 🫶🏽.

[Brittney Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the last one, I thought the story itself was fantastic! There's so much development and progression that I found myself unable to put it down and was eager to see how everything went down. The main plot twist was phenomenal and them working everything out was really done very well.

I'm so happy Eleri is being written the way he is! He's a true underdog, and is no way weak or useless. I did have a minor issue with him thinking he was abandoned. For all the work he put into making sure there was trust between the herd members and making sure no one is left behind, you'd think he'd have more faith in his companions.

I was really happy with what happened to a certain Carnotaurus. It really cemented how the carnivores work in this world, and was an excellent addition to the story overall. Similarly, Tuzorian's arc was super interesting.

My only other issues were: the overuse of "dirt-muncher" and things like that. I think at this point we can retire that one and find a new name instead of using it every single time she refers to Eleri, lol. Additionally, what happened with Caelith. His parts were interesting and beautiful, however, he can fly, so I'm not seeing how his part at the end of the book would have worked out. Perhaps I missed something, but that felt unnecessary to the grand scheme of things.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last time (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) was a book that proved a dodgy cover and a really risible idea for a trilogy could make for a pretty enjoyable read – almost a guilty pleasure, perhaps, but maybe along the lines of 'not proven' as opposed to out-and-out guilty. I mean, an asteroid impact had gifted the dinosaurs the power of speech, and knowledge of which is lava, which is magma, and so on? Come on. Still, the energy and obvious appeal of a gang of ragtag misfits against the world for the sake of the world was fine. Here it's more of the same – losing a little enjoyment from the sheer novelty, perhaps, and probably suffering a tiny wee bit from being the middle part of the trilogy – but still something able to give reading pleasure. Indeed there's almost a Shakespearean aspect to things, as this character reneges against their parental heritage, that dinosaur finds the truth of their destiny, that one finds the call of justice a potentially lethal one, etc. It might have been brisker, and perhaps shorter – some bits felt a touch repetitive, especially Tortha's mistrust of Zyre – but it remains a four star read for those who liked the series opener.

[Byrd · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid sequel to the first book, however I find the pacing a bit lacking.
My grievances with the first book follow through, most namely the lack of any substantial descriptions of our characters outside of their species name. I assume this will also carry into the third book, but I do wish there had been at least some illustrations of the dinosaur species, a la Wings of Fire style.
Still, I don't think this book does anything technically wrong, writing or character development wise. It's nice to see the group still stumbling and learning to be a group together (as opposed to just immediately accepting each other, it makes sense for this group of different species to need time to adjust to each other), and I like the bonds that are formed here.

I think the plot slows to a crawl at some points before ramping up quickly with smaller dips, which can be a bit disorienting to me. I felt like I was struggling to pay attention much during a chunk of this book, namely the exiles' journey, until they actually reached Fire Peak.
I liked this book though, but I think the first book has the advantage of a new world and characters to expand on, which brings a certain shine to it, making this sequel book struggle to follow up.

[LittleDeadRedGoddessPersephone · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 stars Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this in exchange for an honest review. Why are more people not talking about this amazing series? I have been obsessed with dinosaurs since I was a kid so when the first book in this series was available to read on Netgalley I jumped at the chance! Imagine how happy I was when I got to the end of the book and read that there is another book coming out in the fourth quarter! I am loving this series so much. I adore Ellery and the gang, they are so brave and the friendships between them are amazing. I want to add that the narrator is amazing as well! What I love about this is that there are amazing relationships, exciting action and political intrigue. This and the first in the series will be in my top 10 books of this year! If any of the things I mentioned in this review interests you please pick this up. I truly believe that you will love this.

[Lacee Bergstrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read and about what you'd expect for the second book in this series. The characters were all pretty good, watching the main group using trickery over brute strength to overcome foes was really cool, and the additional worldbuilding was nice.

I liked how the stories were actually told instead of just summarized or eluded to, and the additional worldbuilding is really nice. The prison the carnivores use to feed themselves when they're at the flaming peak makes sense, and them grabbing dinos to fill that prison from herds that roam the deadlands makes a lot more sense than having them just magically gain enough food through scavenging.

My only major issue with this book was Caelith's death. He was introduced too late to properly develop before his death, zyre falls in love with him for about 2 pages before he explodes, and even if he was a cool character he just didn't have the time to develop so his death would be truly meaningful.
Other than that it was a pretty good story

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had so much going for it. The stories remind me of "Warriors," which are incredibly popular and so I assumed this one would be too.

But I think the popularity of Warriors could be because there isn't a lot of ideology in them. I was surprised and delighted that the first one was clear of even evolutionary language. However, in this book we are introduced to two old female Triceratops who are each other's "beloveds." They "belong to each other." Elery has never seen two dinosaurs in love before since his mother died before he was born but he was glad to have seen it once in his life.

I'll read the next one but I'm very bummed about this development.

[Brandon Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The sequel of Deadlands Hunted did not disappoint. I immediately jumped at the opportunity to read the next chapter in this series.

While the characters remain the same the story continues with more danger, more mystery, and even a few twist along the way. The dinosaurs add another level of intrigue for middle grade readers. Some of the favorite and most well known dinosaurs are represented and maybe a few new favorites to be discovered as you read and explore alongside a herd of young, daring, outcast.

If your youth loves dinosaurs and adventures this book will be a hit for sure!

[Julia Pika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Fantastic sequel! This series is incredibly well-written and poignant--the author isn't afraid to go into the brutalities of war. I also always appreciate how the author gives distinctive personalities and quirks to each character and even the new side characters.

Oh, I loved the old lesbian triceratops couple. Absolutely adorable! Also very snarky. This series is still perfect for Warrior Cats fans and Wings of Fire fans!

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent second installment to the Deadlands trilogy. I found the character depth to be particularly good for a middle grade novel. The war in Cretacea is simple enough for children to understand while still managing to have some nuance. I am impressed by the amount of depth that has been packed in to a children's novel about dinosaurs. Overall, I am anxiously awaiting the third installment.

Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for the free copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
book 2 in series

The exiles are trying to find evidence to support what they have discovered about the war between the two dinosaur clans. However, their safe hideout gets raided and when they try to run to safety they become trapped in a volcano!

The action and adventure continue. I feel like there were fewer slower spots in the sequel. I love the introduction of the new characters!

CW: violence (fighting, death, blood/gore)

[FireDragonx · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tapped by Skye Melki-Wegner

Warning: animal death


So after the group of exiles stops carnivores from destroying both armies. The group needs to find proof that there a carnivore kingdom and both leaders are working with the king.

Honestly, while this book moves the plot forth it kinda lacks character interaction like the one before. Only Eleri and Zyre get that in this book and don’t get me wrong it’s good. But I like hers as a whole.

Overall I give this 7/10

[Jasen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read aloud. Off to read Huck Finn before finishing book three!

“Deadlands - Trapped” by Skye Melli-Wegner
“I have to save him,” she said. “I have to save them all.”
“Why?” Caelith asked.
There was no judgment in his voice. No scoring mockery. Just a gentle curiosity – the question of a creature who had never known a friend.
But he knew what it meant to dream. And he knew what it meant to hope. And so when Zyre framed her answer, she didn’t hesitate.
“Because they are my sky.” P.205

“But Jorela and Olithine were different. Even when they disagreed, they spoke with the promise of a smile behind their tones. Not just friendship, but something more.
Love.
Eleri had never been in love, but he knew of it from stories. He remembered the Tale of Piliath and Doriel, two moonchasers from warring herds. Had they also spoken with such gentle affection?” P.228

[Erin Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sequel!
Great characters and lots of action. Zyre's character arc is particularly interesting, and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
This is a great book for a Dino loving middle grade reader. My 12 year old and I read it together and he really enjoyed it as well.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read at bedtime with my dinosaur-mad 9 year old and actually really enjoyed it myself (dinsoaur-ambivalent 34 year old) too! The writing has improved from the first one and it's easy to get so invested in the characters, I was genuinely moved by the ending. We cannot wait for the third one to come out next year! Fingers crossed for additional Sorielle in that one 😁

[Critter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd like to thank the publisher for providing me with an ARC.

I'm really enjoying this series. There are really great characters and I think this book improved upon the first book. I love getting to see more of this world and the characters. I'm really excited to see where this series will end up.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very much rooting for this series but some of the content choices made by the author I did not prefer. To each their own.

Completed book two as a read aloud with my 10 year old who loves fantasy books and complex story lines.

The story did keep a good pace and we already started book 3 so we can learn what happens to the herd.

[J.R. Brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this continuation of the dinosaur fantasy but felt a little sidelined with the way two new characters (old female mates) were introduced halfway through the story, they will apparently be main characters in the last installment. I will continue to the last book, but disappointed that I will need to recommend this series with a content warning

[Joe Holman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent sequel to the first book. The hero characters grow, develop, mature as each contributes and each face their fears. Lots of life lessons in these books. It earns a 5 star rating because of these things as well as how it's written where the detail enhances the story. I look forward to reading the last book in the trilogy.

[Kait · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tale of dinosaur war, treachery, friendship, and found family is really quite good. I’m interested to see how the trilogy concludes in “Deadlands: Survival.” Note for parents (as this is a middle grade story marketed to 8-12 year olds): this book has two references to a same-sex relationship (pages 178, 228).

[Brittny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very solid read, great action scenes and character development. There was 1 scene that I thought was a bit gruesome for a Middle Grade book. Enjoyed it and thought it was better written than the first. You can see Skye learned and adapted with this book.

[Cressa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy this middle grade series. The outcasts have been found and have to leave the safety of the Grotto. While they are on the run the have to work hard to continue to trust each other and try and find a way to unite all the dinosaurs. The stakes are higher in this book then the last one. I will continue to read this series.

ARC from Netgalley

[Jenn Naughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

These dinosaur books are the sleeper series of the last few years. For readers who Wings of Fire and love dinosaurs- they are the best of both worlds.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here I am crying about dinosaurs after finishing this book. I love this story and these characters - my inner child is so happy. I can't wait to read the third book!

[ceruleanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating sequel this was. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I love the character development of each character and how their bond has grown. I like that they don't realize it yet themselves, but they care deeply about each other and there's no going back to what their lives were before their adventure together.

This book is even more fast paced and straightforward than the first one. An easy, enjoyable read full of reveals and twists. The ending was heart wrenching and made me cry. A must read just like the first.