Gr 5–8—What if dinosaurs never went extinct? What if they lived in the wilds of the European forests? What if Napoleon used dinosaurs as weapons during the Battle at Waterloo?
Battlesaurus answers all of these questions and more. The story begins shortly before the infamous battle of Waterloo, in a small village in northern France. The people of the village never had to worry much about the dinosaurs who roamed the forests on the edges of town, until the day the body of a young woman is found mauled by some horrific monster. This first death unleashes a chain of events, culminating in a giant carnivorous dinosaur invading the village. When a young man successfully defeats the dinosaur, he must flee the country before Napoléon has him destroyed for his knowledge. Part historical fiction, part dinosaur fantasy mash-up, this book will appeal to history buffs and dinosaur fanatics alike. The battle scenes between Napoléon's army and the British are depicted in incredible detail, making readers feel as if they are right in the midst of the fight. While the dinosaurs are obviously not historically accurate, they are a humorous addition to the history of the Napoleonic Wars.
VERDICT The first of a promising duology that readers will find thrilling and positively addicting.—
Annalise Ammer, City of Rochester Public Libraries, NYThis novel is set in an alternate-reality 1815 during the Battle of Waterloo. Dinosaurs are still alive, and Willem, a Flemish teen, plays a key role in protecting his village from these rampaging beasts. Political intrigue (from village to nation-state level), magic, fantasy, and historical battles blend together in an exciting, thrilling adventure.