Somewhere in the Badlands, embedded deep in rock and sand, lies the skeleton of a massive dinosaur, larger than anything the world has ever seen. To seventeen-year-old Samuel Bolt - just kicked out of school - it's the 'Rex', the king dinosaur that could put him and his archaeologist father in the history books, if they can just dig it out. But Samuel and his father aren't the only ones after the Rex.
For Rachel Cartland this find could be her ticket to a different life, one where she can explore her loves of science and adventure. But if she can't prove herself to her father on this expedition, the only adventures she'll have to look forward to are marriage or spinsterhood.
As their paths cross and the rivalry between their fathers becomes more intense, Samuel and Rachel are pushed closer together. And with both after the same prize, their budding romance seems destined to fail.
But as danger looms on the other side of the hills, Samuel and Rachel are forced to make a decision. Can they find the skeleton - and with it a new life together - or will the rivalry tear them apart?
I liked this book, not as much as I should have given the Romeo and Juliet meets Indiana Jones pitch, but I liked it. And while the comparisons were technically accurate (the children of rival fossil hunting families fall in love), it lacked the promised sweeping romance and exhilarating adventure. There was romance and adventure, just in a more tepid form.
That being said, the writing is very good, with just enough period accurate phrasing and detail to sell the 19th century setting. I also liked that the characters--for the most part--acted and thought in the way people from that time would (I despise reading modern sensibilities in historical books). Sam and Rachel were both strong, distinct characters. I never found myself in a rush to get back to the other's POV while reading--both had compelling narratives.
Another highlight were the dinosaurs. I loved how the discoveries and conversations about paleontology were woven throughout the narrative without out bogging the story down. Everything from how they named the newly discovered dinosaurs to the methods for distinguishing bone from wood or rock.
Really, what's keeping me from giving this book a higher rating is the story itself. Despite discovering dinosaurs, forbidden romance, and various dangers on the dig, the story was slow. Pleasant, interesting in places, and informative, but slow. My heart rate never escalated and I never rushed to turn the pages. In fact, it took me four days to finish what I'd normally read in one sitting. Again, not because it was bad, just not as consuming as a book about discovering dinosaurs, forbidden romance, and a dangerous dig should be.
