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The Great Zoo of China

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you’ve ever thought Jurassic Park would be even cooler with dragons, you’re in for a treat! This book is pure popcorn action: big monsters, epic escapes, and a setting that mixes ancient myth with cutting-edge tech. The lead, CJ Cameron, is a reptile expert who doesn’t pull any punches - a strong female protagonist racing through a relentless string of dangers. The science is just believable enough to let you lose yourself in the story. Perfect for fans of over-the-top thrillers, creature features, or anyone needing a fast, pulse-pounding escape. If you like your action non-stop and your imagination dialed to max, this one’s for you.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you’re looking for deep character development or subtle prose, this probably isn’t your jam. Some found it too similar to Jurassic Park, with predictable plot twists and a reliance on big action over logic or realism. The writing style can be breathless and overloaded with exclamation marks, and the constant barrage of near-misses starts to feel like a summer blockbuster stuck on fast forward. A few readers thought the characters were too one-dimensional and the story stretched believability even for a sci-fi thriller. If you prefer grounded stories or literary fiction, you might want to skip this one.

A wild, action-packed romp that’s basically Jurassic Park with dragons - don’t expect realism, just buckle up and enjoy the ride!

About:

The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller that takes readers on a roller coaster ride through a zoo filled with dragons in China. The plot revolves around the unveiling of the zoo to VIPs and journalists, which quickly turns into a fight for survival as the intelligent and deadly dragons break free. The writing style is described as unrelenting in its action and excitement, resembling a mix of Jurassic Park and a high-octane adventure movie, with vivid descriptions and visual storytelling keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

Characters:

Characters include a strong female lead and various supporting roles, though many are viewed as underdeveloped and predictable.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by a fast-paced, action-driven style, sometimes criticized for its simplicity and overuse of dramatic punctuation.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a secretive zoo created to exhibit dragons, intertwining elements of suspense and action reminiscent of a beloved classic.

Setting:

Set in a grand, secretive zoo in China, the backdrop features fantastical elements and a politically charged environment.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and relentless, maintaining high tension throughout, although some readers feel it slows down towards the conclusion.
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Notes:

The Great Zoo of China features real dragons as the central attraction instead of dinosaurs.
The protagonist, CJ Cameron, is a herpetologist and works as a writer for National Geographic.
The storyline involves VIP visitors being invited to preview a secretive zoo that houses dragons for the first time.
Matthew Reilly acknowledges Jurassic Park as one of his favorite books and attributes inspiration for The Great Zoo of China to it.
The book is described as fast-paced with a lot of action and gore, reminiscent of a summer blockbuster.
The dragons in the zoo are portrayed as intelligent creatures with distinct personalities and even engage in complex behaviors.
CJ is depicted as a strong and competent female lead without her gender being emphasized as a hurdle, which is celebrated by readers.
The novel incorporates elements of Chinese culture and politics, reflecting the country's ambition to be a global leader.
It's stated that Reilly put a lot of effort into making the existence of dragons plausible within the story's context.
The book contains various maps and visual elements designed to help the reader follow the action effectively.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include graphic violence, injuries, and creature attacks, consistent with the themes of survival horror.

From The Publisher:

Now in mass-market-the action-packed thriller in the blockbuster and bestselling tradition of Jurassic Park from #1 internationally bestselling author Matthew Reilly!

It is a secret the Chinese government has been keeping for forty years. They have proven the existence of dragons-a landmark discovery no one could ever believe is real, and a scientific revelation that will amaze the world. Now the Chinese are ready to unveil their astonishing findings within the greatest zoo ever constructed.

A small group of VIPs and journalists has been brought to the zoo deep within China to see these fabulous creatures for the first time. Among them is Dr. Cassandra Jane "CJ" Cameron, a writer for National Geographic and an expert on reptiles. The visitors are assured by their Chinese hosts that they will be struck with wonder at these beasts, that the dragons are perfectly safe, and that nothing can go wrong. Of course it can't…

"Plenty of action....For over-the-top adventure addicts, a Reilly novel is like a new roller coaster opening at Great America. Lines form, fans swoon" (Booklist).

Ratings (12)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (3)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (2)

Reader Stats (42):

Read It (12)
Want To Read (24)
Not Interested (6)

1 comment(s)

Incredible
5 months

Oooh this was so much fun. Epic dragon action going on and not dull in a single moment. It's so exciting and so intense with facts about the zoo and things going on, it's difficult to put down. Devoured this so fast and it left me wanting more!

 

About the Author:

Matthew Reilly is the New York Times and #1 international bestselling author of numerous novels, including The Four Legendary Kingdoms, The Tournament, The Great Zoo of China, The Five Greatest Warriors, The Six Sacred Stones, Seven Deadly Wonders, Ice Station, Temple, Contest, Area 7, Scarecrow, and Scarecrow Returns, as well as the children's book Hover Car Racer and the novella Hell Island. His books have been published in more than twenty languages in twenty countries, and he has sold more than 7.5 million copies worldwide. Visit him at MatthewReilly.com and at Facebook.com/OfficialMatthewReilly.

 
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