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Dinotopia: Windchaser — Scott Ciencin Published by Random House, 1995 The book Windchaser is by Scott Ciencin. It is part of the Dinotopia series. I like this book because it's filled with adventure and excitement. I would recommend this book to anyone who has asked the question, "What would life be like if dinosaurs still existed?" The book starts on the prison ship "Redemption." The ship is carrying a load of criminals to Australia. The main characters are Raymond Wilks, the son of the ship's doctor, and Hugh O'Donovan, a thief from London. The ship sinks in a fierce storm, and only the two boys survive. Dolphins carry them to Dinotopia, a wonderful island where dinosaurs and humans live together in harmony. Raymond loves the land, but Hugh feels like an ousider. However, Dinotopia is a place of second chances. Hugh does not believe the Dinotopians' claim that it's impossible to leave the island. When he learns the Dinotopian alphabet, he reads a scroll containing the secret for turning lead into gold. He's certain that he will be wealthy and famous if he can get back to London. Meanwhile, Raymond is busy with problems of his own. He has seen an injured Skybax named Windchaser. He will allow no one to befriend him. His sorrow at his master's death is too great. Raymond also feels a strong sense of loss. His father died when the "Redemption" sank. He's certain that he could befriend Windchaser. First, though, Raymond must find Windchaser. Can he? And even if he can, will Windchaser allow Raymond to befriend him? Hugh must conquer his problems, too. Will he realize how wonderful Dinotopia is and accept the second chance offered there? Or will he doom himself to remain an outsider forever? —Sarah, 11

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