Fun historical fiction novel about a 1876 paleontology expedition in America's West. Several of the characters were based on real historical figures, which I appreciated. Thrilling & rather quick read. ( )

Story of dangerous journeys in the 1870’s into the frontier lands of American West in search of dinosaur fossils. Most people at the time still thought that the world was created in 4004 BC as per Bishop Ussher, so fossils would have been impossible. However, two fossil hunters, Professor Edward Cope at Yale and Professor Marsh had an extraordinarily bitter and colourful rivalry which is the setting for this story. Also lots of detail about the wild frontier, the lawless frontier towns and the vicious bloody Indian wars and banditry. ( )

Interesting story about the rivalry between two paleontologists in the American West who are searching for dinosaur bones. Dr. Marsh is a professor at Yale, Mr. Cope is another paleontologist and they hate each other. Caught between is Edward Johnson, at the beginning a pampered Yale student from signs on with Dr. Marsh to go West as a bet. From here all kinds of strange and dangerous things happen. This is the late 1800's and the Indian wars in the Black Hills and Montana are at their peak. Custer makes an appearance.

Johnson is the main character in the book. He is abandoned by Dr. Marsh and finds himself with Cope not knowing what to believe about either. With Cope, he finds very rare teeth that mark the first findings of huge dinosaurs in the American West. When fellow travelers are killed by Indians, Johnson finds himself alone with the teeth. In towns such as Deadwood, he meets up with Wyatt Earp.

The story is based on a real rivalry between these early scientists and is about a part of American history that is rarely thought of. ( )

This book had the potential to be so much more. The story was interesting, and was based on many real life events, however it's short length (less than 250 pages) didn't allow for much character and plot development, and overall it felt rushed. If this was extended by another 300-400 pages, it co... ( )

3.3/5 ( )