Earthfall

Dinosaur Wars #1

by Thomas P. Hopp

STAR WARS MEETS JURASSIC PARK. Dinosaurs return to Earth from space — Now humans are the endangered species! Wildlife biologist Chase Armstrong and Montana rancher's daughter Kit Daniels find themselves in the center of a battle between US military forces and intelligent dinosaurs returning to Earth after 66 million years of absence. This book is a tour de force of near-future military science fiction pitting current day tanks and helicopters against advanced alien invaders from Earth's past! A human-sized, intelligent species of dinosaur, the Kra, strikes from a moon base, devastating our fighting forces with a powerful energy beam weapon. To make matters worse, the space invaders turn loose all the huge beasts of their time, including T rex, triceratops, and a host of other animals, giant and small, that make life interesting for humans to say the least. The two young heroes find themselves caught up in a last-ditch battle to save humanity from destruction. Fighting for their lives and the future of civilization, Kit and Chase discover that they might be falling in love—if they live long enough! Dinosaur Earthfall is a fast-paced, savvy science fiction thriller suitable for all ages and both genders.

Genres: Science Fiction, Dinosaurs, Fiction, Fantasy, Ebooks, Action

301 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2000

About the author

Author of the Northwest Tales series of natural disaster thrillers, the Peyton McKean mystery series and Dinosaur Wars science fiction stories.

Reviews

[Charles van Buren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining, light and diverting

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This review is from: Dinosaur Wars: Earthfall (Kindle Edition)

One reviewer asks if this book is for brain dead teenagers and the elderly with the onset of degenerate lottery skills. Well, I'm not any kind of teenager and I don't know what degenerate lottery skills means. I read once that the lottery is a surtax on stupidity so maybe it just means playing the lottery. Anyway, I enjoyed the book. It isn't great literature but I'm reading two pieces of "great literature", a book of history,a memoir, and some poetry which I don't normally read. I was mentally and physically tired. I needed something light and diverting. Mr. Hopp's book fit the bill. When in need of further diversion, I believe I will try another of his books.

[Olethros · Rating 3 out of 5]

-Serie B agradable con sensaciones retro entrañables.-

Género. Ciencia-Ficción.

Lo que nos cuenta. Durante una misión cartográfica en la Luna, se hace un descubrimiento imposible. En Montana, y durante sus labores de seguimiento y control de la población de lobos en la zona, Chase Amstrong observa lo que parece ser un enorme transbordador espacial. Cuando trata de explicarle al Profesor Ogilvey su avistamiento, junto a la joven Kit Daniels, el científico le distrae con información sobre sus asombrosos descubrimientos sobre dinosaurios. Primer volumen de la serie Dinosaur Wars.

¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:

http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3 stars. Would have been higher but there were too many "conveniences" in the book and some inconsistencies. Reads a lot like a made-for-TV series in that the plot is pretty shallow, the characters don't have a lot of depth, and none of the science makes sense.

The plot is straightforward. A bombed out base is discovered on the moon by a satellite. When humans visit and power it up, they start a chain reaction that results in intelligent dinosaurs being reborn and coming back to Earth. The humans, of course, put up a fight, and with the help of unlikely heroes and one reptilian ally, the battle to save Earth is waged.

I liked the idea. After all, if dinosaurs existed for 160 million years, intelligent ones could have been possible. And the story idea was good enough that I could suspend my disbelief for the thought. And the science that is used to explain the reintroduction of dinosaurs is remotely plausible in this sci-fi world. But everything else is kind of thin. None of the characters have any real depth to them, whether they are human or dinosaurs. When humans and dinos start fighting, there are just too many inconsistencies, particularly in terms of humans not getting wiped out. And I won't get into the infighting on the dinosaur side. I just couldn't buy into it.

Not a bad book by any means, and it definitely falls into that easy-to-read category. I don't regret the time I spent on this book, but reading more of the series isn't going to happen for me. Can't recommend, but won't say to stay away.

[Arthur Pratt · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very light and easy read. The premise of dinosaurs fleeing to the moon, returning to earth, and launching an invasion takes a LOT letting go and moving with the story. My biggest problem with this book was a lack of continuity. There is a scene where our hero stops to fill his truck up with gas, but is unable to due to the power being out. He decides to go back to his lady love's ranch to check on her, even though he knows he will barely have enough gas to get him to the ranch, let alone a return trip. Once he arrives at the ranch, they have an interaction with a dinosaur, jump in the truck and go up the mountain to warn an old man friend. Then it is back in the truck to head back to town. After making such a point about how there was no gas in the truck, they drive all over creation. There are several other similar situations. I am pretty easy to let a lot go, but these are blatant loss of focus or just assuming that we readers are not smart enough to pick up on this type of thing. I found myself not really enjoying the story, and instead feeling a little insulted at the situation.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Conceptually fantastic, the execution not so much. I never thought a book about dinosaurs from the moon with fighting mechs could be simultaneously dull and too ridiculous. Some of the narrative shortcuts (a paleontologist learning all dinosaur language and customs from two days in a farm house pointing at picture books) are so nonsensical they take away from the fun, as well as a half baked romance.

[Joshua Hair · Rating 1 out of 5]

What should have been a fun concept is ruined by: highly unlikable, misogynistic cardboard characters; scenes and scenarios so ridiculous that even in a book about Moon dinosaurs they make no sense; and some of the worst attempts at comedy I've read in awhile. Someone out there will invariably like this because of how terrible it is. I did not.

[Ric Croxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dinos can be good neighbors

An excellent story. I look forward to reading more of the series very soon. It should be interesting to seeing Dinos and humans working.

[MB Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the premise was interesting: advanced dinosaurs returning to earth only to find it invested with intelligent mammals. Even so I almost put it down in the middle of chapter 1; I thought I was reading a romance novel. Fortunately it morphed into an SF novel for 3 chapters. But then in chapter 5, we are returned to the romance novel. Once again I almost set it aside; I wasn't sure I wanted to deal with a novel that that 75% SF and 25% romance. I decided to stick it out, at least though the end of the chapter. Fortunately just when the romance was getting too thick to bear, a dinosaur burst into the scene. Thank goodness.

After that it was mostly simple SF although there were a couple a strained scenes between the male general and his female aide. "Call me Matt" seemed pretty out of place given the dire situation they seemed to be in at the time.

A decent enough book, probably worth two and a half stars. I probably won't be picking the others in the series.

I should confess I only read this because I'm considering moving to eBooks and this was available for free for both the Nook and the Kindle and it looked like it would hold my interest. I read it on my Surface tablet using the Nook and Kindle apps (mostly the Nook) and on my phone using the Nook app.

[Good Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the Kindle edition of a book I read years ago. It is a fun read. The invasion of intelligent dinos from space takes some suspension of disbelief, but after that it's a thrill ride all the way! Important here are the young hero and heroine, Chase Armstrong and Kit Daniels, who seem to be falling in love amid the horrors of war and charging dinosaurs. After so many books that use foul language, gruesome violence and other hard-core tactics to get attention, it was really refreshing to find an adventure story with such decent people at its heart. Bravo!

[J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Strange combination of wonderful imagination and cliche after cliche. Stock characters, none particularly deep, and none engaged me. Not a lot of understanding re military operations or strategy; the military treated as merely another stock character. The middle better than the beginning or ending, leaving me skimming at 71%. Oh, and they keep leaving people (and the dog) behind.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was kinda strange. Dinosaurs from the moon coming and attacking earth. Maybe if it was treated like a joke...

[Eric Balch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dinosaur Wars: Earthfall is a science fiction novel and the first book in the Dinosaur Wars series. Taking place in modern day or near future, the story follows several characters, primarily wildlife biologist and conservationist Chase Armstrong and rancher’s daughter Kit Daniels. Other notable characters include an old paleontologist, a NORAD general, a group of NASA scientists, and a high ranking member of the Kra, a species of intelligent dinosaur. The story begins with a mysterious attack on Earth originating from the moon, devastating the entire world’s military forces. While the remaining troops holding out in NORAD struggle to figure out the identity of this new enemy and desperately try to figure out a way to counter the attacks, Chase and Kit attempt to survive on her father’s ranch as dinosaurs return to the planet.

Dinosaur Wars: Earthfall is an interesting idea. Intelligent dinosaurs from the moon is definitely a unique concept. Chase and Kit are well developed characters and their relationship naturally throughout the story. All the other characters are unique, well-rounded individuals with differing perspectives on the situation. Even the members of the Kra we meet are complex individuals, with different opinions on how things should turn out.

Overall, Dinosaur Wars: Earthfall is a unique and engaging story. It’s entertaining premise promises and delivers a fun journey for the reader. Fans of dinosaurs and science fiction will be sure to enjoy this book and will be looking forward to reading the next installments.

[AWheeler2023 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book to say the least. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one, but the synopsis sounded intriguing, so I thought I would give it a shot. I ended up enjoying a lot. There were some inconsistencies with the plot and too much swearing for my taste (which is none), but overall an easy, fun read. I don’t know if I’m going to continue the series. I might at some point if I’m in the mood for this kind of story.

Be aware that this book is not meant for younger readers. At first I thought this was supposed to be YA, but I really don’t recommend it for that age group. There was quite a bit of swearing (17 total), including taking the Lord’s name in vane, as well as dam*, jack***, bad***, hell, as well as lots of phrases using that word. There are also some darker and gory details about people’s deaths and mentions of alcohol and someone dying due to drinking and driving. There was no sexual content aside from some kisses and another character who flirted a lot. If you’re wanting a book with no romance, but you’re interested in reading this book, I would still recommend it because the romance is pretty light, and is not the main focus.

[Joshua Gamez · Rating 2 out of 5]

A swing and miss

I really wanted to love this.

The premise sounds so out there that it very much felt like it would have totally been something I would've loved: Dinosaur aliens who've lived on the moon for the last 65 million years and are now trying to come back and re-colonize earth, and then pulp sci-fi greatness ensues.

And while there were bits of the story I really dug, there were just as many, if not more than just felt like a slog to me. The action sequences, while fun felt hard to follow at times and just overall something didn't click with me.

Now that doesn't necessarily mean this is bad by any stretch, it just didn't click with me. I haven't fully ruled out continuing the series at some point, I just don't feel immediately drawn to do so yet, or likely any time soon.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting premise on the disappearance of Dinosaurs when the big meteor hit the earth. Who's to say they couldn't have evolved a technological superiority? Sadly, They carried forth a xenophobia which is only matched by that of mankind. Only one good guy, GAR, and he is a peacemaker, but one gets the feeling (given that there are 3 other books in the series) that it will not last. The female character displayed all of the tropes of teenage girls in love, and the Paleontologist with his eye-magnifying bifocals and the war-mongering military were also trite. I felt that the comparison of the plumage of the dinosaurs to Zulu warriors was going to set the book for criticism.

[Sarah Steele · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was hilariously bad. Its basically the book version of a B movie. A very imaginitive book that has a fun story. But an old man learning to speak crow in two days?? Humans literally don't have the vocal cords required to make the same sounds as crows and ravens and elderly humans have less vocal range than the young, so they would be even less likely to be able to learn to speak to the bird dinosaurs. I do love that the dinosaurs are so bird like, that was great.

[Jenifer Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dinosaurs vs humans

Not my favorite type of book. I have not yet developed a fascination with war be it against other humans or Kra. I did like relationship that developed between the humans and Gra, but found it unbelievable how quickly the language barrier was broken. As for the story, it was fun for the most part. Who doesn't want to have guard duck bills hanging out in the back forty.

[Debra Schwitzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is crazy good!

At first I wasn't impressed by the story, but as I read on, I just couldn't stop reading. It is a crazy premise, dinosaurs on the moon and then coming here to make war on humans and repopulate earth. Somehow this author makes it work! It is exciting, has great tech, tank battles, and even a little love thrown in. I am sure you will like it.

[Hans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally found it again after reading half of it in an airport bookstore eons ago (pun intended). Fast-paced action, good description of military action, and of course the dinosaurs! A bit too contrived if you're into hard SF (or non-cartoon character development), but what the heck, let's give the old brain some candy now and then.

[patricia a lamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome story about life in a world with dinosaurs.

This is a tale telling of a world where dinosaurs suddenly appear. Our place at the top of the food chain is threatened. Who will win the war; humanity or these predators from the past? This is another one of the stories that are hard to put down!

[Michael Chesler · Rating 5 out of 5]

alligator lizards in the air

A very interesting twist on inter species warfare. All aspects of war are explored in this tale of reintroduction into our environment.
Well paced and well resourced, this tale could be the most logical attempt at how we would handle alien introduction into humanity.

[Xina W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jag plockade upp den här och förväntade mig något som skulle vara som en film från the Asylum med i bokform. Och kanske är det just det som är det största besvikelsen, att det var just det jag fick. Det här är inte en dålig bok, men den bjuder heller inte på några överraskningar som gör den minnesvärd. Ändå är det något med den som gör att man nästan lockas till att överväga plocka upp tvåan.

[Teresa Tidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

I loved it. I found the story to be Extremely entertaining as well as interesting! Mr.Hopp has a very inventive mind to say the least. He also now has another huge fan. Keep these story's coming please!

[Anandasubramanian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to read. Light reading if you like it.

This is a light fun reading book with emphasis on light.
The one thing that was interesting was how light itself ages.
Cross between war of the worlds and jurassic park

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I enjoyed reading this book. Character development was good, good plot it was slow going at times, but I would recommend it to anyone looking for something a little different.

[Denise Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hold onto to your seat!!!!

The book starts off real slow but when it picks up it's off and running! I loved it. It has a lot of surprises but a truly enjoyable read. I am going to read the next book!!😎

[James D. McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not your ordinary sci-fi read.

As my lead states I am empressed by both the subject matter of the story and the manner in which it has been presented. Dinosaurs have shown their head in many other stories I've read, but this was a unique twist. Thank you.

[R.J. Southworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the dinosaur/science fiction concept of this book, but the rather cliche characters made it difficult to get truly invested.

[Mark Brandwein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book!

A decent storyline! If you are into futuristic World domination then this book is for you! It actually is a good read!

[Cyndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dinosaurs

This is a great story. I love how the characters grew smoothly as the story progressed . . . And if course . . . Dinosaurs!