The Deadlands Series by Skye Melki-Wegner

If you’re a returning visitor, chances are, you’ve heard me talk about The Deadlands series already. As a kid who grew up watching The Land Before Time (and too many of its sequels), these books made me remember why I loved those dinosaur movies. If you’d asked me whether I needed more dinosaur middle grade books in my life, I probably would have looked at you sideways, yet, as soon as I read the opening pages of the first book, I was hopelessly hooked. I knew it would be one of the few series I follow from beginning to end.

Though I follow young adult literature more closely than middle grade, I still expected to see more buzz about The Deadlands than I actually did. Maybe I don’t travel in the right MG circles, or maybe it’s just stayed very much under the radar, but I think these books are well worth checking out. The pacing moves pretty quickly. The characters are well-developed, but their personal stories don’t distract from the overall plot. They feel fresh and new to me in a way that I didn’t even know I needed.

At any rate, I had an excellent time reading them, so when the publisher offered a set of finished copies in exchange for posting about the series, that was a no-brainer for me. I don’t usually do promo posts, but this is a comfortable exception, since it really gives me an excuse to talk about a series I wanted to create more chances to recommend. Also, it was really fun to do a bookish photo shoot outside in my yard. Ha!

Note: This post contains affiliate links which do not cost you anything to use. I received free finished copies of the books in this series from the publisher to photograph for my post.

Books in the Deadlands Series by Skye Melki-Wegner

The Deadlands: Hunted (The Deadlands #1) by Skye Melki-Wegner

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My thoughts: I love the blend of familiar and unknown dinosaurs in this book. Eleri’s love for stories and misfit feelings hooked me immediately. Fabulous series opener.

Published April 4, 2023 | My Review

The Deadlands: Trapped (The Deadlands #2) by Skye Melki-Wegner

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My thoughts: Book one may have hooked me, but this book made me fall in love. What a great cast of unforgettable characters, all with distinct voices and personalities. This is perfect for young animal lovers.

Published October 3, 2023 | My Review

The Deadlands: Survival (The Deadlands #3) by Skye Melki-Wegner

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My thoughts: I could not wait to read this action-packed conclusion to the series. I followed Eleri and his friends to the very last page. This book will very likely be on my top ten for the year.

Published April 2, 2024 | My Review

About Skye Melki-Wegner

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Skye Melki-Wegner started writing as soon as she could hold a pen. She was immediately drawn to fantasy — and soon her notebooks overflowed with dragons, pixies, wizards and various magical shenanigans. After graduating with an honours degree in law, she decided to pursue her passion and prioritised writing fantasy books over pursuing a legal career.

Skye’s YA fantasy novels include the Chasing the Valley trilogy, The Hush and the Agent Nomad books. Her first Middle Grade trilogy, The Deadlands, will be published in 2023.

Are You Familiar with The Deadlands Series?

Have you heard of this series before? Do you recall seeing other bloggers, book influencers, or educators talking about it? If you remember where you saw the books, let me know! I would love to expand the middle grade-centered blogs or bookish content that I follow.

If you’re familiar with the series, tell me who your favorite character in the comments. For me, it’s easily Eleri, the oryctodromeus. I love that he’s a storyteller, and the he uses stories to lead and problem-solve. Sorielle, the ankylosaur is my second-favorite.