Dr. Vikki Barnes is a paleontologist at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. She loves her work, but she’s stayed away from fieldwork ever since her mother died in a freak accident while on a dig. Recently, Vikki, along with millions of other viewers, watched a viral video of something that seems impossible: an enormous, flying, fire-breathing monster attacking a group of people on a small island off the coast of Puerto Rico. At the end of the video, a young girl stands in the monster’s path and seems to somehow communicate with it and calm it down. Vikki’s had to answer more questions about dragons during her museum tours, but she doesn’t think much of the video—until her father, an Army science advisor, pays her a surprise visit. He tells Vikki that the video is real, and that there are “some things that I think you need to see” on the island. On top of that, he’s gotten in touch with Vikki’s ex-boyfriend Matt, who’s a scientist, as well. Together, Vikki, Matt, and a couple of friends they meet along the way travel to the island, dodge terrifying dragons, investigate the military base there, and more. Overall, Manas’ thriller feels a lot like a good action movie: witty, snappy, tense, and energetic. Most of the heroes are well developed, and all are easy to root for. The dragons themselves are intriguing and, eventually, become more complex elements of the story. The prose is clear and fluid, which will help to hook readers. Some of the supporting players feel like familiar types, and the plot doesn’t have any radical surprises. Still, many readers are sure to enjoy this Jurassic Park-flavored romp.