Attack of the Killer Komodos by Summer Rachel Short

Action, adventure, and chimeras await Maggie and Nate in Yellowstone in the Attack of the Killer Komodos.

Attack of the Killer Komodos (A Maggie and Nate Mystery) by Summer Rachel Short. Simon & Shuster, 2021. 240 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 10-12

Recommended For: Ages 10 and up

Maggie and Nate are in Yellowstone for this follow-up adventure to their summer with the mutant mushrooms. This time, Nate’s on the hunt for epic video footage for his YouTube channel, perhaps of Bigfoot? Maggie is concerned that her park ranger dad might be mixed up in something strange in the park. After all, a popular documentary series raised questions about what park rangers are involved in, and there have been some strange goings on since they arrived. Animal trackers? A komodo dragon … in Yellowstone?

Something strange is going on in the park: earthquake swarms, chimeras, and sketchy people help provide nonstop action after Maggie and Nate get separated from her father and must fend for themselves in the back country. The characters are predictable, but enjoyable to read about. Maggie’s willingness to distrust her father initially is a little troubling, but all’s well that ends well. Short writes a fast-paced, action sci-fi mystery that includes strong themes related to family, trust, and stewardship. And perhaps kids who love a good YouTube sensation may view videos with healthy skepticism after reading about the behind-the-scenes shenanigans. Some people will do anything for fame.

Considerations:

• Stewardship of natural resources is a hot topic these days. How do the events in this book help raise helpful questions? Just what is our responsibility to this world God made? How much should we meddle with things like DNA (if at all)?

Overall Rating: 3.75 out of 5

• Worldview/Moral Rating: 4 out of 5
• Literary/Artistic Rating: 3.75 out of 5

Read more about our ratings here.

Related Reading From Redeemed Reader

• A Review: The Mutant Mushroom Takeover by Summer Rachel Short (the first Maggie and Nate Mystery!)
• A Resource: Browse other mystery books reviewed on Redeemed Reader
• A Resource: Browse other science fiction books reviewed on Redeemed Reader

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