Review: The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly

The Great Zoo of China by Matthew Reilly
Published by Gallery Books, Simon & Schuster on January 27, 2015
Genres: Thriller
Pages: 416
Format: Hardcover
Source: the publisher

Dr. Cassandra Jane “CJ” Cameron, a writer for National Geographic and a renowned reptile expert is one of a small group of VIPs invited to tour a zoo run by the Chinese government. This zoo is like no other, a project forty years in the making.  The creatures contained showcased within aren't the typical zoo variety. Visitors won't find lions, tigers or bears here. Instead, the Chinese have discovered the means to showcase one of the most magical, and thought to be fictional, creatures of all times: dragons.

Upon arrival, CJ and the rest of the group are stunned at the zoo's magnificence.  As they are shuttled from one attraction to another, they are witnesses to a brilliant and unbelievable display of the dragon's beauty and power.  While they are assured that complex steps have been taken to keep the dragons under control, CJ knows how challenging that feat will be. Recovering from an animal attack herself, she's well aware that wild creatures cannot be contained.  Unfortunately, she, along with the other visitors, learn all to quickly that something that appears so perfect and serene can move to chaos in a matter of moments.

The moment I read the premise of this novel, I knew I had to read it. Yes, the comparisons to Jurassic Park are obvious, but dare I say this novel had a little bit more footing than it’s dinosaur counterpart.   From the method of discovering the dragon eggs to the park’s ability to replenish the dragon population, it’s obvious that Reilly did his research.

Speaking of the comparison to Jurassic Park, Reilly does address this issue in an interview at the end of the book. He admits, as many of us do, to be huge fans of the movie. Yet, as he wrote, he deliberately intended to create a novel that was vastly different.

CJ’s character was truly outstanding. Scarred from an animal attack, her intensity and determination was apparent from page one. She respects the power and magnificence of these great creatures, so she is the first to admit her skepticism that the zoo is running as smoothly as they are led to believe. And, when they learn this isn’t the case, she’s the first to leap into action to save those around her.  I was truly impressed with her character and hope that she makes an appearance in subsequent novels.

The Great Zoo of China is not only a truly stunning, highly intense and addictive read, but it’s also an examination of the ethics of keeping wild creatures captive.  Those individuals responsible are not painted as moral or honest, instead Reilly makes it quite obvious that they have earned the fate they incur.

Though Reilly left the ending open enough that a sequel is possible, The Great Zoo of China has what it takes to serve as a truly stunning standalone.  Highly recommended.