Fault Line

This book's lurid cover with its dinosaur - a rather obvious nod towards Jurassic Park - belies the sensitivity of the narrative within. Los Angeles is a notoriously bizarre city, but even there the sudden appearance of four dinosaurs, assorted cave dwellers and a gang of pirates causes comment. Elaine MacFarlane, a reporter, and her young friend, Jamie Delgado, decide to investigate and travel back in time with Red Stonegarden, their Red Indian guide. Returned to 1873 they discover Silver Heart, a shaman determined to use, his powers to prevent the destruction of his race. The spirits he's summoned are out of control and he must be persuaded to withdraw them before they destroy the world. I enjoyed the pace and tension of this novel but it may be necessary to persuade young readers - 12s to 14s - past the vagaries of the cover.