Z.Rex

A novel that combines dinosaurs and fantasy is likely to prove popular, but Cole’s adventure tale has far deeper and darker undertones for those who read it more closely.

The first in a projected trilogy, Z. Rex is centred on Adam, whose scientist/game-designer father has been missing for two weeks and whose flat is suddenly attacked by a man-eating dinosaur who can talk.

Together they search for Adam's father, to discover why Z. Rex was created and why there are people out to get him.

The outcome offers a disturbing commentary on the ruthlessness of governments, on industrial espionage and on loyalty, seamlessly contained within a gripping thriller.

Adam is an engaging hero, and Cole’s descriptions of catastrophic dinosaur-induced events are powerful.