Step into the thrilling world of Cryptid Hunters, where teenage twins chase mythical creatures and unravel family secrets in a whirlwind of adventure! Written by Roland Smith, this young adult science fiction series follows Grace and Marty O’Hara as they join their enigmatic Uncle Wolfe, a cryptozoologist hunting legendary beasts like dinosaurs and giant squids. With its blend of pulse-pounding action, scientific curiosity, and heartfelt drama, Cryptid Hunters captivates readers eager for a wild ride through uncharted jungles and oceans.
Perfect for fans of Jurassic Park or The Magic Treehouse with a daring twist, the series sparks wonder about the natural world’s mysteries. Whether you’re a middle schooler or an adult craving escapism, Cryptid Hunters delivers a unique mix of suspense and discovery that keeps you hooked.
How Cryptid Hunters Began
Roland Smith, a former zookeeper and research biologist, drew on his love for wildlife and adventure to craft Cryptid Hunters. Published in 2005, the series was born from Smith’s fascination with cryptozoology—the study of creatures like Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster, whose existence remains unproven. His 20-year career at zoos in Oregon and Washington, plus his work on wildlife rescue after the Exxon Valdez oil spill, infused the series with authentic details about nature and conservation. Smith’s goal? To create a thrilling yet relatable story for young readers, blending real-world science with fantastical quests.
The Heart of Cryptid Hunters
The series kicks off with Cryptid Hunters (2005), where Grace and Marty, orphaned after their parents’ accident, move to their Uncle Wolfe’s remote island. Tasked with stopping the villainous Noah Blackwood from poaching a dinosaur egg in the Congo, the twins face jungle perils and shocking family revelations. The sequel, Tentacles (2009), takes them to New Zealand to hunt a giant squid, with sabotage threatening their mission. Chupacabra (2013) ramps up the stakes as Grace is kidnapped by Blackwood, who’s also stolen dinosaur hatchlings, forcing Wolfe to choose between family and his cryptid obsession. The series wraps with Mutation (2014), diving deeper into genetic mysteries and high-stakes rescues.
Cryptid Hunters blends fast-paced adventure with themes of family, identity, and environmental stewardship. Set in exotic locales like the Congolese jungle and Pacific waters, the series feels like a blockbuster movie with a heart. Grace’s quiet intelligence contrasts Marty’s bold mischief, making them relatable heroes. Smith’s knack for weaving science, mystery, and ethical dilemmas—like protecting cryptids from exploitation—gives the story depth, appealing to readers who love both action and introspection.
Why Cryptid Hunters Resonates
Cryptid Hunters has left a mark on young adult fiction, earning spots on reading lists like Hawaii’s 2008 Nene Recommended Book List and the Texas Library Association’s 2007-2008 Lone Star Reading List. Its 2007 Colorado Children’s Book Award win highlights its appeal to middle schoolers, who adore its blend of danger and discovery. Fans praise the series for its nostalgic, action-movie vibe, with some calling it “Jurassic Park for kids.” By sparking curiosity about cryptozoology and conservation, Cryptid Hunters inspires readers to question what mysteries might still lurk in the wild.
Though not a global phenomenon, the series’ niche charm lies in its ability to make the fantastical feel possible. Its focus on sibling bonds and ethical science keeps it timeless, even if the early 2000s tech feels a bit retro today.
- Publication Years: 2005–2014
- Number of Books: 4
- Notable Awards: 2007 Colorado Children’s Book Award, 2008 Nene Recommended Book List
Grab Cryptid Hunters and dive into a world of adventure, mystery, and mythical beasts! Whether you’re chasing dinosaurs or unraveling family secrets, this series promises a thrilling escape.