The Killer Species series by Michael P. Spradlin, published by Scholastic, is just the ticket to lure reluctant readers in the 8 – 12 year old set. From the publisher:
A brand-new action-packed series from Michael P. Spradlin. Each book covers a genetically engineered super predator wreaking havoc on the environment.
Killer Species #1: Menace From the Deep (4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $4.61)
Emmet Doyle is not in the best mood when he arrives in Florida City. His father is a wildlife biologist, and has been summoned to the Everglades, dragging Emmet along with him. Though still in mourning from losing his mom a year ago, Emmet’s trying hard to keep a good attitude.
Upon their arrival, however, things quickly get weird. Dr. Rosalita Geaux, the Park Superintendent, wastes no time in revealing the reason she called Emmet’s father to Florida. A strange creature was recently found dead in the park, and upon seeing it, it becomes clear to everyone that this is not a native species. This is man-made.
Deep in the swamp, someone has been experimenting to create a new breed of apex predator. And they’re about to set them loose.
Killer Species #2: Feeding Frenzy (5/5 stars, currently priced at $4.61)
Time has passed since anyone’s heard from Dr. Catalyst.
Emmet and Calvin have even begun to think that the crazed scientist might be gone for good.
But then, on a trip to snorkel off the Florida coast, one of their friends is nearly drowned by an underwater monster, with endless rows of razor-sharp teeth.
No one is quite sure what they saw. Was it a moray eel? A giant barracuda?
There’s only one thing Emmet knows for certain. Dr. Catalyst is back. And this time, he’s out for revenge.
Killer Species #3: Out For Blood (4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $4.61)
Dr. Catalyst has finally come unhinged.
Twice the crazed scientist has released his super predators into the wild to combat invasive species, and twice Emmet Doyle and his best friend Calvin Geaux have exploded his efforts.
Now he’s out for something more than just snakes and fish. Dr. Catalyst wants revenge.
It’s a quiet night when Emmet takes his dog, Apollo, out for a walk in the backyard.
Until the noise begins. Part batlike screech, part insect buzz — it seems to be coming from the roof. Suddenly the sky is full of dark, beating shapes, and they’re all headed straight for Emmet.
Dr. Catalyst’s newest creations are hungry, and only one thing will satisfy them. Blood.
Killer Species #4: Ultimate Attack (5/5 stars, currently priced at $4.61)
It’s all come to this.
Dr. Catalyst has had enough of Emmet Doyle’s meddling.
Time after time, Emmet and his friend Calvin Geaux have stepped in to ruin his plans, just when he’d released one of his genetically engineered killer species into the Florida environment.
This time, Dr. Catalyst is releasing his most deadly creation yet.
It’s a terrifying lone hunter, bred to stalk and destroy one specific target — Emmet Doyle.