Review Detail

Survive This Safari by Natalie D. Richards is a fast-paced, puzzle-packed adventure that’s equal parts mystery, wildlife exploration, and heartwarming character journey.

Twelve-year-old Lucy can hardly believe her luck when she’s chosen for the Wildlands Safari Escape Challenge, where teams compete to solve riddles and unlock new animal habitats inside a massive safari park. But what starts as a fun, brain-teasing competition quickly turns serious when the park’s baby elephant goes missing—and Lucy and her friends realize this challenge is about much more than winning.

The story unfolds through Lucy’s point of view, giving readers an honest look at her big dreams and her moments of crippling anxiety, which make her a wonderfully relatable and realistic heroine. Over the course of the story, Lucy learns that teamwork and friendship are just as important as intelligence and bravery.

The book’s puzzles include cryptograms, anagrams, crosswords, and more. These interactive puzzles aren’t just clever additions; they invite readers to actively solve alongside the characters, deepening the sense of immersion and adventure.

Richards’ comfortable, engaging writing style makes the pages fly by, and her love of puzzles shines through every twist and turn.
Readers who enjoy problem-solving, animals, or fast-moving mysteries will find plenty to love here. Survive This Safari is a wild, heartfelt ride that celebrates curiosity, courage, and the power of working together.