Review by Kimberly Grow -- Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer
-
Kimberly Grow
- Posts: 157
- Joined: 03 Mar 2019, 01:49
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 167
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kimberly-grow.html
- Latest Review: Dagger's Destiny by Linnea Tanner
Review by Kimberly Grow -- Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer
[Following is a volunteer review of "Island Games" by Caleb J. Boyer.]
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Island Games: Mystery of the Four Quadrants, authored by Caleb J. Boyer, is an action-packed young adult novel full of adventure and intrigue. Written with the purpose to inspire while, at the same time, leading the reader to learn to carry forward even in the worst of situations.
Ryan and Matthew are best friends who find themselves stranded on an island, who knows where with no memory of anything other than each other. The frightened boys are sure they are about to die. However, they find that if they work together they will receive rewards and with each reward a new adventure awaits. As the friends amble along, they begin to remember minute details from their pasts that help them move ahead through the next obstacle. From the title, you can figure that there are four quadrants to this mysterious island, each with their own dangers and rewards. Ryan and Matthew grow closer the further they venture through this creepy place that seems intent on killing them. With each new task, becoming a team becomes easier. It is this teamwork that ultimately propels them forward to the surprise ending.
I chose this book for the reason that I was hungry for action and adventure. The cover first attracted me and after reading the synopsis I knew that this was the novel to read; not one area disappointed. The world that Mr. Boyer creates is horrifying yet also beautiful and often there are times where it is difficult to tell the difference between the beauty and the horror.
Consequently, I became hooked from the very first page. There are adventures and danger on every page. I was on the edge of my seat from the beginning and I read it completely through in two sittings. The suspense is creative and the imagery is stunning. The plot is reminiscent of the Maze Runner series, though this book is completely one of a kind. The author does a spectacular job telling this story and the pure imagination that went into this tale is extraordinary. Needing to know the setting of the next quadrant is what kept the story interesting. I wanted to know what would be next for these best friends.
Unfortunately, the word choice was confusing at times. I'm not sure why, but at points, I felt tongue-tied trying to read through a sentence. When that happened, being thrown out of the story, I needed to stop and think while ruminating the meaning of the information. This was annoying, however, it happened so rarely that it did not take anything away from the story itself.
The editing of this novel is professional and well done. I found only three errors while reading. Therefore, I award this novel 4 out of 4 stars on the grounds that the story also captivated the reader from beginning to end. I would recommend this narrative to anyone who loves adventure stories. While this work targets the young adult world, I truly believe that anyone, young or old, can find something to love about this tale.
******
Island Games
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Kimberly Grow's review? Post a comment saying so!
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Island Games: Mystery of the Four Quadrants, authored by Caleb J. Boyer, is an action-packed young adult novel full of adventure and intrigue. Written with the purpose to inspire while, at the same time, leading the reader to learn to carry forward even in the worst of situations.
Ryan and Matthew are best friends who find themselves stranded on an island, who knows where with no memory of anything other than each other. The frightened boys are sure they are about to die. However, they find that if they work together they will receive rewards and with each reward a new adventure awaits. As the friends amble along, they begin to remember minute details from their pasts that help them move ahead through the next obstacle. From the title, you can figure that there are four quadrants to this mysterious island, each with their own dangers and rewards. Ryan and Matthew grow closer the further they venture through this creepy place that seems intent on killing them. With each new task, becoming a team becomes easier. It is this teamwork that ultimately propels them forward to the surprise ending.
I chose this book for the reason that I was hungry for action and adventure. The cover first attracted me and after reading the synopsis I knew that this was the novel to read; not one area disappointed. The world that Mr. Boyer creates is horrifying yet also beautiful and often there are times where it is difficult to tell the difference between the beauty and the horror.
Consequently, I became hooked from the very first page. There are adventures and danger on every page. I was on the edge of my seat from the beginning and I read it completely through in two sittings. The suspense is creative and the imagery is stunning. The plot is reminiscent of the Maze Runner series, though this book is completely one of a kind. The author does a spectacular job telling this story and the pure imagination that went into this tale is extraordinary. Needing to know the setting of the next quadrant is what kept the story interesting. I wanted to know what would be next for these best friends.
Unfortunately, the word choice was confusing at times. I'm not sure why, but at points, I felt tongue-tied trying to read through a sentence. When that happened, being thrown out of the story, I needed to stop and think while ruminating the meaning of the information. This was annoying, however, it happened so rarely that it did not take anything away from the story itself.
The editing of this novel is professional and well done. I found only three errors while reading. Therefore, I award this novel 4 out of 4 stars on the grounds that the story also captivated the reader from beginning to end. I would recommend this narrative to anyone who loves adventure stories. While this work targets the young adult world, I truly believe that anyone, young or old, can find something to love about this tale.
******
Island Games
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Kimberly Grow's review? Post a comment saying so!
"If you don't see the book you want on the shelf, write it." -Beverly Cleary 
Latest Review: Dagger's Destiny by Linnea Tanner
