Review by Barbara6886 -- Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer

[Barbara6886]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Island Games" by Caleb J. Boyer.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Island Games: Mystery of the Four Quadrants by Caleb J. Boyer is a great young adult novel about two boys who must fight to survive after finding themselves stranded on a deserted island.

Matthew and Ryan wake up on a sandy beach on an island and have no idea of how they got there. Memories of most of their lives have been wiped. All they know is they have to find food and water to survive. The boys realize they must work together to try to overcome the challenges of the island and try to find a way home. Trust and teamwork are vital to their survival. The stress of their situation pushes both boys to face their strengths and weaknesses. Their very lives are in jeopardy as they face dangerous beasts, mysterious temples, and radically different climates as they battle through the challenges presented to them.

I found this book to be very engaging to read. I like the author's imagination and creativity in describing the setting and the challenges that Matthew and Ryan face. He pulls you into the book, and you can imagine yourself fighting alongside the characters. With the book only having two characters, the storyline is straight forward but never boring. The interaction between the boys is well written. The good-natured teasing and arguments that are common to boys of this age make it believable dialogue.

If I had to pick one thing I disliked about the book, it would be the ending. The total cliff hanger ending leaves you turning the page looking for more. However, the author's notes at the end of the book give a great explanation for his ending. He shows a maturity above his age as he discusses life's challenges and the importance of perseverance. I love that he is a young man writing books for other young people with such a powerful yet easily delivered message.

I would recommend this book to young adults and adults alike. I feel it would be a good book to read and discuss as a family because of the messages the book conveys about life's challenges. It does have some religious aspects, but they are mild and should not affect the enjoyment of the story, whatever your religious views are. This book has been well-edited and does not contain profanity. I give Island Games: Mystery of the Four Quadrants by Caleb J. Boyer, a 4 out of 4 stars.

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Island Games
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