Review by Sakura5 -- Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer

Sakura5 · Post by **Sakura5** » 10 May 2021, 06:32

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

4 out of 4 stars

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Adventure, challenge, adrenaline, friendship: you will find all of this in Island Games: Mystery of the Four Quadrants by Caleb J. Boyer, a brilliant debut by a very young author.

Matthew and Ryan wake up on the shore of what seems a deserted island in the middle of the ocean. They have no memory of their past, except for knowing that they are best friends. Scared and disoriented, they try to make sense of what is happening to them. They start discussing what they can do in order to draw the attention of potential rescuers, like lighting a large fire or writing a huge SOS sign on the beach. But it takes them very little time to realize that they are in no ordinary situation and that probably no one will come to rescue them: they will have to find a way to survive on their own. In search of food and water, they enter the thick jungle: what will they find on the other side? Will the two friends be able to survive, having only each other to count on?

I found Island Games a very captivating read. A mix between The Hunger Games for its general structure and The Mysterious Island for its setting, this book was able to keep me hooked for its entire length. I read it during any free moment I had because I couldn’t wait to find out what Matthew and Ryan’s next adventures would be!

Even if it is a fantasy book, the main message the author wanted to convey is applicable to real life: friendship is the most important thing of all and teamwork can be the key toward survival and success. It doesn’t matter how many difficult challenges life presents you, it matters how you decide to react to them. If you have a friend with whom you can share your sorrows, fears, and joys, then you are the luckiest person on Earth, no matter what.

There was absolutely nothing I disliked about the book: the plot is well structured and nicely organized, while the dialogues between the characters are well elaborated and full of humorous remarks, which is something I loved. I think this book is all the more praiseworthy given the very young age of its author (who was just 12 years old at the moment of publication!). I found only a couple of minor mistakes and the language used is for the most part free from vulgarities. Therefore, I am happy to rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. I would say that it is ideal for preteens, teenagers, and young adults who love a good fantasy adventure and who long to be transported to a mysterious world full of secrets and intrigue.

This was the first book of the series, so I cannot wait to read the following volumes and discover the mystery behind these games!

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Island Games
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Dimi1 · Post by **Dimi1** » 24 May 2021, 14:53

It seems like a recipe for success. Great characters and really engaging. Thanks for an invaluable insight!

SamaylaM · Post by **SamaylaM** » 25 May 2021, 06:01

A mix of The Hunger Games and The Mysterious Island, along with a good message for friendship sounds wonderful. Thanks for an engaging review!

Sakura5 · Post by **Sakura5** » 26 May 2021, 04:08

Dimi1 wrote: ↑24 May 2021, 14:53 It seems like a recipe for success. Great characters and really engaging. Thanks for an invaluable insight!

Thank you for your nice comment!

Sakura5 · Post by **Sakura5** » 26 May 2021, 04:09

SamaylaM wrote: ↑25 May 2021, 06:01 A mix of The Hunger Games and The Mysterious Island, along with a good message for friendship sounds wonderful. Thanks for an engaging review!

Yes, that mix is what made me like this book even more! Thanks for your comment

Kavita Shah · Post by **Kavita Shah** » 26 May 2021, 22:46

The fact that the author was 12-years-old at the time of publication is amazing. This book shows friendship and has important lessons. Thank you for an insightful review!

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 27 May 2021, 08:37

What an amazing feature for an author so young! He has a bright future ahead of him. Thanks for your wonderful review!

Sakura5 · Post by **Sakura5** » 27 May 2021, 15:17

Kavita Shah wrote: ↑26 May 2021, 22:46 The fact that the author was 12-years-old at the time of publication is amazing. This book shows friendship and has important lessons. Thank you for an insightful review!

Yes, I think his age is really impressive, considering how well-written this book is! Thank you for your comment!

Sakura5 · Post by **Sakura5** » 27 May 2021, 15:18

Prisallen wrote: ↑27 May 2021, 08:37 What an amazing feature for an author so young! He has a bright future ahead of him. Thanks for your wonderful review!

Yes, I hope he will soon publish the sequel of this book! Thank you for commenting!

Jagiine · Post by **Jagiine** » 28 May 2021, 15:39

Interesting, it seems like this starts off sort of like Maze Runner, but then goes into deserted island survival. It's great that it was interesting and not filled with tropes; that must have taken some skill. Thanks for your review!

Mtibza eM · Post by **Mtibza eM** » 28 May 2021, 15:50

What a great review. Thank you for sharing.

AvidBibliophile · Post by **AvidBibliophile** » 28 May 2021, 23:57

This mysterious island does seem to be full of challenges and pitfalls, but teamwork and friendship can often move mountains. It’s also impressive that this novel was penned by such a young author. Thanks for your review!

Sakura5 · Post by **Sakura5** » 29 May 2021, 06:19

Jagiine wrote: ↑28 May 2021, 15:39 Interesting, it seems like this starts off sort of like Maze Runner, but then goes into deserted island survival. It's great that it was interesting and not filled with tropes; that must have taken some skill. Thanks for your review!

It was very interesting indeed. Thank you for your comment!

Sakura5 · Post by **Sakura5** » 29 May 2021, 06:20

Mtibza eM wrote: ↑28 May 2021, 15:50 What a great review. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for your kind comment!

Sakura5 · Post by **Sakura5** » 29 May 2021, 06:20

AvidBibliophile wrote: ↑28 May 2021, 23:57 This mysterious island does seem to be full of challenges and pitfalls, but teamwork and friendship can often move mountains. It’s also impressive that this novel was penned by such a young author. Thanks for your review!

Yes, I was very impressed too, given the complexity of the story and the themes treated. Thank you for stopping by!