Book Review: NOT a Fantasy Island To Vacation On

Island Games: Mystery of the Four Quadrants by Caleb J. Boyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the popular story written by 12 year old Caleb J. Boyer about two best friends who are washed up on an uninhabited island. The teenage boys discover that they are in tons of trouble, not only forced to fend for themselves but they have to overcome several terrifying and life threatening challenges, with a great deal of their memories gone.

It is a quick paced, suspenseful YA story but it is set apart because of it's foundation of life lessons, morals and deeper meanings. Especially about God, family and friendship. I found the dialogue between the boys a bit stilted and somewhat unrealistic, especially given the life threatening circumstances they were in. I doubt if you're facing death you would take the moment to go into an air guitar rendition. And I felt like the basic premise had been done before. Especially if you are a fan of Fantasy or Sci-Fi stories. I instantly thought of the Hunger Games and tons of books and movies I've seen as well as a lot of Star Trek episodes.

But I'm still happy to recommend it because it's well written and entertaining and worth your time. There is no sex or foul language and the violence is mild and justifiable. (And it will probably soon be made into a movie.) If you have a few hours for fun and relaxation why not spend it on the island with these likeable boys as they over come lots of challenges just to stay alive, try to figure out the puzzle of what is exactly going on and learn to become even better friends.

Thanks for reading another of my reviews.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

View all my reviews