Review by Wacamato1961 -- Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer
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Wacamato1961
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Review by Wacamato1961 -- Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer
[Following is a volunteer review of "Island Games" by Caleb J. Boyer.]
This book is packed full of action and suspense! Island Games: Mystery of the Four Quadrants is a fun, Indiana Jones-style adventure complete with a mysterious island, ancient temples, and ferocious beasts. The author, Caleb J. Boyer, was only 12 years old when the book was published in 2018.
The only two characters in the book, teenaged friends Matthew and Ryan awaken on a beach with no memory of how they got there. Terrified and confused, they don't have the first clue about how to survive and can locate no immediate way to leave the island on which they find themselves. The boys work together, deciphering clues and mysteriously arriving at diverse ecosystems as they gradually suspect they are part of a bizarre and perplexing game.
Matthew and Ryan are young boys with no practical experience in survival. They are scared and homesick, dealing with their emotions in typical boy fashion as they tease each other, argue, and ultimately make up; yet, as the days wear on they find they must work as a team to unlock the mysteries of the island. Matthew's and Ryan's attitudes and beliefs evolve significantly as they must admit they have virtually nothing but themselves and each other. The material things they left at home become meaningless as they struggle for their very existence.
The boys come to realize they are being tested, and this becomes the real theme of the book. It is a very insightful analogy for the struggles we all face, in this case from the perspective of adolescent boys. Indeed, Caleb J. Bower shares in his introduction, "This book was written to inspire others to believe in themselves, and to realize that any obstacle can be overcome."
I enjoyed this magical adventure, experiencing along with the boys the humidity of the jungle and the cold of the mountains, the fear and exhilaration of battling horrendous beasts, and the satisfaction of finding latent strengths and abilities.
I was a bit disappointed (ahem) with the conclusion, although obviously it is the author's prerogative regarding the message he wants to impart through his writing, and the reader's choice as to how they will interpret his words. Overall I am awed and impressed that at 12 years old Caleb skillfully conveys such wisdom and insight regarding the modern mindset.
Though a fictional work, Island Games: Mystery of the Four Quadrants is uplifting and inspiring as the reader cheers the boys on and shares in their triumphs. This book is appropriate for anyone who likes adventure and suspense, even as young as middle school age.
There is no profanity or sexual content whatsoever and I only found two minor typos. 4 out of 4 stars.
******
Island Games
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
This book is packed full of action and suspense! Island Games: Mystery of the Four Quadrants is a fun, Indiana Jones-style adventure complete with a mysterious island, ancient temples, and ferocious beasts. The author, Caleb J. Boyer, was only 12 years old when the book was published in 2018.
The only two characters in the book, teenaged friends Matthew and Ryan awaken on a beach with no memory of how they got there. Terrified and confused, they don't have the first clue about how to survive and can locate no immediate way to leave the island on which they find themselves. The boys work together, deciphering clues and mysteriously arriving at diverse ecosystems as they gradually suspect they are part of a bizarre and perplexing game.
Matthew and Ryan are young boys with no practical experience in survival. They are scared and homesick, dealing with their emotions in typical boy fashion as they tease each other, argue, and ultimately make up; yet, as the days wear on they find they must work as a team to unlock the mysteries of the island. Matthew's and Ryan's attitudes and beliefs evolve significantly as they must admit they have virtually nothing but themselves and each other. The material things they left at home become meaningless as they struggle for their very existence.
The boys come to realize they are being tested, and this becomes the real theme of the book. It is a very insightful analogy for the struggles we all face, in this case from the perspective of adolescent boys. Indeed, Caleb J. Bower shares in his introduction, "This book was written to inspire others to believe in themselves, and to realize that any obstacle can be overcome."
I enjoyed this magical adventure, experiencing along with the boys the humidity of the jungle and the cold of the mountains, the fear and exhilaration of battling horrendous beasts, and the satisfaction of finding latent strengths and abilities.
I was a bit disappointed (ahem) with the conclusion, although obviously it is the author's prerogative regarding the message he wants to impart through his writing, and the reader's choice as to how they will interpret his words. Overall I am awed and impressed that at 12 years old Caleb skillfully conveys such wisdom and insight regarding the modern mindset.
Though a fictional work, Island Games: Mystery of the Four Quadrants is uplifting and inspiring as the reader cheers the boys on and shares in their triumphs. This book is appropriate for anyone who likes adventure and suspense, even as young as middle school age.
There is no profanity or sexual content whatsoever and I only found two minor typos. 4 out of 4 stars.
******
Island Games
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Neighbour At Number 18 (Reload) by Hawa Crickmore
