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

[brittanyyyyjo]

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

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2 out of 4 stars

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The way Caleb J. Boyer starts Island Games is intriguing and grasps your attention quickly. It begins with two boys waking up on a stranded island confused about their surroundings. With no water, food or shelter, the boys decide they need to work quickly to get a fire started before the sun had set. They began to realize they were put on the island for a reason but couldn’t figure out what the reason was. Throughout the book, both boys had a great connection and were willing to sacrifice themselves for each other. They had faced many challenges that tested their strengths, weaknesses, and compatibility as friends.

The two teenage boys characters Ryan and Matthew had very clear and simple personalities. They have known each other since they were little kids and have been best friends since. Matthew is known for his intellectual and abrasive instinct. Ryan is the funnier and care-free type of person. Although with both of their characters having completely opposite personalities, it seems too predictable. Throughout the book, Matthew called all the shots and thought ahead about what would be the best decision for both of them to survive. Ryan on the other hand, made jokes most of the time and had a short fuse. Clearly, Ryan had some more growing up to do but in the end, after going through all the challenges and being deserted on an island, he still wasn’t able to mature and make better decisions.

I feel there are a few areas in the book that needed to have more explanations and descriptive outlines. Boyer, claims the boys came upon a few “beasts” they had to fight off but I feel the beasts could’ve been more descriptive so I could have a better imagination on what they were fighting against. Same goes with the fight scene with the beasts. It could’ve been intensified and more clear, within a few sentences, the fight was over and didn’t seem like there was much effort put into it.

I rate the book 2 out of 4 stars due to the book needing more descriptive outcomes. I could’ve easily given it a three but I felt as though some parts could’ve been more intense and challenging but it always ended in the boys favor within a few sentences of the event. The book overall was intriguing to read. It had many challenges and obstacles that had me wanting to read more. At the end of the book, I was saddened to see it end with a cliff hanger. I can’t wait to find out what happens on their next journey.

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Island Games
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