Review by OnawaBrewer -- Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer
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OnawaBrewer
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Review by OnawaBrewer -- Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer
[Following is a volunteer review of "Island Games" by Caleb J. Boyer.]
Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer is a riveting story about friendship, strength, and courage. When best friends Matthew and Ryan wake up on a deserted island with no memories of anything but each other, they discover that true strength comes from within.
The boys must prove to themselves that they are worthy of finding the truth behind the mysterious island. Despite their loss of memory they manage to find solace in each other as they try to find a way off the island. Though they never see him, their only companion is Reggie, the rooster that wakes them every morning.
Matthew, the more imaginative of the pair, always finds ways to make light of the situation no matter how scary. He helps Ryan make important decisions through discussion and thought. On the other hand, Ryan often jumps right in without thinking, which sometimes gets the pair into trouble. They must learn how to rely on each other or die trying. They soon learn that each trial that the pair works together on results in life-saving supplies as well as a feeling of accomplishment.
“Seriously though, I don’t know how we made it this far, but I know that we couldn’t have done it without each other.” These words are proven over and over as Matthew and Ryan help each other face the trials on each quadrant of the island. Four quadrants, four keys, and hazy dreams of happier times haunt the boys as they fight to stay alive against wicked beasts and unsavory environments.
We see many mysterious instances that leave us wondering what the boys will face next, and with each trial, a new terror shortly follows. The boys face sharks, quicksand, lava, and wild beasts as well as dehydration and starvation. But through it all, they find a way to persevere.
This book is obviously professionally edited as there are few if any grammatical errors. The book is formatted well and is just the right length to keep young readers interested. My favorite part of the book is the constant camaraderie between the boys. Even though they are in danger they show that they can be sarcastic, reckless, and angry without losing their humor or love for one another. I did find some of the scenes to be repetitive, but I can understand the need for the author to make sure to get his point across. Young readers will find this book to be a cross between Lara Croft and Indiana Jones, as the adventures are fast-paced and heart racing, ending in a treasure worth more than diamonds and gold. The book ends in a cliffhanger, but the author provides insight into what happens after they face the final trial.
I found Island Games to be a truly inspiring story that every pre-teen would enjoy. I give this book a 4/4 star review due to the fast-paced and exciting adventures that Mattew and Ryan face. The fact that this book was written by a 12-year old boy is flabbergasting and empowering all at once. Caleb J. Boyer shows us all that there are no limits to what we can do if we put our minds to it.
******
Island Games
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer is a riveting story about friendship, strength, and courage. When best friends Matthew and Ryan wake up on a deserted island with no memories of anything but each other, they discover that true strength comes from within.
The boys must prove to themselves that they are worthy of finding the truth behind the mysterious island. Despite their loss of memory they manage to find solace in each other as they try to find a way off the island. Though they never see him, their only companion is Reggie, the rooster that wakes them every morning.
Matthew, the more imaginative of the pair, always finds ways to make light of the situation no matter how scary. He helps Ryan make important decisions through discussion and thought. On the other hand, Ryan often jumps right in without thinking, which sometimes gets the pair into trouble. They must learn how to rely on each other or die trying. They soon learn that each trial that the pair works together on results in life-saving supplies as well as a feeling of accomplishment.
“Seriously though, I don’t know how we made it this far, but I know that we couldn’t have done it without each other.” These words are proven over and over as Matthew and Ryan help each other face the trials on each quadrant of the island. Four quadrants, four keys, and hazy dreams of happier times haunt the boys as they fight to stay alive against wicked beasts and unsavory environments.
We see many mysterious instances that leave us wondering what the boys will face next, and with each trial, a new terror shortly follows. The boys face sharks, quicksand, lava, and wild beasts as well as dehydration and starvation. But through it all, they find a way to persevere.
This book is obviously professionally edited as there are few if any grammatical errors. The book is formatted well and is just the right length to keep young readers interested. My favorite part of the book is the constant camaraderie between the boys. Even though they are in danger they show that they can be sarcastic, reckless, and angry without losing their humor or love for one another. I did find some of the scenes to be repetitive, but I can understand the need for the author to make sure to get his point across. Young readers will find this book to be a cross between Lara Croft and Indiana Jones, as the adventures are fast-paced and heart racing, ending in a treasure worth more than diamonds and gold. The book ends in a cliffhanger, but the author provides insight into what happens after they face the final trial.
I found Island Games to be a truly inspiring story that every pre-teen would enjoy. I give this book a 4/4 star review due to the fast-paced and exciting adventures that Mattew and Ryan face. The fact that this book was written by a 12-year old boy is flabbergasting and empowering all at once. Caleb J. Boyer shows us all that there are no limits to what we can do if we put our minds to it.
******
Island Games
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer
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AlexisLib
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Wow, this book was written by a 12-year-old boy? Amazing! Your review already piqued my interest, but that makes me want to read it even more. Sounds like a fun, fast, and compelling read. Nicely written review too!
