Review of Island Games

[Elizabeth Kleckner]

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

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4 out of 5 stars

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Island Games by Caleb J Boyer is a Young Adult story about facing challenges and the importance of friendship. The premise of the story is very interesting and entertaining, if a bit simple. The book only has two characters is in - but that can be seen as part of the charm. The overall message is about friendship and how teamwork can get you through most of life's challenges. The story was easy to follow and easy to read. The book clearly belongs in the YA category. As an adult reading this book it does have a simplicity that made the book rather predictable. The themes and symbolism are very near the surface and it is not difficult to understand the storyteller's underlying message. Sometimes the messages of the book are stated out right, either by a character or the third person narrator. While the ending is not what I expected, I did appreciated the note from the author explaining why the story ended as it did. This book is the first of serial so I understand why all the questions that came up while reading it were not all answered by the end of this book; as the story has more to it. The adventures in this book will appeal to young YA readers as it is an easy read and very engaging. The adventures the characters go on are entertaining, engaging, exciting and at times edge of your seat nerve wracking - I even audibly gasped a few times. The friendship between the two characters was beautifully written. Especially the banter between teenage boys: it was spot on and read true. The messages of teamwork, friendship and "continuing on not matter what stands in front of you" are shown and conveyed without confusion. I found only two grammar mistakes in the entire text.

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Island Games
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