The Island (1)
By Jen Minkman
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Novella
Published: May 2013
Pages:138
Summary: "I walk toward the sea. The endless surface of the water extends to the horizon, whichever way I look.
Our world is small. We are on our own, and we only have ourselves to depend on. We rely on the Force deep within us, as taught to us by our forefathers.
If I were to walk westward from here, I would come across a barrier – the Wall. Behind it, there are Fools. At least, that’s what everyone says.
I have never seen one.
Leia lives on the Island, a world in which children leave their parents to take care of themselves when they are ten years old. Across this Island runs a wall that no one has ever crossed. The Fools living behind it are not amenable to reason – they believe in illusions. That’s what The Book says, the only thing left to the Eastern Islanders by their ancestors.
But when a strange man washes ashore and Leia meets a Fool face to face, her life will never be the same. Is what she and her friends believe about the Island really true?
Or is everyone in their world, in fact, a Fool?"
Our world is small. We are on our own, and we only have ourselves to depend on. We rely on the Force deep within us, as taught to us by our forefathers.
If I were to walk westward from here, I would come across a barrier – the Wall. Behind it, there are Fools. At least, that’s what everyone says.
I have never seen one.
Leia lives on the Island, a world in which children leave their parents to take care of themselves when they are ten years old. Across this Island runs a wall that no one has ever crossed. The Fools living behind it are not amenable to reason – they believe in illusions. That’s what The Book says, the only thing left to the Eastern Islanders by their ancestors.
But when a strange man washes ashore and Leia meets a Fool face to face, her life will never be the same. Is what she and her friends believe about the Island really true?
Or is everyone in their world, in fact, a Fool?"
Review: I
was pleasantly pleased with this story when I was finished reading it.
Although there were a few things that threw me off a bit, Jen Minkman
ends up doing a wonderful pulling everything together.
The story is told from the view of a young girl, Leia who lives on an island where children are parted from their parents at a young age and then live and survive together in a mansion. They are taught life lessons by their leader but certain members of the group begin to question the truth.
At first Leia seemed a bit shallow. I had a hard time getting into her character at first but after a short while she begins to grow. her thought process is easy to follow and kept me very engaged in the story. In the end I liked her, but I would have loved to see a bit more time given to get to know the other characters and her a bit better. Then again, there are more books to the series so that is okay.
There are a lot of Star Wars references in this book. At first i was a bit frustrated and even questioned if this was some kind of fanfiction. Let me assure you all, it is not. The references are explained by the end of the story. Just give it time. Ultimately, in actually adds a new, better level to the plot. I just never noticed the disclaimer about it before I began reading.
This is more than a short novella but far from a full novel. A nice, fast read. The pace just keeps you going, page after page. The style is simple yet captivating. A bit modern, bit primitive and yet futuristic dystopian all put together. Truly an enjoyable read. I look forward to continuing the series.
The story is told from the view of a young girl, Leia who lives on an island where children are parted from their parents at a young age and then live and survive together in a mansion. They are taught life lessons by their leader but certain members of the group begin to question the truth.
At first Leia seemed a bit shallow. I had a hard time getting into her character at first but after a short while she begins to grow. her thought process is easy to follow and kept me very engaged in the story. In the end I liked her, but I would have loved to see a bit more time given to get to know the other characters and her a bit better. Then again, there are more books to the series so that is okay.
There are a lot of Star Wars references in this book. At first i was a bit frustrated and even questioned if this was some kind of fanfiction. Let me assure you all, it is not. The references are explained by the end of the story. Just give it time. Ultimately, in actually adds a new, better level to the plot. I just never noticed the disclaimer about it before I began reading.
This is more than a short novella but far from a full novel. A nice, fast read. The pace just keeps you going, page after page. The style is simple yet captivating. A bit modern, bit primitive and yet futuristic dystopian all put together. Truly an enjoyable read. I look forward to continuing the series.
I received a eArc copy of this book from the author,
Jen Minkman, via Netgalley. All opinions expressed in this review are
strictly my own.
The concept is totally unique!! What's good is that you slowly liked the way she thought.
ReplyDeleteLovely review :)
Thank you. This story grew wonderfully for me.
DeleteI haven't had a chance to read this yet, but it certainly sounds good. Great review!
ReplyDeleteIt is a very quick read whenever you get the chance. Thanks!
DeleteI like dystopian books like this. Good review. <3
ReplyDeleteI liked that is wasn't so oppressive like some but has just enough to keep the dystopian atmosphere.
DeleteThe novella sounds interesting, though a bit creepy. Have you tried this author before?
ReplyDeleteThis is my first book by her. Honestly, it really isn't creepy. Sad maybe in a way though.
DeleteI love the concept behind the book. Of course, it's the first time I've ever heard of the book or author. I'll have to check it out. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt is a great short read! Hope you like it.
DeleteI can't tell if the STAR WARS references would amuse or annoy me, but I guess there's just one way to find out!
ReplyDeleteTrix, vitajex(at)aol(dot)com
Make sure you read to the end for it to make sense. At first I was very skeptical with it. and remained that way through a lot of the book, but I had my suspicions...
DeleteThis novella sounds intriguing and I really like ya dystopian books. I will have to put this on my tbr list and check it out!
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty good. And last I saw, FREE on Amazon!
DeleteThis book seems really good. I hope its at my library so i could read it!
ReplyDeleteDo you have a kindle or kindle app? Amazon has it FREE :)
DeleteGreat cover!! The book sounds really good, thank you for your review!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I loved the cover too.
DeleteI recently read The Island by Jen Minkman as well and posted a review of it on my book blog. I normally enjoy reading dystopian novels/storys, but I didn't like The Island very much... I thought it started out decently enough until the Star Wars theme came into play.... The entire Stars Wars theme was very hokey. I felt the author could have been more original and come up with something other than using Star Wars to write a storyline. Leia, the leading character, acted more like a 12 year old than a 16 year old and the supposed villain really wasn't that evil to be scary. The Island just wasn't to my liking. I do not plan to read any other books/novellas in the series.
ReplyDeleteI can see how it comes across as hokey but it is actually explained nicely in the end and makes a lot of sense. The authors created a review on goodreads explaining it better-worth the read for a better explaination. Yea, I can see the immaturity in Leia but when you are realised by fellow kids and teens, how can you ever be expected to act your age? I never got a feeling of evil villain just a stupid punk causing trouble. Every school and neighbor has one. Sorry you didn't like it though. While it was very mellow, I enjoyed it for a different change of pace from all the fast action of other novels.
DeleteIntresting contept,sounds good :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this novella,thanks for the lovely review!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed and hope you enjoy the story!
Deleteyey dystopia i like it *.* great review
ReplyDelete