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shieldbearer's review against another edition
4.0
Island: Survival is another engaging, easy-to-read installment in Korman's Island trilogy. After the events of the previous book- six teens on a character-building journey on a sailing program known as Charting A New Course to avoid juvenile hall or to deal with other problems in their lives. Naturally, things go wrong and at the end of the last book- after a grueling experience floaing adrift in the ocean- the kids finally make their way to a deserted, uncharted island somewhere in the South Pacific. Gordon balances the characterizations of the six children really well. The story never feels crowded and it's not confusing to tell the different characters apart.
Korman excels at allowing his characters to feel and their backstories have actual weight on their thoughts and their actions, instead of just lingering out of sight to be summoned forth when the character has a moment to angst. They also affect a character's development and maturation as the story goes on- particularly in the case of JJ.
Evenmoreso than in the previous installment, personal responsibility is an ongoing theme in this novel. Every character is, in some way or another, responsible for the reason they were sent to CNC in the first place even if it is no fault of their own. Luke trusted the wrong person, Charla couldn't slow down, Will and Lyssa couldn't get along, Ian couldn't tear himself away from his technology, and JJ went too far in his attempts to get his father's attention and love. However, most of the characters begin turning these weaknesses into strengths. Charla's physical prowess allows her to fish without any tools, Will and Lyssa begin to mend and Ian has accumulated a lot of knowledge from browsing the internet and watching the Discovery Channel. However, JJ refuses to believe that any of this is real and thinks that the CNC is watching from hidden cameras- and that they will come and save them any day now. As a result, he contributes as little as possible to the daily chores on the island.
Korman knows how to escalate situations without making it seemed forced or cheesy, and even when there's no action or violence, he keeps things interesting with understanding of character dynamics. He knows how to keep everyone sympathetic to the reader while still allowing tension to build between the characters. JJ and Luke butt heads a lot, understandably because of their very different backgrounds and the current dynamics of the group.
Korman excels at allowing his characters to feel and their backstories have actual weight on their thoughts and their actions, instead of just lingering out of sight to be summoned forth when the character has a moment to angst. They also affect a character's development and maturation as the story goes on- particularly in the case of JJ.
Evenmoreso than in the previous installment, personal responsibility is an ongoing theme in this novel. Every character is, in some way or another, responsible for the reason they were sent to CNC in the first place even if it is no fault of their own. Luke trusted the wrong person, Charla couldn't slow down, Will and Lyssa couldn't get along, Ian couldn't tear himself away from his technology, and JJ went too far in his attempts to get his father's attention and love. However, most of the characters begin turning these weaknesses into strengths. Charla's physical prowess allows her to fish without any tools, Will and Lyssa begin to mend and Ian has accumulated a lot of knowledge from browsing the internet and watching the Discovery Channel. However, JJ refuses to believe that any of this is real and thinks that the CNC is watching from hidden cameras- and that they will come and save them any day now. As a result, he contributes as little as possible to the daily chores on the island.
Korman knows how to escalate situations without making it seemed forced or cheesy, and even when there's no action or violence, he keeps things interesting with understanding of character dynamics. He knows how to keep everyone sympathetic to the reader while still allowing tension to build between the characters. JJ and Luke butt heads a lot, understandably because of their very different backgrounds and the current dynamics of the group.
felinity's review against another edition
4.0
Floating on a small raft in the middle of the Pacific, hundreds of miles from anywhere, somehow they have to get help, or water. But how can 4 kids manage on their own?
atomicwizard's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
eitan743's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mckenzierichardson's review against another edition
4.0
For more reviews, check out my blog: Craft-CycleOne thing that I really enjoy about this series is how seamlessly Korman works in various facts and educational tidbits. The adventure and survival aspects of the story are so exciting to read that you don't even realize you are learning as well (mostly thanks to Ian, the information-packed TV-addict). It was interesting to learn about various topics such as history and smuggling. As the survivors learn more about the island they have landed on, things really heat up.I will say I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first one. The story was good and well-written, but the plot got so intense that it was hardly believable. Despite my best efforts to suspend my disbelief, there was just too many random hardships thrown in for me not to question. How can anyone's luck be that bad? But it does make for an interesting story.While this book is best read after the first one, I do think it can be read as a standalone as there is a good deal of recap worked into the narration. Although, I do highly recommend the first book, especially if the reader is interested in ships.This was still a very good read filled with adventure, suspense, (sneaky education,) and excitement. I am looking forward to the third book to see how all of this craziness ends.
sillymilly14's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
4.5
DANGGG THIS IS JUST AS GOOD AS BOOK 1!! I love these characters sm.
ifthebook's review against another edition
5.0
I'm not sure why I like this series, but I really, really do. It's about a group of kids, all of whom have serious issues, who end up on an island trying to survive. Things spiral out of control from there, and it stops being just a man versus nature story in pretty incredible (unbelievable?) ways. And I still really like it.
lauralynnwalsh's review against another edition
3.0
Similar to the first book in this series - interesting enough to keep going - a bit too incredulous to be really great. Perhaps it is the narrator - either that makes it a bit overawed or that keeps me interested. I can't quite figure it out. At any rate, it will probably interest those who like adventure and action.
amengelking's review against another edition
4.0
Some questions were answered. Overall, an improved plot from the first in the series and an interesting bunch of characters.
nxclx's review against another edition
fast-paced
Reread from my childhood. I still love this series, and it's still good writing.