Reviews

Happily Ever Island by Crystal Cestari

thisistheway's review against another edition

1.0

DNF. This one would be perfect for kids 11-16 perhaps. Definitely, no depth to the story and the audiobook is extremely overacted. But teens would probably love it.

britgbrewer's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Thoroughly enjoyable, quick saccharine read that was a relief after a couple of books I had to slog through. I love Disney, I love low-stakes romance - this ticked the boxes for me. 

bekkajmills's review against another edition

3.0

This book was a bit too cheesy for me, but I loved the setting and all the Disney details!

katekate_reads_'s review against another edition

3.0

Cute

gijane's review against another edition

3.0

ok really bad but like really good?

linren16's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

anniquevvugt's review against another edition

lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.5

This book feels like you’re reading a fan fiction written by a 12 year old. 
I could see myself liking this book when I was twelve, but also I would still not be reading it with love. 

Not a lot is explained or they don’t make much sense. For example: there was a verbal argument in Alladin’s part of the island while “prince Ali” was having his moment with the elephant and such. 
And the people in the argument were still able to talk with eachother even though they weren’t that far from all the music etc. It doesn’t make sense. 

I didn’t feel much for the characters and I didn’t feel the romance either. I only rooted for one couple. With the other I felt no tension no anything. 
The main character madison is also insanely childish and selfish. Although it becomes slightly better towards the ends there were some actually laughable moments: like her making a skirt for herself, thinking her friend will become happy with that. Like?? 

It was an insane read and I’m happy I finished it. 
The reason why I rated it 1.5 star instead of 1 star is because I see young teenagers liking it. 

jdalton's review against another edition

5.0

Thank you Disney Publishing and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.

This book is perfect for Disney Parks fanatics, former cast members (like myself), and current cast members, or anyone who likes happily ever after endings.

I admit that I honestly would love to experience this island and see this as kind of a next gen after the galactic starcruiser hotel, but that's getting a bit too out of topic.

I really liked seeing the journey that the two friends end up on, and how their paths help them discover who they truly are. Crystal really helps to build this world (reminiscent of the Kingdom Keepers series in the tone and flavor) and it makes it seem like a real place.

And as a former cast member, I could really relate to Val and her stressing over making things perfect.

And shout out to the College Program mention!

theyearofme's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Disney propaganda 

onarosebeam's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This summer is really teaching me to embrace the fairytale.