A review by sophiesmallhands
The Island by C.L. Taylor

adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I’m not usually a big thriller reader but once I started this bad boi, I knew it was going to be a “one-sitting” read. There a multiple intricacies and with-held secrets between the six friends and every chapter seemed to end with another unanswered question that kept the pace cracking.

That said, even though I knew the story was meant to be a short, stand-alone thriller, I wanted a little more from the story and character interactions. The story is told through two of the friend’s POVs, and while these contrasting perspectives played a part in stirring the drama, a lot of the crises while being marooned on an abandoned island came from the relationship drama between the friends. It felt like the island setting was only depicted in broad strokes where it could have been utilised more to amp up the tension.

Despite this, the ending took me by surprise and I had a great “a-ha!” moment when it was revealed. If you’re looking for a short and sweet thriller, then this is ya boi! My thanks to HQstories for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
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