A review by torijo
The Islands at the End of the World by Austin Aslan

adventurous challenging mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

I'm going to admit it... I liked the gosh darn turtles! So sue me!

Overall an intriguing premise, well thought out enough that I didn't drop it when the ~turtles~ appeared. (My suspension of disbelief was also higher because I was 15 the first time.) As a piece of apocalyptic fiction the first part stands solid.

Caveats: I can't prove heck about the accuracy of the depiction of Hawai'i. Similarly can't prove anything about the depiction of epilepsy. Also quite iffy to tie unmedicated epileptic seizures to world saving telepathy :/