A review by frontporchreadsmeg
Influencer Island by Kyle Rutkin
2.0
This book had so much potential. I was really intrigued by the premise-- Black Mirror meets Fyre Festival meets Hunger Games. I loved the podcast format and the racing plot- even when the timeline got confusing at times, it had me hooked and trying to figure out what would happen next.
However, I was extremely disappointed. The twists fell flat. I was expecting some intricate mystery about how each person on the island had a hand in Tuck's disappearance.. only to find that Tuck had actually been dead for years. Even though there seemed to be a lot of clues that Tuck was still alive. I was also very disappointed in the revelation of Wyatt James' identity. There was no backstory or clues that would lead to that child actress (I forget her name) becoming this masked figure. Absolutely no build up. It just left me confused. It felt like the whole explanation was rushed into the final chapter, which left me with so many questions. Here are a few...
How did Wyatt James stumble upon Tuck as he's taking his last breaths, and just happened to have his paints and a canvas with him to paint the moment? Like who carries their paints, brushes, easel, canvas etc. at a music festival?? And how did Tuck have time while bleeding out to tell Wyatt every memory he ever had of Carrie?
Some positive: I really liked Carrie as a character. She was resilient, in touch with her emotions, and wasn't like a typical female main character who is only looking for romance. (Also not sure why Cal was in love with her after like a week).
Anyways, while I was disappointed with the last ~30% of the book- I am glad that I read it! It only took me two days because I was so intrigued and wanted to know the ending.
However, I was extremely disappointed. The twists fell flat. I was expecting some intricate mystery about how each person on the island had a hand in Tuck's disappearance.. only to find that Tuck had actually been dead for years. Even though there seemed to be a lot of clues that Tuck was still alive. I was also very disappointed in the revelation of Wyatt James' identity. There was no backstory or clues that would lead to that child actress (I forget her name) becoming this masked figure. Absolutely no build up. It just left me confused. It felt like the whole explanation was rushed into the final chapter, which left me with so many questions. Here are a few...
How did Wyatt James stumble upon Tuck as he's taking his last breaths, and just happened to have his paints and a canvas with him to paint the moment? Like who carries their paints, brushes, easel, canvas etc. at a music festival?? And how did Tuck have time while bleeding out to tell Wyatt every memory he ever had of Carrie?
Some positive: I really liked Carrie as a character. She was resilient, in touch with her emotions, and wasn't like a typical female main character who is only looking for romance. (Also not sure why Cal was in love with her after like a week).
Anyways, while I was disappointed with the last ~30% of the book- I am glad that I read it! It only took me two days because I was so intrigued and wanted to know the ending.