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Island of Influencers
Funny, dramatic, sometimes dark and bang on trend, this thrilling YA novel is perfect for those who love a Black Mirror twist.
Harper wants to be an influencer. Badly. She’ll do anything to be like her famous cousin, Belle.
When Belle is the latest 'victim' in a string of influencer kidnappings, and is put on an island for a new reality show, Harper wants in too.
It's her chance to join the greatest talents and finally make a name for herself.
But with demeaning tasks and the constant pressure of a live audience judging their every move, it's not long before cracks begin to appear in the influencers' shiny veneers . . .
Harper wants to be an influencer. Badly. She’ll do anything to be like her famous cousin, Belle.
When Belle is the latest 'victim' in a string of influencer kidnappings, and is put on an island for a new reality show, Harper wants in too.
It's her chance to join the greatest talents and finally make a name for herself.
But with demeaning tasks and the constant pressure of a live audience judging their every move, it's not long before cracks begin to appear in the influencers' shiny veneers . . .
- GenresYoung AdultSocial Media
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2025
6 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 18, 2025
The primary problem with this book is that it does not seem to know who its audience is. It is YA, so presumably written for teenagers, but I can’t imagine any teen would enjoy reading this book. The way that teens are presented is stereotypical and, frankly, offensive. It felt more like a parody of how older generations think younger generations act than anything else. It patronised and preached in a manner that was almost unbearable for me and certainly would be for someone actually of the age group being criticised. It seemed like every other paragraph broke off into a tangent about kids these days and their damn phones. Which, don’t get me wrong, there’s something to be said there – but this was not the way to say it! Especially not in a book aimed at teenagers.
The writing was overall poor, overly reliant on infodumps and 'telling', and the pacing was off. We spent far too long (over half of the book) with the preamble before we arrived at the titular island of influencers, and the main character’s arc spanned 50 pages (not an exaggeration – I checked). There were many issues that could have been weeded out with more thorough editing. The twist was far too predictably and simultaneously barely foreshadowed. There were multiple instances of information (e.g. characters' ages and ethnicities) being introduced in a table rather than naturally integrated into the prose. The main stakes and theme of the book are also only introduced within the last 50 pages after some very, very light hinting beforehand, giving them nowhere near enough time to be properly explored. As such, the ending felt incredibly rushed and unsatisfactory.
Maybe this is a problem with my expectations or how it was shelved in the bookstore, but I was under the impression that this was some sort of death game (or otherwise involved raised stakes), but as it turns out the real life Mr Beast has more casualties than this book. The games were ridiculous, like genuinely laughable, and there were no real repercussions for losing. I feel like no character experienced any consequences for their actions and because of this I could not get invested in their successes and failures. This was not aided by their complete lack of personality, save for the detestable main character.
I thought that the influencers only being known by their screen names would be an interesting commentary on how social media dehumanises them and reduces them to a brand, but this was not explored at all. No character was given any depth beyond the niche that they make content within, which I felt cheapened the message that they are all human and Which, as a message, felt incredibly confused and disjointed.
This incoherent message was not helped by the fact that it at times felt like the author has no idea how social media or influencing works beyond a surface level hatred of it. (And I hate to make personal presumptions about the author but there were a few jarring comments made about bookish influencers specifically that rubbed me the wrong way and made me… nervous to say the least about what this author thinks of us. But that’s neither here nor there). Overall, there is very little that I found redeemable about this reading experience and would recommend that you give it a miss unless you are craving for a laugh at a truly vacuous book.
The writing was overall poor, overly reliant on infodumps and 'telling', and the pacing was off. We spent far too long (over half of the book) with the preamble before we arrived at the titular island of influencers, and the main character’s arc spanned 50 pages (not an exaggeration – I checked). There were many issues that could have been weeded out with more thorough editing. The twist was far too predictably and simultaneously barely foreshadowed. There were multiple instances of information (e.g. characters' ages and ethnicities) being introduced in a table rather than naturally integrated into the prose. The main stakes and theme of the book are also only introduced within the last 50 pages after some very, very light hinting beforehand, giving them nowhere near enough time to be properly explored. As such, the ending felt incredibly rushed and unsatisfactory.
Maybe this is a problem with my expectations or how it was shelved in the bookstore, but I was under the impression that this was some sort of death game (or otherwise involved raised stakes), but as it turns out the real life Mr Beast has more casualties than this book. The games were ridiculous, like genuinely laughable, and there were no real repercussions for losing. I feel like no character experienced any consequences for their actions and because of this I could not get invested in their successes and failures. This was not aided by their complete lack of personality, save for the detestable main character.
I thought that the influencers only being known by their screen names would be an interesting commentary on how social media dehumanises them and reduces them to a brand, but this was not explored at all. No character was given any depth beyond the niche that they make content within, which I felt cheapened the message that they are all human and Which, as a message, felt incredibly confused and disjointed.
This incoherent message was not helped by the fact that it at times felt like the author has no idea how social media or influencing works beyond a surface level hatred of it. (And I hate to make personal presumptions about the author but there were a few jarring comments made about bookish influencers specifically that rubbed me the wrong way and made me… nervous to say the least about what this author thinks of us. But that’s neither here nor there). Overall, there is very little that I found redeemable about this reading experience and would recommend that you give it a miss unless you are craving for a laugh at a truly vacuous book.
March 28, 2025
2 . 75 ☆
Island of influencers is basically if i'm a celebrity × hunger games had a baby. I liked how it talked about influencers - showing the positive side (how it saves people's lives and makes them feel like they're part of a family). Whilst also showing the darker elements - filtering & media training. The talk about AI was also really interesting because it dealt with a lot of real issues.
However, it wasn't what I expected because it read like a moral story - it was 'telling' you more than 'showing' you. I liked it but sometimes it felt as if it was a PSCHE lesson. All these characters were AWFUL. I don't know if they were meant to be so bad but 🤢.
The drama was really entertaining, though, and I liked the plot. The ending was abrupt so idk if it's meant to be a series or not.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
didn't love it, didn't hate it. good drama but dumb + annoying characters. the ending was abrupt so idk if this is going to be a series.
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- rtc
Island of influencers is basically if i'm a celebrity × hunger games had a baby. I liked how it talked about influencers - showing the positive side (how it saves people's lives and makes them feel like they're part of a family). Whilst also showing the darker elements - filtering & media training. The talk about AI was also really interesting because it dealt with a lot of real issues.
However, it wasn't what I expected because it read like a moral story - it was 'telling' you more than 'showing' you. I liked it but sometimes it felt as if it was a PSCHE lesson. All these characters were AWFUL. I don't know if they were meant to be so bad but 🤢.
The drama was really entertaining, though, and I liked the plot. The ending was abrupt so idk if it's meant to be a series or not.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
didn't love it, didn't hate it. good drama but dumb + annoying characters. the ending was abrupt so idk if this is going to be a series.
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- rtc
February 14, 2025
3.5 stars. This was such a fun read. Yes you have to suspend your disbelief and ignore the conveniences but overall it’s fun. It felt very comedic and satirical. Also kinda hilarious that the book is about a hunger games/squid gamesesque competition hosted by a YouTuber who is a caricature of mr beast on a platform outside their own and now he actually have a show on prime. This alone shows how observant the author is of social media and influencers. Clever and funny.
March 23, 2025
A little bit too on the nose
March 22, 2025
solid 3 🌟 honestly did not like the writing style sometimes. it kinda felt really rushed as well sometimes. hated the main character and honestly felt bad for her cousin, like, yeah she was pretty pathetic, but she actually cared and looked out for her. also hated sig he was so goddamn annoying omg.
February 4, 2025
I went into Island of Influencers expecting a sharp, high-stakes look at internet fame—but I wasn’t prepared for just how thought-provoking and immersive this book would be. Monique Turner doesn’t just explore influencer culture; she holds up a mirror to it, revealing the cutthroat nature of online success and the very real costs of chasing the algorithm.
Harper has spent a year playing assistant to her internet-famous cousin, Belle, quietly resenting the role while secretly craving the spotlight. But when Belle vanishes—one in a string of influencer disappearances—Harper’s chance at recognition suddenly comes with far higher stakes than she ever imagined. Determined to uncover the truth, she teams up with her online friend Cady, leading them to Influencer Island, where content creators battle it out for a multi-million-pound prize—or so they think.
What struck me most was the dynamic between Harper and Belle. The tension between them feels messy and real—there’s admiration, resentment, competition, and an unspoken yearning for validation that runs deep. Monique captures that complexity beautifully, making the emotional stakes just as gripping as the external ones. And just when I thought I understood where things were heading, a twist reshaped everything.
The cover, designed by Ali Al Amine, perfectly captures the energy of the book—Harper and Bella, suited up and ready to tackle the arena, is such a striking image that reflects the novel’s blend of ambition, competition, and self-discovery.
This is one of the most original YA books I’ve read in a long time. It’s sharp, absorbing, and raises big questions about internet culture, identity, and what we’re willing to do for fame. If you’ve ever wondered about the price of online success, Island of Influencers is a must-read.
Harper has spent a year playing assistant to her internet-famous cousin, Belle, quietly resenting the role while secretly craving the spotlight. But when Belle vanishes—one in a string of influencer disappearances—Harper’s chance at recognition suddenly comes with far higher stakes than she ever imagined. Determined to uncover the truth, she teams up with her online friend Cady, leading them to Influencer Island, where content creators battle it out for a multi-million-pound prize—or so they think.
What struck me most was the dynamic between Harper and Belle. The tension between them feels messy and real—there’s admiration, resentment, competition, and an unspoken yearning for validation that runs deep. Monique captures that complexity beautifully, making the emotional stakes just as gripping as the external ones. And just when I thought I understood where things were heading, a twist reshaped everything.
The cover, designed by Ali Al Amine, perfectly captures the energy of the book—Harper and Bella, suited up and ready to tackle the arena, is such a striking image that reflects the novel’s blend of ambition, competition, and self-discovery.
This is one of the most original YA books I’ve read in a long time. It’s sharp, absorbing, and raises big questions about internet culture, identity, and what we’re willing to do for fame. If you’ve ever wondered about the price of online success, Island of Influencers is a must-read.
March 16, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars)
Let’s talk about Island of Influencers, a gripping YA thriller that hits close to home with its dark, satirical look at influencer culture and I’m here for it. If you’ve ever been captivated by the glam of social media influencers and wondered what really goes on behind the curtains (or the filters, really), this book serves up some serious reality checks. Think Black Mirror meets The Bachelor with a sprinkle of "What did I just read?" at the end. It's that good.
The Plot: Social Media Fame at Its Darkest
We meet Harper, your not-so-average teen who is obsessed with becoming an influencer. She dreams of the fame, the free stuff, the likes, and let’s be real, the clout. Who can blame her? We’ve all scrolled through Instagram, watching influencers live their “best lives,” and wondered what it would be like to live that for ourselves. Well, Harper is about to find out in the most twisted way possible.
When her cousin, Belle, is "kidnapped" and whisked away to an isolated island for a bizarre reality show designed for the internet’s elite, Harper can’t resist the chance to be part of the drama. She wants to be in the spotlight, and she wants to prove that she’s just as deserving of fame as Belle. But it’s not all glitter and selfies on the island. There’s a price to pay for this kind of attention, and Harper is about to learn that the hard way.
The premise alone had me intrigued. Harper’s quest to be like her cousin is something anyone who’s ever wanted to be “internet famous” can relate to. But as the story unfolds, things take a dark turn. The reality show is not what it seems, and the contestants (aka influencers) are pushed to do degrading tasks all while being watched 24/7 by a live audience. Pressure much?
As Harper works her way through the challenges of the show, it’s clear that being an influencer isn’t as glamorous as it seems. The anxiety of needing constant validation, the feeling of being watched at all times, the drama between the influencers themselves….it’s a mess. And yet, the allure of fame keeps Harper’s eye on the prize. But the prize turns out to be much darker than she could ever have imagined.
The Characters: Perfectly Flawed Influencers
What makes this book so great is that the characters aren’t your typical “hero vs villain” types. Harper is relatable, but she’s also deeply flawed—aren’t we all when it comes to wanting approval from the internet? She’s driven, but it’s easy to see how quickly her ambition turns into obsession.
Then there’s the fascinating cast of influencers around her, each with their own quirks, flaws, and desperation for fame. The more Harper interacts with them, the more you see how the pursuit of attention has consumed them in unhealthy ways.
As the contestants start to crack under the pressure, the reader sees just how toxic this influencer culture can be. Who can you trust? Who’s just playing the game? And most importantly…what will they do to win?
Island of Influencers really dives deep into some important themes, namely, how toxic influencer culture can be. We see firsthand how the need for likes, followers, and constant validation can warp a person’s sense of self-worth and how easily it’s to become consumed by it. The book doesn’t sugarcoat the consequences of being constantly online or driven by the desire to be liked. In fact, it shows just how dangerous that obsession can be when people are pushed too far.
One of the things I love about this book is how it raises questions about what’s real and what’s fake. In today’s world, everything can be curated and filtered. Are we seeing the true person behind the posts, or are we witnessing an act designed for approval? The characters are constantly putting on personas, and it makes you think about the line between being your authentic self and performing for the internet. (And honestly? This feels too close to real life.)
The Twists: That Plot Twist tho
Without giving too much away, let’s just say this book has twists. The kind that make you go “Wait, what just happened?” As the tension builds and secrets are revealed, you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat, wondering just how far people will go to get ahead in this cutthroat influencer world.
I loved how the pacing picked up toward the end, everything escalates so quickly, you’ll be flipping pages faster than you can say “TikTok trend.” The final reveal? Total jaw-dropper. It was the perfect way to close out the story, leaving you with that “Whoa, I did not see that coming” feeling.
A Must-Read for YA Fans and Reality TV Lovers
If you’re looking for a book that’s equal parts hilarious and chilling, then Island of Influencers should definitely be on your TBR. It’s an eye-opening, fast-paced read that’ll make you think about the price of fame, the dangers of social media, and how far people are willing to go to stay relevant. It’s Black Mirror, but with more hashtags. (And trust me, that’s a compliment.)
In a world where everyone’s fighting for likes and follows, this book asks the important question: How much are you willing to sacrifice for internet fame? Island of Influencers shows you the answer and it’s a wild ride to get there.
Let’s talk about Island of Influencers, a gripping YA thriller that hits close to home with its dark, satirical look at influencer culture and I’m here for it. If you’ve ever been captivated by the glam of social media influencers and wondered what really goes on behind the curtains (or the filters, really), this book serves up some serious reality checks. Think Black Mirror meets The Bachelor with a sprinkle of "What did I just read?" at the end. It's that good.
The Plot: Social Media Fame at Its Darkest
We meet Harper, your not-so-average teen who is obsessed with becoming an influencer. She dreams of the fame, the free stuff, the likes, and let’s be real, the clout. Who can blame her? We’ve all scrolled through Instagram, watching influencers live their “best lives,” and wondered what it would be like to live that for ourselves. Well, Harper is about to find out in the most twisted way possible.
When her cousin, Belle, is "kidnapped" and whisked away to an isolated island for a bizarre reality show designed for the internet’s elite, Harper can’t resist the chance to be part of the drama. She wants to be in the spotlight, and she wants to prove that she’s just as deserving of fame as Belle. But it’s not all glitter and selfies on the island. There’s a price to pay for this kind of attention, and Harper is about to learn that the hard way.
The premise alone had me intrigued. Harper’s quest to be like her cousin is something anyone who’s ever wanted to be “internet famous” can relate to. But as the story unfolds, things take a dark turn. The reality show is not what it seems, and the contestants (aka influencers) are pushed to do degrading tasks all while being watched 24/7 by a live audience. Pressure much?
As Harper works her way through the challenges of the show, it’s clear that being an influencer isn’t as glamorous as it seems. The anxiety of needing constant validation, the feeling of being watched at all times, the drama between the influencers themselves….it’s a mess. And yet, the allure of fame keeps Harper’s eye on the prize. But the prize turns out to be much darker than she could ever have imagined.
The Characters: Perfectly Flawed Influencers
What makes this book so great is that the characters aren’t your typical “hero vs villain” types. Harper is relatable, but she’s also deeply flawed—aren’t we all when it comes to wanting approval from the internet? She’s driven, but it’s easy to see how quickly her ambition turns into obsession.
Then there’s the fascinating cast of influencers around her, each with their own quirks, flaws, and desperation for fame. The more Harper interacts with them, the more you see how the pursuit of attention has consumed them in unhealthy ways.
As the contestants start to crack under the pressure, the reader sees just how toxic this influencer culture can be. Who can you trust? Who’s just playing the game? And most importantly…what will they do to win?
Island of Influencers really dives deep into some important themes, namely, how toxic influencer culture can be. We see firsthand how the need for likes, followers, and constant validation can warp a person’s sense of self-worth and how easily it’s to become consumed by it. The book doesn’t sugarcoat the consequences of being constantly online or driven by the desire to be liked. In fact, it shows just how dangerous that obsession can be when people are pushed too far.
One of the things I love about this book is how it raises questions about what’s real and what’s fake. In today’s world, everything can be curated and filtered. Are we seeing the true person behind the posts, or are we witnessing an act designed for approval? The characters are constantly putting on personas, and it makes you think about the line between being your authentic self and performing for the internet. (And honestly? This feels too close to real life.)
The Twists: That Plot Twist tho
Without giving too much away, let’s just say this book has twists. The kind that make you go “Wait, what just happened?” As the tension builds and secrets are revealed, you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat, wondering just how far people will go to get ahead in this cutthroat influencer world.
I loved how the pacing picked up toward the end, everything escalates so quickly, you’ll be flipping pages faster than you can say “TikTok trend.” The final reveal? Total jaw-dropper. It was the perfect way to close out the story, leaving you with that “Whoa, I did not see that coming” feeling.
A Must-Read for YA Fans and Reality TV Lovers
If you’re looking for a book that’s equal parts hilarious and chilling, then Island of Influencers should definitely be on your TBR. It’s an eye-opening, fast-paced read that’ll make you think about the price of fame, the dangers of social media, and how far people are willing to go to stay relevant. It’s Black Mirror, but with more hashtags. (And trust me, that’s a compliment.)
In a world where everyone’s fighting for likes and follows, this book asks the important question: How much are you willing to sacrifice for internet fame? Island of Influencers shows you the answer and it’s a wild ride to get there.
January 5, 2026
First read of 2026 baby, let's go!
🤳
I saw this book on tiktok last year: A YA book, that wasn't a thriller, murder or whodunit? Interesting!
Harper wants to be like her older cousin, Belle, a social media influencer. She gets free stuff sent to her, people know who she is, she's famous, and Harpers wants a taste of that lifestyle!
However, things take a turn, when Belle becomes another influencer who is kidnapped, and the police aren't doing enough to help, do Harper, and her best friend, Cady, team up to solve the mystery..
🤳
Its all sounding pretty simple, a modern day Nancy Drew mystery, The Case of The Missing Influencers, until their investigation has them breaking into people's homes, traveling across the country, and a call from a mysterious woman from Scotland...
🤳
If you've read my reviews before, Hey, his, I'm Toxi, I don't do spoilers unless absolutely necessary, and luckily, I don't need to today!
🤳
To me, this book was the start of AGGGTM and evolved into The Hunger Games.
It says in the blurb, so its not a spoiler, all the "missing" influencers are on a remote Scottish Island, about to compete to be the ultimate Influencer (que ANTM "You wanna bs on top" music).
I loved this book, and I'm so glad it was my first read of 2026. What a way to start!
I'd also like to shout out to my book bestie @charliepotterhead1980 , who, like Harper and Cady, met online. If I ever need someone to help me with a case, she's the first person I'm calling!
🤳
If you like YA books, but fancy something a bit different, and something that will make you think about social media, and aiming to become "social media famous" I'd definitely recommend picking this up.
🤳
🤳
I saw this book on tiktok last year: A YA book, that wasn't a thriller, murder or whodunit? Interesting!
Harper wants to be like her older cousin, Belle, a social media influencer. She gets free stuff sent to her, people know who she is, she's famous, and Harpers wants a taste of that lifestyle!
However, things take a turn, when Belle becomes another influencer who is kidnapped, and the police aren't doing enough to help, do Harper, and her best friend, Cady, team up to solve the mystery..
🤳
Its all sounding pretty simple, a modern day Nancy Drew mystery, The Case of The Missing Influencers, until their investigation has them breaking into people's homes, traveling across the country, and a call from a mysterious woman from Scotland...
🤳
If you've read my reviews before, Hey, his, I'm Toxi, I don't do spoilers unless absolutely necessary, and luckily, I don't need to today!
🤳
To me, this book was the start of AGGGTM and evolved into The Hunger Games.
It says in the blurb, so its not a spoiler, all the "missing" influencers are on a remote Scottish Island, about to compete to be the ultimate Influencer (que ANTM "You wanna bs on top" music).
I loved this book, and I'm so glad it was my first read of 2026. What a way to start!
I'd also like to shout out to my book bestie @charliepotterhead1980 , who, like Harper and Cady, met online. If I ever need someone to help me with a case, she's the first person I'm calling!
🤳
If you like YA books, but fancy something a bit different, and something that will make you think about social media, and aiming to become "social media famous" I'd definitely recommend picking this up.
🤳
April 1, 2025
I really enjoyed this! I bought it for my nearly 13 year old, who had expressed an interest in the story, but I sneakily read it first. I'd say he's the perfect age to read it, to be honest, as he is just starting to get pulled in to the online world.
Island of Influencers is both an exciting story and an exploration of various aspects of modern online life - not just influencers but social media more widely, including how easy it is to let the dopamine hit of attention from strangers (likes, shares, comments) take over your whole being. Without getting too spoilery, it also touches on the perils of AI, the disconnect between what money-making companies want from influencers/online culture and what individuals might hope for themselves, and questions around authenticity, the gap between what's presented online and reality, and whether you can trust what you're shown.
It's also very funny in places, with many of the characters in the story clearly being inspired by real 'types' of influencer. The more online you are, the more you will recognise and appreciate this side of things.
Add in some great twists and some messy, flawed and therefore relatable characters, and you have a book that's definitely worth reading for both adults and teens.
Island of Influencers is both an exciting story and an exploration of various aspects of modern online life - not just influencers but social media more widely, including how easy it is to let the dopamine hit of attention from strangers (likes, shares, comments) take over your whole being. Without getting too spoilery, it also touches on the perils of AI, the disconnect between what money-making companies want from influencers/online culture and what individuals might hope for themselves, and questions around authenticity, the gap between what's presented online and reality, and whether you can trust what you're shown.
It's also very funny in places, with many of the characters in the story clearly being inspired by real 'types' of influencer. The more online you are, the more you will recognise and appreciate this side of things.
Add in some great twists and some messy, flawed and therefore relatable characters, and you have a book that's definitely worth reading for both adults and teens.
February 6, 2025
I was very kindly gifted a copy of this book by the publisher.
Woah, this book was so fun to read! Think Hunger Games, mixed with I'm a Celeb, but with influencers!
To start with, I was a little unsure. The main character Harper i instantly disliked but as the story progressed, she began to represent- well, me. How many of us wish we want to be influencers or get brand deals? But the message of the book is that it's not all fun and games. It's hard work and a hell of a lot of strain on your mental health.
I think its a great book for teens who want to be influencers. Show them the whole picture, the dark side if you must. But also the plot was fun ,throwing in lots of social media Easter eggs and events.
I really enjoyed and will definitely be passing it onto younger readers!
Woah, this book was so fun to read! Think Hunger Games, mixed with I'm a Celeb, but with influencers!
To start with, I was a little unsure. The main character Harper i instantly disliked but as the story progressed, she began to represent- well, me. How many of us wish we want to be influencers or get brand deals? But the message of the book is that it's not all fun and games. It's hard work and a hell of a lot of strain on your mental health.
I think its a great book for teens who want to be influencers. Show them the whole picture, the dark side if you must. But also the plot was fun ,throwing in lots of social media Easter eggs and events.
I really enjoyed and will definitely be passing it onto younger readers!
February 14, 2025
Island of Influencers is such a fun, thought-provoking read with surprisingly dark twists and turns. It explores the real side of fame, of the mental struggles a popular, wealthy influencer can face, especially teens and young adults. It felt completely immersive and it was so exciting joining Harper as she lives out her dream, but being a famous creator isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
I found the book to be not only a fast-paced adventure of survival and competition, but also a reality check, looking at the real horrors of social media at its worst. It has brilliant British humour and some well-developed characters, even though they weren’t all likeable! Such an adventurous, imaginative and addictive read.
I found the book to be not only a fast-paced adventure of survival and competition, but also a reality check, looking at the real horrors of social media at its worst. It has brilliant British humour and some well-developed characters, even though they weren’t all likeable! Such an adventurous, imaginative and addictive read.
July 6, 2025
Monique Turner’s debut YA thriller is a clunky polemic about influencing culture and how celebrity is a trap. It’s an interesting high concept - especially given how pervasive influencing is - but the execution left me cold, particularly the inconsistencies in Harper’s character and her relationship with Belle - while the influencer contest is flat, not helped by the cardboard characterisation of the influencers, which makes them interchangeable.
February 26, 2025
Well this was a new style of book for me but I did enjoy it. I loved how appropriate it is for the way society is forming especially with our youth. Some great moments with twists and turns. I did love the message behind the whole project but I’m not sure it was carried out in the best way possible. Still a great read!
March 19, 2025
It was nice. It was not the best book, but it wasn't the worst. It was like if Hunger Games were made in the Influencer world. I am thankful It wasn't a detective thought. I hate detectives... most of them.
Still, I would recommend it if you want to spice things up in your reading (but the reaction of the Hunger Games fan will either be happy it's similar or sad)
🌻
Still, I would recommend it if you want to spice things up in your reading (but the reaction of the Hunger Games fan will either be happy it's similar or sad)
🌻
September 14, 2025
Hunger games meets I'm a celebrity
I had such a fun time with this book. It looks at the world of social media and the difference between reality of life and the one that is presented to us by the media. I enjoyed the exploration of humanity and the corruption of fame especially through Harpers character.
I had such a fun time with this book. It looks at the world of social media and the difference between reality of life and the one that is presented to us by the media. I enjoyed the exploration of humanity and the corruption of fame especially through Harpers character.
April 22, 2025
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! The characters were insanely well thought and full of depth! I was on the edge of my seat reading this and audibly gasped A LOT! I was so uneasy throughout this book like ‘something bad is going to happen, something bad is going to happen’ just like in HappyHead the book. The only thing I would change about this book is the ending though because I feel like the ending was so full of suspense and was a cliffhanger. I mean, it would be fine if there is a second one coming because I really NEED to know what actually happens at the first end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2025
holy plot-twist! this book was amazing, what the heck. Kay, pookie, I trusted you :(
also this book gives off Squid Game vibes in the best way possible. easily one of my top books <33
also this book gives off Squid Game vibes in the best way possible. easily one of my top books <33
January 28, 2026
a bit silly and not so much a thriller like it had been marketed to me
February 8, 2025
"Hunger Games (without the murders) meets I'm a Celeb with a Black Mirror Twist" is the perfect way to summarise this book. In fact, I don't think I've read a more accurate comparison before!
The story itself is super immersive, you're not just reading a book about influencers, you are becoming one alongside the protagonist, Harper. And it's a rollercoaster ride, to say the least! The drama really sucks you in and carries you effortlessly through each page and Harper's struggle to discover who she is and to feel seen is so relatable.
Is it weird that I want to be inside the arena with them??! Some of the gadgets and spaces sound cool and I just want to have a little holiday in there (minus the humiliating audience challenges lol)
I can see teens, and anyone who fancies themselves a shot at internet fame, really enjoying this and coming away from it with an insight into what it's really like: hard work, brutal, and consuming. There are loads of internet easter eggs in there too, which tickled my brain.
Overall, this is such a fun read, and the questions it raises do stay with you when you log back onto your own socials.
The story itself is super immersive, you're not just reading a book about influencers, you are becoming one alongside the protagonist, Harper. And it's a rollercoaster ride, to say the least! The drama really sucks you in and carries you effortlessly through each page and Harper's struggle to discover who she is and to feel seen is so relatable.
Is it weird that I want to be inside the arena with them??! Some of the gadgets and spaces sound cool and I just want to have a little holiday in there (minus the humiliating audience challenges lol)
I can see teens, and anyone who fancies themselves a shot at internet fame, really enjoying this and coming away from it with an insight into what it's really like: hard work, brutal, and consuming. There are loads of internet easter eggs in there too, which tickled my brain.
Overall, this is such a fun read, and the questions it raises do stay with you when you log back onto your own socials.
April 30, 2025
Island of Influencers is an entertaining YA story that follows a young girl called Harper, who wants nothing more than to be a famous influencer like her cousin Belle. When Belle and some other influencers are mysteriously kidnapped, Harper is determined to find out what’s happened to her. Harper unwittingly ends up part of a new influencer reality show and she’s sure this could be her big break, but not everyone on the show is who they appear to be and as tensions rise, the influencers she thought she knew and loved, might not be who she thought.
This was such a fun, gripping read that I raced through it in a single day. The story is fast-paced with some twists and I thought the writing was really easy to get into. The plot is engaging and focuses in on influencer culture and the price of fame. I thought this was a really interesting read and Turner did an excellent job of bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion.
The characters in this story are pretty unlikeable, but I did like the way Turner explored the dynamics between Harper and Belle, particularly as their roles are reversed and Harper becomes the more popular one. The characters felt well crafted and I really enjoyed seeing how the characters changed as they adapted to the game they were playing (I also loved that Turner included a character who is clearly supposed to be Youtuber MrBeast)
Island of Influencers is a fun, engrossing story. It’s the perfect light read in between heavier stories so if you’re looking for a fast paced, clever tale about the downfalls of fame and trying to stay relevant, this is definitely one to pick up.
This was such a fun, gripping read that I raced through it in a single day. The story is fast-paced with some twists and I thought the writing was really easy to get into. The plot is engaging and focuses in on influencer culture and the price of fame. I thought this was a really interesting read and Turner did an excellent job of bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion.
The characters in this story are pretty unlikeable, but I did like the way Turner explored the dynamics between Harper and Belle, particularly as their roles are reversed and Harper becomes the more popular one. The characters felt well crafted and I really enjoyed seeing how the characters changed as they adapted to the game they were playing (I also loved that Turner included a character who is clearly supposed to be Youtuber MrBeast)
Island of Influencers is a fun, engrossing story. It’s the perfect light read in between heavier stories so if you’re looking for a fast paced, clever tale about the downfalls of fame and trying to stay relevant, this is definitely one to pick up.
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