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Blue Arrow Island
A deadly island. A brutal regime. A forbidden attraction that could destroy them both.
Briar Hollis would rather die fighting than live kneeling—and New America's brutal regime is about to grant her wish. Condemned for refusing to breed the next generation of their twisted society, she's given an execution or exile to Blue Arrow Island, where survival is measured in heartbeats and mercy is a luxury no one can afford.
The island doesn't just break prisoners—it devours them.
Blue Arrow isn't just a prison; it's a savage paradise where predators lurk and the laws of science don’t apply. Here, mercenaries rule through blood and brutality, and every shadow hides a new threat. But Briar didn't come here to surrender.
Then she meets him.
Dark, lethal, and infuriatingly magnetic, he commands the island's most feared faction with an iron fist and secrets that could either save her life or end it. Their chemistry is a live wire—explosive, consuming, and absolutely forbidden. He's everything she should avoid, yet she finds herself drawn to the dangerous game they're playing, where one wrong move could mean death... or something far more dangerous.
Love.
As the island's mysteries unravel and prisoners lose their grip on sanity, Briar discovers she holds the key to destroying the twisted new world order. But it will require her to trust the one man who could betray her, navigate deadly alliances, and survive a power struggle that will test every limit she thought she had.
In a world where trust is a death sentence and love is the ultimate rebellion, how far will she go to burn it all down?
Briar Hollis would rather die fighting than live kneeling—and New America's brutal regime is about to grant her wish. Condemned for refusing to breed the next generation of their twisted society, she's given an execution or exile to Blue Arrow Island, where survival is measured in heartbeats and mercy is a luxury no one can afford.
The island doesn't just break prisoners—it devours them.
Blue Arrow isn't just a prison; it's a savage paradise where predators lurk and the laws of science don’t apply. Here, mercenaries rule through blood and brutality, and every shadow hides a new threat. But Briar didn't come here to surrender.
Then she meets him.
Dark, lethal, and infuriatingly magnetic, he commands the island's most feared faction with an iron fist and secrets that could either save her life or end it. Their chemistry is a live wire—explosive, consuming, and absolutely forbidden. He's everything she should avoid, yet she finds herself drawn to the dangerous game they're playing, where one wrong move could mean death... or something far more dangerous.
Love.
As the island's mysteries unravel and prisoners lose their grip on sanity, Briar discovers she holds the key to destroying the twisted new world order. But it will require her to trust the one man who could betray her, navigate deadly alliances, and survive a power struggle that will test every limit she thought she had.
In a world where trust is a death sentence and love is the ultimate rebellion, how far will she go to burn it all down?
564 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2025
70 people are currently reading
5887 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Rothert
90 books2,264 followersBrenda Rothert is the author of more than thirty Contemporary Romance novels. You can learn more about her books at her website, www.brendarothert.com, which features teasers, excerpts and trailers for her books. Follow her here:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
August 11, 2025
✨ Rating: 5 ⭐️
🫧 Vibes: dystopian, survival of the fittest
🎶 Song: everybody wants to rule the world - lorde
📖 Favourite Quote: "It's ironic that I like to keep people at arm's length, but I also fear being alone."
📚 Would I recommend? ABSOLUTELY.
💬 Final thoughts: this book totally ruined my sleep schedule.
In the package:
📦 high-tension
📦 savage paradise
📦 sinister, atmospheric setting
📦 touch her and die
Plot: Welcome to New America, a post-apocalyptic world where women are used for breeding. Briar Hollis is exiled to Blue Arrow Island for defying a brutal regime: she refused to breed the next generation of their twisted society. Fancy name for an island right? Well, WRONG. It's a deadly prison, with no escape, mutant bugs/animals and poisonous plants. Survival is brutal, science no longer makes sense and your thoughts aren't your own. Briar is attracted to the island's most feared leader but she has trust issues. She wants to escape the island and seek revenge, but how far is she willing to go?
Thoughts: I could not put this book down. The premise was so interesting and unique. It was exhilarating and twisted with just the right amount of romance for a dystopian novel. For a decent portion of the novel, I truly had no idea what to believe and who to trust. The tension, the romance, the danger... I was hooked. I can really see this being turned into a movie. Think “Hunger Games meets Lost,” with a spicy, high‑stakes edge to it. I need the second book IMMEDIATELY. This does end on a cliffhanger unfortunately 🥲 but I will be counting down the days until I get my hands on the next book. If you want a high-stakes, gritty, emotionally loaded survival romance with bite, heat, and a strong heroine—this book is for you!
📚Read if you enjoyed: hunger games, lord of the flies, maze runner, divergent and lost.
Thank you Hambright PR and Brenda Rothert for the arc!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
🫧 Vibes: dystopian, survival of the fittest
🎶 Song: everybody wants to rule the world - lorde
📖 Favourite Quote: "It's ironic that I like to keep people at arm's length, but I also fear being alone."
📚 Would I recommend? ABSOLUTELY.
💬 Final thoughts: this book totally ruined my sleep schedule.
In the package:
📦 high-tension
📦 savage paradise
📦 sinister, atmospheric setting
📦 touch her and die
Plot: Welcome to New America, a post-apocalyptic world where women are used for breeding. Briar Hollis is exiled to Blue Arrow Island for defying a brutal regime: she refused to breed the next generation of their twisted society. Fancy name for an island right? Well, WRONG. It's a deadly prison, with no escape, mutant bugs/animals and poisonous plants. Survival is brutal, science no longer makes sense and your thoughts aren't your own. Briar is attracted to the island's most feared leader but she has trust issues. She wants to escape the island and seek revenge, but how far is she willing to go?
Thoughts: I could not put this book down. The premise was so interesting and unique. It was exhilarating and twisted with just the right amount of romance for a dystopian novel. For a decent portion of the novel, I truly had no idea what to believe and who to trust. The tension, the romance, the danger... I was hooked. I can really see this being turned into a movie. Think “Hunger Games meets Lost,” with a spicy, high‑stakes edge to it. I need the second book IMMEDIATELY. This does end on a cliffhanger unfortunately 🥲 but I will be counting down the days until I get my hands on the next book. If you want a high-stakes, gritty, emotionally loaded survival romance with bite, heat, and a strong heroine—this book is for you!
📚Read if you enjoyed: hunger games, lord of the flies, maze runner, divergent and lost.
Thank you Hambright PR and Brenda Rothert for the arc!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
August 10, 2025
“𝒊 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉 𝒂𝒔 𝒊 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒓.”
after billions are killed by a virus, a new group with a fanatical man at it’s head have taken over america now called “new america.” in new america women are forced into breeding and if any woman dares to use contraceptive it is punishable by jail or even death. briar, after sneaking a contraceptive tea for months is discovered she is sent to her death at blue arrow island. what she doesn’t realize until stepping foot on the island is that it is controlled by two warring factions. oh and on top of that? the island is filled with mutant bugs and plants designed to kill. briar is determined to escape the island and kill the leader of new america but she finds herself questioning how far she is willing to go when she starts to develop feelings for the islands most feared leader.
the premise of this book is so unique and i honestly don’t think i’ve ever read anything like it. once i started, i had such a hard time putting it down. when i had to put it down i could not stop yapping about it to whoever would listen and was thinking about when i would be able to pick it up again. the way that the author slowly reveals information you were dying to know while simultaneously having non-stop action is what makes the story so addicting.
𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒓 was a college student studying ocean acidification on an island in washington when the virus hit. after being forced to wed and an attempt to be used for breeding she learned that the only person that was going to protect her, was her. she’s stubborn, righteous and caring for those she holds close to her.
𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒖𝒔 is a man shrouded in secrets. as the leader of dust walkers he has been forced to make incredibly difficult decisions over the years, leaving him emotionally detached. once he meets briar he starts to ask himself if she would really accept him if she knew the truth about who he really was.
➵ something i really enjoyed about the relationship between briar and marcus is that you actually get to see them building and strengthening their relationship outside of a physical relationship. it really made me root for, and be more invested in their relationship than i typically find myself being in books.
i honestly feel so lucky to have read this arc because i think it is one of the best books that i’ve read all year?? may 2026 is too far away for book two because after that cliffhanger of an ending i need answers like… now??
𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
ꕥ dystopian island
ꕥ lost with a sprinkle of survivor and spice
ꕥ high tension
ꕥ touch her and die
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘱𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 🫶🏻
after billions are killed by a virus, a new group with a fanatical man at it’s head have taken over america now called “new america.” in new america women are forced into breeding and if any woman dares to use contraceptive it is punishable by jail or even death. briar, after sneaking a contraceptive tea for months is discovered she is sent to her death at blue arrow island. what she doesn’t realize until stepping foot on the island is that it is controlled by two warring factions. oh and on top of that? the island is filled with mutant bugs and plants designed to kill. briar is determined to escape the island and kill the leader of new america but she finds herself questioning how far she is willing to go when she starts to develop feelings for the islands most feared leader.
the premise of this book is so unique and i honestly don’t think i’ve ever read anything like it. once i started, i had such a hard time putting it down. when i had to put it down i could not stop yapping about it to whoever would listen and was thinking about when i would be able to pick it up again. the way that the author slowly reveals information you were dying to know while simultaneously having non-stop action is what makes the story so addicting.
𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒓 was a college student studying ocean acidification on an island in washington when the virus hit. after being forced to wed and an attempt to be used for breeding she learned that the only person that was going to protect her, was her. she’s stubborn, righteous and caring for those she holds close to her.
𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒄𝒖𝒔 is a man shrouded in secrets. as the leader of dust walkers he has been forced to make incredibly difficult decisions over the years, leaving him emotionally detached. once he meets briar he starts to ask himself if she would really accept him if she knew the truth about who he really was.
➵ something i really enjoyed about the relationship between briar and marcus is that you actually get to see them building and strengthening their relationship outside of a physical relationship. it really made me root for, and be more invested in their relationship than i typically find myself being in books.
i honestly feel so lucky to have read this arc because i think it is one of the best books that i’ve read all year?? may 2026 is too far away for book two because after that cliffhanger of an ending i need answers like… now??
𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
ꕥ dystopian island
ꕥ lost with a sprinkle of survivor and spice
ꕥ high tension
ꕥ touch her and die
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘱𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. 🫶🏻
November 23, 2025
this book was such a fun time!
it was fast-paced, has lots of action, scientific exploration, and political intrigue that all together worked really well. I was super interested in the world building and the politics that led up to the current state of things and I felt that the author did a decent job of explaining it! there’s definitely a lot to explore in subsequent books.
there was also a perfect balance of story and romance! I reallyyyyy liked our MMC, he was such a hottie and if I was stranded on a twisted island, I’d run straight to him 🙂↕️
and the ending??? I was screaming omg I didn’t see the twist coming 😭 makes me so excited to read the next book!!
my only complaint is that I felt that there were some things in the world building that could’ve been better explored, but the author stated in her author’s note that she wanted to write on a more romance-focused dystopian story that she felt was missing from the 2010s era and I can respect that! she did exactly what she set out to do 😌
if you’re looking for a fast faced, romance focused dystopian story, then I would definitely recommend this one!
thank you to hambright PR and brenda rothert for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
it was fast-paced, has lots of action, scientific exploration, and political intrigue that all together worked really well. I was super interested in the world building and the politics that led up to the current state of things and I felt that the author did a decent job of explaining it! there’s definitely a lot to explore in subsequent books.
there was also a perfect balance of story and romance! I reallyyyyy liked our MMC, he was such a hottie and if I was stranded on a twisted island, I’d run straight to him 🙂↕️
and the ending??? I was screaming omg I didn’t see the twist coming 😭 makes me so excited to read the next book!!
my only complaint is that I felt that there were some things in the world building that could’ve been better explored, but the author stated in her author’s note that she wanted to write on a more romance-focused dystopian story that she felt was missing from the 2010s era and I can respect that! she did exactly what she set out to do 😌
if you’re looking for a fast faced, romance focused dystopian story, then I would definitely recommend this one!
thank you to hambright PR and brenda rothert for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 15, 2025
The absolute perfect blend of dystopian and romantic tension.
Blue Arrow Island holds so many dangers and secrets. I was on the edge of my seat the whole book, and truly found it hard to put down because I needed to know what would happen next.
The FMC is a freakin legend. I love a badass female lead and she delivers. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.
Thank you so much to Hambright PR for the eARC! ♥️
Blue Arrow Island holds so many dangers and secrets. I was on the edge of my seat the whole book, and truly found it hard to put down because I needed to know what would happen next.
The FMC is a freakin legend. I love a badass female lead and she delivers. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book.
Thank you so much to Hambright PR for the eARC! ♥️
August 8, 2025
ARC REVIEW
RELEASES 8/19
TROPES
Set on a mysterious island
Slow burn
Touch her & di3
Dystopian
Badass FMC
Lost but make it spicy
“I need you as much as I need to keep breathing, Briar.”
✨️Thank you so much to Brenda and Hambright PR for this ARC for my honest review! I've truly never read anything like this before and now I need all of the dystopian type romances because I absolutely loved this book! I read it in under 24 hours because there were so many questions, twists, and surprises. I loved the characters and the love they share.The way he will tear the world apart for her or if anyone touches her 🤭😍. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for book 2 because I just have to know what's going to happen with them! I 1000% recommend this book!
RELEASES 8/19
TROPES
Set on a mysterious island
Slow burn
Touch her & di3
Dystopian
Badass FMC
Lost but make it spicy
“I need you as much as I need to keep breathing, Briar.”
✨️Thank you so much to Brenda and Hambright PR for this ARC for my honest review! I've truly never read anything like this before and now I need all of the dystopian type romances because I absolutely loved this book! I read it in under 24 hours because there were so many questions, twists, and surprises. I loved the characters and the love they share.The way he will tear the world apart for her or if anyone touches her 🤭😍. I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for book 2 because I just have to know what's going to happen with them! I 1000% recommend this book!
August 8, 2025
"I didn't make it this far to only make it this far."
⭐4.25/5 | 🌶️2/5
You guys… I am such a sucker for a good dystopian story and this one NAILED IT!!!!
I read this book in two days 😆 I literally could. not. put. it. down.
the pacing is so quick and holds your attention the whole time
I had no idea where it was going or who to trust
I absolutely love Briar (the main FMC) she's so badass and I love how she's not a damsel in distress. Like, she will do WHATEVER it takes to survive
Think: Dystopian × Lost (yes the TV show... do you remember that one?!) × The Hunger Games × a swoony/suspenseful love story
It's survival, it's suspenseful, it's toxic, it's kill or be killed
I am on the edge of my damn seat for book 2
I NEED IT NOW!!!!! WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN EEEEKKKK!!!
⭐4.25/5 | 🌶️2/5
You guys… I am such a sucker for a good dystopian story and this one NAILED IT!!!!
I read this book in two days 😆 I literally could. not. put. it. down.
the pacing is so quick and holds your attention the whole time
I had no idea where it was going or who to trust
I absolutely love Briar (the main FMC) she's so badass and I love how she's not a damsel in distress. Like, she will do WHATEVER it takes to survive
Think: Dystopian × Lost (yes the TV show... do you remember that one?!) × The Hunger Games × a swoony/suspenseful love story
It's survival, it's suspenseful, it's toxic, it's kill or be killed
I am on the edge of my damn seat for book 2
I NEED IT NOW!!!!! WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN EEEEKKKK!!!
August 31, 2025
Like I said, if you liked Silver Elite, then you’ll probably dig this too. It just wasn’t for me. The backstory, characters, their motivations, and the world just weren’t very fleshed out. This read like a contemporary romance - a lot of smut/relationship quarrels/miscommunications between the MCs etc etc etc - with not enough substance to be a dystopian/fantasy series.
I found the plot & premise of the book to be super intriguing - genetic mutation that enhances the people, animal and environment of a singular island? It was giving Annihilation vibes (one of my fave movies!), but it just felt very messy and ultimately fell flat :/
Interesting enough to push through to the finish line, but I probably won’t continue the series.
I found the plot & premise of the book to be super intriguing - genetic mutation that enhances the people, animal and environment of a singular island? It was giving Annihilation vibes (one of my fave movies!), but it just felt very messy and ultimately fell flat :/
Interesting enough to push through to the finish line, but I probably won’t continue the series.
November 19, 2025
⭐⭐⭐✨ (rounded up)
🌶️🌶️✨
🫵🏼 Blue Arrow Island is for you if:
• you enjoy romance with your mystery/thriller
• Lost (but make it spicy) x Shatter Me (but adult instead of YA) x Survivor vibes sounds intriguing to you
• you like your action with a side of brutal violence
• you're looking for a strong, resilient FMC
🧮 Plot is Lost (but spicy) + World at Large is The Handmaid's Tale + Island itself is Lord of the Flies + People & Interactions are The 100 + Romance is Shatter Me (but an adult edition) + Vibes like Survivor = Blue Arrow Island (not exactly, but a general approximation or things it's reminds me of to varying degrees). I'm not saying it copied any of these, to be clear.
📖 Set on a mysterious, tropical island in the wake of a viral apocalypse that enables a billionaire to take over (this feels almost like an eerie premonition). New America is formed and set up in a way vaguely reminiscent of Gilead in Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale.
The book opens with our FMC, Briar, having been abducted from jail (where she was being held for very Gilead-esque reasons) and now being dumped on the island with a group of other abductees from jail/prison. The island is already inhabited with two rival groups and the action takes off immediately. Survival is difficult in every way possible, and then some.
What comes after is a brutal, tumultuous, expedition into the unknown and wickedly dangerous tropical jungle full of enhanced beasts of all shapes, sizes, and genera.
📖 I loved the intriguing plot. It was a book that made my brain work and try to solve everything before the twists and reveals. Certainly an intriguing storyline and my favorite part of the book.
✨ It does end on a cliffhanger, fyi.
✍🏼 It reads smoothly and pretty quickly. Written mostly in a more casual tone, it almost feels like you're catching up with a friend you haven't talked to in awhile. To me, that's not a negative.
I enjoyed and appreciated the excepts at the beginning of each chapter. Taken from publications in the world, they help both build and enhance the world while providing insight and lore. While this isn't the first book I've read to do it, when it's done well, it can be quite effective.
⏳ Pacing was great. Well executed and timed action, character growth and dialogue, plus the reveals and twists were effectively timed to keep me turning the page.
🗺️ There's a lot of creativity and ingenuity shown here. Like the laundry bicycles - smart and efficient (or maybe those are a thing IRL and I'm just out of the loop 😂).
This could just be me and the fact that fantasy has been my main genre for awhile, but... I want more info on the world at large. The island itself is built and explained well enough that it painted a picture for me. However, the pictures I drew upon were mostly an amalgamation of the books I mentioned it being similar to. The world at large is mostly still shrouded. I'd love to know and understand more about the greater world.
👥 I love that we get a diverse cast. I hope to see more of a certain Egyptian female in the next book, I really enjoy her character. I love that Rothert shows a variety of types of relationships, including toxic and healthy female friends/enemies. We see women hating and one another for little or no reason all too often. We do get that, but we also touch on a healthy female friendship. I believe it was inclusive as well, but I can't recall for certain.
The characters overall fell a bit flat, lacking in dimension, for me. Not fully flat, just not as vibrant as I prefer.
Briar is in her mid-20s. She's tough (mentally and physically) and so resilient, and I thoroughly enjoyed her character. Except for how she handled some things with the MMC. While I understood it, I felt like it didn't match her character like I wanted. Or maybe it was a side effect of all the trauma? Regardless, since she's so strong and resilient, there were two instances with the MMC that I feel she acted out of character. I expected her to be strong and hold to her statements, her boundary. She didn't.
💖 I'm not 100% sold on their love story, yet. The look into romance in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world where they're stuck on a mysterious, brutal, island and nothing (and no one) is safe, was interesting. I'm like 75-80% sold though.
The romance somewhat reminded me vaguely of an aged up version of Shatter Me. I wasn't on board initially (if you know, you know lol) and was concerned that agency was going to be a problem. I'm happy to say it didn't go the way I thought and I love that. I love that twist, too - I really didn't foresee that.
🌶️ If you love spice, I think you'll enjoy this aspect more than I did.
While I 100% understand the amount of spice was due to their altered state, I didn't love that focus. It absolutely makes sense for the plot, as they're (at times) given something that forces spice to consume their thoughts. However, there were a couple times I felt it was a bit inconsistent.
That being said, the spice fit the story and characters and was realistic and well written. I appreciate that Rothert took the direction she did, even if I didn't love reading that direction.
⚠️ Please check author's site for TW/CW
✨ If you're a hard right political person, you may not enjoy this.
💬 Will I continue the series? Possibly. I'd like to because I'm quite curious, but if I'm busy with other books... I probably won't go out of my way to make room to read it.
Thank you to @ Brenda Rothert and @ hambright_pr for the opportunity to read this eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
🌶️🌶️✨
🫵🏼 Blue Arrow Island is for you if:
• you enjoy romance with your mystery/thriller
• Lost (but make it spicy) x Shatter Me (but adult instead of YA) x Survivor vibes sounds intriguing to you
• you like your action with a side of brutal violence
• you're looking for a strong, resilient FMC
🧮 Plot is Lost (but spicy) + World at Large is The Handmaid's Tale + Island itself is Lord of the Flies + People & Interactions are The 100 + Romance is Shatter Me (but an adult edition) + Vibes like Survivor = Blue Arrow Island (not exactly, but a general approximation or things it's reminds me of to varying degrees). I'm not saying it copied any of these, to be clear.
📖 Set on a mysterious, tropical island in the wake of a viral apocalypse that enables a billionaire to take over (this feels almost like an eerie premonition). New America is formed and set up in a way vaguely reminiscent of Gilead in Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale.
The book opens with our FMC, Briar, having been abducted from jail (where she was being held for very Gilead-esque reasons) and now being dumped on the island with a group of other abductees from jail/prison. The island is already inhabited with two rival groups and the action takes off immediately. Survival is difficult in every way possible, and then some.
What comes after is a brutal, tumultuous, expedition into the unknown and wickedly dangerous tropical jungle full of enhanced beasts of all shapes, sizes, and genera.
📖 I loved the intriguing plot. It was a book that made my brain work and try to solve everything before the twists and reveals. Certainly an intriguing storyline and my favorite part of the book.
✨ It does end on a cliffhanger, fyi.
✍🏼 It reads smoothly and pretty quickly. Written mostly in a more casual tone, it almost feels like you're catching up with a friend you haven't talked to in awhile. To me, that's not a negative.
I enjoyed and appreciated the excepts at the beginning of each chapter. Taken from publications in the world, they help both build and enhance the world while providing insight and lore. While this isn't the first book I've read to do it, when it's done well, it can be quite effective.
⏳ Pacing was great. Well executed and timed action, character growth and dialogue, plus the reveals and twists were effectively timed to keep me turning the page.
🗺️ There's a lot of creativity and ingenuity shown here. Like the laundry bicycles - smart and efficient (or maybe those are a thing IRL and I'm just out of the loop 😂).
This could just be me and the fact that fantasy has been my main genre for awhile, but... I want more info on the world at large. The island itself is built and explained well enough that it painted a picture for me. However, the pictures I drew upon were mostly an amalgamation of the books I mentioned it being similar to. The world at large is mostly still shrouded. I'd love to know and understand more about the greater world.
👥 I love that we get a diverse cast. I hope to see more of a certain Egyptian female in the next book, I really enjoy her character. I love that Rothert shows a variety of types of relationships, including toxic and healthy female friends/enemies. We see women hating and one another for little or no reason all too often. We do get that, but we also touch on a healthy female friendship. I believe it was inclusive as well, but I can't recall for certain.
The characters overall fell a bit flat, lacking in dimension, for me. Not fully flat, just not as vibrant as I prefer.
Briar is in her mid-20s. She's tough (mentally and physically) and so resilient, and I thoroughly enjoyed her character. Except for how she handled some things with the MMC. While I understood it, I felt like it didn't match her character like I wanted. Or maybe it was a side effect of all the trauma? Regardless, since she's so strong and resilient, there were two instances with the MMC that I feel she acted out of character. I expected her to be strong and hold to her statements, her boundary. She didn't.
💖 I'm not 100% sold on their love story, yet. The look into romance in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world where they're stuck on a mysterious, brutal, island and nothing (and no one) is safe, was interesting. I'm like 75-80% sold though.
The romance somewhat reminded me vaguely of an aged up version of Shatter Me. I wasn't on board initially (if you know, you know lol) and was concerned that agency was going to be a problem. I'm happy to say it didn't go the way I thought and I love that. I love that twist, too - I really didn't foresee that.
🌶️ If you love spice, I think you'll enjoy this aspect more than I did.
While I 100% understand the amount of spice was due to their altered state, I didn't love that focus. It absolutely makes sense for the plot, as they're (at times) given something that forces spice to consume their thoughts. However, there were a couple times I felt it was a bit inconsistent.
That being said, the spice fit the story and characters and was realistic and well written. I appreciate that Rothert took the direction she did, even if I didn't love reading that direction.
⚠️ Please check author's site for TW/CW
✨ If you're a hard right political person, you may not enjoy this.
💬 Will I continue the series? Possibly. I'd like to because I'm quite curious, but if I'm busy with other books... I probably won't go out of my way to make room to read it.
Thank you to @ Brenda Rothert and @ hambright_pr for the opportunity to read this eARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
September 18, 2025
It's ironic that I like to keep people at arm's length, but I also fear being alone.
Wow, wow, wow! I am SPEECHLESS right now. This book, guys, is something I don't know I need in my life but I do. Like, desperately. Set in a post-apocalyptic world with unforgettably spooky creatures, morally grey characters, and off-the-charts sexual tension between the protagonists (Marcus & Briar), Blue Arrow Island is the epitome of a perfect dystopian romance that you don't want to miss.
The story is so fast-paced and action-packed that I feel like I'm going to miss something important--or in this case, put my life at risk simply by blinking cuz you never know when Marcus' machete or Amira's arrow will come flying at me--and my adrenaline level is sky high throughout the entire book. What I love most is that there IS always something happening in each part, if not every chapter, so devouring this book is like watching a horror/thriller movie for hours...ALONE. Yep, with the vivid description of the bloodiest, goriest, and the steamiest X-rated scenes woven flawlessly together, you'd think this is secretly a blockbuster featuring the most talented A-list actors instead.
What's more, there are also a lot of plot twists that totally blow my mind as I don't see any of them coming AT ALL. I mean, I've already been on the edge of my seat since page one, I certainly do not need any more stimulation to further short-circuit my brain. BUT I regret nothing after getting spooked several times while reading this book. In my opinion, the scariness, peculiarity, originality, and ultimate angst of this book completely make it stand out in the dystopian/post-apocalyptic romance genre. That said, I'm beyond astonished when learning that this book is actually the author's, Brenda's, first novel which is not a contemporary or hockey romance!! She mentioned in her author's note/acknowledgment that she'd wanted to write a book the readers yearned to read, and you knew what? SHE TRULY DELIVERED. *chef's kiss*
All in all, I'd HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book so please go pick it up and dive in ASAP! Marcus and Briar's story is filled with unexpected twists and turns but at the same time, it is also the perfect blend of dystopian and romantic/spicy elements I'm sure will leave you craving for more. Now can anyone please tell me is it 2026 yet?! In case you're wondering, Blue Arrow Island ends with a mild cliffhanger and its sequel, Crimson Shore, will be out in May 2026 so stay tuned!!
***Massive thanks to the author and Hambright PR for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
August 18, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Thank you Hambright PR for an ARC of Blue Arrow Island! 💙
This book, guys 🤯 if I’m being honest, I struggled through the first 20% because of the themes not really being my thing, but once that storyline switches and you realize that first 20% was for a reason?! I was hooked!
This book reminded me of Lost and The Maze Runner with a few Handmaid’s Tale themes and there was constant action!
Briar is a strong-willed fmc who has to rely on logic and the things her parents taught her before the virus. When she gets to Blue Arrow Island where she knows she will have to fight for her life, she realizes there’s so much she doesn’t know. She’s told to not ask questions, but that doesn’t stop her.
Read this if you like:
🏝️ Mysterious islands
🫦 Slow burn
☠️ Touch her & di3
🔥 Dystopian
💪🏼 Strong heroines
✨ She's out for revenge
Thank you Hambright PR for an ARC of Blue Arrow Island! 💙
This book, guys 🤯 if I’m being honest, I struggled through the first 20% because of the themes not really being my thing, but once that storyline switches and you realize that first 20% was for a reason?! I was hooked!
This book reminded me of Lost and The Maze Runner with a few Handmaid’s Tale themes and there was constant action!
Briar is a strong-willed fmc who has to rely on logic and the things her parents taught her before the virus. When she gets to Blue Arrow Island where she knows she will have to fight for her life, she realizes there’s so much she doesn’t know. She’s told to not ask questions, but that doesn’t stop her.
Read this if you like:
🏝️ Mysterious islands
🫦 Slow burn
☠️ Touch her & di3
🔥 Dystopian
💪🏼 Strong heroines
✨ She's out for revenge
August 15, 2025
Blue Arrow Island was giving dystopian, and Lost but with so many unhinged twists. It's definitely one of those books that will have you questioning what you just read.
I enjoyed reading part two better than part one, which I found kind of slow and uncomfortable. I also preferred the relationship between Marcus and Briar, which seemed more genuine.
I was curious how it was going to end, so I couldn't stop reading. The ending doesn't tie up everything; I was unaware that this was going to be a series.
I enjoyed reading part two better than part one, which I found kind of slow and uncomfortable. I also preferred the relationship between Marcus and Briar, which seemed more genuine.
I was curious how it was going to end, so I couldn't stop reading. The ending doesn't tie up everything; I was unaware that this was going to be a series.
August 16, 2025
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Thank you to Hambright PR and the author for the early review copy of this book. These opinions are my own.
My Unhinged and Messy Thoughts
This is the first book in a brand new dystopian romance series for fans of Divergent, Hunger Games, and Lost. I really REALLY enjoyed this book. I finished it August 6th, and cannot stop thinking about it. I need book 2, immediately! I found the premise to be interesting, while being quite unique. With a dystopian setting, please note that this has some dark content and subject matter. This is a spicy story, as well. The characters were well developed and the twists were twisty! I found myself drifting from the pages, only due to the thought-provoking content I was reading, otherwise, I could NOT put this down. Seriously, this was well done.
In Conclusion
I would love to see this made into a movie! I cannot wait for book 2!!!
Thank you to Hambright PR and the author for the early review copy of this book. These opinions are my own.
My Unhinged and Messy Thoughts
This is the first book in a brand new dystopian romance series for fans of Divergent, Hunger Games, and Lost. I really REALLY enjoyed this book. I finished it August 6th, and cannot stop thinking about it. I need book 2, immediately! I found the premise to be interesting, while being quite unique. With a dystopian setting, please note that this has some dark content and subject matter. This is a spicy story, as well. The characters were well developed and the twists were twisty! I found myself drifting from the pages, only due to the thought-provoking content I was reading, otherwise, I could NOT put this down. Seriously, this was well done.
In Conclusion
I would love to see this made into a movie! I cannot wait for book 2!!!
September 6, 2025
What a great book! I went in blind not knowing what to expect- only that it was a fantasy novel. What a treat I was in for… curves & excitement around every corner. Ms. Rothert has a way of writing that can paint the picture of every word (without over writing) in my mind & what a pretty picture it is. <3
I’m so excited for the next installment of this series - I hope time moves quickly!!!
I’m so excited for the next installment of this series - I hope time moves quickly!!!
August 27, 2025
2.5/5
The only thing this book has going for it is the plot. And Marcus lol.
I’m gunna start by saying that I actually loved the plot for this book. It was fantastic! I’m a sucker for a good dystopian/post apocalyptic read, then add in vibes like Lost, The Handmaid’s Tale and Lord of the Flies and it definitely had me.
Unfortunately the list of things that I didn’t like about it was significantly longer. I’m just gunna bullet point it cuz it’s too much otherwise lol.
• The left wing propaganda - like HOLY SHIT. It’s one thing to create a world where a religion takes over and it’s kept non denominational, but to use the bible and blatantly paint anyone who believes in the bible in such a horrible light is absolutely disturbing. And that’s just the tip of the left leaning iceberg.
• She basically describes the dictator who takes over as being Trump - loser behaviour IMO.
• The writing is so basic it could’ve been done by an AI bot. I’m not saying it was, but damn, a sentence with more than 5 words would’ve been nice.
• Editing errors all over the place making my brain hurt.
• Continuity shit all over the place like Marcus’s eyes changing colour halfway through the book lol.
• “…the curls of my sex…” - nope, fucking gross.
• The beginning of every chapter has excerpts or blurbs from different publications from within the world she’s built - exactly like RY has done in Fourth Wing. Gave me icky copycat vibes.
• The FMC was a piece of work, no surprise there lol. Gotta love the whole, ‘fuck all the men cuz they’re all evil and love to oppress women’ vibes - insert eye roll.
Yeaaaa, I’m sure there’s more but you get the point.
And I get it, it’s dystopian so it does need to have a political aspect to it. But damn, it would’ve been so fucking easy to keep it neutral and actually non biased, but nope. So disappointing.
If you’re able to look past all of that and recognize it for what it is and just laugh about it, the plot is worth reading. Good luck though lol.
The only thing this book has going for it is the plot. And Marcus lol.
I’m gunna start by saying that I actually loved the plot for this book. It was fantastic! I’m a sucker for a good dystopian/post apocalyptic read, then add in vibes like Lost, The Handmaid’s Tale and Lord of the Flies and it definitely had me.
Unfortunately the list of things that I didn’t like about it was significantly longer. I’m just gunna bullet point it cuz it’s too much otherwise lol.
• The left wing propaganda - like HOLY SHIT. It’s one thing to create a world where a religion takes over and it’s kept non denominational, but to use the bible and blatantly paint anyone who believes in the bible in such a horrible light is absolutely disturbing. And that’s just the tip of the left leaning iceberg.
• She basically describes the dictator who takes over as being Trump - loser behaviour IMO.
• The writing is so basic it could’ve been done by an AI bot. I’m not saying it was, but damn, a sentence with more than 5 words would’ve been nice.
• Editing errors all over the place making my brain hurt.
• Continuity shit all over the place like Marcus’s eyes changing colour halfway through the book lol.
• “…the curls of my sex…” - nope, fucking gross.
• The beginning of every chapter has excerpts or blurbs from different publications from within the world she’s built - exactly like RY has done in Fourth Wing. Gave me icky copycat vibes.
• The FMC was a piece of work, no surprise there lol. Gotta love the whole, ‘fuck all the men cuz they’re all evil and love to oppress women’ vibes - insert eye roll.
Yeaaaa, I’m sure there’s more but you get the point.
And I get it, it’s dystopian so it does need to have a political aspect to it. But damn, it would’ve been so fucking easy to keep it neutral and actually non biased, but nope. So disappointing.
If you’re able to look past all of that and recognize it for what it is and just laugh about it, the plot is worth reading. Good luck though lol.
August 12, 2025
Dystopian romance is back and I am living for it. Blue Arrow Island pulled me in so fast it was like the book reached out, grabbed me by the collar, and dragged me straight into the story. One second I was “just starting it,” and the next I was so deep in the danger, tension, and high-stakes survival that I forgot about everything else.
The island setting? Vivid, intense, and completely unpredictable. Every page had me wondering what could possibly go wrong next and then it somehow did. The pacing was perfection: high-adrenaline moments that had my pulse racing mixed with just enough breathing room to get attached to the characters (which, let’s be real, just made me even more stressed for them).
And the romance… chef’s kiss. Their connection is strong and magnetic in a way that makes you need them to make it out alive. It’s not forbidden, but it is so high-stakes that every moment together feels like it could be the last, and that just made me fall for them harder. The chemistry adds this layer of emotional tension that makes the survival aspect even more gripping because suddenly, there’s so much more to lose.
Then… that cliffhanger. That absolute smack-you-in-the-face-with-a-vine ending. I wasn’t ready. I just sat there staring at the last page like, “No. Absolutely not. We are not ending it here.” Now I’m over here wishing the second book was already out because I need answers, like, yesterday.
If you’ve been craving a dystopian read that’s intense, immersive, and just as good at making your heart race from the danger as it is from the romance, Blue Arrow Island should be your next read. Just be ready for that ending to knock the wind right out of you in the best possible way.
Thank you so much Hambright PR and Brenda Rothert for the early copy!
The island setting? Vivid, intense, and completely unpredictable. Every page had me wondering what could possibly go wrong next and then it somehow did. The pacing was perfection: high-adrenaline moments that had my pulse racing mixed with just enough breathing room to get attached to the characters (which, let’s be real, just made me even more stressed for them).
And the romance… chef’s kiss. Their connection is strong and magnetic in a way that makes you need them to make it out alive. It’s not forbidden, but it is so high-stakes that every moment together feels like it could be the last, and that just made me fall for them harder. The chemistry adds this layer of emotional tension that makes the survival aspect even more gripping because suddenly, there’s so much more to lose.
Then… that cliffhanger. That absolute smack-you-in-the-face-with-a-vine ending. I wasn’t ready. I just sat there staring at the last page like, “No. Absolutely not. We are not ending it here.” Now I’m over here wishing the second book was already out because I need answers, like, yesterday.
If you’ve been craving a dystopian read that’s intense, immersive, and just as good at making your heart race from the danger as it is from the romance, Blue Arrow Island should be your next read. Just be ready for that ending to knock the wind right out of you in the best possible way.
Thank you so much Hambright PR and Brenda Rothert for the early copy!
November 24, 2025
Boring… I DNF’d…
This should have been interesting, but at the 67% mark I was so bored, I quit. The premise on this was new to me, so there is some originality. But frankly, I lost a lot of interest in this when it started to turn into what amounts to a civil war between the two tribes.
The flower they are looking for isn’t even referred to until that point in the book. And suddenly the other tribe has managed to obtain a way to control the climate over the island. Now it’s snowing!
I just don’t know what the next move will cause. They are going to switch themselves on and have their emotions and such get amplified. I don’t know how they switched it off in the first place! Do these people have an implant that feeds the drug into them? Where is it?
So… this one just doesn’t work for me. Sorry! KU read. There is another book coming next year, and the description sounds interesting, but I thought that was true about this one. Not for me…
ETA: oops, I forgot about the beginning where they had the drug put into them while they were on the boat. Ignore my comments about this…
This should have been interesting, but at the 67% mark I was so bored, I quit. The premise on this was new to me, so there is some originality. But frankly, I lost a lot of interest in this when it started to turn into what amounts to a civil war between the two tribes.
The flower they are looking for isn’t even referred to until that point in the book. And suddenly the other tribe has managed to obtain a way to control the climate over the island. Now it’s snowing!
I just don’t know what the next move will cause. They are going to switch themselves on and have their emotions and such get amplified. I don’t know how they switched it off in the first place! Do these people have an implant that feeds the drug into them? Where is it?
So… this one just doesn’t work for me. Sorry! KU read. There is another book coming next year, and the description sounds interesting, but I thought that was true about this one. Not for me…
ETA: oops, I forgot about the beginning where they had the drug put into them while they were on the boat. Ignore my comments about this…
August 18, 2025
Thank you to Hambright PR and the author for this gifted eARC.
Hands down this was an easy 4.5 star read for me. The balance of dystopian settings, thrillers, plot, romance, mystery, and vivid characters all come together in action packed, fast paced wild ride. I could not put this book down. A mysterious virus has killed almost all the earth’s population, and a madman billionaire is running the show. Briar is sent to a prison island after she was caught taking birth control. The island is not what it seems at all. Briar finds on the island, warring factions and disturbing occurrences. Briar is a strong FMC and just plain badass. The plot twists keep coming. I highly recommend this book, I will be picking up the 2nd one when it comes out!
Hands down this was an easy 4.5 star read for me. The balance of dystopian settings, thrillers, plot, romance, mystery, and vivid characters all come together in action packed, fast paced wild ride. I could not put this book down. A mysterious virus has killed almost all the earth’s population, and a madman billionaire is running the show. Briar is sent to a prison island after she was caught taking birth control. The island is not what it seems at all. Briar finds on the island, warring factions and disturbing occurrences. Briar is a strong FMC and just plain badass. The plot twists keep coming. I highly recommend this book, I will be picking up the 2nd one when it comes out!
August 5, 2025
In the dystopian future Briar Hollis refuses to be used as a breeder for new America and is sent to Blue Arrow Island. She is there as long as she can survive not only the elements but the others there as well. When she gets help from another on the island named Pax, can she truly trust him to keep her safe or not? There are two groups on this island but which is truly the good guys? Vibes of Avatar meets the hunger games combine in this survival of the fittest dystopian adventure. This is the first book I’ve read from this author. Very entertaining and kept my interest of what was to come as this does end in a cliffhanger. Told in first person and Briar’s POV.
August 14, 2025
BOOK REVIEW: Blue Arrow Island by Brenda Rothert
This book is completely unhinged and I could not get enough of it!
There has been a virus that has ravaged the world. New America has a new leader that has new expectations for women. When Briar Hollis refuses to breed to the man she was forced to marry, she is arrested and exiled to Blue Arrow Island. And once she arrives, it becomes a fight for her life!
This fast paced, action packed story takes place on a dystopian, post apocalyptic world. If you mixed Survivor x Lost x The Hunger Games x The Handmaid’s Tale and added some romance and spice, you would get Blue Arrow Island. This book has enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, slow burn, lots of secrets, life or death scenarios, a strong FMC and a mysterious island. The story has a really unique premise and I could not put it down! And it ended on a heck of a cliffhanger so I am DYING for the next book!!! If this sounds like your kind of read, I definitely recommend giving it a shot! (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫)
Thank you to Brenda Rothert and Hambright PR for the opportunity to read an ARC of Blue Arrow Island in exchange for my honest review.
This book is completely unhinged and I could not get enough of it!
There has been a virus that has ravaged the world. New America has a new leader that has new expectations for women. When Briar Hollis refuses to breed to the man she was forced to marry, she is arrested and exiled to Blue Arrow Island. And once she arrives, it becomes a fight for her life!
This fast paced, action packed story takes place on a dystopian, post apocalyptic world. If you mixed Survivor x Lost x The Hunger Games x The Handmaid’s Tale and added some romance and spice, you would get Blue Arrow Island. This book has enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, slow burn, lots of secrets, life or death scenarios, a strong FMC and a mysterious island. The story has a really unique premise and I could not put it down! And it ended on a heck of a cliffhanger so I am DYING for the next book!!! If this sounds like your kind of read, I definitely recommend giving it a shot! (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫)
Thank you to Brenda Rothert and Hambright PR for the opportunity to read an ARC of Blue Arrow Island in exchange for my honest review.
August 20, 2025
3.5 almost a 4, but not quite
The premise was so intriguing. An almost post apocalyptic world after a virus takes out America and a billionaire decides he is in charge and creates even more chaos with his New America order. (Not gonna lie, some of the things said in this book reminded me of some things happening in our America today)
We start the story with the main character waking up on a boat and then the guards tell them all to jump off and swim to shore where two tribes are waiting for them.
One tribe means death and the other means a chance at survival...or does it?
It gets really weird from there. I didn't feel like there was a dull moment, just moments I didn't care for.
The island itself is something else.
We learn that scientists had been experimenting on the island with a plant that they then injected into humans to cause them to become stronger and more durable, but also prone to aggression in both physical and sexual ways.
There are a lot of secrets and people being kept in the dark in order to have their compliance. like many leaders and government do to gain power over a people. Knowledge is power and the more the main character learns, the better she is able to survive the island that has now become her prison.
The plant also allows certain people to gain power over a certain animals/plants. But why some over others? That is a mystery you'll need to find out.
There was too much talk of sex and lust which pulled me away from the story, but it's all part of the plot with the plant forcing them to become sex crazed to create kids that then become like super soldiers for this billionaire so no one would be able to stop him from his conquest of America.
It's all a lot of information, but my scientist brain enjoyed the parts about the plants and their engineering to accomplish what they did.
Just wasn't quite the book for me.
The premise was so intriguing. An almost post apocalyptic world after a virus takes out America and a billionaire decides he is in charge and creates even more chaos with his New America order. (Not gonna lie, some of the things said in this book reminded me of some things happening in our America today)
We start the story with the main character waking up on a boat and then the guards tell them all to jump off and swim to shore where two tribes are waiting for them.
One tribe means death and the other means a chance at survival...or does it?
It gets really weird from there. I didn't feel like there was a dull moment, just moments I didn't care for.
The island itself is something else.
We learn that scientists had been experimenting on the island with a plant that they then injected into humans to cause them to become stronger and more durable, but also prone to aggression in both physical and sexual ways.
There are a lot of secrets and people being kept in the dark in order to have their compliance. like many leaders and government do to gain power over a people. Knowledge is power and the more the main character learns, the better she is able to survive the island that has now become her prison.
The plant also allows certain people to gain power over a certain animals/plants. But why some over others? That is a mystery you'll need to find out.
There was too much talk of sex and lust which pulled me away from the story, but it's all part of the plot with the plant forcing them to become sex crazed to create kids that then become like super soldiers for this billionaire so no one would be able to stop him from his conquest of America.
It's all a lot of information, but my scientist brain enjoyed the parts about the plants and their engineering to accomplish what they did.
Just wasn't quite the book for me.
August 19, 2025
I got to be honest, this was an odd book. There were moments in this book when I was just like "what just happened?" However, I couldn't stop reading it.
This is a dystopian, sort of slow burn, survival of the fittest, she's out for revenge kind of book. This is set on a mysterious island with weirdly enhanced animals and humans with super strength and speed. It had aspects of Hunger Games, Handmade Tale and Lost but it was spicy.
The humans are all survivors of this virus, and they are also criminals sent to this island. You later learn that they are enhanced with this drug or flower that was found on this island. This drug or implant makes the humans strong, fast and not really need sleep, water or food but it also enhances their sexual desires so that they procreate and create super babies/children for the army.
Some parts of this book I really enjoyed, and others again made me scratch my head. It was a super quick read, i think I read it in a little over 24 hours. I thought this was a standalone so I could be one and done, but there is another and now I feel like iI need to know how this ends.
Thank you to Hambright PR for the ARC opportunity.
This is a dystopian, sort of slow burn, survival of the fittest, she's out for revenge kind of book. This is set on a mysterious island with weirdly enhanced animals and humans with super strength and speed. It had aspects of Hunger Games, Handmade Tale and Lost but it was spicy.
The humans are all survivors of this virus, and they are also criminals sent to this island. You later learn that they are enhanced with this drug or flower that was found on this island. This drug or implant makes the humans strong, fast and not really need sleep, water or food but it also enhances their sexual desires so that they procreate and create super babies/children for the army.
Some parts of this book I really enjoyed, and others again made me scratch my head. It was a super quick read, i think I read it in a little over 24 hours. I thought this was a standalone so I could be one and done, but there is another and now I feel like iI need to know how this ends.
Thank you to Hambright PR for the ARC opportunity.
August 18, 2025
Thank you to Hambright PR and the author for an advanced reader copy of this dystopian thriller.
If you are a fan of the TV series Lost, but wanted it to have more romance, you are going to love this book! This is a dystopian world close to our current world. A virus has killed a large chunk of the world's population, and in the aftermath, a billionaire has taken control of America. He has made birth control illegal, and our FMC is being sent to a prison island for being caught using it.
This is a fast-paced, easy read with short chapters. It will have you hooked from the very beginning.The first 60% of the book are heavy dystopian thriller vibes, but then the book transitions into a romance novel. The banter was good, and there were many laugh out loud moments.
Although I knew going into this book that there was a heavy romance subplot, I was still pretty disappointed that the plot line began to follow your typical romance storyline, resulting in a pretty lack luster ending. Now, this was partially my fault as I did not realize this was the first book in a series. I was expecting a resolution and answers to many questions regarding the plot line that will not be provided until the second book. The book doesn't really end on a cliffhanger, but I almost wish it had because it would have given it more of a thriller type ending.
Despite the ending, this was a fun read that I really enjoyed, and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind a romance subplot in their dystopian novels. I really enjoy a book that has a deeper message hidden under the story, and this is definitely one of those books.
If you are a fan of the TV series Lost, but wanted it to have more romance, you are going to love this book! This is a dystopian world close to our current world. A virus has killed a large chunk of the world's population, and in the aftermath, a billionaire has taken control of America. He has made birth control illegal, and our FMC is being sent to a prison island for being caught using it.
This is a fast-paced, easy read with short chapters. It will have you hooked from the very beginning.The first 60% of the book are heavy dystopian thriller vibes, but then the book transitions into a romance novel. The banter was good, and there were many laugh out loud moments.
Although I knew going into this book that there was a heavy romance subplot, I was still pretty disappointed that the plot line began to follow your typical romance storyline, resulting in a pretty lack luster ending. Now, this was partially my fault as I did not realize this was the first book in a series. I was expecting a resolution and answers to many questions regarding the plot line that will not be provided until the second book. The book doesn't really end on a cliffhanger, but I almost wish it had because it would have given it more of a thriller type ending.
Despite the ending, this was a fun read that I really enjoyed, and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind a romance subplot in their dystopian novels. I really enjoy a book that has a deeper message hidden under the story, and this is definitely one of those books.
August 11, 2025
Thank you to Hambright and Brenda Rothert for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I just finished this book, and I’m still buzzing with adrenaline.
In a chilling dystopian future, a devastating virus wipes out much of humanity. Briar Hollis is arrested and shipped to Blue Arrow Island, a place that looks like paradise but functions as both a prison and a battleground. Two deadly factions rule the island, and danger lurks in every corner. To make matters worse, the people here are hiding dark secrets, and the laws of science don’t seem to apply. So who can you trust when even science betrays you?
From the first page, this book had its hooks in me. It’s an absolute page-turner...One of those reads you try to put down but physically can’t because you have to know what happens next. My anxiety was on high alert the entire time, and I loved every second of it.
The chemistry between the two main characters was off the charts. I absolutely loved how they took care of each other and it made me root for them that much harder.
The secondary characters shine just as brightly as the main characters. I found myself fiercely attached to them, silently bargaining with the author to let my favorites survive.
With its relentless tension, atmospheric setting, and addictive plot, this book feels like Lost crashed straight into The Hunger Games, and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible.
I’m already counting down the days until the next installment, and this has officially claimed a spot among my top favorite dystopian reads.
I just finished this book, and I’m still buzzing with adrenaline.
In a chilling dystopian future, a devastating virus wipes out much of humanity. Briar Hollis is arrested and shipped to Blue Arrow Island, a place that looks like paradise but functions as both a prison and a battleground. Two deadly factions rule the island, and danger lurks in every corner. To make matters worse, the people here are hiding dark secrets, and the laws of science don’t seem to apply. So who can you trust when even science betrays you?
From the first page, this book had its hooks in me. It’s an absolute page-turner...One of those reads you try to put down but physically can’t because you have to know what happens next. My anxiety was on high alert the entire time, and I loved every second of it.
The chemistry between the two main characters was off the charts. I absolutely loved how they took care of each other and it made me root for them that much harder.
The secondary characters shine just as brightly as the main characters. I found myself fiercely attached to them, silently bargaining with the author to let my favorites survive.
With its relentless tension, atmospheric setting, and addictive plot, this book feels like Lost crashed straight into The Hunger Games, and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible.
I’m already counting down the days until the next installment, and this has officially claimed a spot among my top favorite dystopian reads.
August 17, 2025
✨ Rating: 5 ⭐️ It was extraordinary!
🫧 Vibes:
- Dystopian
- Post-apocalyptic
- Survival of the fittest - physically & mentally
- Survivor + Lost + Hunger Games
- Deep & shocking secrets
📚 Would I recommend? ABSOLUTELY.
💬 Final thoughts: What comes next and how am I going to wait for the next book!?
This book is addictive, thought provoking, a little disturbing and intense! Wow, is it good and compelling!
The author’s storytelling slowly shares information and details with readers which helps with a gradual immersion into this savage paradise. There is a lot to grasp and understand that with a slow release of details allows readers to experience the island alongside Briar.
I love the combination of survival skills and book smarts that Briar learned from her parents. Readers experience the story from Briar’s singular POV which helps build suspense and mystery as she experiences new and ever crazier circumstances. The world building is a perfect balance of details without becoming too bogged down in minutiae. The island setting is savage with ever present deadly danger from unsuspecting sources.
I enjoyed the cast of characters - Briar is fabulous in her strength and determination. All of the other characters are interesting and fascinating.
Definitely expect some unexpected twists and developments. Enjoy the adventure! The book ends on a cliffhanger after a huge revelation is dropped which has me so eager for the next book.
I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
🫧 Vibes:
- Dystopian
- Post-apocalyptic
- Survival of the fittest - physically & mentally
- Survivor + Lost + Hunger Games
- Deep & shocking secrets
📚 Would I recommend? ABSOLUTELY.
💬 Final thoughts: What comes next and how am I going to wait for the next book!?
This book is addictive, thought provoking, a little disturbing and intense! Wow, is it good and compelling!
The author’s storytelling slowly shares information and details with readers which helps with a gradual immersion into this savage paradise. There is a lot to grasp and understand that with a slow release of details allows readers to experience the island alongside Briar.
I love the combination of survival skills and book smarts that Briar learned from her parents. Readers experience the story from Briar’s singular POV which helps build suspense and mystery as she experiences new and ever crazier circumstances. The world building is a perfect balance of details without becoming too bogged down in minutiae. The island setting is savage with ever present deadly danger from unsuspecting sources.
I enjoyed the cast of characters - Briar is fabulous in her strength and determination. All of the other characters are interesting and fascinating.
Definitely expect some unexpected twists and developments. Enjoy the adventure! The book ends on a cliffhanger after a huge revelation is dropped which has me so eager for the next book.
I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
August 8, 2025
WOW. Ok a hockey romance author turned dystopian?! I would not have thought this was her first dystopian novel.
-Dystopian (due to virus)
-Enemies to lovers
-Uncovered Secrets
-Fight to the death
-Animal Companions
-Scientific Research
-Strong-willed FMC
-Possessive MMC
-Cliffhanger
hunger games x maze runner x handmaids tale x the last of us but made into something new.
The book follows Briar who is dropped onto Blue Arrow Island for refusing to help repopulate New America after the world was ripped apart by a virus. The tropical island is home to two rival camps, both trying to recruit the new arrivals for their own agendas. As Briar makes her choices and becomes a part of one of the camps, she starts to question the intentions of the islanders and realizes they aren’t as nice as they seem. With her main goal to make her way back to the states to seek revenge on the men who wronged her, she meets Marcus the broody, dark, mysterious leader of the rival camp who helps her uncover what is really happening on the island and to everyone living on it.
SO. GOOD. I really enjoyed this book! It was a suspenseful, intriguing dystopian with all the best elements of a romance. So many questions, I need book 2!!
TWs: talk of past rape, non-descriptive. Attempted SA. Mentions of cannibalism.
Thank you Hambright PR & Brenda for the ARC 🖤
-Dystopian (due to virus)
-Enemies to lovers
-Uncovered Secrets
-Fight to the death
-Animal Companions
-Scientific Research
-Strong-willed FMC
-Possessive MMC
-Cliffhanger
hunger games x maze runner x handmaids tale x the last of us but made into something new.
The book follows Briar who is dropped onto Blue Arrow Island for refusing to help repopulate New America after the world was ripped apart by a virus. The tropical island is home to two rival camps, both trying to recruit the new arrivals for their own agendas. As Briar makes her choices and becomes a part of one of the camps, she starts to question the intentions of the islanders and realizes they aren’t as nice as they seem. With her main goal to make her way back to the states to seek revenge on the men who wronged her, she meets Marcus the broody, dark, mysterious leader of the rival camp who helps her uncover what is really happening on the island and to everyone living on it.
SO. GOOD. I really enjoyed this book! It was a suspenseful, intriguing dystopian with all the best elements of a romance. So many questions, I need book 2!!
TWs: talk of past rape, non-descriptive. Attempted SA. Mentions of cannibalism.
Thank you Hambright PR & Brenda for the ARC 🖤
August 22, 2025
Thank you to Hambright PR and Brenda Rothert for providing me with a gifted ebook copy of Blue Arrow Island. All opinions are my own.
Blue Arrow Island is a fast-paced, dystopian story that keeps you on the edge of your seat with action and danger on an isolated prison island. I really enjoyed Rothert's world building, and the threat of a government regime reshaping the world following an apocalyptic virus, while rebellion is slowly brewing on Blue Arrow Island.
I thought Briar made a great FMC for this story, and I loved seeing how her parents shaped her background in Science and being able to defend and take care of herself. The rival factions on the island bring great tension to the story, as well as the island itself, with modified animals, plants, and weather conditions. The secrets are well placed throughout the book, and they add some great depth to the characters and their relationships.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* TW: Violence, Cannibalism, Sexual Assault
* Dystopian Setting
* Prison Island
* Government Control
* Apocalyptic Virus
* Experimental Island
* Slow Burn & Banter
𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲?
😉 (Mild)
If you love books like The Hunger Games, The Handmaid's Tale, and Lord of the Flies, then I would definitely recommend Blue Arrow Island. I am looking forward to continuing the story in the second book, Crimson Shore.
Blue Arrow Island is a fast-paced, dystopian story that keeps you on the edge of your seat with action and danger on an isolated prison island. I really enjoyed Rothert's world building, and the threat of a government regime reshaping the world following an apocalyptic virus, while rebellion is slowly brewing on Blue Arrow Island.
I thought Briar made a great FMC for this story, and I loved seeing how her parents shaped her background in Science and being able to defend and take care of herself. The rival factions on the island bring great tension to the story, as well as the island itself, with modified animals, plants, and weather conditions. The secrets are well placed throughout the book, and they add some great depth to the characters and their relationships.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
* TW: Violence, Cannibalism, Sexual Assault
* Dystopian Setting
* Prison Island
* Government Control
* Apocalyptic Virus
* Experimental Island
* Slow Burn & Banter
𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐲?
😉 (Mild)
If you love books like The Hunger Games, The Handmaid's Tale, and Lord of the Flies, then I would definitely recommend Blue Arrow Island. I am looking forward to continuing the story in the second book, Crimson Shore.
August 26, 2025
This was my read while working out book for the last few days and I think that was a good choice on my end. I liked the book enough when reading, but also was good with walking away from it and not picking it up again, until next work out.
I wanted to know more about how the world got to where they were on the island. There was a little background in the story, but I wanted more. The idea of the island, why people were sent there and what they had to live through, in either camp, was horrific! Both camps were awful but one was more awful. What made it worse was all that was hidden from those living in the awful camp and sure things were hidden in the "good" camp, but there were things in the bad one that just pushed me over the edge in even having to contemplate living like that.
Not a lot got resolved in this book, more the world set up, and a lot of secrets exposed. It will be interesting to see what happens next, what the characters will choose to do with the knowledge they learned and if they can stop the overall awful things.
I wanted to know more about how the world got to where they were on the island. There was a little background in the story, but I wanted more. The idea of the island, why people were sent there and what they had to live through, in either camp, was horrific! Both camps were awful but one was more awful. What made it worse was all that was hidden from those living in the awful camp and sure things were hidden in the "good" camp, but there were things in the bad one that just pushed me over the edge in even having to contemplate living like that.
Not a lot got resolved in this book, more the world set up, and a lot of secrets exposed. It will be interesting to see what happens next, what the characters will choose to do with the knowledge they learned and if they can stop the overall awful things.
August 17, 2025
I am so beyond thankful to have been given this eARC from HambrightPR and Brenda Rothert.
This book. Was everything. 💙
I was so intrigued by this books description even though dystopian is not my absolute favorite genre but holy HELL. I LOVED THIS. 🤩
It’s Lost meets Hunger Games but I think it also gives a bit of Handmaids Tale as well. You literally do not get one single second of this book to breathe. It is NONSTOP action, mystery and tension there’s not one lull in the whole book. Blue Arrow Island is an absolute crazy ride and I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone because this is just something you have to read.
I’m going to be counting down the days until book 2 comes out, I’m so invested now.
*PLEASE PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING THIS BOOK* there’s a few things that happen that I wasn’t thrilled about- HOWEVER I personally was able to look past those since the plot was just so fantastic! 👏
This book. Was everything. 💙
I was so intrigued by this books description even though dystopian is not my absolute favorite genre but holy HELL. I LOVED THIS. 🤩
It’s Lost meets Hunger Games but I think it also gives a bit of Handmaids Tale as well. You literally do not get one single second of this book to breathe. It is NONSTOP action, mystery and tension there’s not one lull in the whole book. Blue Arrow Island is an absolute crazy ride and I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone because this is just something you have to read.
I’m going to be counting down the days until book 2 comes out, I’m so invested now.
*PLEASE PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE READING THIS BOOK* there’s a few things that happen that I wasn’t thrilled about- HOWEVER I personally was able to look past those since the plot was just so fantastic! 👏
August 22, 2025
Okayyy, I see you, dystopian making a comeback!! Dystopian was the genre that really threw me back into reading in my early 20s, but I’ve struggled with some of the more popular recent picks. Until now. I initially signed up for this one because it was described as Lost but make it spicy and that’s generally accurate. It’s Lost, The Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies, but with a romantic subplot that does not deter from the horror and fascination of the island plot itself.
I love that we get a plot twist pretty early in. Brenda hit us with the old bait & switch, and I loved it because it set up so perfectly for the rest of the book. Even though there is an entire country that we never set foot on, two separate camps, and an entire island of misfits (both human and animals alike), I never felt like there was a piece that I didn’t understand or felt was underdeveloped.
The spice level is low compared to some “x …but make it spicy” books. Like I said, this is a romantic subplot, it is not the sole focus, and it is a slow burn angsty will they/won’t they that explodes when they finally do collide.
I feel like book two is going to take off like a bat out of hell and never let off the gas since we already have such a great understanding of the ‘guts’ of this world and story. I can’t wait to get more backstory though, and I can’t wait to see what other horrors await us in the jungle.
I love that we get a plot twist pretty early in. Brenda hit us with the old bait & switch, and I loved it because it set up so perfectly for the rest of the book. Even though there is an entire country that we never set foot on, two separate camps, and an entire island of misfits (both human and animals alike), I never felt like there was a piece that I didn’t understand or felt was underdeveloped.
The spice level is low compared to some “x …but make it spicy” books. Like I said, this is a romantic subplot, it is not the sole focus, and it is a slow burn angsty will they/won’t they that explodes when they finally do collide.
I feel like book two is going to take off like a bat out of hell and never let off the gas since we already have such a great understanding of the ‘guts’ of this world and story. I can’t wait to get more backstory though, and I can’t wait to see what other horrors await us in the jungle.
August 29, 2025
“Ordinary people, simply doing their jobs, and without any particular hostility on their part, can become agents in terrible destruction.”
I could nottttt put this book down!! Brenda is a new to me author, and she’s definitely being added to my list of favorites. This is a dystopian survival romance. I was in middle/high school during the big 2000/10s dystopian craze, and it always feels like I’m coming back to my formative years when I pick up a dystopian story!
The premise to this story was so intriguing, and I was so invested trying to figure out what exactly was going on on this island. The pacing was perfect! I never got bored, and I loved the slow burn and build.
The chemistry between the MCs was *chef’s kiss.* I loved them so much, and I can’t wait to read the next book and learn even more about their backgrounds!
I absolutely cannot wait to see where this series goes. I’m hooked!!
TROPES:
Dystopian/Survival
Lost/Handmaid’s Tale
Strong FMC
Touch Her and ☠️
Thank you so so much to Brenda Rothert and Hambright PR for sending me a copy for an honest review. 💖
I could nottttt put this book down!! Brenda is a new to me author, and she’s definitely being added to my list of favorites. This is a dystopian survival romance. I was in middle/high school during the big 2000/10s dystopian craze, and it always feels like I’m coming back to my formative years when I pick up a dystopian story!
The premise to this story was so intriguing, and I was so invested trying to figure out what exactly was going on on this island. The pacing was perfect! I never got bored, and I loved the slow burn and build.
The chemistry between the MCs was *chef’s kiss.* I loved them so much, and I can’t wait to read the next book and learn even more about their backgrounds!
I absolutely cannot wait to see where this series goes. I’m hooked!!
TROPES:
Dystopian/Survival
Lost/Handmaid’s Tale
Strong FMC
Touch Her and ☠️
Thank you so so much to Brenda Rothert and Hambright PR for sending me a copy for an honest review. 💖
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