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The Island #1
The Island
“The revolution never came. We all waited, but it didn't happen. Eventually we just had to accept that the world is never going to change. The only way to escape is to come to the island.”
In the near future, it's not hard to end up on the wrong side of the law. Every lie counts, every minor mistake. Build up enough points, and you'll be hauled off to work for the government. The only possible escape is the island, a remote wilderness with no rules and no laws. But if you choose to go to the island, you can never come back.
Everyone knows that only crazy people go to the island.
Arrested for a crime she didn't commit, Iris soon discovers that she already has a long criminal record she never knew about. When her world comes crashing down, she makes the ultimate choice and invokes her right to be sent to the island. There, she quickly discovers the horrors of a land where anyone can do anything they want, free of all rules and laws. She also meets Asher, a mysterious girl with a dark past and a crazy plan to establish her own town in the midst of the island's chaos. First, though, they both have to face a deadly group with a taste for human flesh.
The Island is the first book in the Steadfall series, about two people trying to establish their own order in a mad world, and about the horrors that take place when humanity is let off the leash.
In the near future, it's not hard to end up on the wrong side of the law. Every lie counts, every minor mistake. Build up enough points, and you'll be hauled off to work for the government. The only possible escape is the island, a remote wilderness with no rules and no laws. But if you choose to go to the island, you can never come back.
Everyone knows that only crazy people go to the island.
Arrested for a crime she didn't commit, Iris soon discovers that she already has a long criminal record she never knew about. When her world comes crashing down, she makes the ultimate choice and invokes her right to be sent to the island. There, she quickly discovers the horrors of a land where anyone can do anything they want, free of all rules and laws. She also meets Asher, a mysterious girl with a dark past and a crazy plan to establish her own town in the midst of the island's chaos. First, though, they both have to face a deadly group with a taste for human flesh.
The Island is the first book in the Steadfall series, about two people trying to establish their own order in a mad world, and about the horrors that take place when humanity is let off the leash.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2015
152 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Amy Cross
664 books1,685 followersAmy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 1, 2024
In a dystopian near-future, Iris is simply trying to survive in the totalitarian state in which she lives, and also look after her young sister. When she is caught stealing, she finds that all her previous thefts have been marked against her and, faced with the daunting prospect of several months hard labour in the mines, decides instead to opt for transfer to The Island. There is no law and order on the island, no escape and no return but Iris decides it is her best option. On arrival, she soon becomes aware that many on the island have turned to cannibalism - and has a lucky escape. Then she meets up with Asher, a young woman with aspirations to build her own settlement....
I have enjoyed several of the author's horror books previously. I suppose this could be classed as horror too although I saw it more as a dystopian sci-fi book. Good characters, perhaps a bit two-dimensional - in fact, right up until about 67% through, I was thinking that Asher was a male character! Still looking forward to reading more of this series - 8/10.
I have enjoyed several of the author's horror books previously. I suppose this could be classed as horror too although I saw it more as a dystopian sci-fi book. Good characters, perhaps a bit two-dimensional - in fact, right up until about 67% through, I was thinking that Asher was a male character! Still looking forward to reading more of this series - 8/10.
March 2, 2018
I stayed up waaaayy past my bed time reading this unable to put it down. This book is superb and I am dying to find out what happens in the next book. I loved the characters and I was sucked into their terrifying world. So many twists and turns and then the island.... oh man! It's like Hunger Games but for adults, adults who like extreme horror. Gore galore! And I loved every bit of it and normally I'm not a fan of gore, especially cannibalism, but Amy Cross did such a good job and it all felt necessary, like it progressed the plot rather than just being a gross out. So fantastic, I was shocked and on the edge my seat the entire book!
October 30, 2016
Good story. Read most of it on a plane. Words were missing here and there so it could use some editing. However, I still want to find out what happens in book 2. Brutal survival, mixed w psychology and dystopia.
July 24, 2018
Gory hunger games for adults not for the squeamish! Quite a few typos in the first book but I will prob read the next as they are quick reads and I downloaded them for free.
August 21, 2017
I really enjoyed this! The premise was interesting and by the time Iris gets to the island, I can't help wondering why everyone doesn't chose to go there? Sure, it's barbaric and lawless, you might get eaten...
but the regular world seems terrifying in different ways. I feel like I would just be a paranoid mess, always worrying about what I say and do, constantly scared that the government was going to show up and arrest me for a crime I didn't know I committed? I'm pretty sure I would choose the island, no question.
I really liked the characters, I'm dying to know about Asher's past. And I inexplicably just believed that Iris was a crazy person who hallucinated her sister....why?? I was pretty convinced that the government was evil by that point. Why did I, like Iris, just believe them? Sure they had video...but they appear to have the technology to track everyone's conversations and whatnot...why wouldn't they be able to edit some video? And what does Logan want with Della?
I also expected them to all die at the end. When Jude showed up at Steadfast, I was sure she was gonna leave the bones found in the prologue.(Also, never trusted Jude...was hoping she died when she got her head would. She eats people, you can't trust that). Yay for unpredictable endings!
I can't wait to see what the next installment holds!
but the regular world seems terrifying in different ways. I feel like I would just be a paranoid mess, always worrying about what I say and do, constantly scared that the government was going to show up and arrest me for a crime I didn't know I committed? I'm pretty sure I would choose the island, no question.
I really liked the characters, I'm dying to know about Asher's past. And I inexplicably just believed that Iris was a crazy person who hallucinated her sister....why?? I was pretty convinced that the government was evil by that point. Why did I, like Iris, just believe them? Sure they had video...but they appear to have the technology to track everyone's conversations and whatnot...why wouldn't they be able to edit some video? And what does Logan want with Della?
I also expected them to all die at the end. When Jude showed up at Steadfast, I was sure she was gonna leave the bones found in the prologue.(Also, never trusted Jude...was hoping she died when she got her head would. She eats people, you can't trust that). Yay for unpredictable endings!
I can't wait to see what the next installment holds!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2018
I actually enjoyed this much more than I thought I would .. I like Horror books but not a big fan of dystopian / apocalyptic genres ..
However, after getting past the first third of the book, which totally confused me, the story started to get more interesting, if a little gory, but some parts could have been more graphic in their description ..
It's good to have strong female leads in these genres, and I'm liking the characters of Iris and Asher ..
The final third really added meat to the bones of life in the Island (pun intended lol), with a few clever twists and a good cliff hanger ending ..
Will be reading Book 2 soon
However, after getting past the first third of the book, which totally confused me, the story started to get more interesting, if a little gory, but some parts could have been more graphic in their description ..
It's good to have strong female leads in these genres, and I'm liking the characters of Iris and Asher ..
The final third really added meat to the bones of life in the Island (pun intended lol), with a few clever twists and a good cliff hanger ending ..
Will be reading Book 2 soon
June 26, 2017
I got this because it was free, and to be honest I wasn't expecting much. I thought it would be a rubbish hunger games knock off. I was really surprised to find that I couldn't put it down! The story has pace and keeps you guessing, there is a really strong female character ( so much so that I thought she was a man until around two thirds into the book). It isn't a difficult read, and it would fit into the hunger games style, but it is much more suited to adult reading. overall very impressed, going to buy the second one now.
August 29, 2017
This is the first of a three book series. It has nothing to do with the 2005 film of the same name.
The story certainly isn't for the faint-hearted. It contains buckets (literally) of blood and gore that at times I felt detracted from the plot. I was reminded of an episode from The Walking Dead, just without the zombies.
The writing style was easy to read and kept me entertained throughout. I would have preferred more resolution - several large questions go unanswered.
Overall, well worth a few hours of your time.
The story certainly isn't for the faint-hearted. It contains buckets (literally) of blood and gore that at times I felt detracted from the plot. I was reminded of an episode from The Walking Dead, just without the zombies.
The writing style was easy to read and kept me entertained throughout. I would have preferred more resolution - several large questions go unanswered.
Overall, well worth a few hours of your time.
February 22, 2021
Great book!
Great book! Very different than most books I've read. It was about a future where if you don't agree with the government you get sent to the island, where there are cannibals. It was the first I read of this author and I loved it! Her characters were relatable and the story was interesting. It was a good book, plenty of action, gore and interesting characters and story that kept me interested in the whole book!
Great book! Very different than most books I've read. It was about a future where if you don't agree with the government you get sent to the island, where there are cannibals. It was the first I read of this author and I loved it! Her characters were relatable and the story was interesting. It was a good book, plenty of action, gore and interesting characters and story that kept me interested in the whole book!
August 22, 2017
Absolutly superb! This is horror writting at its best. The moment I finished the book I had to download the second in the series. Great people in the book, great story, wanted to keep reading, only got in the way.
January 21, 2018
Gripping Read
Amy Cross doesn't disappoint with this first book of the island trinity
There are so many twists and turns that won't let you put the book down can't wait for the second book
Amy Cross doesn't disappoint with this first book of the island trinity
There are so many twists and turns that won't let you put the book down can't wait for the second book
July 26, 2017
Wasn't aware the book was part of a series. The characters aren't that interesting and the story is all post apocalypse stuff. The premise seems far fetched
August 27, 2017
loved this book couldn't stop reading it I'm now going to start the next one
October 25, 2019
Great read!
Exciting story about a good set of characters. The Island is a place where criminals are sent. With no rules or law the island is rampant with crime
Exciting story about a good set of characters. The Island is a place where criminals are sent. With no rules or law the island is rampant with crime
June 24, 2024
LOVE THIS BOOK, SECOND TIME READING
June 26, 2016
This book was an alright book although it did keep me guessing all the way threw to the end it was a slow read. The book is filled with blood and goor so I'll give you fair warning, Cross didn't miss as inhale detail and didn't hold back on the descriptions. it honestly scared me what some of the characters would do being manipulative and cunning and I wouldn't say this book is for the light hearted.
The two main characters in this book are Iris and Asher two very different girls who only meet near to the end. Iris starts of on the streets but her crimes leave her with no choice either she can serve a sentence in the dangerous mines or go to the island. although the prisoners are aloud to do what they want and are left to there own devices they can never leave. The island prisoners have resorted to anything to survive over the years including canebalism. With nothing left to go back to she chooses the island and after seeing it's horrors there's no going back.
Asher has been on the island for a while and although she knows some of the dangers of the island she hasn't encounters them all yet. Asher no matter how bad it gets refuses to resort to canebalism,it's a line she's not willing to cross.
It's hard to know who can be trusted in a world where bad jujment can get you into trouble or you could get eaten.
The two main characters in this book are Iris and Asher two very different girls who only meet near to the end. Iris starts of on the streets but her crimes leave her with no choice either she can serve a sentence in the dangerous mines or go to the island. although the prisoners are aloud to do what they want and are left to there own devices they can never leave. The island prisoners have resorted to anything to survive over the years including canebalism. With nothing left to go back to she chooses the island and after seeing it's horrors there's no going back.
Asher has been on the island for a while and although she knows some of the dangers of the island she hasn't encounters them all yet. Asher no matter how bad it gets refuses to resort to canebalism,it's a line she's not willing to cross.
It's hard to know who can be trusted in a world where bad jujment can get you into trouble or you could get eaten.
October 19, 2016
I really enjoyed this story about two young women who struggle within a cruel dystopian world.
The government is lacking compassion, there are strict rules to follow and if not, rebellion is crushed and other offenders are sent to the island if not immediately executed. Though, the island is sometimes chosen for a chance of freedom. Yet, survival is tough, most arrivals soon killed for...read it to find out.
These are my favourite kinds of stories from this author and I hope that one day she will finish the Mass Extinction series. However, this is a gripping and horrifying tale, fast-paced with many twists and turns.
There are a number if typos and, strangely, American spelling, as she is a British author; a little off-putting but still a great story.
Good characters, with gradual development and backstory, which, alongside this awful new world, make this a compelling read.
Highly recommended.
The government is lacking compassion, there are strict rules to follow and if not, rebellion is crushed and other offenders are sent to the island if not immediately executed. Though, the island is sometimes chosen for a chance of freedom. Yet, survival is tough, most arrivals soon killed for...read it to find out.
These are my favourite kinds of stories from this author and I hope that one day she will finish the Mass Extinction series. However, this is a gripping and horrifying tale, fast-paced with many twists and turns.
There are a number if typos and, strangely, American spelling, as she is a British author; a little off-putting but still a great story.
Good characters, with gradual development and backstory, which, alongside this awful new world, make this a compelling read.
Highly recommended.
August 22, 2016
This was a great story - but the editing was awful. If you want people to read what you've written, at least do us the kindness of not skipping the editing process. It's a pain what there's bad grammar or spelling, but when you are missing entire words in many different sentences, that's pretty unforgivable.
I wanted to read many more from this author, because the story was so good, but I just can't bring myself to pay for something that wasn't edited.
Don't rush it - do it write...see what I did there? ;)
I wanted to read many more from this author, because the story was so good, but I just can't bring myself to pay for something that wasn't edited.
Don't rush it - do it write...see what I did there? ;)
December 6, 2016
I've really liked everything I've read by Amy Cross. She's such a solid writer. This book was a total thrill ride and had some real original twists. Kind of walks the line between YA and Richard Laymon/John Saul.
April 12, 2017
Amy Cross is an excellent author and I have no picked up quite a few of her books on Amazon. She has quite the talent on describing quite the horror stories, and the island does not disappoint. The pace of the book is spot on and as usual she comes up with an imaginative plot that makes you appreciate, that you are not trapped on that island. It makes you wonder if humans left without any rules and govern bodies, will really decay to such savages when left to their own. With that being said, the worst of the worst, ones who did not want any rules, criminals and the like choose to go to that island, so in a way it makes sense, but still. It sure makes you wonder .....
The beginning was split into 2 different points of view that towards the end merge and come together nicely. I have to say Asher is my favorite character and I really enjoyed reading her story, actually look forward to read more and I will pick up the next one at some point in the future.
This book is definitely not for the light of heart since it has some seriously graphic scenes!
The beginning was split into 2 different points of view that towards the end merge and come together nicely. I have to say Asher is my favorite character and I really enjoyed reading her story, actually look forward to read more and I will pick up the next one at some point in the future.
This book is definitely not for the light of heart since it has some seriously graphic scenes!
April 14, 2017
### 5 Stars ###
Full review to follow but for now ......Wow !
I found this one lurking on my kindle and between arcs I thought ...why not! I had no idea what I was about to read, this book didn't disappoint - this one seriously 'WOW'ed me !
I usually love a paranormal full of blood and gore, this is no paranormal but I certainly got my dose of blood and gore in this one. Completely unexpected and I absolutely loved it. Oh and those twists and turns - total unpredictable.
Amy cross you have a new fangirl here, I must find time to read more of your books.
Full review to follow but for now ......Wow !
I found this one lurking on my kindle and between arcs I thought ...why not! I had no idea what I was about to read, this book didn't disappoint - this one seriously 'WOW'ed me !
I usually love a paranormal full of blood and gore, this is no paranormal but I certainly got my dose of blood and gore in this one. Completely unexpected and I absolutely loved it. Oh and those twists and turns - total unpredictable.
Amy cross you have a new fangirl here, I must find time to read more of your books.
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September 3, 2017I'm not a fan of the dystopian type books so I'm not finishing this book and won't rate it.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews