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Boy X
A heart-stopping middle grade survival adventure where the only way to survive is to evolve. Hatchet meets a young Jason Bourne, for readers of Margaret Peterson Haddix.
His mother is a scientist. His dad was a soldier. Ash is something new altogether. Kidnapped, Ash McCarthy wakes up on a remote tropical island. Why is he there? What is this medical facility around him? Most importantly, what's happening inside of him?Ash needs answers. He has twenty-four hours to get them.To escape, Ash must risk his life. But what's more the jungle, his captors, or the mysterious chemical injected into his veins?
His mother is a scientist. His dad was a soldier. Ash is something new altogether. Kidnapped, Ash McCarthy wakes up on a remote tropical island. Why is he there? What is this medical facility around him? Most importantly, what's happening inside of him?Ash needs answers. He has twenty-four hours to get them.To escape, Ash must risk his life. But what's more the jungle, his captors, or the mysterious chemical injected into his veins?
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2016
52 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
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Dan Smith
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
February 27, 2020
Everyone is after you
No one can change who you are inside but they can change the outaide just be who you are good.
No one can change who you are inside but they can change the outaide just be who you are good.
April 14, 2017
Boy X by Dan Smith is Science fiction story. Ash wakes up on in a room on an island that he has never seen before. When he wakes up a list of questions start racing through his head, where is he, why is he there, who brought him there and is there anybody else around who he could ask all these questions? He has to find out fast, and can he get out of the mysterious island with his life? The main characters in Boy X are: Ash, Isabel, Thorn, Cain, Pierce and Mom. Boy X made me feel surprised because of all the mysterious creatures and things. I would recommend this book to people who like science fiction. My favorite part about Boy X was when Ash and Isabel almost fell into the white water stream. My least favorite was when Ash's father dies.
July 10, 2017
...fast-paced and action packed; middle school students will like this one.
Want to read
February 1, 2024WHAT IS THIS? AND WHY DOES IT SOUND AMAZING?? NEED TO READ THIS SOON!
September 21, 2018
Ash McCarthy has just lost his dad when he wakes up in an unknown location, alone .
It turns out, he’s on a tropical island in a mostly deserted medical facility and he needs to get out!
Fast-paced action helps Ash and his new friend Isabel push through a deadly jungle to the other side of the island before a group of sinister people reaches a rescue boat. Their lives are at stake, as well as their loved ones and the entire world.
This book can be compared to Float by Laura Martin, also for middle-grade readers. Float does not discuss how/why Emerson and his friends have special powers - at all. The omission leaves a void. Boy X does a much better job with this.
It turns out, he’s on a tropical island in a mostly deserted medical facility and he needs to get out!
Fast-paced action helps Ash and his new friend Isabel push through a deadly jungle to the other side of the island before a group of sinister people reaches a rescue boat. Their lives are at stake, as well as their loved ones and the entire world.
This book can be compared to Float by Laura Martin, also for middle-grade readers. Float does not discuss how/why Emerson and his friends have special powers - at all. The omission leaves a void. Boy X does a much better job with this.
Read
November 30, 2021i thought the book a full of action and it was an ok book.
January 23, 2021
2.5. Didn’t hold my interest, but it is a middle grade book.
December 4, 2023
Dieses Buch lag seit Ewigkeiten (also seit Release) auf meinem SUB und ich habe es endlich geschafft und bereuhe es etwas, es nicht früher gelesen zu haben, denn mein 16-Jähriges-Ich (was dieses Buch auch gekauft hat) hätte es noch mehr gemocht.
Eine actionreiche, schnelle Handlung. Ein kleiner Kreis an Charakteren. Ein begrenztes Insel-Setting. Und ein Rennen gegen die Zeit.
Auch wenn die Charaktere relativ jung sind fand ich das Buch insgesamt stimmig und relativ realistisch gehalten.
Für Fans von Jugend-Dystopien und -Thrillern!
Eine actionreiche, schnelle Handlung. Ein kleiner Kreis an Charakteren. Ein begrenztes Insel-Setting. Und ein Rennen gegen die Zeit.
Auch wenn die Charaktere relativ jung sind fand ich das Buch insgesamt stimmig und relativ realistisch gehalten.
Für Fans von Jugend-Dystopien und -Thrillern!
April 27, 2020
Audience: Middle Grade
Format: Hardcover/Library Copy
Light.
Bright. White. Light.
- opening words
Twelve-year-old Ash wakes up in an unfamiliar room with an IV in his arm and no memory of how he got there. As he searches for his mom, he discovers he has abilities that are beyond normal, hearing, vision, sense of smell. He witnesses people trying to escape in a helicopter and being shot down. He finds Isabel, who helps him find his mother and her father, but they are infected with a virus that could destroy the world’s population. Ash & Isabel race against the clock to stop the men who stole the virus and find the cure for their parents.
There is violence in this book including shooting, knives, and physical fighting. There are scary animals all over the island that Ash & Isabel encounter. Isabela is smart and capable and helps Ash navigate the jungle, even as his senses warn them of approaching danger. There is a lot of suspense and action that will appeal to kids. Isabel is a great example of a strong female heroine.
Format: Hardcover/Library Copy
Light.
Bright. White. Light.
- opening words
Twelve-year-old Ash wakes up in an unfamiliar room with an IV in his arm and no memory of how he got there. As he searches for his mom, he discovers he has abilities that are beyond normal, hearing, vision, sense of smell. He witnesses people trying to escape in a helicopter and being shot down. He finds Isabel, who helps him find his mother and her father, but they are infected with a virus that could destroy the world’s population. Ash & Isabel race against the clock to stop the men who stole the virus and find the cure for their parents.
There is violence in this book including shooting, knives, and physical fighting. There are scary animals all over the island that Ash & Isabel encounter. Isabela is smart and capable and helps Ash navigate the jungle, even as his senses warn them of approaching danger. There is a lot of suspense and action that will appeal to kids. Isabel is a great example of a strong female heroine.
March 23, 2017
Ash wakes up and has no memory of how he got to the sterile room with an IV drip in his hand. He is alone and he knows he has been drugged. As he starts his journey through the medical facility, things happen really fast. There are people shooting down a helicopter, his mother is imprisoned in a locked laboratory with a lethal virus, someone is trying to track him down, and he realizes that he is the only one who can save the day. With fellow escapee Isabel guiding him through the jungle, Ash sets out to destroy the virus and deliver the antidote to his scientist mother. Set on a remote jungle island, with dangerous super powerful animals and insects, evil scientists, and bad guys who shoot first and ask questions later, this book will appeal to kids who like heart-pounding action. Hints at a sequel. Written in an appealing, straightforward style, incorporating flashbacks and lost memories to amp up the suspense.
May 19, 2017
Normally I like stories like this, but I slogged my way through it and it took me awhile to figure out why.
While trying to do a slow reveal on why Ash McCarthy seems to have enhanced strength, healing, hearing, seeing, etc., why his mother is locked in a lab and dying of a new virus, why the people trying to get off the island with 'something' related to it, why the howler monkeys don't attack him but go after everyone else - Smith used too many passive, unexciting words. Perhaps telling the story in first person would have helped, but I found my mind wandering as I read, and I would have to go back to find out what I missed.
Parts of the reveal near the end felt contrived as well. The plot is more like a MS-HS thriller, with a younger kid as the character, and I am not sure it worked well enough.
While trying to do a slow reveal on why Ash McCarthy seems to have enhanced strength, healing, hearing, seeing, etc., why his mother is locked in a lab and dying of a new virus, why the people trying to get off the island with 'something' related to it, why the howler monkeys don't attack him but go after everyone else - Smith used too many passive, unexciting words. Perhaps telling the story in first person would have helped, but I found my mind wandering as I read, and I would have to go back to find out what I missed.
Parts of the reveal near the end felt contrived as well. The plot is more like a MS-HS thriller, with a younger kid as the character, and I am not sure it worked well enough.
August 12, 2019
It’s not that I didn’t like it....I just nothing it. It wasn’t super interesting, but it was kind of interesting. It’s set up for a sequel but I have some interest in finding out what happens next, but not enough to want to read another book. Just overall feelings of “meh”
March 2, 2023
Hi everyone, Its Christopher the reader, The story we are here to talk about tonight is (Drum roll) Boy X. This was my first read of 'Dan Smith's work. After reading this book I do want to give some of his other story's a go. I first read this book in March, of this year (2023), It took me a day to finish reading. The story is rated for readers age 12 and up. It was first published on the 4th of February in the year 2016. The book was told using third person with it mostly following Ash's point of view, the story also had parts following a character called: Thorn. Which had 42 chapters, all together the story had 274 pages.
- I thought that it had some good place and character detail which for me bring the setting and characters to life. I think that the book was written pretty well. I had a strong liking for the straightforward style, it made it easy to follow along with the story. I loved the gripping plot that it had, I feel like it was well-crafted and full of twists and turns which had me guessing throughout the book until the very end. I liked the Unique Setting that the story had which was on a remote island, I feel like it added an interesting element to the story.
I loved the action that it had as well as the mystery part, I feel like 'Dan Smith' did a good job at building suspense and creating a sense of urgency which for me made it challenging to put the book down. Personally I loved reading about all the mysterious creatures that was within the story but my favourite part has to be reading and discovering along with Ash a lot of his new abilities that he gained. To be honest I did find a few parts of the book to be funny, but not necessarily hilarious. I do feel like I would have liked it more if the pacing was a little faster at times.
Before reading this book I was happy when I discovered that this story had its own audible. As I read along to it as well as a physical copy. I felt like the voices fitted well with scenes that the character was in at the time, which made it to me even more realistic. Although there was times where I got pulled out of the book because of the difference versions of the audible my copy with wording as well as changes to the text information within the story like character ages and mentions of different states. Personally for me I do think that I would have preferred for the the story to have been told using first person with this book.
The story did remind me of the book called 'The Maze Runner by James Dashner' (which is one of my favourite series) especially at the start of the story which I liked. It also reminded me of a TV Show called 'Teen wolf' because of the mention of a anchor element that they both had.
- I do feel like we got to know the characters a bit within the story but personally I would have like it more if it had a tad further of character development in the book.
- I personally liked the ending though I didn't want it to be over, I do feel like it also left some room for a sequel which I would gladly read if one is ever written. I would like it if this story gets turned into a TV Show. If it ever does I would definitely go and watch it.
For each story that I read, I rate it out of 10 so for this am going to give it a 9. Remember this was what I thought about the book personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself.
- I thought that it had some good place and character detail which for me bring the setting and characters to life. I think that the book was written pretty well. I had a strong liking for the straightforward style, it made it easy to follow along with the story. I loved the gripping plot that it had, I feel like it was well-crafted and full of twists and turns which had me guessing throughout the book until the very end. I liked the Unique Setting that the story had which was on a remote island, I feel like it added an interesting element to the story.
I loved the action that it had as well as the mystery part, I feel like 'Dan Smith' did a good job at building suspense and creating a sense of urgency which for me made it challenging to put the book down. Personally I loved reading about all the mysterious creatures that was within the story but my favourite part has to be reading and discovering along with Ash a lot of his new abilities that he gained. To be honest I did find a few parts of the book to be funny, but not necessarily hilarious. I do feel like I would have liked it more if the pacing was a little faster at times.
Before reading this book I was happy when I discovered that this story had its own audible. As I read along to it as well as a physical copy. I felt like the voices fitted well with scenes that the character was in at the time, which made it to me even more realistic. Although there was times where I got pulled out of the book because of the difference versions of the audible my copy with wording as well as changes to the text information within the story like character ages and mentions of different states. Personally for me I do think that I would have preferred for the the story to have been told using first person with this book.
The story did remind me of the book called 'The Maze Runner by James Dashner' (which is one of my favourite series) especially at the start of the story which I liked. It also reminded me of a TV Show called 'Teen wolf' because of the mention of a anchor element that they both had.
- I do feel like we got to know the characters a bit within the story but personally I would have like it more if it had a tad further of character development in the book.
- I personally liked the ending though I didn't want it to be over, I do feel like it also left some room for a sequel which I would gladly read if one is ever written. I would like it if this story gets turned into a TV Show. If it ever does I would definitely go and watch it.
For each story that I read, I rate it out of 10 so for this am going to give it a 9. Remember this was what I thought about the book personally and I suggest that you give it a go for yourself.
February 19, 2017
I didn't expect much from this book, but I ended up quite enjoying it. I was expecting the survival story of a boy stranded by himself in a jungle, but it kept going in directions I didn't see coming and I really liked that. Despite what the cover and blurb lead you to believe, this is not really a book about adapting to the wild, befriending/eating animals, swinging through trees on vines etc. - it's more about a cryptic science company, their experiments gone wrong, and a race against the clock to find the cure to their fatal inventions, just happening to take place on a tropical island. I was really into this more mysterious and sci-fi themed story, so it was all good with me, but I definitely think the synopsis might lead a lot of people to disappointment.
Unlike a lot of Middle Grade books out there, I thought the author did a great job here of taking his readers seriously, and not talking down to us through the narrative. The dialogue felt convincingly realistic and the two main characters we follow both had individual voices. I kept expecting the plot to slip into cliches but for me it really didn't. There's a lot of good stuff to say about this book.
Unfortunately, I was pretty disappointed by the climax and honestly the whole ending to this book. I don't know what it was, but the climax wasn't at all compelling to read for me. I wanted to know what happened, but the way it was happening just didn't live up to the originality of the rest of the book I suppose. I was disappointed by the complete lack of closure for the characters, aside from that is. I for one would like to know what might happen next, what their plans are, what they think of eachother after all they've been through, that kind of thing, but sadly none of that was included. I also found the ending for the villain completely dumb -
I still stick by the opinion that I was pleasantly surprised by this book, it's just a shame the ending didn't do it for me. Even without that, I wouldn't describe it as outstanding or a must-read or anything, but an enjoyable read if you go in with low expectations.
Unlike a lot of Middle Grade books out there, I thought the author did a great job here of taking his readers seriously, and not talking down to us through the narrative. The dialogue felt convincingly realistic and the two main characters we follow both had individual voices. I kept expecting the plot to slip into cliches but for me it really didn't. There's a lot of good stuff to say about this book.
Unfortunately, I was pretty disappointed by the climax and honestly the whole ending to this book. I don't know what it was, but the climax wasn't at all compelling to read for me. I wanted to know what happened, but the way it was happening just didn't live up to the originality of the rest of the book I suppose. I was disappointed by the complete lack of closure for the characters, aside from that is. I for one would like to know what might happen next, what their plans are, what they think of eachother after all they've been through, that kind of thing, but sadly none of that was included. I also found the ending for the villain completely dumb -
I still stick by the opinion that I was pleasantly surprised by this book, it's just a shame the ending didn't do it for me. Even without that, I wouldn't describe it as outstanding or a must-read or anything, but an enjoyable read if you go in with low expectations.
October 27, 2025
This is an okay story but it's not as engaging as I'd like an action/adventure story to be. Despite the premise of only having 24 hours to prevent disaster, the pace dropped off at times. I don't think it helped that Ash seemed to take so long to catch on to things. It's perhaps because the story is intended for young readers, but we were were drip fed the same information multiple times before he twigged. Which felt a bit ironic considering he was supposed to . There was also too much telling rather than showing. I think that also took away from the urgency and pace.
I thought the premise was exciting and there were some good moments of suspense. Some parts were a little weird and confusing. I'm still not sure exactly why . The ending of the book did seem to be setting up for a sequel/series so perhaps it was going to be explained there.
Considering it does seem to be written for the younger end of MG, it's quite dark. In particular Ash's story.
I thought the premise was exciting and there were some good moments of suspense. Some parts were a little weird and confusing. I'm still not sure exactly why . The ending of the book did seem to be setting up for a sequel/series so perhaps it was going to be explained there.
Considering it does seem to be written for the younger end of MG, it's quite dark. In particular Ash's story.
September 11, 2018
This action-packed book will appeal to readers who like fast-paced, plot-driven survival stories. The main character (12-year-old Ash) wakes up on a strange Central American island to discover he’s been drugged, seems to be developing unusually acute senses and must find a way to save his mother (not to mention the rest of the world) from bad guys trying to spread a deadly virus. Oh, and he only has 24 hours to succeed! Ash and a local girl named Isabel face peril after peril in the rainforest as they chase after a group of evil (or are they?) scientists. There’s literally a thrill a minute as well as some interesting plot twists and a clear indication at the end of a coming sequel. Fun and enjoyable, even if slightly over the top.
April 25, 2020
So it wasn't a bad book, but I felt the pace (for a book that spanned a time frame of a bit over 24 hours) was too slow. There was an abundance or descriptive narrative, with action yes, but it didn't feel like enough in comparison to the description of setting.
The idea of the book was not bad, though given the Covid-19 situation it is sounding a little too relevant/possible. So it was a little scary to read at times.
I did have a problem with the ending. It was left very open ended and seemed to hit at a sequel, it was almost a cliffhanger ending, and without any hint that there will be a sequel it, I feel a cliffhanger ending is very disappointing.
I have mixed feelings as to if I would recommend this or not.
The idea of the book was not bad, though given the Covid-19 situation it is sounding a little too relevant/possible. So it was a little scary to read at times.
I did have a problem with the ending. It was left very open ended and seemed to hit at a sequel, it was almost a cliffhanger ending, and without any hint that there will be a sequel it, I feel a cliffhanger ending is very disappointing.
I have mixed feelings as to if I would recommend this or not.
September 4, 2025
This was an action packed little book that would be perfect for middle school kids, though as an adult I found myself liking it less than other middle grade novels I've read.
There seemed to be some consistency issues, and overall just things weren't very well explained that I wish could have been given more.
I also felt like the twists and turns at the end of double agents and secret services felt like a band-aid over how to proceed in addition to the somewhat open ending while there seems to be no additional books part of this series.
Overall this would be good if you are looking for superhuman meets Indiana Jones kinda theme, but take it with a grain of salt that it might not be the most descriptive as far as world building.
There seemed to be some consistency issues, and overall just things weren't very well explained that I wish could have been given more.
I also felt like the twists and turns at the end of double agents and secret services felt like a band-aid over how to proceed in addition to the somewhat open ending while there seems to be no additional books part of this series.
Overall this would be good if you are looking for superhuman meets Indiana Jones kinda theme, but take it with a grain of salt that it might not be the most descriptive as far as world building.
May 7, 2018
I read Boy X by Dan Smith
It was a very interesting book with lots of mystery and action
A boy named Ash wakes up on a tropical island
Not knowing where his mom is
Ash doesn't know where he is and what's he doing here
He is starting to hear things, that aren't even near
Everything is loud and he has improved senses
Ash starts to remember what happened to him
And the names of who drugged him and took him to the island
Ash starts to find people that try to help him off this island
But can ash use his senses and smarts to find out where his mom is and how to survive.
I recommend this to readers who love action and mystery
I rate this a 4 out of 5 because it really good
It was a very interesting book with lots of mystery and action
A boy named Ash wakes up on a tropical island
Not knowing where his mom is
Ash doesn't know where he is and what's he doing here
He is starting to hear things, that aren't even near
Everything is loud and he has improved senses
Ash starts to remember what happened to him
And the names of who drugged him and took him to the island
Ash starts to find people that try to help him off this island
But can ash use his senses and smarts to find out where his mom is and how to survive.
I recommend this to readers who love action and mystery
I rate this a 4 out of 5 because it really good
April 16, 2021
Ash can’t believe what he can see and hear. Where is he? Why is he in pyjamas? Where’s Mum? Who is the girl? Mum and Isabell’s father are trapped behind a glass wall. A dead security guy fills the hallway. The shutters are coming down on the whole building something evil is happening. Escape and get the antidote and survive are Ash and Isobel’s only option.
I enjoyed the pace of the story. It moves rapidly from set up, terrifying journey to final confrontation.
Recommended for tweens 10-14 who enjoy suspense, terror, and survival stories. The rapid pace makes it accessible for reluctant readers.
I enjoyed the pace of the story. It moves rapidly from set up, terrifying journey to final confrontation.
Recommended for tweens 10-14 who enjoy suspense, terror, and survival stories. The rapid pace makes it accessible for reluctant readers.
October 21, 2017
This book started strong, with Ash not having a clue where he was, or why he was there, running from adults, and then finding out his mom has fewer than 24 hours to live. It was up to him to find Zeus - a cure for Kronos - a virus that could wipe out the entire world. It was Ash's job (along with Isabel) to save the world. After this, the book dragged a bit for me, until suddenly I wanted to finish it. I did love that Ash's abilities seemed to have become super-human, and I loved that the animals knew who/what he was, as well.
August 23, 2019
An extreme and intriguing book, Boy X is a book about a boy who is implanted with howler monkey characteristics. His sense of smell, taste, hearing, and eyesight are amplified almost ten-fold. Using these skills he is able to protect and help his friends and family. Smith uses words, stunning actions, and thrilling danger to make this amazing novel. Not any grammatical, punctual, or spelling errors were noted. A great read for thrill and animal lovers, and an action lovers' paradise. Overall, one of the best books I have read.
September 8, 2018
What a fun book! Think "Mission Impossible" for kids. Were there plot holes? Oh sure. Was it somewhat unbelievable? Yeah, I guess. But you have to enjoy this book for what it is - nonstop action and excitement! The whole time I was reading it, I was thinking how much my boys are going to love it! And any book that gets my kids excited about reading is a gem, in my opinion.
January 12, 2020
If a reader isn't ready for the themes of The Hunger Games, but you think they would like the adventure of the arenas, this book is for them. There's suspense and adventure as the children seek answers and journey across a Costa Rican island alone, in search of a cure for a virus their parents have contracted.
January 6, 2018
"What makes this believable is that changing Ash is doing. Sure it's far fetched in our world, but it's what makes what's happening in the world of the book work.
A real kid thriller."
Excerpt from Original Content.
A real kid thriller."
Excerpt from Original Content.
July 23, 2019
It took me a few chapters to get into but only due to the genre. The idea of genetic adaptation is a major force in this story. A sort of YA Parasite Eve.
Not the best book, and lacking in some of the plot points, but engaging nonetheless.
Not the best book, and lacking in some of the plot points, but engaging nonetheless.
September 5, 2019
My 11 year old son and I read this book together and it was so fascinating to watch his excitement and bewilderment at each new stage. I thought it had a good message about perseverance and doing the right thing. Loved the twists at the end. Would love to read the sequel, if it's out.
September 17, 2019
it was really good! i actually don't much like 'jungle adventure' books like this but i gave it a try and it turned out so well!
the ending especially was really good and i loved the cliffhanger. 10/10 reccomend, it's really good.
the ending especially was really good and i loved the cliffhanger. 10/10 reccomend, it's really good.
September 13, 2024
3.5 stars
An interesting enough story for its middle grade target audience. A little slow paced for an adventure and somewhat disjointed in parts. The evolving friendship between Ash and Isabel was the best part of the book for me.
An interesting enough story for its middle grade target audience. A little slow paced for an adventure and somewhat disjointed in parts. The evolving friendship between Ash and Isabel was the best part of the book for me.
June 23, 2025
Fast paced and a good amount of action. I honestly forgot it was middle grade and how young Ash was, but it's probably because of the changes he was going through that it worked that way. You're kinda thrown into the thick of it, which makes it fun to find out what's happening.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews