Island Games: Mystery of the Four Quadrants

by Caleb J. Boyer

When two boys wake up on a mysterious island, survival becomes more than a game...Matthew and Ryan have no idea where they are. After waking up on a sandy beach with no clue how they got there, they realize they have no supplies, no shelter, and no way of escaping the creepy island. Their only chance of surviving the terrors of the night requires counting on each other...

As Matthew and Ryan explore their new surroundings, they discover there's more to the island than meets the eye. The boys must face off against a series of challenges that test their strength, their smarts, and their friendship...

When the pressure to make it through each obstacle threatens to tear them apart, Matthew and Ryan must fight to keep their friendship and their lives...

Island Games is the first book in a series of fast-paced Young Adult adventures. If you like shocking twists, edge-of-your-seat action, and stories of true friendship, then you'll love Caleb J. Boyer's tropical tale.

Buy Island Games today to set sail for an incredible adventure!

Genres: Young Adult, Adventure, Science Fiction, Fiction

198 pages, Paperback

Published December 20, 2017

Reviews

[Aakanksha Jain · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am the eye of the storm; I can stay calm & centered regardless of anything.

It's a story about two boys Ryan and Matthew. One day they woke up on a mysterious island with no clue how they got there. They have no food, water or shelter to hide. But they have to survive and find a way to escape from the creepy island.

The story is fast-paced, but I don't like the way the story end or some dialogue between the main characters. The story is based on the imagination of the 12-year-old author. The author tried very well, but I believe he can do better. I recommend this book to children only.

Full review here - https://www.bookscharming.com/2018/02...

[Bobbi · Rating 1 out of 5]

In all honestly, friends, I would hold off on reading Boyer a little longer. This kid has great aspirations and good taste, but his work just doesn't show it yet. The first installment of Island Games is rife with repetitive language, poor characterization, and cornerstones lifted right out of the Hunger Games, but for a middle-schooler, it's not bad fare. Unless he's a family member or friend, I would wait to take the time to read one of his books until he has some more experience.

[jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

for full review, visit: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...

this book is something that probably only works for a much younger audience. it has a good message and the premise is interesting, but it could use a lot more development.

my biggest qualm was the ending, or complete and utter lack thereof. i understand what he was trying to do, because he explained it, but readers need something, some form of answers. and in this we were offered nothing, so it left a very unsatisfied feeling after finishing the book.

[M F · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, am I terrible person if I write a bad review of this book? Because I really, really didn't like it and I thought it was really poorly written. But I also thought, while reading it, "Hey, this would be a great book if it was written by an eleven-year-old!" because that's what it felt like. And then, upon finishing it, I discovered that the author was literally twelve when he wrote this and NOW I FEEL BAD.

But I absolutely loathed the writing style, and the lack of resolution at the end annoyed me. So. It's getting 1* -- which literally never happens.

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the premise of this story. It is a very positive book that focuses on friendship and fighting even when we are down. The writing style is understandable, with a lot of self-deprecating humor. Moreover, the author described well the juxtaposition of two opposite characters. They are so different at first but so similar to things that matter and connected through their strong friendship. I loved to read the story through their innocent eyes as they question their own life and the choices they make. My favorite moment is when Ryan realizes that material things are not as important. His focus was on what he didn’t have in comparison with his classmates. He changes his outlook and gets a different perspective on life.
It is a praiseworthy fact that the author of this book is so young. He wrote this book at 12 years old. Nevertheless, dialogue needs more work. It is the weakest point of this book. The story ends with a cliffhanger. There should be more books after this one, and the author explains why it ended this way. However, it is unfortunate for the readers as it leaves a couple of questions unanswered, and it is unsatisfying. Besides, we never learn how and why they end up on the island.
I would recommend this book to middle-grade children. They can relate the best to the experiences of these characters.

[Sudasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to be shared via onlinebookclub.org.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a book written by a 12-year-old, it's pretty good and would get 4 stars if being rated against books written by other 12-year-olds. Caleb J. Boyer should be proud of his accomplishments. HOWEVER, I have to rate this book as if I didn't know who the author was, going purely by how it was written and comparing it to other Teen/YA books. Therefore, I give it 3 stars.

Although the premise of the book is interesting, it was definitely verbose, and the dialogue was a bit unrealistic. No one screams "Ah! Dude! There's a beast breathing on your face!" when there's a scary-looking lion murder creature thing towering over you, about to kill you while you sleep. Realistically, that person would just scream or be frozen in fear, whether in real life or in a fictional novel. It has to be believable. There were too many of these instances where dialogue was unnatural and forced that I couldn't ignore them.

The story moved along at a good pace and it was slightly reminiscent of The Hunger Games or Ready Player One, so for those who have enjoyed those books, this might be another book for you to try. However, remember the age of the author and adjust your expectations accordingly. I realize that there was an underlying message to this book and that it was just as much about learning lessons in life as it was taking the book at face value, but I've read a ton of books in my time, and I just wasn't captivated. Regardless, I'd like to see what Caleb J. Boyer comes up with as he gets older, more experienced, and more accomplished as a writer.

[Laura-Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the popular story written by 12 year old Caleb J. Boyer about two best friends who are washed up on an uninhabited island. The teenage boys discover that they are in tons of trouble, not only forced to fend for themselves but they have to overcome several terrifying and life threatening challenges, with a great deal of their memories gone.

It is a quick paced, suspenseful YA story but it is set apart because of it's foundation of life lessons, morals and deeper meanings. Especially about God, family and friendship. I found the dialogue between the boys a bit stilted and somewhat unrealistic, especially given the life threatening circumstances they were in. I doubt if you're facing death you would take the moment to go into an air guitar rendition. And I felt like the basic premise had been done before. Especially if you are a fan of Fantasy or Sci-Fi stories. I instantly thought of the Hunger Games and tons of books and movies I've seen as well as a lot of Star Trek episodes.

But I'm still happy to recommend it because it's well written and entertaining and worth your time. There is no sex or foul language and the violence is mild and justifiable. (And it will probably soon be made into a movie.) If you have a few hours for fun and relaxation why not spend it on the island with these likeable boys as they over come lots of challenges just to stay alive, try to figure out the puzzle of what is exactly going on and learn to become even better friends.

Thanks for reading another of my reviews.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

[O'Train Disene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two boys, Matthew and Ryan, find themselves on an island. They don't know how they got there, and they don't know anything about their past—their memories are literally wiped off. They have to see how they survive by themselves on this strange island.

I love books set in an island. I feel like that grounds the plot, make it not run away, and get the things correctly. But I am afraid that was not the case with this book. It left me with many questions than answers. It cannot be that two people don't know how they got there, and in the middle of the book, when the memories seem to be creeping in, and strange and unexplainable things start happening, it ends like that. I understand that it is one in the series, but each instalment must have their answers. And the note by the author made the whole thing worse. If it wasn't there, at least I would have rated the book one star higher, but now I just feel patronised. Likening what is happening to Matthew and Ryan to the mystery of our lives is a bit of a stretch.

Otherwise the adventures of the duo are amazing and entertaining. They go through all types of obstacles, and at the end they are rewarded with food, water, and—wait for it—keys! These keys are not the same. There are wooden, ice, and I forgot the other ones. That's all it had to offer.

[Mandi Schneck · Rating 2 out of 5]

Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer follows two teenage boys, Matthew and Ryan, after they are randomly dropped on a desert island and forced to survive a series of traps and solve puzzles to try to escape the island. The boys soon discover that truly working together is their only hope for survival. As the story progresses, the boys are transported to different quadrants on the island, ranging from tropical to desert, prairie to frozen tundra. Each quadrant comes with its own set of challenges, which when successfully passed results in a bounty of supplies for the boys designed only to last until the next test.

I think this book is decent as a middle grade, but way too juvenile to be really considered young adult. The reading level and vocabulary just aligns much better with 6-8 grade than 9-12. The characters to me also acted more in the middle grade age range than high school range. Matthew and Ryan were smart, but also acted incredibly juvenile. In a life or death situation like survival on an island, I would hope there would be more seriousness and planning and less joking around. Yes, humor is a way to make light of a difficult time, but sometimes it just didn't suit the situation in this story.

The plot and overall concept were excellent. I think it's an interesting survival mix of the plot and excitement of The Hunger Games and the relationship building and conflict in Lord of the Flies. The writing, however, was less than fantastic. It was basic and extremely repetitive. Yes, I do have to acknowledge that the author is only 12 years old, but unfortunately that's pretty obvious from the writing. Boyer uses the exact same phrases over and over within the same paragraph, and I'm pretty sure if one of the characters said "Wow!" one more time I would have thrown the book across the room. Boyer would have greatly benefited from the use of a thesaurus.

I was also really displeased with the ending. It ended as if there was going to be another book, but there was no clarity in the author's note or anything else as to when that is actually happening (although the Amazon page definitely says this is the first in a series). So many questions were left up in the air without any clarification. I hate finishing a book and not knowing what happens, especially if I don't know when I can anticipate the next installment. Island Games was still an interesting and fun story, but unfortunately just didn't live up to my expectations of good writing.

Overall Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars

Thanks to Online Book Club for digital access to this novel! Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer is out now.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Island Games: Mystery of the Four Quadrants is the debut adventure novel from twelve year old Caleb J. Boyer. Two best friends, Ryan and Matthew wake up on a mysterious unknown Island with no memory of how they got there. The boys must work together if they want to survive.

This is a fun and entertaining story which can be enjoyed by all manner of age groups, ranging from kids, to teens, and even adults. It reminds me of books such as The Hunger Games or The Maze Runner, and would appeal to fans of these type of gaming, survival or mystery stories.

You can read the full review at OnlineBookClub.org here:
https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

This book has adventure and excitement from page 1. I like how the characters have to overcome challenges throughout the book. I wonder what's going to happen next?

[Sahani Perera, The Book Sherpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the author's age, this is one of the best grammar free issue book I have read, so far. Excellent editorial quality!

[Eirelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

***HERE, THERE BE SPOILERS***

Right from the beginning, this felt like a novel geared towards the juvenile audience, and I was about a third of the way through before I found out that this book was written by a twelve-year-old (and was, thus, a juvenile book, despite the genre not showing that when I downloaded!). Well, no wonder. As an adult, I don't typically read juvenile fiction, but I was already curious to find out where the book was headed, so I continued nonetheless.

Boyer is imaginative and has a knack for descriptions. The plot of this book has potential, and given some more practice, I think he could create a much tighter story line. There were a couple of things that really bothered me throughout, however:

1) The frequent passages containing narration of an observation, immediately followed by dialogue saying the exact same thing (e.g. "Matthew wondered what that shiny object was up ahead. 'Ryan, what is that shiny object up ahead?'"; "Ryan thought he might pass out from the excitement. 'Matthew, I think I might pass out from the excitement!'"). There were so many passages like that.

2) How the narration lumped the boys together quite often, considering what they were doing or how they were feeling. ("The boys took a running leap and jumped into the water at the same time."; "The boys were so hungry that they couldn't wait to rip into the food packets.") There were loads of lines like that throughout. Those lines made them seem like the same person half of the time, which magnified the fact that they were not fleshed out enough individually.

However, I think the biggest problem for me was that this book was not finished. It didn't show them leaving the island, it didn't show them returning home (I assume to their families???), it didn't explain the significance of the room they would dream/wake up into or who was approaching while one of them (was it Matthew? I can't even remember because they were both so similar) hid beneath the computer desk.

I saw that there was a link to a website that supposedly exposes all of the island's secrets, but it requires an e-mail address which I don't feel like I should have to provide in order to receive the conclusion of a book I just spent a couple of hours reading. The ending was as huge disappointment, and the "secret link" feels like such a cop-out. It was as though the author forgot to fully wrap it up before publication and then tried to remedy that by writing up explanations and tacking on a link, hoping it would come off as an interesting gimmick rather than forgetfulness or confusion about how to write a conclusion.

With all that being said...I am keeping in mind that this book was not only geared toward a juvenile reading level, but was also written by a 12-year-old, which is an impressive feat. Therefore, I am giving it a GR rating of 3 stars (despite the fact that I'd personally rate it lower for that non-ending).

[Iyanla Best-Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

In Island Games, two boys, Matthew and Ryan, find themselves stranded on a beach, with no memories of how they got there, nor of their place in the outside world except one another. Something seems off about this island though, and their attempts to seek rescue fall flat. Many challenges face the boys in their frantic bid for survival, including finding suitable sources of food and water every day, and ensuring that they don’t succumb to their hazardous surroundings. However, the puzzles the boys face seem far too planned, and questions quickly arise on the truth behind how they made it to this island in the first place, who may have put them there, and why.
Island Games was the first book written by, at the time, 12 year old writer Caleb J. Boyer. Unfortunately and slightly as expected from a writer of his age, the story comes across as very juniville. Despite being marketed as a YA novel, it seems like it would be much better suited to ten to twelve year olds rather than young adults. The dialogue is clunky and doesn’t fit the high schoolers that the protagonists are supposed to be. It very much feels like the imagined conversations teenagers would have but from the perspective of a child. There were a lot of jarring tone shifts where something very serious was either happening or about to happen, and one of the characters would make an inappropriately timed joke which would always destroy any tension that had built.
Action sequences were often unclear, and it could be very hard to understand what was happening before the scene was over. The whole story also felt very rushed, which didn’t help with the unclear lines of action. Problems would be introduced for the protagonists and solved within the same paragraph, giving the reader no time to actually worry or care about the characters. The language used throughout was also heavily repetitive and made the text a lot harder of a slog to get through than it necessarily could have been.
The character development in this book is also basically non-existent. Both boys go through the same character journeys every puzzle they face and come to the same conclusion, only to forget it ever happened by the next puzzle and repeat the cycle.
It also suffers from a severe lack of research on many of the topics it covers, i.e. how long it takes to actually starve, how long it takes to get hypothermia or heat stroke, which also makes many parts of the book jarring to read.

All in all, it is what it is: a book written by a 12 year old. And while it’s very impressive that one so young wrote such a long book, it may have been one better reserved to his English classes, rather than being published for the rest of the world.
I wouldn’t recommend reading this book as it is, especially not its intended audience of older teens/young adults, but hopefully with age and more experience, I’m sure this author has bigger and better things coming down the line for him.

[Denial · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale of friendship and how it can save you.

Most everybody has mentioned it to death, I know, but it's hard to ignore the elephant in the room. This book was written by a twelve year old. That is IMPRESSIVE. Overall I found this book to be a great first book, but I'll have to admit that if I didn't account for the author's age I would have given it a three. That he's only twelve and that this is his first work; that it reads like Maze Runner whose author is more seasoned, is what really impressed me. That's why I give it a four. I'll also add that I agree with what many other review's have said. The dialogue needs some honing in, however it's also true that this author is budding and shows promise, so I'm very willing to be forgiving.

Now that that's out of the way, I'll talk about just the book as a book.

The book had me appreciating friendships, and thinking that what one can't do, two probably can. I'll have to confess though, sometimes I felt that the friendship of Matthew and Ryan felt (and fell) flat. It was often being described as fact, instead of shown with acts, though there were a few flashbacks. Many times the descriptions were just that, instead of elements to draw out the story. Many times the narrative said one thing which was then said again with dialogue.

That said, this book surprised me with the author's note. I might even advise to read that first and then the story. I think it adds a really nice tone to the experience and in my opinion makes the journey much more enjoyable.

I'm not usually into adventure/mystery type reads, but this one was intriguing with the element of memory loss and odd visions. I'll be honest though, sometimes they were just confounding and took me out of the story, but sometimes they worked and had me wondering how they wove in.

Overall this book is ok, but as I've said this isn't my genre of choice so don't take my criticism as a harsh one; as I don't usually care for these types of books it can really be read more as praise. I would recommend this book to someone who likes adventures, puzzles, and mysteries much like Maze Runner, but if you don't like many descriptions or aren't into those things I just listed, then this probably isn't the book for you.

Overall I liked this book and would recommend it to those who like the type. I hope this author keeps writing and improving.

[Ksandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5 Stars

RTC but suffice it to say I was kind of disappointed.

Review originally posted through onlinebookclub.org here

Two teenage boys awaken on a strange island with no memories other than those centered around their friendship. On this island Matthew and Ryan are subjected to multiple deadly trials that seem designed to tear them apart- usually emotionally but sometimes literally. And they must rely on their friendship to help them survive as they deal with those trials, along with figuring out how to restore their memories and find the persons responsible for the whole terrifying game.

Island Games: Mystery of the Four Quadrants by Caleb J. Boyer is, at its core, a story centered around unwavering friendship. And Boyer creates the teen boys' friendship beautifully. Readers can totally understand that Matthew and Ryan have known each other for a long time. They have that almost mean banter that most people have with their friends, especially during their teenage years. I think the portrayed friendship is one of my favorite aspects of this novel simply due to how mundane and human it is. I found myself rooting for the boys due to how human they were.

I will say that the writing style throughout this was both a positive and negative aspect for me. It starts off rather juvenile as Boyer leads readers into this world and the minds of the characters. But once I was a few chapters in, his writing came alive and pulled me deeper into this intricate plot Boyer creates. I will say that I had no idea what the ultimate twist would be. I had many theories, but could not guess it right away. That was certainly a positive since I really dislike knowing what is supposed to happen way before the ultimate reveal.

Sadly, another negative aspect of this novel was how packed together it was. Though there were many trials the boys went through, many of them were not very fleshed out. Each one seemed to last for no more than a chapter which kept pulling me out of the story. It felt as though Boyer had so many ideas that he wanted to cram together in one cohesive story that just ended up being very muddled. There was an allegory at the end that was good, but overall I felt that the novel had a very unfinished feel to it

[Joanna Sprite · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Island Games" by Caleb J. Boyer is an engaging adventure novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through various dangerous and mysterious quadrants on a deserted island. The story follows two best friends, Matthew and Ryan, who must navigate a series of perilous challenges while trying to uncover the mystery behind their predicament and find a way off the island.

One of the strengths of this book is its fast-paced and action-packed narrative. The author does a commendable job of creating suspense and maintaining a sense of urgency throughout the book. The diverse settings (from a jungle to a desert, prairie, and highlands) add an interesting dynamic to the story, keeping it fresh and exciting. The vivid descriptions of the environments and the challenges the boys face help to immerse the reader in the adventure.

Another positive aspect is the development of the friendship between Matthew and Ryan. Their camaraderie and teamwork are central to the story, and their interactions feel authentic and relatable. The growth of their relationship, as they learn to trust and rely on each other, adds depth to the narrative and makes their journey more compelling.

However, there are a few areas where the book could be improved. The character development, while decent, could have been more nuanced. At times, the characters' reactions and dialogues feel a bit repetitive and predictable. Additionally, the constant cycle of facing challenges and immediately finding food and water as rewards becomes somewhat formulaic and reduces the overall suspense.

The editing of the book is generally good, with only a few minor typos and grammatical errors. While the story is well-paced, the climax and resolution feel somewhat rushed. The final chapters, particularly the escape from the volcano, could have been more fleshed out to provide a more satisfying conclusion.

Overall, it is an entertaining read that will appeal to fans of adventure and survival stories. While it has its flaws, the book's imaginative settings and the strong bond between the protagonists make it worth reading. With more polished character development and a less predictable plot structure, it could have been an outstanding novel. As it stands, it is a solid, enjoyable book that delivers an exciting adventure.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that the author of this book is rather young. He is clearly a bright child with a promising future in writing. However, if this book had been written by an adult, I would have given it fewer stars. The book had several repetitive statements and some of the dialogue appeared to be awkward/forced. Right away, I could tell the book would be better suited for a juvenile audience. Since the author is so young, I find his writing and ability to form an excellent plot to be rather impressive and I have kept his age in mind while writing this review.

The book starts out with two young boys stranded on an Island. The boys have no memory of how they got on the island, and they must survive by working together. The boys are forced to solve a series of puzzles in order to escape, and as the book progresses the boys are moved to different quadrants around the island. The book jumps right into the action in the beginning when the boys are attacked by a shark as they try to review supplies. This book is action-packed, face paced and light-hearted, but older readers will have to get past the juvenile writing.

I am fond of the concept of this book, but I do think the author should have taken more time to write it. The plot was exciting, and could easily hold the attention of a younger audience. It should be noted that I am not the age of the targeted audience and the awkward writing was hard for me to ignore. The characters were unrelatable to me and but I believe a younger audience would have found the characters amusing and likable. I enjoyed the fact that the two boys worked together, even though they occasionally squabbled. I also believe the characters offered a few positives messages for younger readers such as the idea that working together will provide a better outcome. I am happy to see that this book also promotes teamwork and personal growth for younger readers.

In addition, this book had a rather abrupt ending. The quick-paced writing and action kept my interest throughout the book, but I was put off by the ending. The sudden ending leads me to believe the author is planning on writing a second book, but it could have been written more eloquently.

Thank you Online Book Club for granting me digital access to this book!

[Amanda Penley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Island Games By Caleb J. Boyer
1.5/5 STARS
Synopsis
Two teenage boys Matthew and Ryan mysteriously wake up on an island with no recollection of how they got there, or of any memories, save for knowing they're best friends. They must work together to try and make it off the island, the plot thickens when the island keeps changing. The boys can't help but think that they've been abducted and placed on the island to play a sick survival game.
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I did not enjoy this book at all; when I started reading it I was immediately lost and confused. The book goes back and forth between past and present with absolutely no introduction at all. There does not seem to be much of a plot or climax to the book. Every little plot twist was the same as the one before it. Typically, Ryan would run headlong into some kind of trap/trouble, and Matthew would caution him, and eventually, the boys would realize that they were meant to complete tasks together as a team.

The writing was not easy to follow and what I did follow did not make much sense. The teenage boys, who I would say are written more like 12-year-old boys, have no memory of their past, but for some reason can remember playing video games with each other, and that their best friends?

The ending of the book is anti-climatic. The story ends with the boys in the same plot twist that had happened multiple times, they were being moved on the island once again. The way it was written you can tell the author tried setting the story up for a sequel, however, the ending was not much of a cliffhanger. It did not make me want to come back for a second go-around.

What I did appreciate about the novel was how the author tried to impart values to the readers. For example, The book tried to demonstrate the importance and value of teamwork and the appreciation of the little things in life, like not taking things like food for granted.
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I gave this novel 1.5/5 stars as I thought the novel was poorly written and left me asking too many questions. I had to go back and reread the same page multiple times as I had thought I had skipped a page or a chapter. But the values imparted onto the readers were expressed. I would say a general audience between 10-12 years of age would be suitable for this book.

[Nicole Dunton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matthew and Ryan are transported to a mysterious island. They have no idea where they are and they can't remember anything about where they came from. Together they must face many obstacles in order to earn what they need and to get through the island unscathed. Can they work together to get through it successfully? Or are they doomed from the start?

I want to start out by saying that I believe that most of the reason I didn't like this book is that I'm older than the target audience of this book. To be fair, I'm way older than the author of this book. So, my not caring much for this book doesn't reflect on the author or this book as much as it does my age and my preferences in reading. I wish I had liked it better than I did. The idea behind the novel was amazing. It was creative and unique.

The story itself was pretty clever. I just feel there were a few inconsistencies. I can't get into too many of them without completely ruining this story for people. There are just points in the book that stuff happens that made me confused because it shouldn't have happened due to other events that happened around it. I also feel that it was a bit hasty in parts it should have been in more detail about. I also feel that the time lapses were a little too excessive too.

The characters were not very easy to connect with. They squabble through the whole book. I get that they were kids and best friends, but I really feel like the squabbling was way over exaggerated. Plus, one moment they were being really childish and annoying and the next they were being super serious and adult like. I get they were kids but the back and forth with the maturity made me question a lot of aspects of this book.

All in all, I give this book 2 out of 4 stars (2.5 out of 5). I wanted to like this book. The idea behind the book was amazing. The fact that the author is still a kid is also amazing! I just feel like it could use another edit. It could use more execution of the idea as well. With that said, I'd still recommend this book. It seems like it would be a great book for middle-grade children. It would be a fun read for them.

[Olivia Pratt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has an interesting plot, but the characters leave much to be desired.

Two best friends, Matthew and Ryan, wake up on a deserted island with nothing but the clothes on their backs and vague memories of their previous lives. Before long, they discover that the island is riddled with mysteries such as the hostile beasts in the forest and terrifying hidden portals between sections of the island. In each new section that the boys encounter, they undertake challenges that yield loot such as food and keys, whose purposes are initially unknown. Along the way, the boys try to piece together how they came to be on the island and what it’s going to take for them to escape.

There is plenty to love about this thoughtful plot. The setting for each quadrant of the island is believable and enjoyable to read about. The challenges, although predictable, are interesting.

The dialogue in this book is juvenile and rife with jokes about bodily functions. The characters were extremely flat, due in part to the fact that there are no formative memories that aid the reader in connecting to the characters.

Another aspect of the book that is problematic is the characters’ inexplicable awareness of the limitations of the challenges they face. Near the end of the book, characters go from wondering how they got to the island and how they are going to get off to suddenly begin referring to the sections of the island as “quadrants,” even determining that their journey must be coming to an end as they reach the fourth one based on absolutely no new information. Not even the reader is privy to how the characters came to this conclusion.

The ending of this book is anticlimactic. It cuts off abruptly in the middle of what feels like the climax. At the end of the book, the author leans heavily on the author’s note to “wrap-up” the book with some religious-themed remarks about how the entire story was actually a metaphor for life.

All in all, I cannot mark this book any higher due to the plot holes and character development. However, the book was well-edited and had an interesting plot. Recommended for young YA readers.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story follows two teenage boys as they try to navigate an island they suddenly woke up on. With no memories besides each other, these two friends are faced with multiple tasks on how to get back home. While the boys do have their differences at first, they soon realize they can only get back home if they work together.
This book contains action, friendship, and puzzle-solving mysteries.
Note: It is an amazing fact that the author wrote this book when they were just 12 years old.
That being said, one can definitely tell it was written by a young kid. The dialogue can use a bit of work and was quite unrealistic at times. There was a lot of immature banter and lines that can be very tiring for a more mature audience.
With that, I had a very hard time determining what age the main characters were due to their juvenile vocabulary, and I pictured them at a much younger age.
However, the plot is paced fairly well, and the book is a nice, easy read that reminisces of the Hunger Games or Ready Player One.
I would keep in mind that the author was only 12 when they wrote this book; that way, one can appreciate their work that much more.
The book does end on a cliffhanger, which the author explains in the acknowledgments, which I was a little surprised about, but I did think it was a clever ending.
While the dialogue did navigate from the serious situation the characters were in, I believe that this book would be enjoyed by middle schoolers interested in sci-fi or fantasy due to its lighthearted takeaway.
Overall, I give this book a 3 out of 5. While I was entertained by the plot and premise of this book, due to the immature and repetitive nature of the text I believe it will be more enjoyed by a younger audience.
I do think the author should be very proud of their work, and I hope that when the author is older, they will continue writing and publishing.

[NICODESO · Rating 3 out of 5]

This adventure fantasy novel starts on a strange, beautiful note with childhood buddies Matthew and Ryan finding themselves washed ashore on a desert island. Part of the first chapter felt like sequences from a lucid dream where the boys even did reality checks like pinching themselves.

At first, Island Games seems like a regular CAST AWAY kind of story with the usual tropes: living off fruits and fish, rubbing wood to start fires, exposure to inclement weather, S.O.S signals to passing ships etc., but then the fantastical elements kick in as the friends find themselves whisked into different quadrants: jungle, prairie, desert, and highlands. There's a good bit of magical realism too - a key made of ice that doesn't melt!

Mid-way through the book, the whole plot becomes extremely predictable and there is little left to the imagination. The book begins to feel like a video game simulation where the boys realize they need to work as a team to beat the obstacles, and earn themselves food packets and water. It's a repetitive cycle of events, and as an adult reader I was ready to put it down.

What works -

The book's saving grace is the friendship between the boys, kind of nameless and grey. Also, beautiful descriptions of them sleeping at night under shooting stars, a crackling fire, listening to the sound of the pounding surf.

There are some interesting themes too: visualization, manifesting, prophetic visions that foreshadow doom. Pre teens and teenagers would find it an enjoyable and relatable book, and the young author Caleb has done well for a 12 year-old.

I just feel that a thorough developmental edit would've taken care of the repetitive nature of the plot.

[Ash Lynwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alright Book but far from the best

At first I was going to be a lot more harsh on this novel but then I found out it was written by a 12 y/o. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not gonna make a nice review just because the author is a child, but I will be much more forgiving of some of the problems I had with the novel.

First, Caleb, if by some miracle you see this review, I hope you are still writing. This was a great attempt at a first book, and for being as young as you were, I am thoroughly impressed. While there were many long sentences and was at times hard to read easily, it is still better then books I have seen written by adults three times your age. Keep honing your craft, and I look forward to your next novel.

Now, for my opinion of Island Games. The premise and plot of the novel, while not a unique idea, was still fleshed out fairly well. It kept my attention and once I got used to the writing style, I did not find myself getting nearly as distracted by rereading sentences longer then the one I am currently reading.

Secondly, I appreciated the friendship aspect but the dialogue most of the time was just unbelievable. The way the two main characters talked with one another felt stunted, and hopefully that will be improved upon in future books.

Thirdly, there was just a bit too much telling versus showing when it came to characters and the environment. Everything stayed static for the most time, there was no real development, and it just left you feeling kind of let down at the end.

Overall, it was an alright book, and I’ll read the next book when it comes out, but I’m hoping it will be greatly improved. It’s a solid 3 out of 5 stars.

[lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am torn and heartbroken that Mr. boyer hasn't released a sequel. But I like to think that maybe he started writing a while ago, but it's taking a long time to release. Sigh.

I am a young, aspiring writer myself. I don't think Caleb, despite being 12 when he published this book, is exempt from criticism. He's got a long way to go, and I have faith he has become a better writer.

Island Games is about two best friends that get thrown onto an island, forced to test their friendship with games.

Matthew and Ryan are supposedly best friends, but Ryan is already pissed at Matthew on the second chapter. Strange, aren't they friends? Isn't this just forced drama?

This happens a lot throughout the book. Just:

"I HATE YOU! I NEVER WANT TO SEE YOUR FACE EVER AGAIN!"
-Ryan / Matthew

They work together etc.

"Ok, sorry bro, we cool now."
-Ryan/Matthew

Ryan, despite Matthew's constant warnings, is always doing the same stuff time and time again. They get barely any development in their friendship.

Ryan has this cool quote, but the delivery of it is disappointing. And there are so many other things I could talk about and complain about, but I actually admire Boyer. I admire him for having the motivation to write a novel and express his ideas and creativity. I love his perseverance.

I'm just paraphrasing Ryan's quote, but,

"I am the eye of the storm. I stay calm regardless of anything."

I'll always keep that in mind. I was thinking of giving this book one star, but I admire Boyer too much. He has an imagination broader than mine (although cliched). Thank you, Boyer.

[Lisa Cashen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Island Games: Mystery of the Four Quadrants is an action and adventure novel written by debut author Caleb J Boyer. The novel follows best friends, Matthew and Ryan, who find themselves on a deserted beach with almost no memories. While trying to escape from the island, they encounter many obstacles and find themselves fighting in life-or-death situations.

I loved the strong themes of friendship and teamwork in this novel. I really enjoyed following the journey of the two boys and seeing how they overcame their obstacles. The action and humour in the novel are perfect for the targeted audience.

There were a few downsides to the novel for me. The dialogue is stilted; I found it difficult to believe any teenage boy would talk in such a manner. The overuse of the exclamation mark became a big sore point for me; you could remove 3/4 of them and still get the same point across. The author also uses a lot of repetition. Many things are described by the narrator and then repeated by one of the boys.

Despite the downsides, I think this novel works well for its targeted audience. The author was only 12 years old when he wrote this novel, and I am excited to see how he develops as an author as he grows up and learns more techniques.

You can read my full review here - https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is definitely intended for a younger male audience. I would put it in the 8-10 year old age group.
It is definitely intended to be on a simpler level of Maze Runner vein. It is a multi-level, video game brought to life story line. It is a very simple setup. They have a challenge, they overcome it, they get a reward.
A good example of the rather immature dialogue, upon seeing the most beautiful area: “Wow! The whole ground looks like a unicorn farted rainbow flowers all over it. This is so amazing, I almost peed my pants!”
I was willing to tolerate the immature, repetitive, and predictable writing style given the age level, but the ending left me unsatisfied. It certainly isn’t your typical conclusion. The mechanics of how the characters ended up there or how the ‘game’ works is never explained. It ends with a philosophical answer for the lack of explanation. This response felt thin. To me it felt like the author came to the end and, instead of coming up with an explanation for the world they had created, came up with a philosophical cop out.
Maybe I’m being a little harsh given the age level. I imagine most 8-to-12-year-olds would know the difference, although I would imagine the lack of conclusive ending would be distracting for most.

[Jessica Dingus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. It reminded me of Maze Runner and the tv survival show, The Wheel. Most importantly, this book had a lot of good life lessons everyone could learn from, especially at the end of the book in the section, The Message from the Author. The most important message this book sends is the importance of teamwork and working together with a partner through difficult situations.
Many of the similes and metaphors used for descriptions were slightly distracting when I first started reading this book, which is the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars. Also, we never find out exactly how or why the boys ended up on the island. However, I appreciate the author's explanation for the ending in his message from the author.
Some of the valuable life lessons I appreciated include:
"A warrior acts in spite of fear and is willing to do whatever it takes, even if it's hard. A warrior is bigger than any obstacle and never gives up."
"Focus on what you want and not on what you don't want; create clear intentions and commit to them."
"I am the eye of the storm; I stay calm and centered regardless of anything."
"...., they had experienced the unknown, stepped past the fear, and remained centered in the challenge. "

[Jacqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

Island Games is a standalone novel and written by a young man who was so inspired at a young age by reading, that he wanted to write a book to share his ideas with the world. Island Games is the product of these ideas and was published when he was 12 years old.

Matthew and Ryan, who are best friends, wake up one day to find themselves stranded on a beach in the middle of nowhere, with no recollection as to how they got there. As they search for food, water and any means of survival they find themselves being moved between different environments and having to battle strange creatures and overcoming their own fears. As they complete tasks that they believe will get them off the island, they realise that their friendship and working together to a common goal is the key to getting out of there.

The book has a bit of a Hunger Games/ Mazerunner feel to it. You can tell that the tale it written by a younger author, but the concept and indeed the message the author learns about life, friendship and working to where you want to go is very important. A light afternoon read recommended for YA readers.