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The Island That Didn't Exist
When twelve-year-old Rixon's great-uncle leaves him an island in his will, Rixon can't quite believe it. Things get even more confusing when the mysterious island can only be located on a very ancient map, and only then by using a big magnifying glass. Does the island actually exist? And if so, does it really belong to him? There's only one thing for it. Rixon is going to have to go there and find it for himself. And what he finds when he gets there might just hold the key to the future of the planet: four children hidden away from society with an altogether different set of values. But soon Rixon is fighting for his own life, left in a cave with a rising tide, floating out to sea on a leaky inflatable and fending off the attacks of a multimillionaire tech giant and his super yacht. Can Rixon keep the island's secrets? And will he even want to. . .?
- GenresChildrensMiddle Grade
256 pages, Paperback
Published May 7, 2020
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54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 13, 2020
The cover of this book is very telling, and after reading it, I realise how much it is spoiling. The almost obvious adventure the main character must be having within the book’s pages immediately put this book in my Adventure TBR list. Especially when I’m actively looking for an adventure book.
The story follows Rixon Webster. He has a set of divorced parents and his reactions to his mother’s actions suggest his struggles while adjusting to having separated parents. He was woken up by his mother one night, to be informed of the death of a Great Uncle Sylvester he never knew about. Puzzled, he went to the lawyer’s office with his mother to be read his great uncle’s will. His mother, expecting a fortune, was disappointed when she was told the money wouldn’t be going to her, and she was further convinced of her uncle’s lack of mental faculties when the lawyer told Rixon that he has inherited a non-existent island.
Rixon was understandably, suitably bothered by the island’s prominent presence in his mind. Yet, his mother didn’t believe the island ever existed at all. So when Rixon finally got his mother’s permission and company to go look for the island, but only met a ferryman who laughed at his request to be brought to the island, Rixon stole the ferryman’s boat and set off on the journey by himself the first opportunity he sees.
The story started out with a couple of clues in the form of a usb and a couple of newspaper clippings, and I was starting to worry about this being more of a mystery then adventure. I liked mystery just fine, but I was looking for a book that has more travelling and going on a journey rather than solving puzzles.
Rixon is a pretty fascinating character. His reactions to multiple things are braver than how I thought children could be. But who knows? If children were to be in a situation Rixon had found himself in, how well would they fare? Facing a group of seemingly stronger, bigger and more agile children, I think Rixon did splendidly. He entirely justified anger at Thorn after escaping the cave was exciting, and frankly, satisfying.
Which led me to thinking, and what I’m sure Rixon has been thinking the whole time, is it really the right thing to do to hide the children on this island for so long? Sylvester has taught the children to defend and protect themselves, but he mostly did everything himself. They were aggressive, resilient, united, but too naïve and ignorant of the outside world. It resulted in a situation where they couldn’t survive long if Rixon didn’t find his way to the island, but if they were to venture outside, they would definitely be out of their depth.
There were elements of bravery throughout the whole story. Rixon’s standing up to his father to do what he thinks is right; the children’s rallying and fighting against a common enemy and having the presence of mind to come up with a back-up plan; their admitting that they need help and someone to guide them. These children have fought and survived in conditions no other child should, and I’d like to imagine Rixon teaching them about compassion and sympathy beyond the story’s end.
There were elements of family as well. The children lost their parents, and they’ve formed a close-knit group and called each other family. Rixon’s parents were both still around, but the lack of concern in his father’s attitude led to Rixon’s following reluctance to listen to him in the end. In fact, the helicopter pilot Rixon’s father brought with him had more compassion for the children on the island than the father of one of them.
Each character were given a little bit of way to shine. When Rixon needed a friend, Rose was there. Thorn was the most difficult to win over, but he got there in the end. Faith, a seemingly accepting leader, was led by her jealousy for a while, and it frustrated me to no end. Russel, however, was intriguing. He was the most memorable out of the other three children, and yet, he spoke the least. Wilson did a good job depicting him with actions and gestures.
All in all, this book was a fascinating read. I enjoyed it leisurely, and was fast paced enough to ensure my attention for a couple of hours.
“you cannot pretend that something doesn’t exist when it does.”
The story follows Rixon Webster. He has a set of divorced parents and his reactions to his mother’s actions suggest his struggles while adjusting to having separated parents. He was woken up by his mother one night, to be informed of the death of a Great Uncle Sylvester he never knew about. Puzzled, he went to the lawyer’s office with his mother to be read his great uncle’s will. His mother, expecting a fortune, was disappointed when she was told the money wouldn’t be going to her, and she was further convinced of her uncle’s lack of mental faculties when the lawyer told Rixon that he has inherited a non-existent island.
Rixon was understandably, suitably bothered by the island’s prominent presence in his mind. Yet, his mother didn’t believe the island ever existed at all. So when Rixon finally got his mother’s permission and company to go look for the island, but only met a ferryman who laughed at his request to be brought to the island, Rixon stole the ferryman’s boat and set off on the journey by himself the first opportunity he sees.
The story started out with a couple of clues in the form of a usb and a couple of newspaper clippings, and I was starting to worry about this being more of a mystery then adventure. I liked mystery just fine, but I was looking for a book that has more travelling and going on a journey rather than solving puzzles.
Rixon is a pretty fascinating character. His reactions to multiple things are braver than how I thought children could be. But who knows? If children were to be in a situation Rixon had found himself in, how well would they fare? Facing a group of seemingly stronger, bigger and more agile children, I think Rixon did splendidly. He entirely justified anger at Thorn after escaping the cave was exciting, and frankly, satisfying.
Which led me to thinking, and what I’m sure Rixon has been thinking the whole time, is it really the right thing to do to hide the children on this island for so long? Sylvester has taught the children to defend and protect themselves, but he mostly did everything himself. They were aggressive, resilient, united, but too naïve and ignorant of the outside world. It resulted in a situation where they couldn’t survive long if Rixon didn’t find his way to the island, but if they were to venture outside, they would definitely be out of their depth.
There were elements of bravery throughout the whole story. Rixon’s standing up to his father to do what he thinks is right; the children’s rallying and fighting against a common enemy and having the presence of mind to come up with a back-up plan; their admitting that they need help and someone to guide them. These children have fought and survived in conditions no other child should, and I’d like to imagine Rixon teaching them about compassion and sympathy beyond the story’s end.
There were elements of family as well. The children lost their parents, and they’ve formed a close-knit group and called each other family. Rixon’s parents were both still around, but the lack of concern in his father’s attitude led to Rixon’s following reluctance to listen to him in the end. In fact, the helicopter pilot Rixon’s father brought with him had more compassion for the children on the island than the father of one of them.
Each character were given a little bit of way to shine. When Rixon needed a friend, Rose was there. Thorn was the most difficult to win over, but he got there in the end. Faith, a seemingly accepting leader, was led by her jealousy for a while, and it frustrated me to no end. Russel, however, was intriguing. He was the most memorable out of the other three children, and yet, he spoke the least. Wilson did a good job depicting him with actions and gestures.
All in all, this book was a fascinating read. I enjoyed it leisurely, and was fast paced enough to ensure my attention for a couple of hours.
“you cannot pretend that something doesn’t exist when it does.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2021
Loved this book.
Rixon inherits a island, but you can't see it on the map.
Yeap you need to investigate it.
What a wonderful adventure.
Great writer debut.
Rixon inherits a island, but you can't see it on the map.
Yeap you need to investigate it.
What a wonderful adventure.
Great writer debut.
March 14, 2021
An enjoyable read with some interesting ideas and concepts.
October 6, 2024
Spoko, ale nie porwało mnie
2,5/5⭐
2,5/5⭐
August 21, 2020
This was a great story, expertly plotted and with vivid, wonderful characters and descriptions. So imaginative and full of clever ideas and heartfelt insights. I enjoyed it immensely! It would be great for fans of Roald Dahl, Pseudonymous Bosch, and Blue Balliett. Rixon is a wonderful character, as are the other children on the island. The chapters are short and each is an exciting capsule of its own. This is the kind of book that could really get a kid hooked on reading. Bravo!!
April 18, 2022
Rixon and his mom are called to a lawyer's office for the reading of his Great-Uncle Silvester's will. Rixon never met his uncle, but his mom is quite excited because Uncle Silvester was rich and she's his closest living relative. To his mom's great disappointment, a seagull charity gets most of his uncle's wealth. To Rixon's great surprise, he is left with something else, an island. The lawyer has an ancient map with the island on it, but Rixon and his mom can't find any evidence that it exists anywhere else. His mom gives up, but Rixon is compelled to find out if the island, his land, is really real. He "borrows" a boat and sets out in the general area where his island should be. What he finds is surprising, unlikely, unexpected, and extremely complicated.
This was imaginative, hard to predict, and thus very refreshing. There's a little survival, a little mystery, and a good dose of suspense mixed in. It is rather hard to say more without spoilers. Hand this to kids who like adventure stories, survival stories, islands run by kids, and a touch of mystery.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Two people are injured by projectiles but very little blood or gore is described. A past ship sinking that resulted in fatalities is involved in the plot but the deaths are not described.
This was imaginative, hard to predict, and thus very refreshing. There's a little survival, a little mystery, and a good dose of suspense mixed in. It is rather hard to say more without spoilers. Hand this to kids who like adventure stories, survival stories, islands run by kids, and a touch of mystery.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Two people are injured by projectiles but very little blood or gore is described. A past ship sinking that resulted in fatalities is involved in the plot but the deaths are not described.
April 14, 2022
This is me of the books shortlisted in my school’s annual competition – the BCFA. I enjoyed this modern adventure story as a change from my usual historical fiction.
The story begins with main character Rixon who is 12 years old. His normal life suddenly changes when he discovers that his great-uncle has died and has left him something in his will. What could it be? Money, a house, gold? It’s none of these things. Rixon’s uncle Silvester has left him a whole island! The only problem is, no one knows where it is! It is a tiny speck on a very old map but other than that most people don’t believe it actually exists – including Rixon’s own mum. Rixon is determined to do whatever he can to find his island but it won’t be easy.
I really don’t want to spoil the adventure by saying much more about the plot. There is lots of action, a huge flock of seagulls, plenty of heroes and villains, some sneaky plot twists and a big mystery for you to enjoy – so give this book a try.
The story begins with main character Rixon who is 12 years old. His normal life suddenly changes when he discovers that his great-uncle has died and has left him something in his will. What could it be? Money, a house, gold? It’s none of these things. Rixon’s uncle Silvester has left him a whole island! The only problem is, no one knows where it is! It is a tiny speck on a very old map but other than that most people don’t believe it actually exists – including Rixon’s own mum. Rixon is determined to do whatever he can to find his island but it won’t be easy.
I really don’t want to spoil the adventure by saying much more about the plot. There is lots of action, a huge flock of seagulls, plenty of heroes and villains, some sneaky plot twists and a big mystery for you to enjoy – so give this book a try.
August 19, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has believable characters and lots of excitement to keep the reader hooked. Great plot twists and content that makes us realise that, in a material world, our initial thoughts regarding what we think we want isn't always what we need. This book also makes us question technology, it's place in society and it's power for both good and bad.
August 2, 2020
A riveting and thought-provoking read, The Island That Didn't Exist is, without a doubt, a summer must read! Perfectly paced and full of captivating cliff-hangers, action packed scenes, and wonderfully resilient characters, Joe Wilson expertly strips back the classic adventure story and brings to the forefront a timely narrative on the current climate crisis.
March 16, 2022
Well that's time spent reading I won't get back. Idea of hiding an island behind a giant sheet is ok but explaining parts you dont need to know mixed in with poor characters and wishy washy ideas. I just can't recommend. Sorry.
July 22, 2020
I read this from start to finish in one afternoon. Very exciting with lots of twists and turns.
August 3, 2020
Really excellent debut MG Adventure from Joe Wilson.
You can read my full review here: https://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home...
You can read my full review here: https://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home...
September 2, 2021
3.75 stars.
July 6, 2022
This was a good book for children who like mystery and want a good chapter book that hooks you in ❤️
June 12, 2020
Interesting story and pacey plot with a message about power, consumption and environmental themes. It lacked that something special though that hooks an adult into a children's book but it's definitely one for young readers to enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews