The Islander: A Romance of the Future

by Charles Whittlesey

In 2155 there are two Americas: one for the wealthy and one for the poor. The wealthy control most of the land and all the technology, while the poor lead short and squalid lives confined to the remnants of America's collapsed cities, known as Islands. The two cultures collide when Galen Fairchild, a young Islander, falls in love with Mata Vandermere, the daughter of a prosperous family from the modern city of Stratis. Galen and Mata struggle to stay together in the face of daunting opposition from family, friends, and many other forces. Their troubles finally lead them into the ghostlike ruins of downtown Minneapolis, where no Islander dares to go. Inside the crumbling skyscrapers, they discover a strange power linked to Galen's past, which not only changes his life forever, but also pits the two cultures against each other with far-reaching consequences for both.

Genres: Dystopia

374 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 22, 2007

About the author

Charles Whittlesey is the author of two futuristic novels, The Islander: A Romance of the Future and The Islander: The Battle for the Future; a short book of poems, Summer
Solstice: Poems at the Halfway Point in Life; and a realistic novel, Phoebe and Zoe.

Reviews

[Darlene Schnatz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love in the ruins

Galen and Mata struggle against class prejudice trying to be together. They face many challenges learning much about each other and themselves . A couple of editing errors but a very well written book .

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

I loved this book! Just when you think you’ve figured it out the author takes you somewhere else. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Jane Buchbauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

While The Islander was an engaging and entertaining read, it disappointed in some aspects. The characters and events are interesting but not well developed. The story left me unfulfilled in the way it barely skimmed the surface. I have seen reviews of this book that call for a sequel or a prequel--I think it could have simply used further development.