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Stranded on Castaway Island
After a sudden storm turned what should have been a quick boat ride into a nightmare, Annie is shipwrecked on a remote island near Nova Scotia with her ex-best friend Mirra. Learning to survive together would have been easier if they could get along--not possible after the hurtful words neither can forget. Annie and Mirra's only company is a herd of wild horses--or that's what the 14-year-old girls think at first. But when they discover still warm embers from a campfire and man-sized footprints, they know they're not alone. Someone is watching them. Why is he hiding? Why doesn't he help them? When he does reveal himself, he leaves them with even more questions.
199 pages, ebook
Published April 2, 2022
22 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 11, 2022
When we first meet fourteen-year-old Annie in Amy C. Laundrie's new novel for young readers, "Stranded On Castaway Island," she has a lot going on in her life. Not only has she recently lost her mother, but she now helps out her dad by caring for the house and for her two brothers, Steven and Joey, on top of trying to maintain some social time with her friends. But she faces even more loss when her former best friend, Mirra, starts hanging out with Brittany and her friends, and Annie overhears them ridiculing her and her body type while in the bathroom stall at school - ending their longtime friendship for good.
However, Annie finds herself hoping to salvage the friendship when Mirra and her other new friends ask Annie if she wants to meet for a "Buried Treasures" picnic lunch on a nearby island. Mirra and Annie set off in Mirra's dad's boat against their better judgement only to find themselves in a terrible storm that capsizes the boat, losing their food and safety equipment, except for the rubber raft and a few items they brought along with them in a backpack. After three days of floating on the ocean, Annie and Mirra eventually are washed up on a remote island far away from the mainland, inhabited only by a band of wild horses. Annie and Mirra must use all of their skills, plus cooperation with each other if they are to survive on this deserted island, but is it deserted? A set of human footprints crossing the sand may mean otherwise . . .
One of the strongest elements of Laundrie's new novel is her ability to convey very honest emotions between Annie and Mirra as they try to survive on the small island. Although the story is told only through Annie's eyes, we still get a great sense of what these two girls and the other secondary characters in the story are going through throughout the novel. Here is an example of Annie's thoughts early in the story: Mirra might have caught my tone because she turned on the charm, “It’s great to see you, Annie.” I raised my eyebrows in reply, and she had the decency to look embarrassed. Other than coming to Mom’s funeral and saying the meaningless "I’m so sorry, and I can’t believe she’s gone," Mirra had ignored me for months . . . We have no doubt how hurt Annie feels toward losing her ex-best friend. Would you want to fight for your life and hers on an island with someone like Mirra? And Laundrie's rich details pull the reader right into the story such as: The salty air seemed especially heavy as Mirra and I headed toward "Buried Treasures." Slashes of orange and red from the sunrise still remained in the sky. "Red sky at night; sailor’s delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning" . . . , or Mirra was on watch so I could sleep, but I kept thinking of green water, thrashing arms, my leg trapped in a tangle of rope, dragging me deeper and deeper . . .
I thoroughly enjoyed Amy C. Laundrie's novel. My attention was hooked the minute I started the book. I read it in nearly one sitting because it was that good - I didn't want to stop reading it. Laundrie's ability to build suspense and hold it kept me turning pages. Although the novel is written for young readers, I feel adults will enjoy the suspense and beautiful storytelling as well. When I read the Author's Notes in the back, I could tell from reading the story that Laundrie had done a lot of research to make this story come alive. When you are done reading the novel, you will never take fresh food and water for granted again! A very well-written and entertaining read.
However, Annie finds herself hoping to salvage the friendship when Mirra and her other new friends ask Annie if she wants to meet for a "Buried Treasures" picnic lunch on a nearby island. Mirra and Annie set off in Mirra's dad's boat against their better judgement only to find themselves in a terrible storm that capsizes the boat, losing their food and safety equipment, except for the rubber raft and a few items they brought along with them in a backpack. After three days of floating on the ocean, Annie and Mirra eventually are washed up on a remote island far away from the mainland, inhabited only by a band of wild horses. Annie and Mirra must use all of their skills, plus cooperation with each other if they are to survive on this deserted island, but is it deserted? A set of human footprints crossing the sand may mean otherwise . . .
One of the strongest elements of Laundrie's new novel is her ability to convey very honest emotions between Annie and Mirra as they try to survive on the small island. Although the story is told only through Annie's eyes, we still get a great sense of what these two girls and the other secondary characters in the story are going through throughout the novel. Here is an example of Annie's thoughts early in the story: Mirra might have caught my tone because she turned on the charm, “It’s great to see you, Annie.” I raised my eyebrows in reply, and she had the decency to look embarrassed. Other than coming to Mom’s funeral and saying the meaningless "I’m so sorry, and I can’t believe she’s gone," Mirra had ignored me for months . . . We have no doubt how hurt Annie feels toward losing her ex-best friend. Would you want to fight for your life and hers on an island with someone like Mirra? And Laundrie's rich details pull the reader right into the story such as: The salty air seemed especially heavy as Mirra and I headed toward "Buried Treasures." Slashes of orange and red from the sunrise still remained in the sky. "Red sky at night; sailor’s delight. Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning" . . . , or Mirra was on watch so I could sleep, but I kept thinking of green water, thrashing arms, my leg trapped in a tangle of rope, dragging me deeper and deeper . . .
I thoroughly enjoyed Amy C. Laundrie's novel. My attention was hooked the minute I started the book. I read it in nearly one sitting because it was that good - I didn't want to stop reading it. Laundrie's ability to build suspense and hold it kept me turning pages. Although the novel is written for young readers, I feel adults will enjoy the suspense and beautiful storytelling as well. When I read the Author's Notes in the back, I could tell from reading the story that Laundrie had done a lot of research to make this story come alive. When you are done reading the novel, you will never take fresh food and water for granted again! A very well-written and entertaining read.
June 24, 2022
Two estranged 14 year girls take a boat out early one “red sky, sailor’s take warning” morning and very quickly find themselves in great peril. After barely surviving in a life raft they wash ashore on an island, apparently populated only by a few wild horses, This was all the premise I needed to know I wanted to read this book. Yes, it’s listed as Middle Grade, but as a lover of survival stories and in my 60’s I enjoyed the book greatly. The writing and the story is mature and realistic. While horses are island inhabitants, this is not a girls love horses trope. This is more a tale of forgiveness, being aware of how our actions affect others, and friendship. Survival is a key aspect to the story of course as we follow along with the tools that the girls learn. A bit of mystery is thrown in as we discover that the island has another human on it who hesitates to show himself. We learn his story as the girl’s do, who he is and if he can be trusted. The horses are a small, almost spiritual, element in the story. I loved the way the horses were woven threw the storyline like a thin thread. I recommend this book to readers of all ages who simply enjoy a what is simply a nice story that we can all learn from set in wild solitude. #netgalley StrandedOnCastawayIsland
July 27, 2022
Annie and Myra were the best of friends until Mayra decided to be friends with Brittany and Danny overheard her telling Britney in the bathroom about the most embarrassing moment in her life and that caused a bigger rift, but when Annie and her cousin James go down to the docks to look at the boats and run into them it is most apparent how they’re interested only in A&E because of her cousin and the next day when Mira comes over and says they’re gonna have a party on picnic Island and come over just invite Annie and of course her cousin she leaves a note for the cousins to meet them there sets out with Mira to go to the party. It isn’t until she’s actually on the boat in Mira starts it that and he realizes the teenager plans on driving them to the island so when the boat sinks it is levelheaded A&E who saves the day and her ex best friend and gets them to a deserted island… At least they thought it was deserted. She is also the one who keeps them nourished and tries to keep Mira spirits up the phone with she could put it out of her mind I’ll Mira stabbed her in the back, but she also knows they must come together if they’re going to survive being stranded on this island together. Even though this was a book for I’m guessing preteens I found myself very interested in what was going to happen to the two girls and felt a loss when they are rescuers didn’t find them and they slept through it. I don’t want to say too much about the dangers and the funny things that happen because it may spoil the book just know this was a great funny and clever story that I had 49 found so interesting. The writing style was great the plot flowed and I thought it was a great read. I was given this book by Ned Galli and the publisher and I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review but all opinions are definitely my own.
July 26, 2022
Stranded on Castaway Island written by Amy C. Laundrie is young adult adventure survival contemporary fiction told from the first-person point of view of fourteen-year-old Annie. Life has dealt her a difficult hand. She lost her mom in a car accident, and her best friend, Mirra, betrayed her. As the story opens, she is the caregiver to her two younger brothers, provides emotional support for her dad, and has taken on the role of providing whatever is needed for the family. But life is turned upside down when her former best friend asks her to join her for an island picnic. She boards the boat thinking perhaps Mirra is going to apologize. That is not the case, and when a sudden storm turns the boat ride into a terrifying fight for survival, Annie and Mirra find themselves shipwrecked on a remote island. The two of them are forced to learn how to survive together, and how to let go of their grudges which grow to encompass whose fault it is that they are stranded.
Wild horses that live on the island bring an interesting element to the story. I won’t share it in detail, because I don’t include spoilers in my reviews, but I have to say I really enjoyed this harbinger.
Laundrie does an excellent job telling the story from a teenage point of view and the pacing of this story is perfect with a constant ebb and flow of conflict and resolution. The tension really ratchets up when the girls find warm embers from a campfire and man-sized footprints. This adds an element of mystery and a whole new danger level. Is someone watching them? Why is he hiding? Are they in danger?
I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy YA adventure survival like Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick, or A Map for Wrecked Girls by Jessica Taylor. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the realistic details that made it all come to life as well as the healing nature of the story. I give Stranded on Castaway Island 5 stars.
As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer and I received Stranded on Castaway Island as a free review copy and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. This review is posted in collaboration with #Blackberry Book Tours.
Wild horses that live on the island bring an interesting element to the story. I won’t share it in detail, because I don’t include spoilers in my reviews, but I have to say I really enjoyed this harbinger.
Laundrie does an excellent job telling the story from a teenage point of view and the pacing of this story is perfect with a constant ebb and flow of conflict and resolution. The tension really ratchets up when the girls find warm embers from a campfire and man-sized footprints. This adds an element of mystery and a whole new danger level. Is someone watching them? Why is he hiding? Are they in danger?
I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy YA adventure survival like Wildfire by Rodman Philbrick, or A Map for Wrecked Girls by Jessica Taylor. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the realistic details that made it all come to life as well as the healing nature of the story. I give Stranded on Castaway Island 5 stars.
As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer and I received Stranded on Castaway Island as a free review copy and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. This review is posted in collaboration with #Blackberry Book Tours.
May 29, 2022
Thank you Netgally. This is hugely compelling and well written book!
Former best friends Annie and Mirra have been at odds lately. The girls are 14 and boys seem to complicate relationships.
They are together nevertheless on what should have been a quick boat ride turned nightmare. A sudden storm sends their boat way off course and now the girls are shipwrecked on a remote island near Nova Scotia.
Here, they must cast aside differences and learn to survive. Annie and Mirra's only company is a herd of wild horses they think initially. Soon they come across man size footprints and still warm embers from a campfire. Should they be afraid or relieved to find another human?
It seems someone is watching them, but why would he be hiding? When he does reveal himself, he has reason to hide.
The authors writing and research in to survival made for a captivating and suspenseful reading experience.
As I read, I could almost feel the cold, hunger, sunburned and insect bitten skin. Annie, Mira and Roman were so real to me I didn’t want their story to end. I wanted them rescued but on the other hand I was captivated by their survival skills. I don’t know if a sequel is possible, but I want to know more about life after rescue. It has to be very emotional coming back to civilization.
High praise for this wonderful book, filled with adventure, and interesting human relationships. This is a book geared to middle grade readers but any age reader will be completely absorbed by this story.
Former best friends Annie and Mirra have been at odds lately. The girls are 14 and boys seem to complicate relationships.
They are together nevertheless on what should have been a quick boat ride turned nightmare. A sudden storm sends their boat way off course and now the girls are shipwrecked on a remote island near Nova Scotia.
Here, they must cast aside differences and learn to survive. Annie and Mirra's only company is a herd of wild horses they think initially. Soon they come across man size footprints and still warm embers from a campfire. Should they be afraid or relieved to find another human?
It seems someone is watching them, but why would he be hiding? When he does reveal himself, he has reason to hide.
The authors writing and research in to survival made for a captivating and suspenseful reading experience.
As I read, I could almost feel the cold, hunger, sunburned and insect bitten skin. Annie, Mira and Roman were so real to me I didn’t want their story to end. I wanted them rescued but on the other hand I was captivated by their survival skills. I don’t know if a sequel is possible, but I want to know more about life after rescue. It has to be very emotional coming back to civilization.
High praise for this wonderful book, filled with adventure, and interesting human relationships. This is a book geared to middle grade readers but any age reader will be completely absorbed by this story.
July 22, 2022
I really enjoyed this middle grade book. It covers several topics that young people would relate to. Being stranded on the island is, in a sense, an adventure, a struggle for survival. It gives Annie purpose. Young people want to find a purpose. Annie's mother has passed away. While stranded on the island, she believes her mother's spirit lives in the horse and is encouraging her not to give up. Annie helps her estranged friend Mira to become a survivor also. Annie learns to appreciate her skills. I like how the girls reminisce about happy times and remember their families and their previous friendship. I highly recommend this book. (no bad language, no sex, no drugs)
Thank you #netgalley for a copy of #strandedoncastawayisland by #anylaundrie
Thank you #netgalley for a copy of #strandedoncastawayisland by #anylaundrie
June 23, 2022
Amy Laundrie's book has all the hallmarks of a classic. A novel to be read and cherished by all ages ... and then read again. The story's atmosphere and detail lend an evocative tone to the adventure of Annie, Mirra and Roman and the mystery and tension help create a true emotional depth in these characters.
An absolute joy to read and highly recommended.
An absolute joy to read and highly recommended.
August 18, 2022
To be 14 and go through this! Whew, Annie had some monster obstacles to overcome. Heroic at times, but mostly just a really well written adventure story with likeable, relatable characters. Enjoyed it and will recommend.
December 15, 2022
A good story, though a little young skewing for me. There’s a lot of friendship drama (expected for 14 year olds), but also a good amount of maturity by the end.
I enjoyed the parts about survival, Annie’s seemed instinctual and Mirra’s grew as time went on. The ending felt a little rushed, I would have liked an epilogue.
I enjoyed the parts about survival, Annie’s seemed instinctual and Mirra’s grew as time went on. The ending felt a little rushed, I would have liked an epilogue.
July 9, 2022
Annie and Mirra don’t exactly get along like they used to. Annie is grieving her mother, while Mirra seems more interested in parties and boys. When Annie and Mirra get stranded together, they have to figure out how to get along with each other to survive.
I loved this book so much. I loved how realistic it was, they were facing real struggles of being in the wilderness or lost at sea. The author didn’t brush over the heavy stuff. Annie was dealing with grief and guilt about her mother and also dealing with a lot of anger and grudges toward Mirra. I was a little worried when I read the synopsis that the author would brush over the fact that they were stranded and just use it as a plot device to make them best friends again. But I am so so glad that it was nothing like that.
I also loved how we’re sort of learning along with the characters. They don’t know everything about how to survive, they break important stuff by accident, lose things that would’ve helped them, and they do fight and disagree. It made it more enjoyable that this book was as realistic as it could be without going TOO hard on the characters.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC (advanced reader copy) of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book so much. I loved how realistic it was, they were facing real struggles of being in the wilderness or lost at sea. The author didn’t brush over the heavy stuff. Annie was dealing with grief and guilt about her mother and also dealing with a lot of anger and grudges toward Mirra. I was a little worried when I read the synopsis that the author would brush over the fact that they were stranded and just use it as a plot device to make them best friends again. But I am so so glad that it was nothing like that.
I also loved how we’re sort of learning along with the characters. They don’t know everything about how to survive, they break important stuff by accident, lose things that would’ve helped them, and they do fight and disagree. It made it more enjoyable that this book was as realistic as it could be without going TOO hard on the characters.
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC (advanced reader copy) of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2022
Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free ebook ARC copy of this title in exchange for my review.
This is exactly the book I wish I had when I was younger! Even at my advanced age, I thoroughly enjoyed this story of two estranged teen friends who are stranded on an island, all on their own. Or are they?
I happily allowed myself to get fully engrossed in this book, eagerly turning pages to see what would happen next. The descriptions and settings were just right. Not too long or detailed, allowing me to use my imagination for the setting. The length was just about right as well, not rushed and not overly long.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a book for a young teen looking for an adventure!
This is exactly the book I wish I had when I was younger! Even at my advanced age, I thoroughly enjoyed this story of two estranged teen friends who are stranded on an island, all on their own. Or are they?
I happily allowed myself to get fully engrossed in this book, eagerly turning pages to see what would happen next. The descriptions and settings were just right. Not too long or detailed, allowing me to use my imagination for the setting. The length was just about right as well, not rushed and not overly long.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a book for a young teen looking for an adventure!
January 8, 2023
a really good book
May 9, 2022
From the very first sentence, nonstop action, challenges, and suspense abound. Stranded on Castaway Island is filled with twists and turns you won’t see coming. Readers immediately feel we’re right there with the characters on the island struggling for survival to meet basic human needs of food, water, and shelter. The plot will strike a chord with young readers, for the characters are also faced with fitting in, wondering about their body size, their hair, clothes, and challenging, complex relationships.
July 31, 2022
Two kids that hadn’t been friends for a while go out on a boat, hit a storm, drift aimlessly on a boat raft, and become stranded on an island. How very Gilligan.
The girls had such bickering tension, disagreeing on almost everything. For days, they try to ration their food, water, and sleep while still clinging to the desperate hope that they will be saved. Meanwhile, memories and hallucinations assault Annie, who is telling the whole story.
As the girls struggle to survive with little resources, they begin to hash things out and finally reveal the destruction of their friendship.
Story had a simple narrative with a slow and steady pace. Although I wasn’t entirely invested in the story, it was still an interesting tale of survival, redemption, and friendship.
A fairly nice read overall.
The girls had such bickering tension, disagreeing on almost everything. For days, they try to ration their food, water, and sleep while still clinging to the desperate hope that they will be saved. Meanwhile, memories and hallucinations assault Annie, who is telling the whole story.
As the girls struggle to survive with little resources, they begin to hash things out and finally reveal the destruction of their friendship.
Story had a simple narrative with a slow and steady pace. Although I wasn’t entirely invested in the story, it was still an interesting tale of survival, redemption, and friendship.
A fairly nice read overall.
June 29, 2022
This young adult book was amazing. I just loved every second of it. I even found myself saying out loud don't do it.
I found this book very engaging realistic and believable. It was very well wrote and flowed brilliantly in a medium to fast pace. The faster pace could of been me reading faster as I became more engrossed in the story. I really enjoyed the twists in the story. It was a great roller coaster ride. This young adult book was wrote for those aged 14 plus. It also great for adults to read aswell if you are like me and appreciate a well wrote book with teenagers in. Its especially great for those who love survival stories.
I really enjoyed the the air of mystery and suspense this book held especially when we meet roman.
I can't wait to read more from this wonderful author.
So much praise goes out to the author for producing this fantastic Story that you won't be able to put down. It will take you on a brilliant adventure and oh I forgot to mention there is wild horses in there aswell.
I found this book very engaging realistic and believable. It was very well wrote and flowed brilliantly in a medium to fast pace. The faster pace could of been me reading faster as I became more engrossed in the story. I really enjoyed the twists in the story. It was a great roller coaster ride. This young adult book was wrote for those aged 14 plus. It also great for adults to read aswell if you are like me and appreciate a well wrote book with teenagers in. Its especially great for those who love survival stories.
I really enjoyed the the air of mystery and suspense this book held especially when we meet roman.
I can't wait to read more from this wonderful author.
So much praise goes out to the author for producing this fantastic Story that you won't be able to put down. It will take you on a brilliant adventure and oh I forgot to mention there is wild horses in there aswell.
April 21, 2022
The plotting is wonderful, the characters real, and the sensory detail is flawless--I shivered, and burned, and starved--and felt every single emotion and pain the teens endured. The characters are so believable--I didn't want to let them go. I read this book far into the night, because I couldn't put it down. I'm hoping for a sequel--maybe a series.
May 30, 2022
This book will enthrall readers of all ages. Who can't relate to teen girls whose longtime friendship has turned sour? And even when they're forced to work together to survive it's not exactly a hug-fest. Annie, especially, has a lot of resentment toward her one-time best friend for making fun of her for being overweight. On top of that, Annie lost her mother in an automobile accident not that long ago, so she is struggling to deal with that tremendous loss as well.
The girls barely survive the very realistically described storm that sinks their boat. They are beyond thankful to eventually see land in sight and somehow make it to shore. But being on land doesn't mean they're safe. They need water. They need food. They need shelter. All things they've taken for granted before. Suddenly everything is a struggle. And they resent having to rely on each other. All this is hard enough to deal with. But the realization that there is someone else on the island with them--someone who is hiding from them--adds a whole new level of anxiety to their lives.
This is a great read on so many levels--as a survival story, a mystery, a story of friendship, and a story of acceptance of one's self as well as others. Great themes all brought to life in one beautifully written, suspenseful story.
I highly recommend STRANDED ON CASTAWAY ISLAND.
The girls barely survive the very realistically described storm that sinks their boat. They are beyond thankful to eventually see land in sight and somehow make it to shore. But being on land doesn't mean they're safe. They need water. They need food. They need shelter. All things they've taken for granted before. Suddenly everything is a struggle. And they resent having to rely on each other. All this is hard enough to deal with. But the realization that there is someone else on the island with them--someone who is hiding from them--adds a whole new level of anxiety to their lives.
This is a great read on so many levels--as a survival story, a mystery, a story of friendship, and a story of acceptance of one's self as well as others. Great themes all brought to life in one beautifully written, suspenseful story.
I highly recommend STRANDED ON CASTAWAY ISLAND.
April 28, 2022
Wonderfully rich with many details. Stranded on Castaway Island follows Annie and Mirra ex best friends who get stranded on a remote island with the only company being wild horses. Annie and Mirra are forced to put aside their differences to survive and also figure out secrets that are seemingly present on the island.
The premise of the book drew me in right away. Ex best friends trying to survive in extreme conditions sounded interesting to me and I was not disappointed. Annie and Mirra were both frustrating characters to read about at times but since they were 14 it is understandable that they would not be perfect. I also liked that Mirra developed as a character instead of remaining as a stereotypical mean girl who had been nasty to Annie. The book was also easy to read and the plot was engaging and I didn't really put the book down unless I had to. I did find the ending to be a bit rushed and I would've liked a follow-up epilogue with where the characters were later in life but otherwise I'm satisfied with this read.
Thank you NetGalley for this book and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
The premise of the book drew me in right away. Ex best friends trying to survive in extreme conditions sounded interesting to me and I was not disappointed. Annie and Mirra were both frustrating characters to read about at times but since they were 14 it is understandable that they would not be perfect. I also liked that Mirra developed as a character instead of remaining as a stereotypical mean girl who had been nasty to Annie. The book was also easy to read and the plot was engaging and I didn't really put the book down unless I had to. I did find the ending to be a bit rushed and I would've liked a follow-up epilogue with where the characters were later in life but otherwise I'm satisfied with this read.
Thank you NetGalley for this book and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
May 29, 2022
Wonderfully rich with many details. Stranded on Castaway Island follows Annie and Mirra ex best friends who get stranded on a remote island with the only company being wild horses. Annie and Mirra are forced to put aside their differences to survive and also figure out secrets that are seemingly present on the island.
The premise of the book drew me in right away. Ex best friends trying to survive in extreme conditions sounded interesting to me and I was not disappointed. Annie and Mirra were both frustrating characters to read about at times but since they were 14 it is understandable that they would not be perfect. I also liked that Mirra developed as a character instead of remaining as a stereotypical mean girl who had been nasty to Annie. The book was also easy to read and the plot was engaging and I didn't really put the book down unless I had to. I did find the ending to be a bit rushed and I would've liked a follow-up epilogue with where the characters were later in life but otherwise I'm satisfied with this read.
Thank you NetGalley for this book and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
The premise of the book drew me in right away. Ex best friends trying to survive in extreme conditions sounded interesting to me and I was not disappointed. Annie and Mirra were both frustrating characters to read about at times but since they were 14 it is understandable that they would not be perfect. I also liked that Mirra developed as a character instead of remaining as a stereotypical mean girl who had been nasty to Annie. The book was also easy to read and the plot was engaging and I didn't really put the book down unless I had to. I did find the ending to be a bit rushed and I would've liked a follow-up epilogue with where the characters were later in life but otherwise I'm satisfied with this read.
Thank you NetGalley for this book and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
June 12, 2022
A real page-turner!
This book deals with the importance of friendship and trust--not just trusting others but trusting yourself as well. It's an adventure/survival story reminiscent of Hatchet, but the two main characters are girls. Strong characters and a gripping plot made this book hard to put down, and I didn't. Recommended for young teenagers, but as with all good YA novels, adults will enjoy it as well.
This book deals with the importance of friendship and trust--not just trusting others but trusting yourself as well. It's an adventure/survival story reminiscent of Hatchet, but the two main characters are girls. Strong characters and a gripping plot made this book hard to put down, and I didn't. Recommended for young teenagers, but as with all good YA novels, adults will enjoy it as well.
May 9, 2022
The premise of this book is awesome—two ex-best friends get stranded on an isolated island and must rely on each other to survive. The author executed this plot brilliantly. Not only do we immediately like the main character, Annie, and want good things for her, but we also don’t hate Mirra—even while we don’t like what she did. We gradually learn what drove these former best friends apart and watch them work together as best they can to survive their current predicament and possibly rebuild their friendship. But that’s just the underlying friendship theme. Hold onto your seat for the rest of the action-filled plot! The twists and hardships just keep coming and the revelation that they might not be alone on this island after all will make you read faster and faster. Excellent characters, realistic dialogue, great pacing, and beautiful description that pulls the reader directly into the island setting. Perfect for survival-story enthusiasts!
May 14, 2022
With so much mean-girl activity going on, it's wonderful to read a story about the importance of listening to others, and acknowledging our fears and tears. Friends don't have to be copies of each other, as Annie and Mirra, once best friends but estranged, learn when they find themselves in dire straits. Mirra's desperate attempt to show off by boating away with a storm coming in strands them on an island in the Atlantic. Their survival now depends on working together. Each girl has a unique personality-driven idea about food, shelter, exploration and escape, but it's when they combine forces to confront danger that they learn how to listen to each other and understand the preciousness of what they’ve lost and gained. Told primarily through Annie, this middle grade adventure will sure to please the younger reader in your family. Great summer read!
June 12, 2022
Appreciation
Going from anything you want to fiighting for survival would be difficult for anyone, but with your former best friend who spurned you it was a nightmare! This reminds me of Paulśon's Hatchet, only with three teens fighting to survive.
Going from anything you want to fiighting for survival would be difficult for anyone, but with your former best friend who spurned you it was a nightmare! This reminds me of Paulśon's Hatchet, only with three teens fighting to survive.
August 10, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and Amy Laundrie for giving me this arc in exchange for a honest review.
When Annie and her ex bestie Mirra get shipwrecked on a deserted island will they cast aside their differences and work together to survive or will they let the past get in the way .
This story incorporates elements of survival (which I really loved), self image, friendships and suspense.
When Annie and her ex bestie Mirra get shipwrecked on a deserted island will they cast aside their differences and work together to survive or will they let the past get in the way .
This story incorporates elements of survival (which I really loved), self image, friendships and suspense.
September 3, 2022
Stranded on Castaway Island
Young teens often compete for friendships with others. Mirra and Annie are together when something causes something serious to have to deal with the boat they are on and hoping to survive. How do two teens that really do not like each other survive and need to develop survival skills.
Before all is said and done they will learn many life lessons, many lesson dealing with trust, friendship and understanding and hopefully learn even more. What happens when Mirra shuts down, what happens when anyone gets sick? How do you manage with do little when you are used to so much?
The island had many secrets and the girls had to learn how to build fires, find food and hopefully stay dry. Eggs, crab meat , berries and water were their staples and then when Mirra almost drown how did this young man show up and carry her to safety? Roman is his name and the three formed as a team getting food, fires started but why didn’t Annie trust him? What was he hiding and how did he really wind up on the island?
Annie had a plan to learn more about Roman, but it would mean Mirra had to let him teach her how to swim. What she learned about him was not what she expected. An island that has much to offer and three people from different worlds that need to adapt to each other and more
As the teens joined forces to create meals, safety measures things were said by each one to reveal secrets that were held dear inside of them for a long time. But why didn’t the rescue helicopter see them the first time? What was Roman’s secret. Lies, deceptions and betrayals are front and center but sometimes truths can change it all. What happens at the end and will Mirra be okay? What about Annie’s wrist? In the end lessons are learned about honesty, friendship and truth as the author weaves an ending with surprises, twists and the true definitions of survival and friendship. Mirra, Annie and Roman what did they learn, and will they stay in touch, or will they go in different directions as memories fade, some are special as the pictures in their mind fade but their time on Castaway Island will not.
Their time on this island might blend them together in the future as friends or not? What about Roman where will he wind up and what secrets are revealed about him? How did he hide what the thinks he did and are they sure that trusting him was the right thing to do? With the guidance of the horses that play a vital part in their survival and understanding that they need tending to and more, as you look at the cover of the book you wonder whether each girl will learn how to forgive, understand friendships and learn that not everything is how rich you are but there is much more to life.
A story that is heartfelt, fun and yet enlightens teens and others to what real hardships are and how to learn from others. Amy C. Laundrie created a story and characters that we would like to see more of.
Fran Lewis just reviews
Good
Young teens often compete for friendships with others. Mirra and Annie are together when something causes something serious to have to deal with the boat they are on and hoping to survive. How do two teens that really do not like each other survive and need to develop survival skills.
Before all is said and done they will learn many life lessons, many lesson dealing with trust, friendship and understanding and hopefully learn even more. What happens when Mirra shuts down, what happens when anyone gets sick? How do you manage with do little when you are used to so much?
The island had many secrets and the girls had to learn how to build fires, find food and hopefully stay dry. Eggs, crab meat , berries and water were their staples and then when Mirra almost drown how did this young man show up and carry her to safety? Roman is his name and the three formed as a team getting food, fires started but why didn’t Annie trust him? What was he hiding and how did he really wind up on the island?
Annie had a plan to learn more about Roman, but it would mean Mirra had to let him teach her how to swim. What she learned about him was not what she expected. An island that has much to offer and three people from different worlds that need to adapt to each other and more
As the teens joined forces to create meals, safety measures things were said by each one to reveal secrets that were held dear inside of them for a long time. But why didn’t the rescue helicopter see them the first time? What was Roman’s secret. Lies, deceptions and betrayals are front and center but sometimes truths can change it all. What happens at the end and will Mirra be okay? What about Annie’s wrist? In the end lessons are learned about honesty, friendship and truth as the author weaves an ending with surprises, twists and the true definitions of survival and friendship. Mirra, Annie and Roman what did they learn, and will they stay in touch, or will they go in different directions as memories fade, some are special as the pictures in their mind fade but their time on Castaway Island will not.
Their time on this island might blend them together in the future as friends or not? What about Roman where will he wind up and what secrets are revealed about him? How did he hide what the thinks he did and are they sure that trusting him was the right thing to do? With the guidance of the horses that play a vital part in their survival and understanding that they need tending to and more, as you look at the cover of the book you wonder whether each girl will learn how to forgive, understand friendships and learn that not everything is how rich you are but there is much more to life.
A story that is heartfelt, fun and yet enlightens teens and others to what real hardships are and how to learn from others. Amy C. Laundrie created a story and characters that we would like to see more of.
Fran Lewis just reviews
Good
September 2, 2022
Title: Stranded on Castaway Island
Author: Amy C. Laundrie
Release Date: April 2nd, 2022
Page Count: 262
Start Date: August 26th, 2022
Finish Date: August 27th, 2022
Review:
Story: I thought this story was very interesting. It was full of healthy lessons for a younger audience that I feel like we don't consider as adults. Even though we went through the same thing at that age. Actually, I kind of got Hatchet vibes from this. That's a novel by Gary Parson. Instead of a plane crash, it's a boat crash. Instead of a teenage boy, it's two teenage girls. I found that very interesting. I really loved Hatchet. I read that the author really got into writing this story to the point where she experienced many things that happened in the story. I'm so impressed by that.
Characters: Most of the story follows Annie and Mirra. Annie is a pretty introverted shy girl and Mirra seems to be an up and coming mean girl. I could be harsh on that assessment. I'm curious on how things would have been different if they had never wound up on that island.
Critiques: There are many places that I really feel needed to be explained a little more. I feel like they got rushed over just a tad. I also would have loved some things been explained a bit better in the end. I won't get into details of that. The biggest issue I have is the cover. I just feel it's a bit too dark. It gives gothic ish vibes. I think it could use a bit of a makeover to be honest.
Final Thoughts: I think this would be an amazing book for middle and high schoolers to read. I could even like to see some schools use it as lessons in their English class like they did with Hatchet. I enjoyed the story far more than I thought I would. I didn't want to stop reading about these characters and wanted to see what happened long after it!
Author: Amy C. Laundrie
Release Date: April 2nd, 2022
Page Count: 262
Start Date: August 26th, 2022
Finish Date: August 27th, 2022
Review:
Story: I thought this story was very interesting. It was full of healthy lessons for a younger audience that I feel like we don't consider as adults. Even though we went through the same thing at that age. Actually, I kind of got Hatchet vibes from this. That's a novel by Gary Parson. Instead of a plane crash, it's a boat crash. Instead of a teenage boy, it's two teenage girls. I found that very interesting. I really loved Hatchet. I read that the author really got into writing this story to the point where she experienced many things that happened in the story. I'm so impressed by that.
Characters: Most of the story follows Annie and Mirra. Annie is a pretty introverted shy girl and Mirra seems to be an up and coming mean girl. I could be harsh on that assessment. I'm curious on how things would have been different if they had never wound up on that island.
Critiques: There are many places that I really feel needed to be explained a little more. I feel like they got rushed over just a tad. I also would have loved some things been explained a bit better in the end. I won't get into details of that. The biggest issue I have is the cover. I just feel it's a bit too dark. It gives gothic ish vibes. I think it could use a bit of a makeover to be honest.
Final Thoughts: I think this would be an amazing book for middle and high schoolers to read. I could even like to see some schools use it as lessons in their English class like they did with Hatchet. I enjoyed the story far more than I thought I would. I didn't want to stop reading about these characters and wanted to see what happened long after it!
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August 22, 2022
Annie and Mirra grew apart after Annie lost her mom and Mirra befriended mean girl, Brittany. Ryan is Annie's cousin who's visiting for the summer and Mirra wanted to catch his attention. When she invited Annie out to Picnic Island, hoping her cousin Ryan will follow later in the day, everything goes wrong.
I flew through this book for a few reasons:
1. It's well written and the attention to detail is evident from cover to cover. The author, Amy C. Laundrie, was able to realistically write human emotions so strongly I felt them with each word I read. Laundries ability to describe each emotion is why I consider Stranded on Castaway Island a page turner!
2. The mystery within the story always kept me on my toes. Each time I thought I had it figured out I would learn new information and realize I didn't. This kept the story fresh and captivating.
3. The story of Annie and Mirra is relatable. I think most people have experienced a friendship that grew apart and the lessons the girls learned along the way is important for the target age group of this book.
A huge thank you to Amy C. Laundrie for sending me an eBook to use for a Berry Book Tour Stop. These thoughts are my own.
I flew through this book for a few reasons:
1. It's well written and the attention to detail is evident from cover to cover. The author, Amy C. Laundrie, was able to realistically write human emotions so strongly I felt them with each word I read. Laundries ability to describe each emotion is why I consider Stranded on Castaway Island a page turner!
2. The mystery within the story always kept me on my toes. Each time I thought I had it figured out I would learn new information and realize I didn't. This kept the story fresh and captivating.
3. The story of Annie and Mirra is relatable. I think most people have experienced a friendship that grew apart and the lessons the girls learned along the way is important for the target age group of this book.
A huge thank you to Amy C. Laundrie for sending me an eBook to use for a Berry Book Tour Stop. These thoughts are my own.
August 23, 2022
Two ex-best friends got stranded on an island. What a brilliant plot idea for a YA book! Love this so much!
I read a book the story was set on an island when I was almost a teenager obligated in school, and I hated that book so much that I never read books about islands again. Until I saw this one and read that two ex-best friends got stranded on an island. Yeah, Amy C. Laundrie "cured my trauma" of island books! I loved this one! Every story has more than one side, which is well represented in Stranded on Castaway Island. This book, by the way, has it all. It has mystery and adventure; it makes us angry at times (Mirra is irritating at first, in a good meaning, she is such a strong character), and it's also heartwarming.
You can expect to empathize with Annie right away and want to save her from Mirra. Things develop wonderfully. I finished the book wanting a sequel.
Five stars! Highly recommended!
I read a book the story was set on an island when I was almost a teenager obligated in school, and I hated that book so much that I never read books about islands again. Until I saw this one and read that two ex-best friends got stranded on an island. Yeah, Amy C. Laundrie "cured my trauma" of island books! I loved this one! Every story has more than one side, which is well represented in Stranded on Castaway Island. This book, by the way, has it all. It has mystery and adventure; it makes us angry at times (Mirra is irritating at first, in a good meaning, she is such a strong character), and it's also heartwarming.
You can expect to empathize with Annie right away and want to save her from Mirra. Things develop wonderfully. I finished the book wanting a sequel.
Five stars! Highly recommended!
August 23, 2022
Entertaining journey of survival
What a grand story in Stranded on Castaway Island by Amy Laundrie. I am a fan of this author! I haven't read work from this author before, and I enjoyed this story. This author brings the words to life. The strain between two ex-friends is very interesting, and I found this plot very unique. Two teens stranded on an island together. They need each other to survive. It's an embraceable read with great characters. This author is a great storyteller. The author brings the reader on a superb journey. Definitely an unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Stranded on Castaway Island is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
What a grand story in Stranded on Castaway Island by Amy Laundrie. I am a fan of this author! I haven't read work from this author before, and I enjoyed this story. This author brings the words to life. The strain between two ex-friends is very interesting, and I found this plot very unique. Two teens stranded on an island together. They need each other to survive. It's an embraceable read with great characters. This author is a great storyteller. The author brings the reader on a superb journey. Definitely an unpredictable story, my favorite kind! Stranded on Castaway Island is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
September 1, 2022
This fun book reminded me of when I fought with my best friend. She is still my best friend, but at that time, we stayed like three months without communicating. We were 13 yo.
I recommend this book not only for YA and middle graders (yes! middle graders will enjoy it, too) but also for adults. I had fond memories reading this book.
This book also has a bit of suspense and a good mystery. I haven't read any book by Amy C. Laundrie before, and I enjoyed Stranded on Castaway Island very much. I intend to read her following books as well.
I recommend this book not only for YA and middle graders (yes! middle graders will enjoy it, too) but also for adults. I had fond memories reading this book.
This book also has a bit of suspense and a good mystery. I haven't read any book by Amy C. Laundrie before, and I enjoyed Stranded on Castaway Island very much. I intend to read her following books as well.
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