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Island Games
The skate punk.The genius.The jock.The mean girl.The surfer.The liar.The cheater.The racist.The psychopath.Twelve teenagers are dropped on an island as part of a brand new reality TV show.Everything they were told was a lie.Now the question isn't who will win.It's who will survive.Let the games begin.
385 pages, Paperback
Published December 2, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 13, 2023
Island Games
By Clint Chico
3.5 stars
Think Survivor mixed with The Truman Show. The book takes the reader through the entire process of being chosen to be on a reality tv show for teens called Island Games. The book is divided into different phases of the three week adventure. The characters find new friends (and new enemies) and demonstrate how quickly friendships can be formed. The teams formed make it interesting, and as a reader, definitely made me cheer for the kids. However, the story that was sold to the kids isn’t really what’s happening and quickly takes a turn for the worse.
The beginning of the book was really hard for me to get through. Each chapter was told from a different point of view which was defined by the title of the chapter. To me, this wasn’t needed for this to be a good story. I didn’t glean anything from “hearing” from different people that couldn’t be conveyed through dialogue. It weighed down the story at the beginning as I had to keep going back to the first chapter for each character to remind myself who was who. That being said, I haven’t read a YA book which encompasses so many different diverse perspectives, and I appreciated the efforts made. They didn’t feel forced, and I could connect to most of the characters. As I said, it was hard for me to get into the book; however, once the twists started to happen and the mystery was unraveling, I definitely was more into the storyline. I really enjoyed the strong female characters and the author’s ability to capture different struggles that teens go through.
Personally, I wouldn’t allow my boys to read this book until they were at least in 8th or 9th grade, and this may be very naive of me to say. However, between the language and a few conversations about sexual exploitations, I don’t feel it would be appropriate any younger. That being said, the story line is easy enough to understand at a middle school level, so it would be up to the parent to determine what was appropriate for their child. Overall, I liked the story once the twist really kicked in and hope that others reading this review will push through the slower beginning to get to the action.
I was gifted this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
By Clint Chico
3.5 stars
Think Survivor mixed with The Truman Show. The book takes the reader through the entire process of being chosen to be on a reality tv show for teens called Island Games. The book is divided into different phases of the three week adventure. The characters find new friends (and new enemies) and demonstrate how quickly friendships can be formed. The teams formed make it interesting, and as a reader, definitely made me cheer for the kids. However, the story that was sold to the kids isn’t really what’s happening and quickly takes a turn for the worse.
The beginning of the book was really hard for me to get through. Each chapter was told from a different point of view which was defined by the title of the chapter. To me, this wasn’t needed for this to be a good story. I didn’t glean anything from “hearing” from different people that couldn’t be conveyed through dialogue. It weighed down the story at the beginning as I had to keep going back to the first chapter for each character to remind myself who was who. That being said, I haven’t read a YA book which encompasses so many different diverse perspectives, and I appreciated the efforts made. They didn’t feel forced, and I could connect to most of the characters. As I said, it was hard for me to get into the book; however, once the twists started to happen and the mystery was unraveling, I definitely was more into the storyline. I really enjoyed the strong female characters and the author’s ability to capture different struggles that teens go through.
Personally, I wouldn’t allow my boys to read this book until they were at least in 8th or 9th grade, and this may be very naive of me to say. However, between the language and a few conversations about sexual exploitations, I don’t feel it would be appropriate any younger. That being said, the story line is easy enough to understand at a middle school level, so it would be up to the parent to determine what was appropriate for their child. Overall, I liked the story once the twist really kicked in and hope that others reading this review will push through the slower beginning to get to the action.
I was gifted this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2023
Action-Packed, but is it Awesome? Bet
Synopsis: Island Games is a show worth dying for! But the contestants have no idea how close to dying they are about to get. When the reality tv show these teens are on starts looking suspicious, the smarties of the group set out to figure out what’s really going on. The secrets, lies, and kickings get out of hand as the teens race to save themselves—and possibly millions of others.
Review:
I liked this book.
I’m a big fan of they tv show Survivor, so I was excited to see the kids in this book going through something similar. The behind-the-scenes look at a tv show was what kept me going in the beginning. Then the crazy things started to happen, and I was riveted.
The book is well-written and fun. I saw some reviews saying it tries too hard to be “woke”. I totally disagree. I think it makes perfect sense that a reality show would select a diverse cast with the intention of high drama. I felt like this group of kids really represented Gen Z well. The slang, the empathy, and the hope for the future was spot-on. Chico writes a beautiful version of the modern teen.
The POV was a little hard to follow. Switching from character to character drove the plot well, but made it hard for me to get to know them all. I also found it unlikely that a professional actor would say “um” as often as Cal did. He’s a stage-actor, for heaven’s sake! But these were mild annoyances based on my preferences, and they in no way ruined the story.
I recommend this book to people who like YA action stories. Now I want it made into a movie. Thank you, Mr. Chico, for an excellent read!
Synopsis: Island Games is a show worth dying for! But the contestants have no idea how close to dying they are about to get. When the reality tv show these teens are on starts looking suspicious, the smarties of the group set out to figure out what’s really going on. The secrets, lies, and kickings get out of hand as the teens race to save themselves—and possibly millions of others.
Review:
I liked this book.
I’m a big fan of they tv show Survivor, so I was excited to see the kids in this book going through something similar. The behind-the-scenes look at a tv show was what kept me going in the beginning. Then the crazy things started to happen, and I was riveted.
The book is well-written and fun. I saw some reviews saying it tries too hard to be “woke”. I totally disagree. I think it makes perfect sense that a reality show would select a diverse cast with the intention of high drama. I felt like this group of kids really represented Gen Z well. The slang, the empathy, and the hope for the future was spot-on. Chico writes a beautiful version of the modern teen.
The POV was a little hard to follow. Switching from character to character drove the plot well, but made it hard for me to get to know them all. I also found it unlikely that a professional actor would say “um” as often as Cal did. He’s a stage-actor, for heaven’s sake! But these were mild annoyances based on my preferences, and they in no way ruined the story.
I recommend this book to people who like YA action stories. Now I want it made into a movie. Thank you, Mr. Chico, for an excellent read!
November 1, 2024
"Island Games" by Clint Chico is a thrilling and imaginative adventure that immerses readers in a world of mystery and intrigue. The story follows a diverse group of characters who find themselves stranded on a remote island, forced to navigate a series of challenges that test their resilience and ingenuity. Chico’s skillful world-building creates a vivid backdrop that feels both real and fantastical, inviting readers to explore every twist and turn.
The characters are well-developed, each bringing their unique perspectives and strengths to the group dynamic. Their interactions are both entertaining and insightful, highlighting themes of teamwork, survival, and the complexities of human nature. Chico's writing balances tension with humor, keeping readers engaged and invested in the outcome.
What sets "Island Games" apart is its ability to blend adventure with deeper reflections on friendship and personal growth. As the characters confront their fears and forge new bonds, readers are treated to an uplifting message about the power of collaboration and self-discovery.
Overall, "Island Games" is an engaging read that offers both excitement and meaningful themes. Clint Chico has crafted a story that will resonate with fans of adventure and fantasy alike, making it a standout addition to the genre. Highly recommended!
The characters are well-developed, each bringing their unique perspectives and strengths to the group dynamic. Their interactions are both entertaining and insightful, highlighting themes of teamwork, survival, and the complexities of human nature. Chico's writing balances tension with humor, keeping readers engaged and invested in the outcome.
What sets "Island Games" apart is its ability to blend adventure with deeper reflections on friendship and personal growth. As the characters confront their fears and forge new bonds, readers are treated to an uplifting message about the power of collaboration and self-discovery.
Overall, "Island Games" is an engaging read that offers both excitement and meaningful themes. Clint Chico has crafted a story that will resonate with fans of adventure and fantasy alike, making it a standout addition to the genre. Highly recommended!
March 28, 2023
Chico is my colleague and friend. Yes, I'm a bit bias. Be that as it may, this is a good book. Chico is a Survivor fan and his knowledge and love of this show clearly comes through in this book. Twelve teens are scrutinized, selected, trained, and then dropped on an island as part of a brand new reality show. There is the genius, racist, jock, cheerleader, skate punk, liar, surfer, mean girl, and a couple of more. As the game progresses, members are voted out, and taken to a place until the game ends. There is one problem, some members learn the game is a lie. It is front for something far more sinister and deadly. Can these members come together for their survival?
Chico is very good with action, pacing, and cliffhangers. I had to finish reading this book. His character development is interesting. He may start with some stereotypical-like characteristics, but these characters are more than the stereotype. They are teens with talents, skills, and so much more.
Chico is very good with action, pacing, and cliffhangers. I had to finish reading this book. His character development is interesting. He may start with some stereotypical-like characteristics, but these characters are more than the stereotype. They are teens with talents, skills, and so much more.
February 23, 2023
I couldn't put this book down! The characters were engaging and well developed, and the story keeps you guessing! A true adventure, and it really makes you wonder how much we really know about the behind the scenes of reality TV! A must read!
June 28, 2023
I wish I could write a review worthy of this book… but I am not a writer. All I know is that I finished this book in a 24 hour period and I literally can’t stop thinking about it or talking about it. So good!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews