The Island by M. A. Bennett // Review

Title: The Island by M. A. Bennett

Rating: ★★★

Release: 9th August 2018

Synopsis: Link is a fish out of water. Newly arrived from America, he is finding it hard to settle into the venerable and prestigious Osney School. Who knew there could be so many strange traditions to understand? And what kind of school ranks its students by how fast they can run round the school quad – however ancient that quad may be? When Link runs the slowest time in years, he immediately becomes the butt of every school joke. And some students are determined to make his life more miserable than others . . . When a school summer trip is offered, Link can think of nothing worse than spending voluntary time with his worst tormentors. But when his parents say he can only leave Osney School – forever – if he goes on the trip, Link decides to endure it for the ultimate prize. But this particular trip will require a very special sort of endurance.The saying goes ‘No man is an island’ – but what if on that island is a group of teenagers, none of whom particularly like each other? When oppressive heat, hunger and thirst start to bite, everyone’s true colours will be revealed. Let the battle commence . . .Review:

Have you ever thought about what you’d do if you were stuck on a desert island? Well Link has, and what he has planned is set to shake up the entire hierarchy of his life so far…

I thought this was a really unique take on a tale as old as time. I liked how we got to see the rise of the underdog and just how much fame and power can go to your head and corrupt you.

It was definitely well written, and personally I loved it even more than I did S.T.A.G.S, M. A. Bennet’s debut novel (you can find my review for that here: S.T.A.G.S. by M.A. Bennett // Review).

Although the ending was very dramatic and kind of lost the story, I still felt like it was an overall well written and developed book and thought the characters worked so well together.

They were the stereotypical characters you met throughout school, and it was so nice to relate in so many ways.

It was definitely a stand out book, and one to look out for.

You can buy The Island on Amazon UK here!