A group of six seventeen-year-old friends, whose parents met at anti-natal classes. They have known each other since birth and their families have taken an annual holiday together ever since. For a birthday treat one of the parents books an exclusive jungle island survival experience for the teenagers.

Once on the island the cracks on their relationships begin to show, as the very different teenage personalities and previous life experiences bubble to the surface. After a death on the island the story takes a more sinister turn. The teenagers don’t know whether somebody else is playing foul or if it is one of their own group. In either case, they are stuck on the island living a nightmare and fighting for survival.

I have read most of this authors books and really enjoyed them, but this is her first YA book that I have read. For me, this book started off quite slowly. I found that it didn’t really pick up pace and grip me until I was over halfway through reading it. At this point it became a white-knuckle ride and I was compelled to see how the story would end. It definitely had a very interesting ending which I wasn’t expecting.

This was my first CL Taylor book, I requested the ARC because it sounded really interesting. I have to say, I stayed up til 2am on Tuesday to finish it. I literally could not put it down.

The setting really draws you in, and maybe we have been in the house too long, but this island sounded like heaven to me 😂 it isn't long before things start to go wrong though and you are left guessing what is going on.

The book is obviously YA which does make it an easy but thrilling read. I would recommend it if you are looking for something quick to read but there are a few triggers in this book; mental health issues and death just to name two.

Thanks to HQ and netgalley for the advanced copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Welcome to The Island. Where your worst fears are about to come true… It was supposed to be the perfect holiday: a week-long trip for six teenage friends on a remote tropical island. But when their guide dies of a stroke leaving them stranded, the trip of a lifetime turns into a nightmare. Because someone on the island knows each of the group’s worst fears. And one by one, they’re becoming a reality. Seven days in paradise. A deadly secret. Who will make it off the island alive?

The story is told in the POVs of Jessie and Danny, bar one chapter later on in the POV of another member of the friendship group. It was interesting to read the unfolding story from various viewpoints, gaining deeper understandings of the characters’ thoughts, feelings and motivations. That said, with Danny’s chapters, I didn’t feel as much of a connection with him as a person compared to Jessie’s. That may be the idea, that we see more into Jessie’s head and Danny is more reserved but it would have elevated the story more if we got inside Danny’s head just that little bit more. The other characters were each included and shown well - never just in the background, always having their moment to shine, which I appreciate. Some stories have others characters involved merely to progress the storyline of the MCs, but I felt this wasn’t the case here.

Reminds me of Lord of the Flies more than anything except they’re older and have a little less tendency to turn on each other. I do feel it was a little repetitive at times - something happens to one person, they recover, something happens to another person. I wished to have more to this book - especially with the synopsis being so intriguing. The ending was interesting - definitely a twist I was and wasn’t expecting - but again, I felt like it could have been more. It almost felt like a cop out not having more happen in the climax, hence my rating of only 3 stars. As a YA book, we could’ve had more violence or more build up of fear which I would’ve expected from a story such as this. If it did, it would have been an easy 4 stars for me.

Overall, The Island is a book that makes you grateful you’re not stuck on a desert island somewhere, that’s for sure.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

The all new addictive YA thriller from C. L. Taylor, the story follows six families who holiday together every year. This time they’re in Thailand and the six teenagers are taking part in a week long survival trip on a remote island. When their guide dies suddenly the teenagers are stranded and the trip quickly takes a dark turn. As the group attempt to survive they quickly learn someone on the island knows their worst fears – but who is making them come true?

This was such a fast paced read and I raced through it in just over a day. I always love C. L. Taylor’s books and this one is no exception. Full of twists and turns, I didn’t guess the ending until it was revealed. Taylor has such a great writing style that it’s really easy to get absorbed in the story. I really adored the premise of this one – the idea of a once in a life time trip gone horribly wrong and the sinister notion of whether they are in fact the only people on the island.

The characters were well developed and I liked some of them and hated others. They made for a fascinating group and it was really interesting seeing the dynamics change as they fought to survive and grew suspicious of each other. Like the other C. L. Taylor books I’ve read there’s a tense, unsettling atmosphere that continues to climb right to the very last page.

If you’re a fan of C. L. Taylor or you love compelling YA thrillers, this is absolutely a must read. This is my fifth read by this author and I cannot wait to see what she does next.

The blurb describes this book as Lost meets The Hunger Games. I found myself comparing it more to Bear Grylls The Island.
C.L Taylor is a master of her work . Fir me, this was a perfect book, I didn't want it to end.
It was exciting, intriguing and full of thrills. Also to me the ending was unexpected but good.
I would recommend this book.

Every year six families had gone on holiday with each other since they had met at anti-natal classes. Some of the now teenagers had siblings. Not. all the families could meet every year, either because of finances or for some, family tragedies. The six families had gone to Thailand this year, but the teenagers had all changed over the years, had their distinctive characters and styles. Each year they became more like strangers to each other.
Jefferson is all about survival skills so for his birthday this year, his parents have hired a private island for the six teens to go to for a week, with an experienced guide too. After playing a campfire game of what their phobias are, their guide becomes very ill and dies. The youngsters are left to fend for themselves with no way to contact the outside world. But things are going to take a dangerous turn. Who else is on the Island?
This is a great YA thriller that will get set your imagination alight trying to work out why mysterious things are happening. The teens have to overcome their worst nightmare situations. The Island is both a beautiful and deadly with the group falling apart with each other. Hormones are on the boil and rational thinking.
The days are ticking down until they will be picked up, that is if they can survive until then. It is a fabulous Y. A. novel.
I wish to thank Net Galley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.

This was my first time reading anything by C.L Taylor, and I wasn't disappointed!

I thought this book was structured really well, the plot progressed well, and was paced in a way that the author managed to build suspense without being boring or repetitive.

I liked the concept of the novel - a group of teens (17 years old) left stranded on an island where they not only need to survive until rescue, but they must also outwit whoever has overheard them speak of their phobias and is making them come true.

The story unfolded well and there were enough hints and red herrings to keep me engaged. Also, I didn't guess the outcome which is always a plus point. However, whilst I didn't guess the ending I was a little disappointed with it, I would've liked to have seen things end differently - this is most probably personal preference though, it didn't take away from the overall story too much.

There are some trigger warnings to be aware of - death, harassment, phobias, bullying, PTSD but they are all handled sensitively and actually bring a lot to the story. With this being a YA book, I think shedding a light on these issues is so important, and I was impressed with how Taylor did it.

My only criticism lies with the characterisation. I don't feel as though they were all as developed as they should have been - Jeffers and Meg in particular. What I did learn about them left me wanting to know more, and this wasn't suspensful or mysterious, rather annoying because they felt half finished.

Overall a good read, with enough positives to convince me to check out more of the author's work. I would recommend. I would rate it 3.5/5

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book*

I am a huge huge C.L Taylor fan and have read pretty much all her books, now i am the first to admit i don't read alot of Y/A but this one i must admit properly peaked my interest, the premise sounded gripping, thrilling and something i would enjoy - throw in its written by one of my favourite authors and i was ready to delve in.

Marketed as Lost meets Hunger Games, we meet six teenage friends who are about to embark on a survival style holiday on their own island, its meant to be a great chance to unwind, experience something new and have a great holiday together without the adults around. However - when their guide dies, and leaves them stranded things take a turn for the worse.

Someone on the island knows the groups biggest phobias and one by one these are coming to life, and seven days is really a long time when you have to fend for yourself and no way to leave. Who will actually survive this deadly island.

I loved this, it was so thrilling, it had elements of Lord of the Flies too which i adored, (i never watched Lost so i can't compare but still) I sometimes find when you have a few main characters it's a struggle to get my head around them all but these all had clear characteristics and each chapter was told from a different perspective you got to discover their individual voices.

I found that i was hooked into this straight away and felt myself been taken on a twisty turny journey with everyone on the island, i felt myself concerned and worried for everyone. I also felt my trust been taken away from me and desperately counting down the days until they could all leave or be found.

Cally has created a beautiful but dark read that has a powerful impact, tackles some very dark topics but is still light enough to enjoy. Everything was handled sensitively but looked at complex issues. The characters were all real, flawed and tackling their own issues. A great read and i am so glad i got to review this.

First of all I would like to say thank you to Netgalley and the author for giving me a e-copy of this book.

So this was the first book I have read from this author and the synopsis really intrigued me as it has one of us is lying vibes but on a remote island in Thailand! I personally really enjoy thrillers so thought I should give C. L. Taylor a go as people rave about their books - however this one just didn’t hit the mark for me.

The book is told in 2 POV’s - Jess and Danny - and as much as I enjoyed having the different perspective in the copy I had, Jess’s sections were in firs person and Danny’s were told in 3rd which was weird.

The story itself was quite dull. The but in the beginning where the guide died was about as thrilling as it got until I was like 5 Chapters from the end. I didn’t have a connection with the characters as they all seemed so 1 dimensional, and quite whiney so I didn’t really care what happened to them.

Also because it’s a survivor storey and the same would happen in the days, sections of the days were missed so the plot twist at the end was just Meh.... as the story really jumped around at the end and I think we should have seen more through the 2 POV’s we were given.

This story was alright but not my favourite.

I really enjoyed this book , that's essentially a locked room mystery - a group of teenage childhood friend take a survivalist trip to a Thai island , and things start going terribly wrong resulting in a bunch of stranded teenager fighting for survival in more than one way. I really enjoyed the dual perspective Voices in the book as well as the intertwined relationships. However I didnt feel particularly invested in the story, no matter how engaging it was , and I think that maybe due to complete lack of world building. However , I did fly through the book in a day. The storyline was engaging, with multiple mysteries to solve and a constant seance of impending doom and intrigue, it kept me hooked from page one. As far as YA mysteries go this was one of the best I have read however overall I dont think I was the correct reader.

When I read that this book was like Lost meets The Hunger Games – I was sold! The beautiful Thai setting was the perfect world for me to escape into when I wanted a reprieve from the cold, wintery landscape outside. I could practically see the crystal blue waters and hear the macaques and jungle birds as they drifted through the trees.

Tropical paradise aside, it took me a little while to get to grips with who was who in the band of 6 main characters. The perspectives shift quite quickly which was a little confusing to start with but I soon got into the rhythm of it. The format definitely helped draw out the suspense because the actions and events were coming from changing viewpoints. It was tricky to decide which narrator/character was giving you the honest truth but that made me more invested in the story.

The Phobias each character had were a real plot driver to carry the story forward and reveal more clues about what was really going on compared to what was perceived to be going on. As each character had to face their phobia, you were able to whittle down who could possibly be the one behind all of the drama. Then particular events near the end have you not only questioning what you thought you knew already, but also questioning what you thought you had read. These little red herrings continue to mind-trick you into narrowing down the list of suspects and their motivations whilst also keeping you engrossed in the plot. It’s probably the setting and mystery that kept me turning the pages rather than the actual characters themselves.

References to grief, guilt and PTSD are dealt with sensitively in a way which doesn’t necessarily dive right into the traumatic heart of its core but still help to raise awareness of these conditions well enough for a teenage / YA audience.

In a way, The Island totally reminded me of Lord of the Flies in the sense that these friends are stuck on this beautiful island which seems to be filled with horrors caused by one of their own. It’s definitely the new Lord of the Flies for a modern YA generation. One thing which could be said about The Island is that it seemed (in my own mind) to be a bunch of fairly privileged teenagers on a paradise island almost bemoaning about their lot in life whilst at the same time struggling to reconnect with each other now that they’re getting older, growing apart and dealing with the aftermath of events which have led to mental health issues. If you’re looking for diversity and complex world-building then I’m not sure that this book will appeal to you, but if you’re looking for thrills, spills and a multi-layered mystery (with a hint of paradise!) then this may be right up your street.
[Review to be published on blog: 20.01.21]

This was quite a compelling novel, but I wouldn't write home about it. This YA thriller/mystery seemed really exciting and for the majority of the book was really interesting, but left a little to be desired.

This was advertised as a Lost meets The Hunger Games and for a while it read like that and I was on the edge of my seat and then it seemed to go away from that narrative. This book was easy to read although I found some of the language a little repetitive. I did in enjoy this book, just not as much as I would have liked.

The character development was strong with some characters transforming to reveal secrets that you had no idea that they held, but equally some characters seemed to be there for the sake of it, and didn't get much page time. The way the story was told from 2 main perspectives within the group was interesting and led you to play a bit of a Cluedo-esque game with the story, ticking people off as you went. One very good thing about this novel is that it explores mental health, loss and grief in a thorough manner, which has obviously been quite well researched before.

I would still recommend this book to others, I just felt as though the ending was a bit of a cop out. The book built suspense and characters so well, and then I got to the end a felt a bit deflated , like 'Oh, was that it'. That doesn't necessarily detract from the book, it just didn't appeal as much to me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this eARC of The Island, in exchange for an honest review!

⚠️ Content Warnings:</strong> Mental Health, PTSD, Bullying, Trauma, Death, Sexual Harassment. ⚠️

The Island by C L Taylor is a young adult thriller. Set in Thailand where 6, 17 year old friends who holiday together go on a bush survival week to an uninhabited island with a single guide. When the guide dies, and their only way off the island has been deliberately sabotaged they have to survive the rest of the week before rescue.

There are only 6 characters, which allows us to learn more about them. The rich, bossy organiser, the squabbling brother and sister , the sensitive singleton are all there. Told mainly from the perspective of 2 of the characters Jessie the quiet friend who didn’t come on last year’s trip, who has her own issues she doesn’t want to talk about; and Danny the overprotective boyfriend of honour who is also on the trip.

The plot is well thought out and structured well, during a drunken party the friends start talking about their greatest fears, snakes, spiders and heights all brought up. As the days pass by, the fears start coming true but it can’t be a coincidence, so who’s behind the tricks? As the in fighting begins and the group splits the danger increases. Action packed, with a quick moving storyline this is a page turner for sure.

A light exciting, thriller, covering multiple teenage issues. Fast moving plot with believable characters. A quick easy read suitable for young adults. 4*

Thanks to HQ Harper Collins and NetGalley for the ARC

A strong female lead and she is very well placed within the novel which is told from multiple character viewpoints. There are undertones of Lord of The Flies as well as the the Survivor series, and I can see it being added to readings list in colleges. I would have said secondary schools but this book has normal teens doing normal things, but that is explained well in the book) which includes underage drinking and I can't imagine any secondary school would include that on their reading lists. This book hit all the right notes for me and I am trying to encourage my teen to read it without seeming overly eager as that will of course put him right off it! The teens in this novel are all struggling to come to terms with troubling feelings, some of which are ones which any teen could experience, and others which are much more extreme. The novel is beautifully and convincingly narrated by three young people, the plot races along and the word craft gives rise to scenes which are almost cinematic. I think this novel is an absolute triumph and I expect to see it in a movie at some point.

WHAT A BOOK!! I literally couldn’t stop reading this book and powered through it! It’s a great slump buster with drama all the way through! A great YA read, full of suspense, suspicions and super shady characters! I honestly think I questioned every single character at some point through the book.

This would have been a one-sitting read for sure if work hadn’t got in the way as the tension is kept high with consistent dramas throughout. I loved the ending and how everything all came out in the end! A great YA thriller and definitely one I’d recommend to everyone!

Another great read from C.L. Taylor.
Six teenagers get the opportunity to stay on a remote island in Thailand while their parents are at the neighbouring resort.
Things don’t start off great as within days their guide suddenly dies leaving them to fend for themselves on the island. They try to get off the island in the boat they arrived in, but soon discover it has been sabotaged.
On their first evening the group shared their phobia's around the campfire and soon someone is bringing their worst fears to life.
The story is told between Jessie and Danny's perspectives and it is clear from the start that each of them have secrets to hide.
This is an action packed book which will keep you guessing as to who is making their time on the island so difficult.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Having just finished the book I'm left a bit in the middle of how I feel about it. About a 3 1/2 stars I think. The book is well written and watching the dymanics between the group and getting to know what happened to Jessie was interesting. I did guess who was behind it all quite early in the book though - if you are watching carefully enough there are plenty of warning markers around this.
On the whole it was a good book, but it isn't one that will stay with me.

I love a CL Taylor novel and I really love a CL Taylor YA novel. I really love the fact that we have a claustrophobic environment in this book a little like her previous young adult novel The Treatment, it really makes for a heart stopping read. You feel the pressure that the characters are under and it rally adds to the thrill. This novel also tackles some mental health issues and how trauma can affect people differently and I thought that was a really great move on this writer's part.

It took me a few moments to work out who everyone in this book was and how they were connected, you're stopped right into the action on a holiday with a group of young people who meet up every year because their Mums were in the same NCT group. I love this concept because I had friends growing up who were in my life for that same reason. You have to work out the dynamic of the group which the friends also have to do each year as they grow and change. Each character is unique but they all have fears which are exposed on this trip.

The structure of this novel is great because it is essentially a dual narrative. We get to hear from Jessie and Danny but Jessie's story is told in the first person whereas Danny's is told in the third person. I loved this distinction and the fact that we had both view points. I felt I was drawn most towards Jefferson because he seems to be the most different from the others in the group. We have 2 characters who are in a relationship and two who are related and so I felt like Jefferson was a kindred spirit in being an outsider. He also came out to the group a few years ago and I liked that this detail was included as part of the storyline.

I aways love the fact that this authors feeds us information in a slow drip drip drip. It means that you have to keep turning the pages to find out more about and event or a character and I think that bonds you to the characters even more. I love that sense of being intrigued and the thrill of new events or new people. Because this is a YA novel it does read a little quicker than CL Taylor's adult novels which are also pacey but a little longer and so I flew through this book in an afternoon/evening. I really enjoyed it even though it got a little scary at times. It was a great break from the real world and I highly recommend reading this sooner rather than later!

Six friends go on holiday to a remote island. When their tour guide dies on the first day, what will happen to six teenagers alone on an island?

This book was thrilling and kept you wanting to know what was going on. It took you places you didn't expect and the ending was a twist I wasn't expecting. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy.

This is the book I wish Lord of the Flies had been. A wonderfully gripping twisty tale of loss and survival - this may be CL Taylor’s best book yet.

6 teenagers are stranded on a private island in Thailand and no one will be coming to find them for 7 days. Slowly one by one they witness their worst fears coming true and no one can stop it.

What I loved about this book is the sense that anything could happen - from the moment the group arrived on the island the tension was palpable and I read with eager anticipation to find out what would come next. There was something in the writing that made the twists unpredictable and although the seeds of the climax were sewn early in the book, I didn’t predict just how far this would change.

The dual narrative of Danny and Jessie kept the pace and provided multiple perspectives on what was happening, making the sense of the unreliable narrator increase two fold and heightening the tension even further.

It was thrilling to watch the teens lives unravel and it was a pleasure to read until the very end.