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A review by momwithareadingproblem
La Isla by Jen Minkman
5.0
The Island by [a:Jen Minkman|5808037|Jen Minkman|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1334999066p2/5808037.jpg] is book one of the novella series by the same name and begins with a haunting prologue about two twins at the age of 10 leaving their parents' home to become adults. That's right people, 10 years old and already considered adults in this dystopian world! Flash-forward 6 years, Leia and Colin are living at the manor with the other teens between ages 10 and 18. They are learning survival skills like hunting, fishing, and gathering, and awaiting the time when they will chose a husband/wife and return to the parents' village. At the manor, the youngsters - as they are called - are supposed to work together, however an elder boy Saul decides to become leader and using fear keeps the others in line. Leia and Colin feel they must stop him, but at what cost?
The Characters
Leia is the main character and the story is told from her point of view. I found her to be strong, determined, and devoted to what she believes. However, she is also curious. She steals "the Book" (a notebook that is from her ancestors telling them how to live) and begins reading it trying to find out if Saul is acting on his own accord or with the Book.
Walt comes in about 30% into the book. He is from the other side of the wall, a Fool. He also happens to extremely handsome and make are leading lady blush. Walt is confident and caring, and completely smitten with Leia. But he also has an ulterior motive.
Saul is a scary guy. He's written to be intimidating, but to me he comes off as a scared kid. He left his parents as he was forced to do at 10 just like all the other kids. Now he's the oldest, doesn't seem interested in finding a wife, and a bit power hungry.
The Plot
Because this is a novella I won't dig too deep into the plot. I don't want to spoil the story ;) The world-building is subtle and flows well with the overall story. Leia is confined to her side of the island and really only knows what she has been told by her parents and Saul. And what they know has been passed down from their parents, and so on. Leia, her brother and a few others decide to revolt against Saul and Leia relies on the help of Walt to do so.
I've read a couple of not-so-flattering reviews of this book because of the blatant fan-fiction to Star Wars. Personally, I loved it! I'm a huge Star Wars fan, so to me it added humor to a story that would otherwise have been quite sad. Leia's side of the island believes in the Force and drawing strength and power from it as her ancestors did :lol: Walt's side of the island, the Fools as Leia calls them, look to the horizon, waiting on help that Leia believes will never come. As I've already stated a very interesting piece of dystopian literature.
My Conclusions
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, probably more than I should have :D I loved the Star Wars references! It added to the story brining ironic humor in just the right places. I felt the world-building was subtle and created an interesting view on what would happen if [spoiler] all the adults on the planet died and children under 10 were left to start over.[/spoiler] If you enjoy young adult dystopians and are looking for a quick read, I highly recommend this one. It's just long enough to fix whet your appetite and long enough that you aren't too disappointed in the ending. Honestly I can't wait to read the rest!
The Characters
Leia is the main character and the story is told from her point of view. I found her to be strong, determined, and devoted to what she believes. However, she is also curious. She steals "the Book" (a notebook that is from her ancestors telling them how to live) and begins reading it trying to find out if Saul is acting on his own accord or with the Book.
Walt comes in about 30% into the book. He is from the other side of the wall, a Fool. He also happens to extremely handsome and make are leading lady blush. Walt is confident and caring, and completely smitten with Leia. But he also has an ulterior motive.
Saul is a scary guy. He's written to be intimidating, but to me he comes off as a scared kid. He left his parents as he was forced to do at 10 just like all the other kids. Now he's the oldest, doesn't seem interested in finding a wife, and a bit power hungry.
The Plot
Because this is a novella I won't dig too deep into the plot. I don't want to spoil the story ;) The world-building is subtle and flows well with the overall story. Leia is confined to her side of the island and really only knows what she has been told by her parents and Saul. And what they know has been passed down from their parents, and so on. Leia, her brother and a few others decide to revolt against Saul and Leia relies on the help of Walt to do so.
I've read a couple of not-so-flattering reviews of this book because of the blatant fan-fiction to Star Wars. Personally, I loved it! I'm a huge Star Wars fan, so to me it added humor to a story that would otherwise have been quite sad. Leia's side of the island believes in the Force and drawing strength and power from it as her ancestors did :lol: Walt's side of the island, the Fools as Leia calls them, look to the horizon, waiting on help that Leia believes will never come. As I've already stated a very interesting piece of dystopian literature.
My Conclusions
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, probably more than I should have :D I loved the Star Wars references! It added to the story brining ironic humor in just the right places. I felt the world-building was subtle and created an interesting view on what would happen if [spoiler] all the adults on the planet died and children under 10 were left to start over.[/spoiler] If you enjoy young adult dystopians and are looking for a quick read, I highly recommend this one. It's just long enough to fix whet your appetite and long enough that you aren't too disappointed in the ending. Honestly I can't wait to read the rest!