Tags
Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Teen for providing and eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: Available Now
320 Pages
Synopsis: The Castaway Carnival: fun, mysterious, dangerous.
Renowned for it’s infamous corn maze…and the kids who go missing in it.
When Olive runs into the maze, she wakes up on an isolated and undetectable island where a decades-long war between two factions of rival teens is in full swing.
Trapped, Olive must slowly attempt to win each of her new comrades’ hearts as Will–their mysterious, stoically quiet, and handsome leader–steals hers.
Olive is only sure about one thing: her troop consists of the good guys, and she’ll do whatever it takes to help them win the war and get back home.
The Castaways is a clever novel that is a combination of Mean Girls and Lord of the Flies. As the story begins, Olive Maxi Gagmuehler is being tormented by three high school classmates. A couple of the things they do to her are definitely cringe-worthy, so beware. Everything comes to a head one night when after being once again attacked, at a carnival, Olive runs into a corn maze and suddenly finds herself trapped on an island with teens from different time periods. the only thing they have in common is they were all running away from something or someone, when they landed n this mysterious island. Olive is someone that many teens will relate to, especially if they’re victims of bullying. While she’s clearly terrified of her attackers, she also fights back against her tormenters. Once she’s on The Island, it quickly becomes apparent that this is no oasis of safety. While the teens and two young children in her group are for the most part welcoming, there’s another group that seems determined to wipe them out. But one of the best parts about this story is that nothing and no one is what they seem. Olive is the one constant, and she not only becomes the catalyst for change on the Island, but she goes through a journey of self-discovery that leaves her a stronger person by the end of the book. There were a couple of things that prevented this from being a perfect read for me. While I liked Will, Olive’s love interest, I never really bought into their romance for some reason. I’m not sure if it was just me, but there just didn’t seem to be any sparks. It almost seemed like they were forced together because of the circumstances, rather than there being real emotion behind their relationship. And, there were a couple of plot holes, particularly in regards to Olive’s tormenters that weren’t filled in enough for me. For the most part though, I thought The Castaways was imaginative and unique. It also does a good job at tackling the subject of bullying and sends a strong message that running away is never a positive solution to solving problems. It’s a book that should hold wide appeal for teens and I think it would also make an excellent selection for book discussion groups.
toomuchofabooknerd said:
Heyyy, I’ve also read this book recently! 😀 I agree with the things you said, I think it was so nice to see Olive’s development in terms of self-discovery! I did have a few issues here and there – like you said, the romance between Will and Olive was too rushed and unrealistic in my opinion and I didn’t buy it! Loved the review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thank you so much! I’m glad we were on the same page!😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jasmine said:
I like this book’s message about runaway and bullying. I haven’t seen this book around yet. The cover looks interesting hehe I’m glad you enjoyed the read 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It really is a good book Jasmine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
theorangutanlibrarian said:
Oh that’s a very good positive message- sounds good!! Great review 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks!😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
theorangutanlibrarian said:
You’re welcome 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
beetleypete said:
I loved Lord of The Flies. That’s a powerful comparison indeed, Kim. It must be good!
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Same here Pete. Thanks!
LikeLike
Jay said:
I’ve been blazing through so many of your recommendations this week!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks ever so much Jay!😊
LikeLike
ravenblake99 said:
I have this book in my tbr! The concept sounds very interesting and I’m glad enjoyed it! Nice Review! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That’s great Raven! I think you’ll like this!☺
LikeLiked by 1 person
KrystiYAandWine said:
That cover is gorgeous, and I love that this book discusses bullying. Such an important issue. I also think that cover is gorgeous. I’ll have to read this one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It really is isn’t it? Remember a few days ago I reviewed Dead Little Mean Girl and complained how one dimensional and completely unsympathetic the bully was? Well, there’s a character here that did some pretty horrific things to another in the past, and their characters and relationship are so realistic and well written! I think you’ll really like this Krysti!
LikeLiked by 1 person
KrystiYAandWine said:
I definitely do remember that review, because I really liked one of Eva Darrow’s other books, so I was bummed to hear that. I love stories that build out villains or anti-heroes in a way that gives them a lot of depth and motivation for their behavior. So you’ve got me super excited about this one now, Kim! Thank you! ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay! I can’t wait to hear what you think!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LairOfBooks said:
I almost request this one cuz of the FIERCE cover 😂 added to my TBR. You’ve just reminded me that I really need to make time to read Lord Of The Flies, I feel like the only person on the planet who hasn’t read it yet. There aren’t enough books about bullying, I’m glad this one pulled it off well, great review Kim! 😉💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Lilly! I have to admit the cover is what originally made me gravitate toward it. I have kind of a love/hate relationship with Lord of the Flies. It’s an absolutely brilliant piece of writing, but both times I read it I had horrible nightmares.😨
LikeLiked by 1 person
LairOfBooks said:
Yea it’s a stunner! & oh no! Now I’m asking myself whether I need to go down that route with Lord of the Flies 🤣 I’m real chicken when it comes to scary movies but books are worse cuz my imagination gets the best of me lmao!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It’s not so much scary as in horror, but that it thoroughly examines the darkness that’s at the earth of humanity. And it’s so realistic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LairOfBooks said:
Ahhh! Ok I see, I’m def going to read it when I’m feeling for a darker read.My hubby holds that one over my head as the one he’s read that I haven’t lol. Thanks Kim 😃💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carrie said:
Glad you enjoyed it too. I have to say I do agree with the relationship, it really wasn’t even necessary and seemed like a we just have to add this because it’s normal for a YA read.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Exactly! Not every YA book has to have its two MCs fall in love. Sheesh!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carrie said:
Completely agree with that… some stories like this one it just feels out of place while building everything else going on. If anything how about at the end have them finally notice each other after going through so much so it isn’t so insta-lovey.
LikeLike
Diana said:
Despite the few issues with the romance, I think this is a book that I would like to read. I like issue-based YAs and this does sound like a great read. Fab review Kim.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
The romance was just a minor flaw Diana. I do think you’d like this.😊
LikeLike
vinnieh said:
You had me with the words imaginative and unique.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Except for the romance which really wasn’t necessary, this was just about perfect Vinnie😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Yes, I thought the focus on companionship was very touching. It moved me in many ways.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Sorry I sent the wrong comment there. I was clicking through quickly and thought it was a comment from my Last Chance Harvey review.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
No worries.
LikeLiked by 1 person
vinnieh said:
Thanks Kim.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Felicia Denise said:
Love that cover!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Soo striking!
LikeLike
Didi Oviatt - Author said:
That cover though 😍😍😍 WOW!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Right?!😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Didi Oviatt - Author said:
Yes!!
LikeLike
Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
Ouuuh bullying! That’s an interesting angle. This review got me super excited to read Lord of the Flies though. It’s been waiting on my shelves for too long. I know… I know.. 😉 Going to have to find time for it this summer! Fantastic review though, really sounds fascinating (aside from the romance side of things)! 😀
– Lashaan
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Lashaan! I hope you like Lord of the Flies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Shameful Narcissist said:
It seems like YA is always shoehorning in romance no matter the cost. I’m pretty sure it’s because publishers demand it, but it would be nice to see one that didn’t have that stipulation. This sounds like much more of a survival story, and while people can certainly fall in love (and do) in such a circumstance, if it seems forced, don’t do it. I liked the way Hunger Games handled it. Collins was brilliant at showing the degree to which Katniss was suffering from PTSD and how they affected her ability to make any decisions let alone romantic ones. Even though she did eventually “decide,” you know it was never the foremost thing in her mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Exactly Adrienne! I wish publishers of YA novels didn’t think their audience clamors for a romance in Every. Single. Book. It’s annoying, and from what I know from the teens I used to talk to at the libretto, completely unnecessary. And I absolutely agree with you about the Hunger Games. Love triangles are usually my biggest pet peeves, but Katniss’s relationship with Gale and Peeta was for the majority of the trilogy definitely not the most important thing on her mind.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Shameful Narcissist said:
I’m hoping some teen writers out there will start penning their own stories. I think that would be perfect, because they have the best idea of what’s going on with their lives/feelings being much closer to it than any adult writer, but of course the older you are the more experienced you are in writing, so there’s a bit of a catch-22 at work here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Melanie Noell Bernard said:
I definitely agree with you about the romance. It was forced, but, more importantly, it was unnecessary. The guy was the one to make Olive stop hating her name, not herself, and I think that takes away from the acceptance and confidence she gained. She did some self-discovery, but she shouldn’t need a man to like her name for her to like her name. Thoughts?
LikeLiked by 1 person
By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Absolutely. This was a book that didn’t need a romance thrown in.
LikeLiked by 1 person