The Island, by Clarissa Johal, was a surprisingly fun read. This was the first book that I have read by the author, and I will admit to having been skeptical about the quality due to the relatively small size of the novel (I hold suspect anything less than 300 pages). The Island managed to provide a developed story within the small confines of the text, introducing us to reasonably complex characters who begin the process of clearing out a deceased relative's belongings from a family-owned island. As the story progresses, we learn our characters are not alone in their adventure, with bits of spookiness mixed in with the prose. What the reader will find is a developed story, likable characters with fascinating histories, set in a place that is described well enough to paint a well-developed mental picture. While I believe the author could certainly have expanded on the story to provide more depth, I am pleased to offer my own recommendation. Be advised-- it is a hard book to put down! ( )

The Island, by Clarissa Johal, was a surprisingly fun read. This was the first book that I have read by the author, and I will admit to having been skeptical about the quality due to the relatively small size of the novel (I hold suspect anything less than 300 pages). The Island managed to provide a developed story within the small confines of the text, introducing us to reasonably complex characters who begin the process of clearing out a deceased relative's belongings from a family-owned island. As the story progresses, we learn our characters are not alone in their adventure, with bits of spookiness mixed in with the prose. What the reader will find is a developed story, likable characters with fascinating histories, set in a place that is described well enough to paint a well-developed mental picture. While I believe the author could certainly have expanded on the story to provide more depth, I am pleased to offer my own recommendation. Be advised-- it is a hard book to put down! ( )

A great fast paced thriller with an easy read. A subtle horror book with well developed characters and a plot that pulls you in. ( )

Emma's grandmother disappeared from her private island 7 years ago. Emma and her father have finally decided to clean up the place to sell it, but her father has had an injury so Emma heads out to the island on her own to do the clean-up. There are rumors that the island is cursed. As Emma soon finds out, there really are weird things going on on that island...

I really enjoyed this. It pulled me in right away and I wanted to keep reading until I finished. It was short enough (under 200 pages) so that I was able to finish in one day. There are a couple of side stories with Emma's friend Paisley and with a budding romance, but I enjoyed those, as well. I thought the “secondary” characters were well done. ( )

Emma has an unpleasant task. She has to go to a private island once owned by her grandmother, Fae, and prepare the property for sale. Fae was recently declared deceased after being missing without a trace for 7 years. He father started the job, but an accident left him hospitalized.

As a young girl, Fae would hate being sent to the island to be with her overbearing grandmother. She was never allowed to explore the island, and never allowed outside unsupervised. Her grandmother seemed to have a terminal case of cabin fever...she hung bells all around the outside of the cabin resulting in an endless cacophony, as well as bowls of sea water, as if some superstition got the best of her.

Emma did once explore the island some and discovered a cave partially obscured by rocks. Without her grandmother's interference, she went to look for this cave again, but couldn't find it. Her best friend came to help, bringing her lecherous boyfriend along and when arguments ensued, the two left Emma alone. Then there was a knock on the door...two gentlemen were seeking aid.

What follows is a fast-paced adventure as Emma seeks out the history of the island hoping to find a way to put down the demons who destroyed her grandmother and were intent on doing the same to her. There's a nice balance of terror and lucidity. The demons are well done, vicious, but each with an Achilles heel that Emma must discover in order to prevail. ( )