Guest Reviewer: Mister B is reading…X-Isle

X-Isle by Steve Augarde

Set in a future where massive floods have buried cities and towns underwater and only those on the highest ground have survived, XIsle tells the story of a supposed island oasis run by charismatic Preacher John. Boys are selected to live on the island when their families trade valuable goods to give their sons and young brothers a chance to sail on the Cormorant and live with Preacher John and his crew.  The island provides a hopeful future away from the drowned society they reside in with their families and friends.

All is not what is seems for the boys once they arrive on the island.  The promised advantages are replaced by cramped living quarters and slave labor.  The boys are forced to work for Preacher John, a self-righteous religious fanatic looking to collect as much wealth and valuables as possible. Preacher John's crew watch over the boys and make their lives miserable.

XIsle focuses on a boy name Baz and explores his trials and tribulations as he and the other group of boys trapped on the island try and figure out a way to escape.  There are moments of hope and moments of tragedy as the David vs. Goliath story moves along.  Funny situations give way to sometimes brutal consequences.  

The characters in the book speak in an English accent which at times can be confusing for the reader.  Overall, I would say the book is pretty predictable but does have some exciting twists and turns.  If you like "me against the world" stories, then you probably will enjoy XIsle by Steve Augarde.  Not up to "Lord of the Flies", "Lost" or "Hunger Games" standards, but not bad.   

Short and Sweet Summer Summary...Mindbllind

Mindblind by Jennifer Roy

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Mindblind is 14-year-old Nathan Clark’s story. As a boy with mild Asperger’s, he experiences life in 2 worlds.

One is his “Aspie” N-world where he often disappears when a word triggers a memory that he has stored in his brain, like a computer file. His best friend, Cooper, says he’s like a zombie when it happens. In his own N-world, Nathan creates and solves mathematical formulas and he isn’t forced to interact with people and “hangout” with other teenagers.

But Nathan can’t always live in N-world. Sometimes he has to be a part of the outside world where it seems that people want to “fix” him. In the outside world, he has to worry about things like the clothes that he wears and whether he has crumbs on his face.

People often call Nathan a genius, but he “knows” that technically, he isn’t one. When he was younger, he read in a book that “a genius is a person who has accomplished something outstanding with his or her talents.” Since he hasn’t made an impact on the world yet, Nathan knows that he isn’t an official “genius”…yet! And so his quest to become one begins.

While on his quest for genius, Nathan also has to deal with the normal stuff, just like everyone else. His dad just doesn’t get him, he has a crush on his band-mate, and he’s not sure if he’s ready to share his songs with the world.

Nathan is relatable and funny. Read Mindblind to see if he succeeds in his quest for genius.

Short and Sweet Summer Summay...Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

 and Jack have been best friends forever. When others didn’t understand or accept Hazel, Jack was always there for her. They just fit. That was until one day, without warning, when Jack seems to suddenly change over night.

Hazel’s mom tries to convince her that this is normal for kids their age. By fifth grade, boys and girls sometimes find that it’s hard to remain friends. Her mom encourages her to make a new friend, but Hazel knows that whatever is wrong with Jack, it isn’t that simple.

As it turns out, Jack’s heart has been frozen by a shard of magical glass and he has been taken into the woods by the White Witch. But is he being kept against his will, or is he there by choice? Hazel knows that she has to go after Jack.

I’m not sure what to think of Breadcrumbs. I have to say it wasn’t really a favorite of mine, but I seem to be in the minority. Most every review I read of this book was positive…even glowing. So if you like books that are part coming-of-age story, part fairy tale and part adventure, give Anne Ursu’s version of The Snow Queen a try and let me know what you think.