Upcoming Island Releases

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advanced copy of this title.
I enjoy a deserted-island thriller, especially when a familiar setup takes an unexpected turn. Cast Away starts with contestants heading to a remote island to compete on a game show, but a shocking twist around the halfway point completely changes the direction of the story. I found that reveal genuinely interesting and enjoyed seeing how it shifted my understanding of what was happening.
The story is told entirely from Ava’s POV in the present, with medium-length chapters that kept things moving. Ava was a character I could root for, even though she was a bit meek at times. I liked seeing her gradually find her footing as she faced the challenges of her situation, and it was satisfying to see her become more capable as the story progressed.
There were a few moments when I had to suspend my disbelief because some of the decisions characters made didn’t feel realistic given their circumstances. While the explanation of what actually happened fell short of my expectations, I was fine with how the story wrapped up overall. Despite a few frustrations, I found this an entertaining read.
If you like deserted-island thrillers, reality TV gone wrong, and shocking mid-story twists, then you will enjoy this book.
#NetGalley #CastAway

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for an advanced copy of this title.
The premise of an island field trip gone wrong establishes a heavy, atmospheric tone right from the start. The story jumps between the group’s initial arrival on the island and fourteen hours later when two third-graders go missing. The narrative spends eighty percent of the time setting the scene, focusing heavily on who did what to whom and why before the actual kidnapping takes place. There are very few sections dedicated to the disappearance itself and the aftermath.
The shifting perspectives do provide a wide view of the escalating drama among the parents, and I found some of the character arcs quite strong. Charles stood out as a genuinely good guy making poor choices while grappling with his waning writing career. His desperate desire to recapture the feeling of his past success makes him a compelling, sympathetic figure even when he falters.
Despite those positive character moments, the story leans heavily into suspense rather than operating as a fast-paced thriller. When the thrilling moments finally arrive, that section is short and rushes by quickly. I reached the final page feeling that there were simply too many questions left unanswered to provide proper closure. If you like isolated island settings, intense parent drama, and shifting perspectives, then you may enjoy this book. #TheChaperones #NetGalley