Novels for YA readers come in many genres, but one very popular one is psychological thrillers as they pull young readers in by blending high-stakes suspense with the messy, raw emotions of adolescence. They invite teenagers (as well as adult readers) to grapple with fear, trust and the shadows lurking in the human mind – all while turning pages at breakneck speed. For YA fans who crave adrenaline-fueled introspection, C.L. Taylor’s The Island serves up the perfect storm of isolation, secrets and survival.
Thailand, or the Land of Smiles if you prefer its nickname, is a holiday destination that lots of us would probably love to visit at some point. With its lush jungles, golden temples, bustling cities, postcard-perfect beaches, dazzling blend of tradition and modernity it sounds like a wonderful place to explore. For six teenage “friends”, Jessie, Danny, Milo, Meg, Jeffers and Honor, who have all been holidaying together since their parents meet before they were born, this time they are off to Thailand. A remote island has been hired out for just their personal use for seven days, what could be more better and more idyllic? Cut off from the world with no phones, televisions, no luxury hotel room, not even beds or large stocks of food. 7 days of fending for themselves in a fantastic island location. What could go wrong?
They do have an experienced guide with them but when the guide suddenly dies, their worst nightmares are about to begin. Stranded with no communication to the outside world, they must fend for themselves and soon all of their worst phobias start to be played out. With their shared histories and teenage tensions, their perfect holiday is soon to become their ultimate nightmare.
SIX TEENAGERS.
SEVEN DAYS.
ONE DEADLY SECRET.
Overall, I found The Island to be a good story, if you stick to the end – it is very much a slow burner, where hints are dropped into the early chapters to get you into the story. But the early chapters are slow to build and stick with, although on balance are probably necessary. While it is an enjoyable YA thriller, it does take a time to get into the story and warm (or not) to the characters. It begins with the suggestion that something terrible has already happened, but it takes its time drawing out these secrets, although there are some good plot twists along the way.
The story alternates between Jessie and Danny’s perspectives to reveal personal scars and hidden rivalries. While the buildup can feel measured at times, it masterfully amplifies dread – until you get to the final quarter of the book, where tension detonates in a cascade of betrayals and gut-punch twists that leaves you questioning everything you thought you knew or had figured out. This brings all the slow build up crashing together, changing the story and making it much more enjoyable.
At its heart, The Island is more than a survival tale. It confronts mental health head-on: grief and guilt, controlling relationships, even self-harm, all handled with restraint that respects YA readers while acknowledging real teens’ struggles. The cast of very different characters is richly drawn: Jessie’s fierce loyalty, Danny’s quiet torment, the twins’ sibling code – all of them tested by fear and fractured alliances.
Young Page Turners (age 14+) will love it as it has a pulse-racing blend of Lost and Lord of the Flies, perfect for readers who like their adventures dark and thoughtful. With themes of friendship, trust and trauma, it is a story that is great for sparking discussion.
I think that The Island deserves 4 out of 5 stars for its compelling characters and expertly escalated suspense. The slow build up may put some readers off, but it is definitely a story worth sticking with – you won’t be disappointed!
Great for YA readers seeking psychological thrills and emotional depth. It touches on some very difficult issues without overcompensating by going into unnecessary detail.
Rating: 4/5
RRP: £8.99 (Paperback) / £2.99 (Kindle)
For more information, visit cltaylorauthor.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.