4 stars
| One thing that I really enjoy about this series is how seamlessly Korman works in various facts and educational tidbits. The adventure and survival aspects of the story are so exciting to read that you don’t even realize you are learning as well (mostly thanks to Ian, the information-packed TV-addict). It was interesting to learn about various topics such as history and smuggling. As the survivors learn more about the island they have landed on, things really heat up. I will say I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the first one. The story was good and well-written, but the plot got so intense that it was hardly believable. Despite my best efforts to suspend my disbelief, there was just too many random hardships thrown in for me not to question. How can anyone’s luck be that bad? But it does make for an interesting story. While this book is best read after the first one, I do think it can be read as a standalone as there is a good deal of recap worked into the narration. Although, I do highly recommend the first book, especially if the reader is interested in ships. This was still a very good read filled with adventure, suspense, (sneaky education,) and excitement. I am looking forward to the third book to see how all of this craziness ends. Goodreads |