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Story Island
What if every book ever written created a world of its own? And what if an author could travel into that world and write the story from the inside out?
When celebrated New York City-based author, Katerina Joyce, finds herself facing a brutal, love-induced case of writer’s block with only three weeks to turn in her next book, she flees Manhattan in search of inspiration on the Big Island of Hawaii. A series of mystical encounters on her first night transports her somewhere entirely unexpected: straight into the world of her own book.
All Kat knows about her story is that her main character, British veterinarian Evie Willcox, wakes up on a magical and (nearly) deserted island with no memory of getting there. Oh, and at the end of the book, Evie Willcox will die. But when Kat wakes up on the same deserted beach in the body of Evie, the journey she faces is much more harrowing than a simple, blank page: Kat must now write her story from the inside out, facing her heart-wrenching past and all her worst fears along the way—not least a blood-thirsty great white shark and that treacherous love triangle she can’t seem to escape.
Can Kat rewrite Evie’s destiny, and perhaps her own as well, as she struggles to uncover the island’s secrets? More importantly, can she find a way to survive the mysterious and perilous world of her own imagining? Or will her own writer’s pen be the killer she ultimately fears?
When celebrated New York City-based author, Katerina Joyce, finds herself facing a brutal, love-induced case of writer’s block with only three weeks to turn in her next book, she flees Manhattan in search of inspiration on the Big Island of Hawaii. A series of mystical encounters on her first night transports her somewhere entirely unexpected: straight into the world of her own book.
All Kat knows about her story is that her main character, British veterinarian Evie Willcox, wakes up on a magical and (nearly) deserted island with no memory of getting there. Oh, and at the end of the book, Evie Willcox will die. But when Kat wakes up on the same deserted beach in the body of Evie, the journey she faces is much more harrowing than a simple, blank page: Kat must now write her story from the inside out, facing her heart-wrenching past and all her worst fears along the way—not least a blood-thirsty great white shark and that treacherous love triangle she can’t seem to escape.
Can Kat rewrite Evie’s destiny, and perhaps her own as well, as she struggles to uncover the island’s secrets? More importantly, can she find a way to survive the mysterious and perilous world of her own imagining? Or will her own writer’s pen be the killer she ultimately fears?
- GenresFiction
482 pages, ebook
Published February 14, 2025
3 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Juliette Sobanet
28 books365 followersJuliette Sobanet is the award-winning author of five Paris-based romance and mystery novels, five short stories, a book of poetry, a bestselling memoir, and the screenplay adaptation of her first novel, SLEEPING WITH PARIS. Under her real name of Danielle Porter, she is the author of a new thriller titled, ALL THE BEAUTIFUL BODIES. Her books have reached over 500,000 readers worldwide, hitting the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon US, UK, France, and Germany, becoming bestsellers in Turkey and Italy as well. A French professor and writing coach, Juliette holds a B.A. from Georgetown University and an M.A. from New York University in Paris. She lives between France and the US, and she is currently working on her next novel. Visit Juliette’s website at www.juliettesobanet.com. She loves to hear from her readers!
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 27, 2025
Juliette kindly approached me asking if I'd like an ARC copy of her book but I'm not obligated to review, however I want to because WOW. This book isn't usually something I'd pick up but I want to try and branch out and try something different and I'm so glad I did! The writing style was so clear and descriptive, I could imagine the story scene by scene. It's such a clever story and it absolutely blew me away & I actually sobbed towards the end. I can't wait to see what happens next in this story & I'll definitely explore more of Juliette's work.
January 21, 2025
I haven't devoured a book this fast in a while. Relatable characters, multiple storylines, time travel, and romance keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows an author who is under a deadline to create her next best seller. She knows her main character and her fateful ending, but nothing else. Meanwhile, she grapples with feelings she has for her editor and runs into a childhood love. The story continues with a series of events that put her, her editor, and her childhood love right in the middle of their own tragic pasts which becomes the premise of the next book.
It's full of twists and turns and unexpected events.
It's full of twists and turns and unexpected events.
February 10, 2025
What an amazing adventure! This book gave me Lost meets Alice in Wonderland vibes, and I was hooked from page one. The multiple POVs made it feel like I was watching a movie unfold rather than just reading a book.
Kat is a famous author battling a traumatic past and a looming deadline. She knows the plot of her next book—her character, Evie, travels to an island and meets her tragic fate—but Kat can’t push past her crippling writer’s block. Then, after a series of strange events, she finds herself transported into the world of her own story… as Evie. What the heck is happening? And more importantly, how does she get back?
This book is so much more than just an adventure. It’s a deeply introspective journey exploring sexuality, death, loss, and childhood trauma—how we compartmentalize pain instead of facing it head-on, and the difficult but necessary path toward healing.
This book is beautiful and cannot wait for the next one!
Kat is a famous author battling a traumatic past and a looming deadline. She knows the plot of her next book—her character, Evie, travels to an island and meets her tragic fate—but Kat can’t push past her crippling writer’s block. Then, after a series of strange events, she finds herself transported into the world of her own story… as Evie. What the heck is happening? And more importantly, how does she get back?
This book is so much more than just an adventure. It’s a deeply introspective journey exploring sexuality, death, loss, and childhood trauma—how we compartmentalize pain instead of facing it head-on, and the difficult but necessary path toward healing.
This book is beautiful and cannot wait for the next one!
February 6, 2025
Received this ARC from Juliette Sabonet, this is my honest review.
Story Island
Book 1
Storyline 5/5⭐️
Characters 5/5⭐️
🌶️ 0/5⭐️
Synopsis:
When celebrated New York City-based author, Katerina Joyce, finds herself facing a brutal, love-induced case of writer’s block with only three weeks to turn in her next book, she flees Manhattan in search of inspiration on the Big Island of Hawaii. A series of mystical encounters on her first night transports her somewhere entirely unexpected: straight into the world of her own book.
Kat must now write her story from the inside out, facing her heart-wrenching past and all her worst fears along the way.
Story Island explores LGBTQ themes while diving into the emotional depths of life-long friendships and soulmates, the complexities of grief and loss, and the ever-complicated and timeless love of mother-daughter relationships.
—— Oh wow, what a unique story!!
I couldn’t comprehend how this story would evolve, but it actually was really really good! I never read a story quite like this.
I had to adjust to the writing style tho, since it was being told from a narrator’s POV, so in he/she/they form. But it makes sense since it has multiple character’s POV in this magical story.
The storyline was amazing, every character had their own skeletons and trauma that they needed to go through. How their lives intertwined and how to work through their ordeals and move on from their situation.
Kat- she is such a goodhearted person and went through so much, Im really happy her character didn’t turn out to be weak and soppy, because she had so much happened to her. Torn with feelings of the heart. The guilt about her deceased mother, friendships lost.
Ian- the first love of Kat who never stopped loving her, and feels such a deep connection with her on all levels. I wonder how this will be written in book 2 hehe.
Strong person, smart head, common sense, even tho going through the things they went through, that doesn’t stop him from becoming a successful person.
Charlie- Ian’s (ex) wife, another goodhearted person who needs to figure out how things stand romantically. Witty and smart, soft yet fierce. Her past trauma is also significant.
Flo- everybody needs a witty, quirky, good, witchy person in their life! That’s all I want to say about her hehe.
More important characters are in this book with their POV, but I don’t want to give away too much since it is all connected!
As for spice, no spice in this book. It’s been a while since I read a book without spice, but the storyline definitely makes up for it!
Recap: I loved it! If you’re into magical stories with good storyline, world building, strong characters, magic, romance, open for LGTBQ themes, then I would definitely recommend this book!
Story Island
Book 1
Storyline 5/5⭐️
Characters 5/5⭐️
🌶️ 0/5⭐️
Synopsis:
When celebrated New York City-based author, Katerina Joyce, finds herself facing a brutal, love-induced case of writer’s block with only three weeks to turn in her next book, she flees Manhattan in search of inspiration on the Big Island of Hawaii. A series of mystical encounters on her first night transports her somewhere entirely unexpected: straight into the world of her own book.
Kat must now write her story from the inside out, facing her heart-wrenching past and all her worst fears along the way.
Story Island explores LGBTQ themes while diving into the emotional depths of life-long friendships and soulmates, the complexities of grief and loss, and the ever-complicated and timeless love of mother-daughter relationships.
—— Oh wow, what a unique story!!
I couldn’t comprehend how this story would evolve, but it actually was really really good! I never read a story quite like this.
I had to adjust to the writing style tho, since it was being told from a narrator’s POV, so in he/she/they form. But it makes sense since it has multiple character’s POV in this magical story.
The storyline was amazing, every character had their own skeletons and trauma that they needed to go through. How their lives intertwined and how to work through their ordeals and move on from their situation.
Kat- she is such a goodhearted person and went through so much, Im really happy her character didn’t turn out to be weak and soppy, because she had so much happened to her. Torn with feelings of the heart. The guilt about her deceased mother, friendships lost.
Ian- the first love of Kat who never stopped loving her, and feels such a deep connection with her on all levels. I wonder how this will be written in book 2 hehe.
Strong person, smart head, common sense, even tho going through the things they went through, that doesn’t stop him from becoming a successful person.
Charlie- Ian’s (ex) wife, another goodhearted person who needs to figure out how things stand romantically. Witty and smart, soft yet fierce. Her past trauma is also significant.
Flo- everybody needs a witty, quirky, good, witchy person in their life! That’s all I want to say about her hehe.
More important characters are in this book with their POV, but I don’t want to give away too much since it is all connected!
As for spice, no spice in this book. It’s been a while since I read a book without spice, but the storyline definitely makes up for it!
Recap: I loved it! If you’re into magical stories with good storyline, world building, strong characters, magic, romance, open for LGTBQ themes, then I would definitely recommend this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
Synopsis
Imagine a scenario where every book ever penned conjures its own unique universe. What if an author had the extraordinary ability to step into that universe and narrate the tale from within? This is the predicament faced by Katerina Joyce, a renowned author from New York City, who finds herself grappling with a severe case of writer’s block brought on by a tumultuous love affair. With only three weeks left to submit her next manuscript, she escapes the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, seeking inspiration on the serene Big Island of Hawaii. However, her first night there leads to a series of enchanting events that unexpectedly transport her into the very world she created.
The only thing Kat knows about her narrative is that her protagonist, Evie Willcox, a British veterinarian, awakens on a magical yet nearly deserted island, devoid of any memory of how she arrived. The twist? Kat is aware that Evie’s fate is sealed with her demise at the story's conclusion. But when Kat finds herself on that same desolate beach, inhabiting Evie’s body, the stakes are raised far beyond mere writer’s block. Now, she must navigate the complexities of her character’s life, confronting her own painful past and deepest fears, including a menacing great white shark and an entangled love triangle that seems inescapable.
My Thoughts
I must say, this book has quickly become my favorite read so far of the year! The author reached out to me for a review, and I'm so glad I took the opportunity. It’s not a genre I would typically choose, but I wanted to try something different, and I’m really pleased I did! The writing was so clear and descriptive that I could picture each scene vividly. The story was refreshingly unique, and I was excited to discover that it’s the first in a series. Even though it features multiple characters and points of view—something I usually find tricky—the author managed to present it in a way that was easy to follow. I loved almost every character, their development, and the connections that formed, along with the symbolism throughout. I highly recommend this book!
Imagine a scenario where every book ever penned conjures its own unique universe. What if an author had the extraordinary ability to step into that universe and narrate the tale from within? This is the predicament faced by Katerina Joyce, a renowned author from New York City, who finds herself grappling with a severe case of writer’s block brought on by a tumultuous love affair. With only three weeks left to submit her next manuscript, she escapes the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, seeking inspiration on the serene Big Island of Hawaii. However, her first night there leads to a series of enchanting events that unexpectedly transport her into the very world she created.
The only thing Kat knows about her narrative is that her protagonist, Evie Willcox, a British veterinarian, awakens on a magical yet nearly deserted island, devoid of any memory of how she arrived. The twist? Kat is aware that Evie’s fate is sealed with her demise at the story's conclusion. But when Kat finds herself on that same desolate beach, inhabiting Evie’s body, the stakes are raised far beyond mere writer’s block. Now, she must navigate the complexities of her character’s life, confronting her own painful past and deepest fears, including a menacing great white shark and an entangled love triangle that seems inescapable.
My Thoughts
I must say, this book has quickly become my favorite read so far of the year! The author reached out to me for a review, and I'm so glad I took the opportunity. It’s not a genre I would typically choose, but I wanted to try something different, and I’m really pleased I did! The writing was so clear and descriptive that I could picture each scene vividly. The story was refreshingly unique, and I was excited to discover that it’s the first in a series. Even though it features multiple characters and points of view—something I usually find tricky—the author managed to present it in a way that was easy to follow. I loved almost every character, their development, and the connections that formed, along with the symbolism throughout. I highly recommend this book!
February 16, 2025
Follow the hummingbirds for an adventure!
Can you image if the book you were writing created a world of its own? NY author Kat has a major case of writers block and figuring life out. So she heads for the Big Island of Hawaii. 🏝️
As for Kat’s book, all she knows is that her main character will die at the end of the book. So after arriving in Hawaii, having some mystical experiences and waking up as her main character, Evie.💀
Kat’s journey will take her on an adventure as she writes the story from the inside out. Kat will meet some familiar characters as she navigates Evie’s story. 💜
This was a cute and quick read about the people in our lives and facing your feelings, past and present. Each person in or that has come into Kat’s life played a key piece to her story and helped her to write Story Island.
What a magical romance with great world building and cast of characters. Story Island opened the door to a grand adventure and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thank you to author Juliette Sobanet for the opportunity to read your book! I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Can you image if the book you were writing created a world of its own? NY author Kat has a major case of writers block and figuring life out. So she heads for the Big Island of Hawaii. 🏝️
As for Kat’s book, all she knows is that her main character will die at the end of the book. So after arriving in Hawaii, having some mystical experiences and waking up as her main character, Evie.💀
Kat’s journey will take her on an adventure as she writes the story from the inside out. Kat will meet some familiar characters as she navigates Evie’s story. 💜
This was a cute and quick read about the people in our lives and facing your feelings, past and present. Each person in or that has come into Kat’s life played a key piece to her story and helped her to write Story Island.
What a magical romance with great world building and cast of characters. Story Island opened the door to a grand adventure and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thank you to author Juliette Sobanet for the opportunity to read your book! I received an epub and am leaving my review voluntarily.
July 21, 2025
Story Island by Juliette Sobanet
Read: July 12 - July 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
BLURB:
Kat, a known writer, has been tasked with the job of writing her next book based on “what she knows”, which turns out is trauma from losing her mother at a young age.
WHAT I THOUGHT:
I did enjoy it but the first half felt a bit repetitive. The premise was very interesting and the book was very intriguing, but it is not something I usually read.
The second half was a bit faster and I liked the ending, which explained a lot of what had been happening that whole time.
Maybe it was just me and that is not my type of book, but I felt it could have been a bit quicker and less repetitive. I was not engaged at times and other times I was very engaged.
I did like the self discovery the characters went through and their development. It was a good women’s fiction I think. It also talks about grief and how important is to feel it.
Read: July 12 - July 21, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
BLURB:
Kat, a known writer, has been tasked with the job of writing her next book based on “what she knows”, which turns out is trauma from losing her mother at a young age.
WHAT I THOUGHT:
I did enjoy it but the first half felt a bit repetitive. The premise was very interesting and the book was very intriguing, but it is not something I usually read.
The second half was a bit faster and I liked the ending, which explained a lot of what had been happening that whole time.
Maybe it was just me and that is not my type of book, but I felt it could have been a bit quicker and less repetitive. I was not engaged at times and other times I was very engaged.
I did like the self discovery the characters went through and their development. It was a good women’s fiction I think. It also talks about grief and how important is to feel it.
January 21, 2025
I LOOOOVED this book! It was so unique and creative and I didn't want to put it down! I knew going into it there was a magical aspect and I couldn't wait to see what this book had in store for the reader. I enjoyed the way the reader finds out what is going to happen at the same time Kat does. I was sucked in and on the edge of my seat. What was going to happen to them?! And now, I can't wait for the next book! Be sure not to let this book pass you by.
April 16, 2025
If you are a fan of Juliette’s previous work, this new book is very different than the others! The writing is very vivid and I could easily see myself transported to the island myself. While Juliette has written about time travel before, there were more fantasy and cosmic elements and intertwined in this book. This is a good read for those who are looking for something beyond a typical modern day romance.
January 21, 2025
A genre-defying, creative story that combines the life of a writer, exotic travel, magic, healing past traumas, adventure, rescue, friendship, love, and more! This was definitely not a predictable read and the story in Story Island had many layers and twists! I also loved the tribute to a beloved cat, and how their larger-than-life spirit was embodied in this tale.
February 9, 2025
This was a complete change for me for her writing and was HOOKED! I struggled to put it down to sleep as I was so curious where it was going! It was such a twist of an idea and truly loved it. Stories within stories. The character development and the question of the past was well done. Run to this new series!
February 11, 2025
This was my very first ARC. This story was definitely unique! I wasn't expecting the love triangle, but it worked. I usually don't like books told in 3rd person but I don't think this book could have been told any other way! If you want something fresh and different I would give this book a try.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews