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The Island
Exploring a remote island can get you into trouble
Especially when you stumble upon a cave and awaken two demons
Rumors and superstition.
That's what Emma thinks about local gossip concerning her grandmother's "cursed" private island. Emma journeys to the island to ready it for sale. While out exploring, she unearths a hidden cave-a cave which holds answers to the island's dark past.
There may be more to the rumors than she thought.
Especially when you stumble upon a cave and awaken two demons
Rumors and superstition.
That's what Emma thinks about local gossip concerning her grandmother's "cursed" private island. Emma journeys to the island to ready it for sale. While out exploring, she unearths a hidden cave-a cave which holds answers to the island's dark past.
There may be more to the rumors than she thought.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2015
28 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Clarissa Johal
11 books60 followersClarissa Johal is the bestselling author of paranormal novels, THE LIGHTHOUSE, WHISPERS IN THE WOOD, POPPY, THE ISLAND, VOICES, STRUCK, and BETWEEN. When she's not listening to the ghosts in her head, she's swinging from a trapeze, or taking pictures of gargoyles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 26, 2015
My review:
This is the cover which attracted me to this book. This island has a little something mysterious that made me want to know more. Fortunately, I had not seen the book was classified as horror, I would have missed a wonderful reading. Yes, I am rather coward: you will never see me watch horror movies and I avoid books too creepy in general.
Emma comes to clean the house, located on a private island, of her disappeared grandmother, before putting it on sale. She, who has never listen to the rumors about the island, witnesses strange phenomena. For example: she feel observed, but when she looks, there's nobody.
I can tell you that after I finished this book, I spent my time looking behind me and I turned on all the lights. This paranormal suspense is exceptional. It is impossible to put down the book (or the ereader) before having finished :)
Mon avis:
C'est la couverture qui m'a attirée vers ce livre. Cette île a un petit quelque chose de mystérieux qui m'a donné envie d'en savoir plus. Heureusement, je n'avais pas vu que le livre était classé dans la catégorie horreur, j'aurais raté une magnifique lecture. Oui, je suis plutôt trouillarde: vous ne me verrez jamais regarder de films d'horreur et j'évite les livres flippants aussi en général.
Emma vient nettoyer la maison de sa grand-mère disparue, qui se situe sur une île privée, afin de la mettre en vente. Elle, qui n'a jamais tenu compte des rumeurs à propos de l'île, se retrouve témoin de phénomènes étranges. Par exemple: elle a l'impression d'être observée, mais quand elle regarde, il n'y a personne.
Je peux vous dire qu'après avoir fini ce livre, j'ai passé mon temps à regarder derrière moi et j'ai allumé toutes les lumières. Ce suspense paranormal est exceptionnel. Il est impossible de poser le livre(ou la liseuse) avant de l'avoir fini :)
This is the cover which attracted me to this book. This island has a little something mysterious that made me want to know more. Fortunately, I had not seen the book was classified as horror, I would have missed a wonderful reading. Yes, I am rather coward: you will never see me watch horror movies and I avoid books too creepy in general.
Emma comes to clean the house, located on a private island, of her disappeared grandmother, before putting it on sale. She, who has never listen to the rumors about the island, witnesses strange phenomena. For example: she feel observed, but when she looks, there's nobody.
I can tell you that after I finished this book, I spent my time looking behind me and I turned on all the lights. This paranormal suspense is exceptional. It is impossible to put down the book (or the ereader) before having finished :)
Mon avis:
C'est la couverture qui m'a attirée vers ce livre. Cette île a un petit quelque chose de mystérieux qui m'a donné envie d'en savoir plus. Heureusement, je n'avais pas vu que le livre était classé dans la catégorie horreur, j'aurais raté une magnifique lecture. Oui, je suis plutôt trouillarde: vous ne me verrez jamais regarder de films d'horreur et j'évite les livres flippants aussi en général.
Emma vient nettoyer la maison de sa grand-mère disparue, qui se situe sur une île privée, afin de la mettre en vente. Elle, qui n'a jamais tenu compte des rumeurs à propos de l'île, se retrouve témoin de phénomènes étranges. Par exemple: elle a l'impression d'être observée, mais quand elle regarde, il n'y a personne.
Je peux vous dire qu'après avoir fini ce livre, j'ai passé mon temps à regarder derrière moi et j'ai allumé toutes les lumières. Ce suspense paranormal est exceptionnel. Il est impossible de poser le livre(ou la liseuse) avant de l'avoir fini :)
December 24, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review (via LibraryThing)
Isolation can play terrible tricks on your mind, but what if you aren't imagining things? A realistic setting coupled with extremely horrific experiences on an remote island make for a disturbing read. The characters were well developed and the creepy atmosphere was great. I did feel the ending was a bit abrupt, but at least everything was wrapped up by the last page. This was a fun spooky read!
Isolation can play terrible tricks on your mind, but what if you aren't imagining things? A realistic setting coupled with extremely horrific experiences on an remote island make for a disturbing read. The characters were well developed and the creepy atmosphere was great. I did feel the ending was a bit abrupt, but at least everything was wrapped up by the last page. This was a fun spooky read!
July 30, 2015
Clarissa Johal has to be one of the most talented authors I have come across. This is the third book I have read by her and the diversity in her stories is just amazing.
This one is an incredible tale. A young woman goes to clear out her grandmother's cabin on a private island and finds more than she bargained for. She knows the locals swear the place is cursed and though she doesn't buy into superstition, even she has to admit there is some strange goings on on the island.
As I do from time to time, I went into this one blind. I didn't bother reading the blurb, or anything beforehand, I received a request to review and as soon as I saw the author's name, I turned into a two-year-old in a store "Gimme, gimme gimme!" I wasn't disappointed for a second.
One of my favorite things about the paranormal genre is seeing how an author works legend and/or myth into their story. I don't know if this story had any basis in existing tales or if the concept for the demons' background came completely from the author's mind, but it is simply brilliant and I can easily picture the story being shared around a campfire in order to frighten children.
I loved how the suspense built throughout the majority of the story. Everything would be going pretty normal then Emma would hear a strange noise or come home to find the door ajar or a window open. Then things would escalate only to be written off as a dream or cabin fever (De Nile isn't just a river in Egypt). I liked the fact that I never knew what to expect next. If it had been a movie, I would have chewed my nails down to the quick. As it was, I couldn't put my Kindle down.
I loved the characters- even the ones that I hated (with good reason). The majority of the story focuses on Emma but the others do play a significant role and they are well developed considering how little we see of them in the story. I will say that I have a bit of a soft spot for Ash- she's someone I'd like to hang around!
I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait to read more from this wonderful author.
This one is an incredible tale. A young woman goes to clear out her grandmother's cabin on a private island and finds more than she bargained for. She knows the locals swear the place is cursed and though she doesn't buy into superstition, even she has to admit there is some strange goings on on the island.
As I do from time to time, I went into this one blind. I didn't bother reading the blurb, or anything beforehand, I received a request to review and as soon as I saw the author's name, I turned into a two-year-old in a store "Gimme, gimme gimme!" I wasn't disappointed for a second.
One of my favorite things about the paranormal genre is seeing how an author works legend and/or myth into their story. I don't know if this story had any basis in existing tales or if the concept for the demons' background came completely from the author's mind, but it is simply brilliant and I can easily picture the story being shared around a campfire in order to frighten children.
I loved how the suspense built throughout the majority of the story. Everything would be going pretty normal then Emma would hear a strange noise or come home to find the door ajar or a window open. Then things would escalate only to be written off as a dream or cabin fever (De Nile isn't just a river in Egypt). I liked the fact that I never knew what to expect next. If it had been a movie, I would have chewed my nails down to the quick. As it was, I couldn't put my Kindle down.
I loved the characters- even the ones that I hated (with good reason). The majority of the story focuses on Emma but the others do play a significant role and they are well developed considering how little we see of them in the story. I will say that I have a bit of a soft spot for Ash- she's someone I'd like to hang around!
I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait to read more from this wonderful author.
January 18, 2019
this was a super weird book. i hated a majority of the characters and the horror seemed secondary to the forced romance. also what was with everyone urging emma to find a man? lmao as though she would wither away without one.
the ending felt rushed and disjointed which is a shame because this was a very interesting premise.
the ending felt rushed and disjointed which is a shame because this was a very interesting premise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2015
I won this book in a contest so I'm going to give an honest opinion.I have never read anything from this author before nor do I usually read horror/paranormal books.I found the story to be intriguing and kept me guessing half way through the book about who or what was on the Island.
The story begins with a young woman named Emma who's grandmother Fae had disappeared years before and is assumed dead.She is sent by her father to clean up Fae's cabin on the remote Sownipok Island so that the island can be sold off.There are rumors the island is cursed but Emma brushes them off and doesn't believe them until unexplainable experiences left her wondering if she was really alone on the island.There is suspense,native folklore and a bit of romance in the story that fits well together.I really enjoyed this story that couldn't put the book down until I was finished.
The story begins with a young woman named Emma who's grandmother Fae had disappeared years before and is assumed dead.She is sent by her father to clean up Fae's cabin on the remote Sownipok Island so that the island can be sold off.There are rumors the island is cursed but Emma brushes them off and doesn't believe them until unexplainable experiences left her wondering if she was really alone on the island.There is suspense,native folklore and a bit of romance in the story that fits well together.I really enjoyed this story that couldn't put the book down until I was finished.
February 12, 2016
7 years after the disappearance of her grandmother, Emma returns to the mysterious private island that her grandmother owned in order to put things in order.
Other than that I have very little to say about this about this book. There are quite a number of 5 star reviews, and to be honest I don't really understand why. But, like with art, beauty (or a well written and enjoyable book) is in the eyes of the beholder. For me this was a generous 2 star read.
Other than that I have very little to say about this about this book. There are quite a number of 5 star reviews, and to be honest I don't really understand why. But, like with art, beauty (or a well written and enjoyable book) is in the eyes of the beholder. For me this was a generous 2 star read.
June 14, 2017
I really liked this story and it kept me turning the page. Some parts were very spooky in as much the heroine, Emma, stayed on an isolated island completely alone. The story wasn't populated with too many characters and I was able to get to know every one. The writing was good with just a few typos but none to spoil the narrative. I don't think the epilogue was entirely necessary as the ending spoke for itself and was adequate. Otherwise a good paranormal read.
August 5, 2015
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book as I had never read anything by this author but the fact that it is listed as Paranormal/ Horror grabbed my attention and left me wondering if this book could truly scare me. I decided to put The Island to the test few books have ever left me scared several have left me on the edge of my seat nail biting suspense. This time though I was really looking for the scare factor.
The Island started off with the general getting to know the main character and some that may or may not be important to the story. Emma is the main character and she is as she puts it left stuck to clean out her grandmothers cabin on a remote island so it can be put up for sale. Emma and her grandmother didn't like each other as she says so she finds this to be a daunting and unwanted task but, one she has to do. As Emma gets settled at the cabin strange things start to happen most of which could just be explained away as forgetfulness others not as easy to explain but Emma chalks it up to her over active imagination or lack of sleep. Emma decides to explore the island as she does each time she stumbles upon something different ruins of another house that had been on the island now nothing more then a burnt shell. One day she stumbles upon what she believes is a cave she continues to explore it and ends up falling into it not knowing exactly what she has tumbled into all she knows is she wasn't alone. This is where things take their turn for me. I was left on the edge of my seat not willing to put my Nook down until I could know how it all would end. What was lurking in the shadows for Emma and would they take Emma.
So scare factor on a scale from 1-10 I would give it a five. It left me on the edge of my seat wanting more and it did get a mild jump out of me. I truly enjoyed reading The Island and hope to read more from Clarissa Johal. I can honestly give this book a 5/5 as it had all the elements to a paranormal/ horror story. Ms. Johal can send me anything paranormal written by her as she truly can produce a book that could leave some shaking in their boots.
The Island started off with the general getting to know the main character and some that may or may not be important to the story. Emma is the main character and she is as she puts it left stuck to clean out her grandmothers cabin on a remote island so it can be put up for sale. Emma and her grandmother didn't like each other as she says so she finds this to be a daunting and unwanted task but, one she has to do. As Emma gets settled at the cabin strange things start to happen most of which could just be explained away as forgetfulness others not as easy to explain but Emma chalks it up to her over active imagination or lack of sleep. Emma decides to explore the island as she does each time she stumbles upon something different ruins of another house that had been on the island now nothing more then a burnt shell. One day she stumbles upon what she believes is a cave she continues to explore it and ends up falling into it not knowing exactly what she has tumbled into all she knows is she wasn't alone. This is where things take their turn for me. I was left on the edge of my seat not willing to put my Nook down until I could know how it all would end. What was lurking in the shadows for Emma and would they take Emma.
So scare factor on a scale from 1-10 I would give it a five. It left me on the edge of my seat wanting more and it did get a mild jump out of me. I truly enjoyed reading The Island and hope to read more from Clarissa Johal. I can honestly give this book a 5/5 as it had all the elements to a paranormal/ horror story. Ms. Johal can send me anything paranormal written by her as she truly can produce a book that could leave some shaking in their boots.
October 5, 2015
Helluva scary read. A bit grittier than her previous books, still not too gory (no swearing or sex either). More mainstream horror than psychological paranormal (like her last book, Voices). It’s the psychological aspect that really hits home. Clarissa Johal gets this. I find I enjoy each book more than the last. They’re all good, all interesting, all different. She knows how to build the tension, characters, and plot until you feel as tortured as her poor heroines. This one, though, gave me nightmares! I was careful where I stopped reading after that and made sure to do a little web surfing before turning out the light. The writing is superb. I don’t do spoilers (or even care to describe stories—I leave that to others), but will tell you Emma is terribly brave (too brave, I kept wanting to yell into the book “don’t!”—I know you know what I mean). Yet it’s totally believable for her character. The romantic element, Nathaniel, adds to the story without taking over (another thing this author does well). Same thing with her friend, Paisley. I may never look at the ocean or small islands the same again. Oh, and I think I need a bell, or two. Yes, this is one of those books.
October 2, 2015
I was given an ARC book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
Wow!! I literally just finished this book and couldn't wait to tell you about it. It was an AWESOME book! I absolutely loved it! I would give it more than 5 stars if I could. This book gripped me right from the beginning. The suspense kept the pages turning. I couldn't put it down!
The book starts out with Emma heading to Sownipok Island. The island has been in her family for years. Emma's grandmother purchased it. She has been missing for 7 years and now it is up to Emma to get the cabin cleaned up so the deserted island can be put up for sell. What she encounters on the island has her fighting for her life and sanity. What does Emma find on the island? How is her life and her friend's lives at stake? Does she make it out alive?
I highly recommend this book! This is the first I have read by this author, but it definitely will not be the last. Thank you Clarissa for a wonderful read!!!
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
Wow!! I literally just finished this book and couldn't wait to tell you about it. It was an AWESOME book! I absolutely loved it! I would give it more than 5 stars if I could. This book gripped me right from the beginning. The suspense kept the pages turning. I couldn't put it down!
The book starts out with Emma heading to Sownipok Island. The island has been in her family for years. Emma's grandmother purchased it. She has been missing for 7 years and now it is up to Emma to get the cabin cleaned up so the deserted island can be put up for sell. What she encounters on the island has her fighting for her life and sanity. What does Emma find on the island? How is her life and her friend's lives at stake? Does she make it out alive?
I highly recommend this book! This is the first I have read by this author, but it definitely will not be the last. Thank you Clarissa for a wonderful read!!!
July 18, 2017
Rumors and superstition
Emma's grandmother is missing and presumed dead, so now Emma has to clean out her house and get it ready for sale. The house is on a private island. The locals have plenty of gossip about the island and what happens there. But Emma doesn't believe in superstition until she spends some time on the island. It seems the rumors are more than just superstition.
I loved the cover of this book and was looking forward to a creepy island story. I was a bit disappointed. I was over halfway through the book, and still waiting for the scary part. When the creepy part did start, it was pretty thin and resolved too quickly. The characters weren't developed at all and the mc chatting with the demons was funny more than scary. Not one of my favorites. The idea was good, and I think the demons could have been very scary, but it just didn't come together for me.
I read this book for the Water Works space, read a book with water on the cover. The book has 210 pages = $6.
Emma's grandmother is missing and presumed dead, so now Emma has to clean out her house and get it ready for sale. The house is on a private island. The locals have plenty of gossip about the island and what happens there. But Emma doesn't believe in superstition until she spends some time on the island. It seems the rumors are more than just superstition.
I loved the cover of this book and was looking forward to a creepy island story. I was a bit disappointed. I was over halfway through the book, and still waiting for the scary part. When the creepy part did start, it was pretty thin and resolved too quickly. The characters weren't developed at all and the mc chatting with the demons was funny more than scary. Not one of my favorites. The idea was good, and I think the demons could have been very scary, but it just didn't come together for me.
I read this book for the Water Works space, read a book with water on the cover. The book has 210 pages = $6.
August 13, 2015
Emma and her grandmother never got along but when she disappears and her father injures himself while trying to pack up her cottage she finds her way back to Sownipok Island to finish what he started. The locals all have superstitions about the island that terrify them. When her friends come out to help they find some history on the island that does not shed it in a favorable light.. Yet Nathan seems to be the only one who believes Emma about the men she sees on the island and what they may be capable of. Together they hunt for a way to lock the demons back into their island prison and save others from the horrible fate that has befallen so many people before, while trying not to become victims themselves. A great story with an interesting twist on some Native legends.
August 30, 2016
This just wasn't my thing. I found a lot of the book's elements underwhelming, and the story pacing was off. I had a hard time connecting to any of the characters, and the romance was unnecessary to the plot. It felt very very rushed. Not a very polished book at all. I felt like I was reading a first draft.
That being said, it had some very interesting ideas and mythologies. Quite honestly, I wished this book had been better. I wanted it to be better.
That being said, it had some very interesting ideas and mythologies. Quite honestly, I wished this book had been better. I wanted it to be better.
November 20, 2015
This book was very interesting . But held your attention all the way through. I won this book as an early read for another group but can't figure out how to write the review for that group. But overall a very good book.
January 23, 2017
Not Scary as Horror, Not Compelling as Fantasy
The first half attempts to establish mood, but drags on too long. Then, any creepiness is obliterated by monsters who might have been scary if handled more seriously. And finally, the end is ruined by a rushed and ham-fisted ending.
The first half attempts to establish mood, but drags on too long. Then, any creepiness is obliterated by monsters who might have been scary if handled more seriously. And finally, the end is ruined by a rushed and ham-fisted ending.
May 13, 2020
I wanted to read this book for so long! I imagined it could be something similar to the Scandinavian mystic and vibes. And it was indeed! I love Scandinavian literature. I've waited for the right season, weather, and my mood for this.
I really enjoyed reading The Island. I've lived through it with the Emma and her friends. This book is alive, the characters are real - it was interesting and fascinating. I thought about at least two different courses of ending. But that we have is absolutely fine.
Emma went to her small uninhabited family private island to pack her missing grandmother stuff. However, there were some superstitions around this island that disturb her. Or they weren't superstitions at all?
I really enjoyed reading The Island. I've lived through it with the Emma and her friends. This book is alive, the characters are real - it was interesting and fascinating. I thought about at least two different courses of ending. But that we have is absolutely fine.
Emma went to her small uninhabited family private island to pack her missing grandmother stuff. However, there were some superstitions around this island that disturb her. Or they weren't superstitions at all?
May 29, 2017
This book was amazing! While I was reading on my kindle in the dark I would literally have to turn on a light and scan the "darkened corners". I could hear the whistling in my ear! I normally don't read horror but this book has made me add a new category to my list! The isolation made it that much worse for me. I couldn't put the book down. I had to finish it as soon as I could so I wouldn't be stuck in a constant state of suspense.
May 28, 2018
Pretty dumb
And I’m not sure the self-doubting, self deprecating woman thing is very realistic. The writing was irritating as well. Phrases like “if I would have known you back then, we could have shared.” No, no, no. There are plenty other great books out there. Do yourself a favor and read someone like Jo Furniss.
And I’m not sure the self-doubting, self deprecating woman thing is very realistic. The writing was irritating as well. Phrases like “if I would have known you back then, we could have shared.” No, no, no. There are plenty other great books out there. Do yourself a favor and read someone like Jo Furniss.
February 26, 2017
So I was aimlessly browsing on my kindle, looking for just that one exact story that I might be in the mood for, and I came across this one. A young woman goes to an isolated island to clean out her grandmother's cabin, ignoring all the warnings that the island is "cursed." Her grandmother has weird things like bells and bowls of salt water all over the cabin, which our protagonist immediately puts away. Then strange and frightening things start happening.... It turns out that this was indeed just the story I was hoping to find, a creepy but not too gruesome fantasy/horror story with a likable protagonist and a touch of romance.
May 21, 2016
There are several self-made categories that I often classify a read. One of these is "Creepy Good." This is an accurate overall description for "The Island." From the cover, to the mysterious plot and the characters you cannot help but be a little creeped out by this story; however, in an entertaining way.
Twenty-five year old, Emma Keller has agreed to help her injured father by going to the so called cursed, family owned, private island of Sownipok. She hasn't been to the island in the ten years since her grandmother sent her packing years ago. They didn't have much of a relationship and after her grandmother's disappearance a few years ago Emma's father has finally decided it is time to pack up his mother's belongings and sell the place.
Emma is a workaholic but takes time away from working with her kids to pack up her grandmother's things. She is shocked to learn of the financial plight of the community near Sownipok..Apparently a dwindling economy has really ravaged the locals; yet, the rumors persist about the cursed island. Emma is escorted to the island by a handsome man her age named, Nathaniel. He knows first-hand what the island can do since he lost his parents on that place.
As Emma begins packing up the small cottage she removes the many old bowls of salt water on the floors and the obnoxious bells that surround every opening. She is soon joined by her best friend, Paisley and her annoying boyfriend, Derek. While Paisley loves Derek, Emma knows him for the cad that he is. When she shares the reason why she doesn't like Derek, Paisley leaves the island in anger. When they leave strange things begin to occur including visits by two loin cloth wearing men who make her feel threatened and begin inhabiting her dreams. Soon, Emma will fully understand why the residents of the surrounding areas near the island feel that it is cursed. The question is will she become one of its many victims?
This is a fairly short but jammed pack read loaded with mystery, intrigue, action and a little romance. My only criticism is that the epilogue could use a little bit of work. Otherwise. I really enjoyed this book. Since this was my first exposure to the writings of Clarissa Johal I am intrigued to check out her other work. If you are like me and enjoy the 'creepy food's category of books, you should definitely consider adding "The Island" to your to read list.
Twenty-five year old, Emma Keller has agreed to help her injured father by going to the so called cursed, family owned, private island of Sownipok. She hasn't been to the island in the ten years since her grandmother sent her packing years ago. They didn't have much of a relationship and after her grandmother's disappearance a few years ago Emma's father has finally decided it is time to pack up his mother's belongings and sell the place.
Emma is a workaholic but takes time away from working with her kids to pack up her grandmother's things. She is shocked to learn of the financial plight of the community near Sownipok..Apparently a dwindling economy has really ravaged the locals; yet, the rumors persist about the cursed island. Emma is escorted to the island by a handsome man her age named, Nathaniel. He knows first-hand what the island can do since he lost his parents on that place.
As Emma begins packing up the small cottage she removes the many old bowls of salt water on the floors and the obnoxious bells that surround every opening. She is soon joined by her best friend, Paisley and her annoying boyfriend, Derek. While Paisley loves Derek, Emma knows him for the cad that he is. When she shares the reason why she doesn't like Derek, Paisley leaves the island in anger. When they leave strange things begin to occur including visits by two loin cloth wearing men who make her feel threatened and begin inhabiting her dreams. Soon, Emma will fully understand why the residents of the surrounding areas near the island feel that it is cursed. The question is will she become one of its many victims?
This is a fairly short but jammed pack read loaded with mystery, intrigue, action and a little romance. My only criticism is that the epilogue could use a little bit of work. Otherwise. I really enjoyed this book. Since this was my first exposure to the writings of Clarissa Johal I am intrigued to check out her other work. If you are like me and enjoy the 'creepy food's category of books, you should definitely consider adding "The Island" to your to read list.
September 24, 2016
A five star read
Si why did I give it four stars. The author couldn't Keep Nathaniel spelled the same. Sometimes with an A or an e. A little distraction that shout be fixed.
Si why did I give it four stars. The author couldn't Keep Nathaniel spelled the same. Sometimes with an A or an e. A little distraction that shout be fixed.
February 18, 2017
This is a chilling story set on a deserted and reputedly cursed island. Emma visits the island after her grandmother, who lived there, vanished without trace. Her grandmother had strange quirks and believed someone - or something - was after her. As Emma spends more time on the island she gradually starts to wonder if she was actually right.
She begins to unravel the story behind the curse and realises it is up to her to break it.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I am looking forward to reading more.
She begins to unravel the story behind the curse and realises it is up to her to break it.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I am looking forward to reading more.
March 10, 2016
When I heard about “The Island”, I immediately thought that it was a book that I would definitely not read at night. And that I did, which was fortunate, as there are several moments that would have made me sleep with the lights on.
The story is centered, as the title indicates, on an island that is believed to be cursed and Emma, whose grandmother Fae is the owner of the island. However, Emma’s grandmother has been missing for several years and is believed to be dead, so Emma sets out towards the island to prepare it for sale.
As soon as she arrives on the island, to clean up Fae’s cabin, strange things start to happen, but Emma disregards them and provides her own explanations to the events. As she explores the island, she stumbles upon a cave, and after she falls into it, she discovers that there is something lurking in the shadows. What happens next will have you guessing until the last page, wondering not only what this thing is, but if Emma will eventually make it out alive.
I would say that this is truly a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with much suspense and some scary moments to go along.
The story is centered, as the title indicates, on an island that is believed to be cursed and Emma, whose grandmother Fae is the owner of the island. However, Emma’s grandmother has been missing for several years and is believed to be dead, so Emma sets out towards the island to prepare it for sale.
As soon as she arrives on the island, to clean up Fae’s cabin, strange things start to happen, but Emma disregards them and provides her own explanations to the events. As she explores the island, she stumbles upon a cave, and after she falls into it, she discovers that there is something lurking in the shadows. What happens next will have you guessing until the last page, wondering not only what this thing is, but if Emma will eventually make it out alive.
I would say that this is truly a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with much suspense and some scary moments to go along.
June 18, 2019
i really enjoyed this book because it didn't make me feel like I was reading words it made me feeling I was watching a movie. I loved this book it was a fascinating read. I loved the whole feel of Emma going to her grandmother's private island to clean up and sell her island property. since she went missing seven years prior. but strange things are happening on the island especially when two pale faces are seen around the island. I loved the characters in this book Emma troubled relationship with her grandmother Fae. I didn't like how her best friend Paisley was portayed as a bit of drunk dimwit following the orders of her boyfriend Derek who was clearly hitting on Emma. I loved how Derek got what he deserved in the end of the book. I loved the camaraderie she had with local Gideon. I loved the interactions between Emma and Nate the attractive fisherman I thought they made a good pairing. I thought the background information on the history of the island and on the demons of grief and fear Itu and Thim were well written and thought through. this book was a very good book to read.
November 3, 2015
This ebook was given to me as part of the LibraryThing EarlyReviewer program. The description said something about a weird private island with a mysterious paranormal past. Intriguing, right? Of course I requested it! What I didn't know was how incredibly creepy this book was going to be. Oh man. I have anxiety issues and generally avoid books that might press my buttons. At one point (alone, on an island, in the dark, spooky shadows and noises) I almost gave up. I almost said "my review will be simple: Too scary for me!" But I couldn't stop thinking about the story - even when it made me a little freaked out about the sound of wind outside when I woke up in the middle of the night. I've finished the book - it was really good. Completely creepy, but really good. My only complaint is that the end (okay, the epilogue) was too nice and tidy and quick.
March 10, 2016
The first thing that attracted me to this book was the cover. There is just something eerie about the island, and the black and white starkness of the cover. I have a sense of foreboding every time I look at it! After reading the book description, you just know that weird things are going to happen to Emma on the island--and I, for one, couldn't wait to find out what they were.
Ms. Johal is excellent at writing scenes which make your heart race. There is suspense, humor, paranormal activity and romance--a little something for everyone. All of the characters are well-developed, and all of the loose ends are tied up fully by the end of the book. Once you start reading this book, you won't be able to put it down.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
Ms. Johal is excellent at writing scenes which make your heart race. There is suspense, humor, paranormal activity and romance--a little something for everyone. All of the characters are well-developed, and all of the loose ends are tied up fully by the end of the book. Once you start reading this book, you won't be able to put it down.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
December 31, 2015
Emma's grandmother disappeared from her private island 7 years ago. Emma and her father have finally decided to clean up the place to sell it, but her father has had an injury so Emma heads out to the island on her own to do the clean-up. There are rumors that the island is cursed. As Emma soon finds out, there really are weird things going on on that island...
I really enjoyed this. It pulled me in right away and I wanted to keep reading until I finished. It was short enough (under 200 pages) so that I was able to finish in one day. There are a couple of side stories with Emma's friend Paisley and with a budding romance, but I enjoyed those, as well. I thought the “secondary” characters were well done.
I really enjoyed this. It pulled me in right away and I wanted to keep reading until I finished. It was short enough (under 200 pages) so that I was able to finish in one day. There are a couple of side stories with Emma's friend Paisley and with a budding romance, but I enjoyed those, as well. I thought the “secondary” characters were well done.
March 29, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. I am a huge fan of the paranormal genre. Especially ones that include ghosts or spirits. Usually I will give up on a book that the action doesn't begin quickly. The action did not begin on this book until about 1/3 of the way through the book. But the story leading up to the action was very good and kept me interested. I really liked getting to know the characters of this book even the one I wanted to punch in the face. Every good story has to have at least one person you hate. The story flowed along nicely and I hated to put he book down for anything. I actually finished the whole book in about 7 hours. I do read kind of quick though. This was my first book by Clarissa Johal but I will be on the look out for more of her books.
February 25, 2016
The Island is about a young woman, Emma, who goes to an island that her grandmother owned to get it ready to sell.
Things go terribly wrong when she starts to feel as if she's being watched, touched, starts to lose time and memories, and overall feels that something on the island is WRONG.
She begins learning secrets of the islands past, digging deeper and deeper until she finally discovers that her only chance at survival is to leave. But how is she to do so when the electricity is cut out, her cell phone battery has died, and she has no boat?
Something ancient and evil wants Emma, and will stop at nothing in order to get what it wants.
Things go terribly wrong when she starts to feel as if she's being watched, touched, starts to lose time and memories, and overall feels that something on the island is WRONG.
She begins learning secrets of the islands past, digging deeper and deeper until she finally discovers that her only chance at survival is to leave. But how is she to do so when the electricity is cut out, her cell phone battery has died, and she has no boat?
Something ancient and evil wants Emma, and will stop at nothing in order to get what it wants.
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