The Island: Complete Collection

by Michael R. Stark

The Fever struck hard and fast, rising out of the slums and claiming victim after victim. At first, reports trickled across the wire in small segments relegated to the final seconds of the broadcast news. Lost among stories of failing economies and political bickering, few noticed what proved to be the birth pangs of a monster. Within months, the disease dominated the news as thousands died and infection rates soared. William Hill knew his chances of avoiding the virus sat squarely between slim and none. With experts predicting a global pandemic, his choices boiled down to not if, but where he would die. While the rest of the world built barricades and set up distribution points for food, he chose a simpler end. The island had been one of the last and best times with his father. He couldn’t think of a better place to spend his final days. He wanted sun and sand, fresh fish on the grill and cool nights by the campfire. He wanted feel-good days filled with oldies on the radio, days when he could hoist the sails and run before the wind. He didn’t set out to make enemies, but he did. He didn’t plan on becoming humanity’s last hope for survival, or watching over an old woman and an eerie little boy either. To William Hill, the island seemed as good a place as any to die. He just didn’t realize how good.

400 pages, Paperback

First published July 19, 2015

Reviews

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a puzzle to me. On the surface at least, it is a dystopian survival story, with more that a little fantasy / horror thrown in for good measure. Mr. Stark seems quite familiar with sailing in coastal waters. That is something I have no personal experience with so I really enjoyed those parts, as I felt I was learning something. The writing style is better than average for a self published book, and yet, the plot wanders at times, even to the point of spoiling future chapters. I read each part, and neared the end with great anticipation, expecting an exciting climax. What I received instead was "a blinding flash of light" and poof! No coherent explanation of anything. I suspect that Mr. Stark chose to withhold something, to retain material that could drive the plot in the follow-on book.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book. I have seen his writing compared to that of Stephen Kings, and I don't feel it's far off. He lulls you into a false sense of "ok, they're going to have something good happen", then BAM, straight back into chaos and fear. Excellent storyline, and I like the end, adding a bit of a twist to what's been going on. Looking forward to reading The Rock: Exodus and The Rock: Rites of Betrayal!

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

More fun in the complete edition. What a story, surprisingly masterful!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I totally got sucked into this book which is unusual because there is lots of description. This is an apocalyptic story. Not really fantasy, and with all the suspense, I think it falls under horror.

[Lynn Maltese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wondeerful

Can't wat to read the Rock books which really a continuation of this story. Love all the characters so need to know where they end up. Great read especially if you like Game of Thrones or The Stand.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the entire five part series. I anxiously awaited the finishing series (The Rock) and have read the two books of that, as well. It's an interesting mix of post-apocalyptic with mixes of both science fiction and fantasy.

[Dawn York]

Actually really good