X Isle has proven to be a lot more than I was expecting. It's a rare serious work in the YA dystopia genre. A book that reminds me, in many ways, of William Golding's Lord of the Flies.
The backdrop of the book is a flooded world. The scenario of how the flood came about is honestly not well developed. There's some mention of multiplying mega-storms but nothing particularly convincing. However, if you've read a great deal in the dystopia genre then it's not hard to imagine that global warming is responsible, and that the waters have risen, killing billions around the world, leaving most of 'civilization' sunk below the waves.
In this world we read about two settlements. The first is the mainland community, where Baz and his father struggle to feed and shelter themselves. The second location, where most of the action takes place, is Ecks' island. Ecks' is all that remains of a girls' school that once resided on high ground overlooking an unnamed city. Ecks' island, which over time has come to be known as X Isle, is inhabited by a handful of men, most of whom are Ecks, and the boys that serve them. It's misted and impossible to get to or from, except by the single motor boat that the islanders' own. And it's this isolation, like that in Goulding's Lord of the Flies, that allows for the horrendous action to take place.
The story opens with Baz, his father, and their neighbors racing down to the docks where the Eck brothers have come to trade. Goods are exchanged as you would expect, but the boatmen have also come with an offer to take 2 young boys into their service. The idea on the surface is repugnant, but the fact is that people are starving and the Eck brothers are obviously well fed and provisioned. So parents not only offer their boys to the men, they pay for the privilege.
As you might suspect, life on the isle is not as good as rumor has it.
As you might suspect, life on the isle is not as good as rumor has it.
I like this book. I liked the dark tone and the fact that I got a good feel for many of the characters in the book. Preacher John, his sons, and even the teenaged group-leaders were understandable and not just shallow constructs.
When it came to the boys, I thought it was fascinating to see how they adapted to the brutal conditions. How they could represent all that was good and bad in humankind. This was the sort of thoughtful book that had me asking myself what I would do in that situation. And perhaps more importantly, what I wouldn't do.
When it came to the boys, I thought it was fascinating to see how they adapted to the brutal conditions. How they could represent all that was good and bad in humankind. This was the sort of thoughtful book that had me asking myself what I would do in that situation. And perhaps more importantly, what I wouldn't do.
Since I read a lot I didn't find the backstory particularly innovative. But the writing... the writing was exceptionally good, and Augarde was up to the task of examining men's souls.
X-Isle is written in a classic style and the story is gripping. It's not a book that's fluffy or a particularly quick read. And it's not book that's perfect. I haven't talked much about the flaws, but there's a twist towards the end that's basically unnecessary, and there are plot turnings that defy explanation. If you are in the mood for a more substantial story though, this is good read.
Mild violence.
Brutality.
Cursing (which mostly would offend Christians as it involves taking the Lord's name in vain).
Prostitution.
X Isle
by Steve Augarde
Word Count: 119,203
Page Count: 480
Accelerated Reading level: 4.7 / points: 18.0
AR quiz: 138335
- Publisher: David Fickling Books (2010)
- ISBN-10: 0385751931
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