For kids who love gripping mysteries and the thrill of survival, this book traps a group of teens on a dangerous island, forcing them to unravel its deadly secrets.
A parent might reach for this book when their thrill-seeking middle-grader claims that books are boring. It’s perfect for a child who loves video games, escape rooms, and high-stakes adventure. The story follows a group of gifted teenagers who win a trip to a newly discovered island, only to find it's a deadly trap designed by a rogue scientist. They must use their unique skills to solve complex puzzles and outsmart robotic guards and genetically engineered creatures to survive. The book powerfully explores themes of teamwork under pressure, bravery in the face of terror, and resilience. Its fast pace and puzzle-driven plot make it an excellent choice for reluctant readers aged 10 to 14 who need a gripping story to hold their attention.
Sustained scenes of suspense, being hunted, and life-threatening peril.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with character death. Several of the teenagers are killed during the course of the story. The deaths are not graphically detailed but are presented as factual consequences of failure or attack. The approach is entirely secular, focusing on the ethical implications of scientific hubris rather than any religious or spiritual aspect. The resolution is hopeful for the survivors, but it does not diminish the loss they experienced.
Ideal Reader
This is for the 11 to 13-year-old who thrives on adrenaline. They love action movies, escape room video games, and fast-paced thrillers. This reader isn't looking for deep character introspection but wants a relentless plot that keeps them guessing. It’s an excellent fit for a reluctant reader who is easily bored by slower-paced narratives.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that characters, including some of the teens, do die. While not gratuitous, the peril is real and constant. It would be wise to preview one of the early dangerous scenes (like the first robot encounter) to gauge if the intensity level is appropriate for a more sensitive child. The book can otherwise be read cold. A parent hears their child say, "I can't find any exciting books," or notices their child is only engaged by video games. The parent is looking for a book with a similar pace and problem-solving structure to a game to bridge that gap.
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will likely focus on the surface-level action: the scary monsters, the cool robots, and the fun of solving the puzzles. An older reader (13-14) is more likely to engage with the book's themes, such as the morality of genetic engineering and the psychological pressure the characters face.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many survival stories that focus on nature (like Hatchet), Forbidden Island is a sci-fi thriller. Its uniqueness lies in its video-game-like structure, where progress is made by solving distinct, contained puzzles. This 'escape room' feel combined with sci-fi horror elements makes it stand out from typical wilderness survival or dystopian adventures.
Read plot summary
A group of six talented teenagers wins a competition to be the first visitors to the newly discovered, uncharted E-Island. Upon arrival, they discover the island is an elaborate and deadly experiment run by a brilliant but deranged geneticist. They are hunted by robotic assassins and terrifying hybrid creatures. The teens must use their individual skills in logic, technology, and problem-solving to work together, overcome a series of complex challenges, and find a way to escape before they are all eliminated.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Dr. Felice believed his extreme methods were justified for the sake of scientific advancement. Do you think creating such a dangerous 'test' could ever be right? Why or why not?
2
Each teen had a special skill. If you were on the island, which of their skills (Maddy's logic, Will's tech knowledge, etc.) do you think would have been the most useful for survival?
3
The group had to make decisions quickly and under extreme pressure. Think about the scene where they had to cross the ravine. Would you have trusted the plan? What might you have done differently?
4
How did the group dynamic change after the first character died? Did it make them work together better, or did the fear make them fall apart at times?
