Book Review - Secrets of Islayne

*** I give Secrets of Islayne by Kari Lynn West 3 stars.
I don’t regret reading this one in the least as I think it had some very strong qualities. However, predictability made the excitement fizzle out for me. I would not hesitate to read another work from this author or even another in a series if this story should be expanded into one. 

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What I Liked:

• The writing flowed well and there was enough character development and description to satisfy and convincingly build the world while still keeping it succinct. It was a quick read but quality which is a delicate balance.
• The premise was excellent – the concept of being able to strengthen memories and help people to recapture pieces of their lives. Also, the potential negative ramifications of playing around in the minds of others was well discussed. There is a lot of potential in this world.
• The descriptions of the mindscape and the work that luminators do did not disappoint. It was fascinating. The book had a very strong start as it set up the concept and introduced the characters and culture.
• Also, the teens behaved like teens and the book was well-executed in that it was full of teen culture.

 
What I Didn’t Like:

• I found the book predictable. My initial thoughts on who would turn out to be the “villain” and what the crimes would be as well as who would turn out to be the “hero” were spot on. Unfortunately, it killed the excitement for me.
• The romantic connections that quickly paired off the characters felt a little predictable as well.
• There was a bit too much repetition for me. At one point I made a note that it was the third time a certain concept had been explained. I think the explanations were done well enough that once would have been sufficient and the reader could have been trusted a little more.

 
Would I Recommend and to Whom:
I think it is well suited to the intended YA audience though it might turn out less than earth-shattering to avid readers.
 
Favorite Quotes:

• “She remembered so many nights staying up late with Adele, whispering solemn secrets and sharing jokes that would only ever be funny at 3 a.m.”
• “By giving me back those early memories, I can see my whole life more clearly now. Those doubts I struggled with for so long are finally quiet.”
• “…he’d always thought of Islayne as a special place since it was the only place in the world where lumination existed. Now, he began to wonder if the water surrounding the island was a way to protect the rest of world from his power and others like him. Maybe this gifting should never have existed in the first place.”