Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780375896309 |
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| Publisher: | Random House Children's Books |
| Publication date: | 07/13/2010 |
| Sold by: | Random House |
| Format: | NOOK Book |
| Pages: | 480 |
| File size: | 2 MB |
| Age Range: | 12 - 17 Years |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
X-isle
3.5 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
14 reviews.
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A compelling story set in a near-future world where a flood has nearly destroyed civilized life. Several boys volunteer for duty on "the island" where it is rumored they will be fed three times a day but where in reality they become slave labor for a lunatic preacher and his violent sons. Only by cooperating with each other, and by taking drastic measures themselves, are they able to survive.
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Baz and Ray are just two of the boys who manage to get aboard a boat and escape to X-Isle, which they thought was a sanctuary where they could live a little easier than on the mainland. It isn't until they arrive that they discover what a horrible place it really is, and they start to wonder whether the Preacher is insane, and whether they will be able to survive.
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There's only one way out of the mainland and that's to X Isle.A flood overtook the world, killing both Baz's mother and sister, and billions of others in the world. It left towns, cities, and humans submerged underwater cutting the remaining few left alive with basic of basics. Now with just his father, Baz struggles to get by each day where everything has become scarce and pasta has become the newest form of currency. But the stench of the surrounding death and the harsh environment of thievery is too much to take care not only yourself, but a child at that. Now families send their sons to X Isle, a shortened name from Eck Island, where it is promised to a land of sanctuary compared to the mainland. The only way to get to X Isle is by boat when the crew stops every so often to trade goods.The boys need to be small and thin and most barter for their voyage for the crew only picks up one, but usually none. They barter with rare items: fresh meat, cartridges, cornflakes, chocolate. The crew this time has asked to allot two boys for this trip to X Isle. The chosen two: Baz and Ray.Now Baz takes this trip where he hopes will give him a brighter future. That is, before he dies. X Isle is not the land of the promising as Baz slowly realizes when the group of young boys on X Isle show him the ropes and the truth.Originally published in the UK, X Isle has crossed the small pond and into the hands of US readers. (However, the novel is still quite in its original format so there is still British slang and humor as well as single quotation marks rather than double.) Told in third-person limited narrative, X Isle tells of a dystopic world where the modern world has transcended backwards to the days without the Internet or electricity at that.Despites its rather large font, X Isle reads like a typical 500 paged novel: long. X Isle focuses mainly on character development and the rules, environment, and daily life of the island. The action, such as human sacrifice, and the giant shocker occurs at the end of the novel so hopes and attention spans do not fear.The novel is read more in paragraphs rather than dialogues so it quickly becomes mind-numbing. The descriptions go in-depth and while boring may be a strong word to used, the heat wave combined with the words had me struggling to pay closer attention. However, this could easy be a factor because this not my type of novel. X Isle, to me I quickly realized, seemed to be a possible candidate of what I should read for middle grade.X Isle uses symbolism and motifs/themes quite frequently. The flood, Preacher John, the goat, the two rabbits, the school of mackerels, the fishing spool, and of course the nicknames are all things that can be dissected and scrutinized for their hidden meanings. The characters as well can be torn apart by the teachers and asked to be described by the students in essay form (with proper citation).But what makes X Isle worth-while and most fascinating to me is the brutality of the "villains". It is the cold heartless actions that I found gripping and the companionship of friends fighting for survival endearing. Despite my feelings during the reading process, I am left away with a grand sense of satisfaction. X Isle is a hefty read that is suited more to the MG readers interested in Lord of the Flies, The Maze Runner, Holes (ironic in comparison with X Isle isn't it).
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Today I have just finished a great book written by the mysterious author, Steve Augardi, called X-Isle. I didn't necessarily like the book, but it was addictive, and that's what all young readers look for. I give this book a 3.3 star rating for its action and mysterious feeling. This book includes 2 boys struggling to survive well after the earth's end. A young boy named Baz, has been struggling with his father to stay alive with the toxic fumes and lack-of-food to eat. But then, a boat comes in every once and awhile to offer a trade- rare items that are considered valuable for a trip to X-Isle with food everyday in exchange for work. Baz and a boy named Ray, skinny and frail, get a pass on the boat. work and fights continue throughout their experience on X-isle. "'hes had enough.' - 'He has? What about you?' .. Baz had a glimpse of Steiners red face before he went woozy." One thing isn't quite right though. What is Preacher John hiding? Is Freedom possible? Does Preacher John have enough food to save them? "what's in there?" - "lighter fluid, its like a detonator" Has it came to an all out war between the kids of X-Isle and Preacher John? Find out in the world of X-isle.
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This is a fantastic edge of your seat, great book. I really loved that after the fist chapter I was hooked. Many twist and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved the ending and the surprises. I will be reading this book again!
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This book is slow at first but its setting the mood. After you get into it it becomes so great!!
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It was gross!!! Only get this book if you enjoy disgusting books. I couldn't even bring myself to finish the book.
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I got bored.
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Didn't make sense
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read this book, you will love it!!
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Good book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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