A powerful island. A dangerous mystery. An impossible choice.For centuries, the island of Islayne has given certain residents the ability to revive other people’s memories. These gifted individuals are known as luminators, and sixteen-year-old Ronan Saunders desperately desires to join their illustrious ranks. As he struggles against the prejudice of the old, powerful families who have an iron … an iron grip on the trade, Ronan falls under the tutelage of a reclusive luminator, rumored to be insane.
Just when his long-desired future is within reach, Ronan and his three friends discover a deadly secret on the island. As they delve deeper into the mystery, what they find forces them to question their loyalties, doubt long-held beliefs, and wrestle with the dire consequences of revealing the truth. Ronan finds himself torn between everything he loves and the only future he’s ever wanted. The entire fate of the lumination trade hangs in the balance of his decision.
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A story filled with fantasy, mystery, friendship, sacrifice and love. The debut novel by Kari Lynn West showcases a group of young adults willing to fight for what they believe is right, no matter the consequences. Captivating, with very unexpected twists to the plot, “The Secret of Islayne” is a young adult fantasy that is not to be missed.
“The Secrets of Islayne” stands out as 4-star great read for many reasons, including:
*A intriguing plot that is both very original and creative, based on the idea of selected people in the Islayne having the gift to illuminate specific memories for people that they believe lost. Attention to detail is given to the process of illumination, how to restore memories, how to retrieve them, guidelines to practice, apprenticeships to learn skills and much more. All combined the attention to the specifics made illumination an imaginable process.
*The main characters that the story brings to life are a very eclectic group of young adults. With a prominent focus on Ronan, who is beginning his journey into illumination as an apprentice. Even at the age of 16 Ronan is learning about life’s challenges, including facing between what is right and wrong. He is backed up by three very different friends – a risk taker, a loner looking to fit in, and a more senior illuminist who is eager to question the system. Together they take on many adventures including water rafting at night and cave diving, along with taking on the many facets of the illumination society. As the many twists to the story play out, their character development is strengthened as well as their bonds to one another. This gives more depth to the story.
*The plot takes on many real life situations that many may face, including young adults, like divorce, the functioning of single parent families, status in society based on wealth, young love, believing in yourself, questioning of your moral compass, and much more. This makes the plot more challenging and feel more realistic.
*The very unexpected twist to the plot, where an upstanding citizen/parent is forced to face the past, and confirm the mystery that the group has been trying to solve (no spoilers!). This forces the characters to question important elements of their lives, and stands out as the pivotal moment where the group finally collaborate together. It also brings the plot to a higher level of mystery and suspense, where lives are put in danger.
*Even though the main characters and plot is aimed at young adults, this story easily crosses many age groups from young teens to adult.
*The story is long enough to allow the book to be read over many sessions. This allows the characters to become more familiar and invest in their outcome and the plot to develop in intensity.
I recommend “The Secrets of Islayne” to readers who enjoy adventure and mystery stories with unexpected twists. I look forward to reading many more books by this debut author Kari Lynn West.
I reviewed this voluntarily after receiving this book in advance.
The Secrets of Islayne