I am still reading Marti M. McNair’s Island of Ruin when I start this review. To be precise, I am on page 226 of 232. I don’t dare finish it. It’s been a harrowing read so far and I highly recommend this rollercoaster ride. The reason why I don’t want to finish it is I am scared something bad will happen to the main characters. Then I realise this is part one so hopefully they will make it through to part two. And I return to the book.
Island of Ruin is a dystopian novel, a genre I normally don’t enjoy — it’s just too scary for me, I mean after about 10 years I am still haunted by the stark, dismal imagery of The Road — but in these unsettling times I do think it’s an important genre. Not only because of the threat of the climate crisis, but also because of the more than ever presence of group pressure and mind control. People need to be allowed to be themselves whatever they believe and to follow their own path, even if you don’t like it. Freedom for me is the biggest human right.
The Blurb
In the wake of an apocalyptic End of Days, a totalitarian regime emerges. New-born belong to the state and are transported to the island of Ruin. Deprived of love and nurturing, children eke out an existence with a grim reality. Amidst the bleakness, Jasmine and Coral stumble upon a mysterious old woman washed ashore.
Defying the regime’s grip, they secretly shelter her within the depths of the Black Cave. The girls soon unravel the regime’s web of deception. Jasmine is betrayed, the old woman is found, and a momentous trial begins.
Will Jasmine be able to reclaim her stolen life? Be sentenced to death, or spend the remainder of days toiling in the mines?
I recently reviewed The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith, also about a sect brainwashing their members. The people who stand up against the regime intrigue me. Why do they do that? It’s easy from our armchair to think we’d all be heroes but what makes Jasmine in particular revolt against the system? Part one lifts a tip of the veil but I look forward to further revelations in the next instalment.
Everyone wants to belong to a group but at what cost, and why? And why do certain people manage to break free, be courageous and follow their own heart and beliefs. And why do people want to reign others in? Isn’t this life short enough? Let people do what they want, be free-spirited and make up their own minds what they want to believe and to which groups they want to belong. As long as nobody gets hurt.
All these things touch me on a personal level and made me relate to Jasmine. Not that I, from my comfy armchair in my central heated house, for even one moment think I could ever have been as courageous as this young heroine was.
What I also love about Island of Ruin is the writing. It is beautifully written; clear and with vivid descriptions. It’s like watching a movie in black-and-white. Like McCarthy’s The Road, there’s not much colour on this island apart from the red fury stemming from young Jasmine and her friend Coral.
The development of the friendship between the two girls is heart-warming as well. It made me smile, no matter what, you always find your own tribe. And there are more optimistic surprises coming from people you least expect. I can’t wait to read the second instalment!
Buy Island of Ruin on Amazon
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