A private Thai island.
Six teenagers who’ve known each other their whole lives.
Seven days together with their own wilderness guide.
Sun, surf, sunsets and golden beaches.
Paradise.
Now all 17, they have all lived separate and different lives except for the annual family holiday they share. There is Jessie who is still grieving the loss of her brother. Milo is still lots of fun, and still squabbling with his more serious sister Meg.
Honor and Danny have been a couple for two years but something isn’t quite right between them. Jefferson is the reason they are all on the island. The 7 days wilderness getaway is a birthday gift from his dad, as Jefferson loves anything outdoors and survival orientated.
One night, chatting and joking around a camp fire, they each reveal their personal phobias.
Spiders, snakes, small spaces. Heights, puking and more. Some are honest, but some lie.
When they lose the only adult accompanying them, and use of their boat – they are stranded.
Their revealed phobias soon become living nightmares. Is this for real! Who is making this happen? Is there someone else on the island, watching them? Listening? Making them paranoid?
The stress becomes all encompassing for some, and a challenge to others. Will they make it the whole seven days?
Two characters Jessie and Danny reveal the bulk of this story via their viewpoints. Jessie is grieving the loss of her brother and is struggling to fit back in with the group. Danny is pleased to be with them all, but focuses on his girlfriend Honor. This week will be a chance to get their relationship back on track.
Polar opposites in character, it was interesting watching Jessie and Danny’s journeys into paranoia and guilt ridden revelations. Great read.
Author – C L Taylor
Age – 13+
(2021, Harper Collins, Holiday, Thailand, Island, Teenagers, Friendships, Relationships, Stranded, Marooned, Paranoia, Nightmares, Phobias, Delusions, Mental Health, Survival, Fishing, One week, Siblings, Advanced Jnr Readers 11+, Adventure, Bullies, Conflict, Courage, Family, Secret)