Wow. 5++ stars!!
LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS BOOK <3
This is an absolutely beautiful, unique and unforgettable story about survival and love.
One of my top favorite reads ever.
I just finished reading it for the second time. I read it once a year ago and absolutely adored it but it was in my pre-review writing days and so, now that I’ve re-read it, I just wanted to tell you all how much I absolutely adored this story.
Its well-written, riveting and heartfelt. The HEA ending is just perfect with an epilogue that brought the happiest tears to my eyes. I honestly don’t have one single complaint to make about this book.
Its one of those stories that reminds you that true love can be found in the least likely of places and that, no matter what other people think, you should always follow your heart.
When an unfortunate plane crash strands them together on a small uninhabited island in the Maldives, 16-year-old TJ, a high school student in remission from cancer, and his 30-year-old summer tutor Anna are forced to depend on each other for survival as they wait to be rescued.
And wait.
And wait and wait and wait.
Weeks turn to months and eventually to years with no sign of rescue on the horizon.
But as their time on the island passes, Anna is faced with the reality that the boy she came to the island with is now becoming a man.
First of all you need to know that TJ isn’t like most other teens. He feels about twice as old as he is. Seriously, when you ‘meet’ him, you’ll understand. The events of his life have matured him far beyond his years and he so incredibly sure of his feelings that it is guaranteed to melt your heart.
For those of you who are wondering if the age difference makes their relationship feel at all weird, I promise, it absolutely does not. Cross my heart. They don’t get physically involved until he is almost 19-years-old so there is never an ‘underage’ issue. Watching them slowly fall for each other as he got much older was beautifully written, plausibly paced and never rushed. And if you read the book, you’ll see without question that they really, truly belong together.
“I love you, Anna.”
The surprised look on her face told me she hadn’t seen that coming.
“You weren’t supposed to fall in love,” she whispered.
“Well, I did,” I said, looking into her eyes. “I’ve been in love with you for months. I’m telling you now because I think you love me too, Anna. You just don’t think you’re supposed to. You’ll tell me when you’re ready. I can wait.”
The author is a brilliantly gifted story-teller who perfectly captures and portrays intensity of the situation that Anna and TJ went though – depending on each other, supporting each other, saving each other.
The book is told in alternating chapter POV’s between Anna and TJ. It is done very seamlessly allowing the reader a chance to really get into the minds of both the main character – something vital given the nature of the storyline.
Its one of those incredibly written books that you never want to put down – where you are immersed in the story and connected to the characters right from the beginning.
Another thing that you should know is that TJ’s cancer does not come back. This is not a story about that. I’ve heard some people say that that held them back from wanting to read this book so I’d like to dispel that worry here. This is a beautiful love story with a very happy ending!!
If you haven’t yet read it, trust me, its worth bumping to the very top of your lists!!
I know I’ll be rereading it many times for years to come <3
Book #1: ON THE ISLAND (standalone)
Buy for Kindle | Buy for Paperback
Companion novella: UNCHARTED
Lindsay Brady says
I have heard a lot of positive things about this book since the beginning of the summer. I just have not been able to bring myself to read it. I wouldn’t say it was the age thing that was an issue for me but more the teacher/student relationship becoming something more. Would you still say from that angle that the story works and presents a beautiful relationship? As many good things as I’ve heard about this book, I really would like to read it. I’m just worried that this might be an issue for me.
Aestas says
Actually the teacher/student thing isn’t ever really a part of the story. She was hired as his summer tutor and they were going to be flown out to a place rented by his family in the Islands… on their way, their plane crashes stranding them on the island so really, technically… she never was his teacher. Not officially. She never gave him one lesson or taught him in any way. So I’d say that the only thing that you would really have to mentally get over is the age.
Also, remember, there is NO romance between then until he is pretty much 19 years old. And she does not initiate the relationship anyways.
I promise its not awkward at all!
Does that help?
Lindsay Brady says
Yea that helps a lot. I will definitely have to check this one out! Thanks so much! I just bought The Sea of Tranquility. So, I’ll probably go on to The Island once I read this one. Thanks again for your help!!!
Aestas says
Awesome!! Enjoy the reads 🙂 The Sea Of Transquility is a bit more of a slow burn than this one but both books are gorgeous!
iluvvampires says
Totally one of the best books I’ve read. It was a total surprise, in that I really didn’t think I would like it that much, but wow..what a story…and what an eplilogue 🙂
Aestas says
*nods* definitely one of the best 🙂
I didn’t think I’d cry this time cuz I already knew what to expect from my first time reading it but I totally did anyways. So beautiful!!
tracey garvis graves says
I <3 you big time, Aestas!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! xoxo
Aestas says
Hahaha thank YOU a million times for writing such an incredible story!!!! The world is a better place with this book in it. <3
Lindsay Brady says
Just finished On The Island! You were so right. I loved loved loved it!!! It was such a great story that was beautifully written. Thank you so much for convincing me to read it.
Aestas says
Yay!!!! I’m so glad you loved it!! <3
Lindsay Brady says
The only problem is that I don’t know what to read next 🙁
Aestas says
Maybe try something from this list —–> http://aestasbookblog.com/top-10-contemporary-romances/
Lindsay Brady says
I’ve read most of it but I’m thinking of reading Sempre. It looks interesting!
Aestas says
Sempre was awesome! Really not what I expected it to be but it ended up on my favs pile 🙂
Lindsay Brady says
Got it! Thanks so much for your great recommendations!
Aestas says
Anytime! Happy reading 🙂
Fran says
I read this book about a year ago and I still think about it. For someone like me who is an avid reader, this a testament to the lingering beauty of this tale. The story is about a love that stands against formidable odds in terms of age difference, circumstance, physical challenges, political motivations, societal norms, and mother nature herself. The characters do not have a easy path but what the forge together is real and deep on many levels proving that some bonds do transcend the impossible. I will be revisiting the island again and again.