The Island

A bit grittier than her previous books, still not too gory (no swearing or sex either). More mainstream horror than psychological paranormal (like her last book, Voices). It’s the psychological aspect that really hits home. Clarissa Johal gets this. I find I enjoy each book more than the last. They’re all good, all interesting, all different. She knows how to build the tension, characters, and plot until you feel as tortured as her poor heroines. This one, though, gave me nightmares! I was careful where I stopped reading after that and made sure to do a little web surfing before turning out the light. The writing is superb. I don’t do spoilers (or even care to describe stories—I leave that to others), but will tell you Emma is terribly brave (too brave, I kept wanting to yell into the book “don’t!”—I know you know what I mean). Yet it’s totally believable for her character. The romantic element, Nathaniel, adds to the story without taking over (another thing this author does well). Same thing with her friend, Paisley. I may never look at the ocean or small islands the same again. Oh, and I think I need a bell, or two. Yes, this is one of those books.

Unlike most well known horror novels out there, The Island is relatively short and simple. To be fair there are times when it's too simple and things happen too easily, but I much prefer that to 400 pages of complicated background and needless details that, for me, bog down the story till I've completely lost interest.The Island was original and entertaining and often got my pulse pounding for various reasons. I don't need 300 pages of background and thought processes to feel connected to a character. I felt 100% connected to Emma from the first chapter and hated putting the book down because I wanted to know what would happen to her and how she would deal with whatever situation presented itself.I will admit that the ending was a bit easy. Honestly, another 50-100 pages for...dealing with the island's issues...probably would've been better but at least I had no time to get bored. I don't want to give anything away. ;)It's a fun read unless you like overly drawn-out stories that make you read till your eyes fall out. Then you'd probably be disappointed with it.I liked it a lot and am so going to be looking for this author's other books.

This one is a slow starter, though I give it a lot of points for suspense and general creepiness. The entire first half of the book (or more) is spent in slowly and deliberately working up to the main part of the conflict. I kept picturing the several chapters after Emma arrived on the island as a very creepy horror movie - one where you ultimately question the idiocy of the main character for not catching on to the fact that there is something terribly wrong. I was torn between 3 stars and 4, I would probably give this one 3 1/2 as I loved the suspense and the dark, creepy build-up. Even the reveal of the antagonist was somewhat interesting and enticingly mysterious. However there are several convenient phenomenon which are never really explained and an epilogue which seems a bit conciliatory. Overall, though, worth the read, if you're into suspenseful horror. Which I am.

Suspense, mystery, and horror all mixed up into one story where you'll love the characters and fear what lurks on the island.I can't recommend this book enough, it was such a good read, one I was barely able to set down.

This was a good book with an interesting storyline. Very easy to read. A few times I thought to myself, "don't go in there," or "how stupid can you be going back in there." Not really scary but some parts were a bit intense and kept my interest. There is a little something for anyone who likes ancient and evil superstitions or ancient folklore, some supernatural creatures, a little romance and a non-stop action-filled story with twists and turns. Fun read and not scary unless you scare very easily! Go ahead and get this one.

Very well crafted storyline. The action and suspense keep the reader enthralled in the book. Looking for more from this amazing author.

I couldn't put this book down once I started.I could "see" the island as events started happening.Just wish a bit more detail was available in relation to Paisley and Derek.I recommend this book highly.

"The Island" by Clarissa Johal is a paranormal suspense novel on steroids. Just as it appears on the book's cover art, the island looms large, dark and foreboding in the lives of those who live on or visit it. It is a place filled with danger and exerts a powerful force on all who enter.Ms. Johal weaves a ripping good tale with interesting, believable characters, regional folklore, intense drama, light romance, frightening paranormal activity and incredible suspense. The novel is well written and the element of suspense definitely makes for a page turner.

Having read 'Voices' and 'Struck' by the same author, I seized the opportunity to get a copy of 'The Island' when a free download became available. Likeable protagonist Emma goes to the private island that belonged to her late grandmother, intending to get it ready for sale. However, she soon finds a hidden cave and answers to the island's dark past are revealed.Using her clean, contemporary style of writing, Clarissa Johal creates a bleak, cold, and lonely setting for the unfolding story and there is a sense of unease from the start.The difficulties encountered by Emma made me want to climb into the novel and help her. Making readers care about people who don't actually exist is one of the skills an author must possess. In 'The Island' this is facilitated by the dialogue which is very natural - and I think this is one of Clarissa Johal's strengths as a writer.The nature of the two demons wasn't what I expected and they intrigued me to the extent that I never felt the outcome was predictable and so I had to keep reading.'The Island' has good story value and I could see it being made into a movie. I wonder if the author has considered turning her book into a screenplay?Because I enjoyed this well-written novel and could find no fault with it, I am giving it five stars.

This is a chilling story set on a deserted and reputedly cursed island. Emma visits the island after her grandmother, who lived there, vanished without trace. Her grandmother had strange quirks and believed someone - or something - was after her. As Emma spends more time on the island she gradually starts to wonder if she was actually right.She begins to unravel the story behind the curse and realises it is up to her to break it.This is the first book I have read from this author and I am looking forward to reading more.

I really liked this story and it kept me turning the page. Some parts were very spooky in as much the heroine, Emma, stayed on an isolated island completely alone. The story wasn't populated with too many characters and I was able to get to know every one. The writing was good with just a few typos but none to spoil the narrative. I don't think the epilogue was entirely necessary as the ending spoke for itself and was adequate. Otherwise a good paranormal read.

A good book. I liked the main story and the whole idea of the 2 demons on the island. The suspense was built up well and the plot was interesting. The only thing i didn't like was that it felt slow at the start and then seemed to be to quick at the end, but otherwise is was a good read.

Compared to most books on amazon, and books of this genre, the author really stands out. She puts you there in the scene. Well written! Look forward to reading your other books!

Loved the characters and the tension building was excellent!! The author had me gripped from the beginning. Couldn't out it down, Read it in 2 days

This book scared me so much I couldnt sleep. I would advise anyone to hang bells everywhere, read the book and find out why

Tension building up from the very start! Great read, sorry it's finished. Likeable characters

I liked this book but it was a bit scary

Good book.

A excellent book to keep the reader on their toes right to the end, I read it in a day

Enjoyed it and read it quickly.

Wonderful book. Didn't want to put it down

Awesome book, very good story. I really enjoyed reading it, I thought it was finished when Emma left the island. To keep it going for her to return to the island was great , looking forward to reading more from you. Thank you, Debbie

A very quirky book. It was okay but a little sketchy in parts. Good enough to read through.