Really unsure as to how any reader could rate this one highly. Frankly, I suspect "fake reviews." The characters are tropes, at best. The first 62 pages has nothing to do with the mysterious island. Instead, they are vulgar and stupid repetitions of dumb characters. The whole thing has maybe ten characters in it - but the author succeeded in making some characters more frightful, abominable, toxic, and horrible than anything a little sentient vine-covered island brings. Dull, vulgar, and shameful. Not recommended. ( )

Two estranged friends that grew up together but parted ways when one married a less than honorable man have recently reunited. Jasmine has filed for divorce and regrets cutting Amy out of her life. Amy is still mourning the loss of her fiancée but is thrilled to have her friend Jasmine back. Maybe a little too thrilled actually because it causes her to go along with several things that she is uncomfortable with, just to keep Jasmine happy.
The friends take a vacation together and plan to relax on the beach with tropical drinks. Jasmine, however is making up for lost time and convinces Amy to be her "wing woman" when they meet a couple of guys. Against her better judgement but not wanting to spoil Jasmine's fun Amy agrees to take a yacht ride to a secluded location on this double date that she really wants no part of. They make some weird discoveries on the island but Amy is the only one who takes them seriously. The others will come to regret making light of her concerns. This book reminded me a bit of The Ruins, in the way the characters were out of their element, vacationing in a foreign country in a secluded area and chose to ignore local legends. If I said any more about what seemed familiar it may spoil the surprises so I will leave it at that, but though it does have other similarities it definitely goes it's own way. The first half is not especially scary but there is a lot of suspense and spine tingly moments once the characters arrive on the island. I would recommend it for all fans of adventure/eco horror.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher with no obligation to write a review. ( )

Wow! This story knocked my boots off and left me stranded in the jungle!



A small backstory:

Best friends, Amy and Jasmine are wanting to spend some time together as both of them are trying to get their lives back on track. Jasmine is coming off of a nasty divorce and Amy's husband passed away, so they decided that they need time away and what better way to clear their heads then to spend some vacation time in the Philippines.

What they do not expect is hooking up with Ted and Dom who are also best friends and who happen to work in the movie industry. When the four of them get together, Ted and Dom talk the girls into taking a trip on their yacht as the guys want to check out deserted islands for probable movie locations.

They do find a nice cozy island all to themselves and they let the fun times begin as they start to explore the island, but things are not what they seem as the island holds more than just mystery of exploration as something lurks within the jungle and it is hungry for the taste of blood!

Thoughts:

This story just took off and grabbed me right away as it sent me spinning into the jungle vines! There was a little bit of world building in the beginning of the book, but once the four characters make it to the island things start to heat up and the action slowly begins to build, then the author brings everything crashing down with a bang as the story explodes with writhing jungle action in the last half of the book!

It has been awhile since I read books by this author and this book socked me right back into his world making me remember why I love his stories as the writing style just flows along!

This book kept me entwined as I read it within 24 hours and just could not put it down! Giving this one five "Jungle Jaw Snapping" stars!

For more thoughts on this review, please see my blog:
https://booknookretreat.blogspot.com/2021/07/savage-island-by-brian-moreland.htm... ( )