Review: An engaging, deep, well-written story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 18, 2012
I have only read Part 1 and it was a sheer joy.  Stark has a writing style that drew me in and kept me interested.  His prose is rich and cinematic, characters are vivid, the scenery feels real. Stark doesn't "tell" things, he "shows" them to the reader.The story is a short (88 pages), quick read which gives the reader the introduction to the protagonist, William Hill, explaining his past, his childhood, and his personality.  A major disaster befalls the country and the world, and strands the protagonist and some strangers on the island off the East coast of the US, probably "The Island" of the book's title.I agree with other reviewers that the side stories that keep interrupting the main narrative can be long and could be distracting to someone who is expecting a snappy action story.  But for me these side trips are deeply relevant to setting up the tone, the the colors and the personalities.  They made the story engrossing and a pleasure to read.  "Part 1" of "The Island" has been one of the better short stories I've read in a while, and one of the best I've picked up on my Kindle.  Even if it wasn't free, it's definitely in my "don't miss" category.I have already downloaded Parts 2 and 3.  If they are as good as Part 1, I'll happily pay for the remaining parts of the book.