Dr. Franklin's Island

Rating:
Summary: Fun sci-fi novel
Review: Dr. Franklin's Island was very much like a version of Dr. Moreau's Island for teens. I didn't expect to like it nearly as much as I did. From the very first chapter I found myself sucked in to the story and caught up in the action. I read in disbelief as Semi and Miranda learned of what was to happen to them. The book moves very quickly and, though the subject the book deals with is highly unbelievable, Ann Halam manages to write a very realistic - and horrifying - story of genetic engineering. I could seriously have nightmares after reading this book! The ending, I thought, was left a little bit open... so maybe we can look forward to sequels? Let's hope so!

Rating:
Summary: Dr. Franklins Island
Review: Overall, I thought the book was pretty good. Right from the beginning, you want to keep reading. The main character, Semirah, is a shy teenager who has won a trip to the rain forests of Ecuador. When her plane crashes, she is stranded on an island with two complete strangers. Without all of the modern conveniences that they are used to having (the time setting is the year 2000 or so), the three adapt to life on the island. Just as the teenagers are getting used to life on the island, one of them disappears. The other two set off to look for him and fall into the hands of a mad scientist named Dr. Franklin. As the story continues, the teens realize that they either escape or die.

This book will appeal to older kids and teens. It is an adventure book with a little bit of mystery that keeps you reading to the end. I liked it because you are never quite sure what will happen next. The book is told in first person perspective (by Semirah), which gives you more of a feeling for what is going on. The word choice is good because it is not too complicated to understand, but not too boring either. I would recommend this book to any teen who is looking for a good book to read.

Rating:
Summary: This is a great book. Just read it.
Review: Written By: Ann Halam
Cover Art By: Danilo Ducak
Published: 2002
Published By: Random House
Pages: 246
Extras: None

Summary:
The palm-fringed beaches on a tiny tropical island hide a terrible secret. Beyond the azure waters and white sand is Dr. Franklin's "hospital."
Miranda, Semi, and Arnie, survivors of a plane crash are about to become the doctor's next victims. He's been waiting for them. They're perfect subjects for his experiments in genetic engineering.

Cover Art Review:

It's pretty but boring. It does have something to do with the book, but you have to read the book.
Overall: 6 (1-10) Pretty, but boring.

Book Review:
If you're a girl, don't run from this book. Its not a guy's book. And guys, its not a girl's book. This a great book. I finished it in one day. Not because its short. Its just so good. It moved slowly. Your half-way into the book before the main plot starts. At the same time, it moved fast and slow. Slow doesn't mean boring though. Halam takes her time. She makes you like these chacters. In a way, it was like I was on the island with them. So when what happens, finally happens, you feel the same pain they feel. You know their joy, their fear, their pain. You're heart soars every time they break out, then breaks when they are recaptured. Everything they go through, you go through. Everything. Rarely, if ever, do I feel this feeling in a YA book. There is no happy ending, but there is an ending and one you'll be happy with. Really, it's the only way it could end/
Overall: 10 (1-10) This is a great book. Just read it.

Reviewer's Note: This book does have a plane exploding, and details about a few of the bodies that show up. There's nothing too graphic, just disturbing.