The Last Resort – Meh.

This book was fine, but nothing life-changing or super surprising. It reminded me of The Hunger Games and Fantasy Island combined. Also Ten little Indians.

A synopsis: 7 strangers find themselves on a plane to a ‘luxury-island adventures though, through focalization of different characters, we learn they’ve each been promised something different. There are also flashbacks to an event maybe 20 years ago, though we don’t know whose story they’re telling.

1. Amelia is a humanitarian worker who is hoping to make money

2. John is a photographer / paparazzo

3. Tiggy is a social media influencer here for the networking and the chance to review the island.

4. Giles, Tiggy’s boyfriend, is a game designer. His been promised an opportunity to evaluate ‘The Game’ on the Island.

5. Scott is the only American–a businessman who owns a health food supplement business, but who understands that he’s selling snake oil.

6. Lucy is a gossip columnist (though no one knows her identity) who is looking for a story.

7. Brenda is a middle aged business woman who is looking to invest in the island.

The seven strangers meet on the plane, and After a short flight and a crash-like landing, they find themselves in a warehouse with a man named Hanley. He explains that they have T-19 (T minus 19) to the party & attaches trackers to the top of each person’s ear. The trackers also connect under the skin to their neurons. Amelia is the only one who gets the old model-a bracelet-style tracker-after her ear tracker malfunctions.

From there, each person’s profile is projected through their trackers-including their deepest fears. And it gets stranger. Though they are told this vacation is luxurious and they only need to think about what they want and the island will provide, they are plagued with misadventure. As they are on their way to the Big House on the island for a party, it’s clear the island isn’t what it seems.

Overall, I found the book readable, if not predictable. I finished it fairly quickly. The flashback formula feels really overdone. And the ‘twist’ is fine as well. For anyone looking for a diverting reads. I would recommend this one. If you’re looking for something deep or surprising, I might look elsewhere.