Seven years ago, I read and reviewed Merona Grant and the Lost Tomb of Golgotha (review) a pulp fiction homage to the adventure tales of yesteryear. The book was a tip of the hat to another bullwhip carrying adventurer, but it was uniquely its own story. I loved it, and the novel has remained at the top of my list of indie releases since. I enjoyed this book far more than Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, wishing the director had adapted Merona Grant instead. When author Brina Williamson announced a sequel (that narratively was a prequel), I was excited and pre-ordered it.
Merona Grant and the Island of Devils is a grittier, more introspective tale than the first in the series. In this one, Merona crash lands on an island in the Atlantic that is surrounded with mystery. Despite efforts by her sister, Liora, and friend, Sasha, to find her, the island remains hidden to the eye. On the cursed island, Merona uses her survival skills to avoid cannibals, forage for food and water, and construct shelters. The captain of the plane and his dog also may be on the island—at least, someone has her rifle. Not to mention, the island’s swamp holds another incredible secret.
A survival story is an adventure story, but it’s in a niche category. Unlike most novels, the reader must accompany the hero and worry about the basics of life. Much of the beginning of the narrative is devoted to these sequences. Even if Merona isn’t in immediate danger (which she is in many passages), she’s still exposed to the elements, hungry or thirsty, or hurt. Expect more of such predicaments in this offering than the pyramid-traversing, puzzle-traps of a typical adventure of this sort.
This isn’t Hatchet, however. The swamp, in particular, holds the key chapters that give the reader the sense of exploration and wonder. The swamp contains the largest mystery of the book and the most exciting passages. As Merona starts to understand the history of the island, she undertakes a thrilling sequence in the final act that is cleverly staged.
I can’t help but compare this to the first two Indiana Jones movies. Lost Tomb of Golgotha is lighter, introducing you to a gaggle of characters in pursuit of a treasure. Island of Devils is a prequel, darker and grim, with more body horror than expected. In comparing book to movie, Ms. Williamson plotting of prequel is far better than Mssrs. Lucas and Spielberg. This book leads to book one, whereas I’ve always wondered at Indiana Jones’ skepticism at the start of Raiders of the Lost Ark after the weird goings on in Temple of Doom. No matter, I see similarities, so I leave the review with the reader that, if they liked the change of tone between Raiders and Temple of Doom, they’ll enjoy it here, as well.
Merona Grant and the Island of Devils is a worthy successor to the first in the series. The book is not a copy of Golgotha, but a darker and deeper narrative into the survival adventure story. I’m hopeful Ms. Williamson constructs another.