Author: R.M. Ballantyne / Year: 1825-1894 / Genre: 12-Over "The Coral Island" takes place during the mid-19th century and follows the adventures of three British boys - Ralph Rover, Jack Martin, and Peterkin Gay. The story begins with the boys aboard a ship called the "Arrow," which is caught in a violent storm. The ship is wrecked, and the boys find themselves alone on a deserted island in the Pacific.