Thanks to NetGalley and Text Publishing for the opportunity to read this gripping, action-packed book. Its pace was frantic and frenzied throughout, and I found the suspense to be almost unbearable. Finally, an action thriller which truly thrilled me.

The time is 1840, and 13-year-old Tom Clay along with a shipload of English convicts have been sentenced to exile in Australia. Tom came from an impoverished family of poachers. His father was hanged for this crime, his brother killed and his mother had already died. For his crime of poaching, Tom now finds himself in a rough, brutal land amongst hardened, brutal men.

He is working as a shepherd on a huge ranch, and living with a couple of older men in a crude shepherds’ shack. He likes solitude and loves his dog which guards the sheep.

One of the ranch workers is the villainous, fearsome convict, Carver. He has committed some horrific crimes while employed at the sheep ranch, including murder. After a fight that left a man wounded and another dead, Carver himself wounded left the ranch. Tom knows he will be back for revenge, and to kill him and other witnesses to his brutality.

Carver does come back heavily armed and with two other men. Shortly before his expected and fearsome return, a new man arrived at the shepherds’ hut to take the place of a man who had been killed. This is the cheerful and talkative Rowdy, convicted of passing counterfeit money. Tom can barely stand his constant talking, as he prefers his solitude.

Intent on killing Tom, Rowdy and a third man in the hut, a gun battle ensues and there are several deaths. The hut is set afire. Tom and Rowdy must flee for their lives through the bush pursued by Carver and one of his fellow outlaws. The action is relentless and vividly described. I felt this would make an exciting movie with a couple of the most horrific parts probably edited out.

Young Tom is a great character. He is resourceful, intelligent and determined to take revenge against Carver. He establishes leadership over the older Rowdy, being more adept on the land and in coming up with some ingenious ideas to help them escape. They fear not only Carver but also roaming groups of Aborigines and vicious wild dogs. Tom and Rowdy’s reluctant partnership gradually develops into one of trust and friendship. Tragedies occur, making this an emotional read.
Recommended for those who enjoy an action story told at a high- speed pace.