Right from the outset, this novel is totally gripping as we learn that its young hero’s father is about to be executed for smuggling drugs into Bali.

At six years old, Taj took his first wave and, true to what his dad told him, he was hooked for life. Eleven years later, living in Bali with his mum, surfing offers him total solace, especially when life gets really challenging. When Taj learns that his dad’s execution is imminent, he determines to find a way to help him escape from Kerobokan Prison. But when Mount Agung, a local volcanco, erupts things don’t go according to his plan A. Taj and his father resort to plan B. The only problem is – there is NO plan B. This is where the plot gets really interesting as it unfolds into a series of dangerous events and escapades. We quickly learn nothing is as straightforward as it appears.

Throughout the novel, Gwynne gives us different cultural perspectives and an understanding of the politics and social issues in Indonesia and Timor East, incorporating different languages in the dialogue.

I immensely enjoyed this fast-paced story about finding the truth and coming of age. I was wholly engaged throughout and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Karen Williams
Age Guide 14+

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Phillip Gwynne’s first novel Deadly Unna? was a literary hit and was made into the feature film Australian Rules for which Phillip won an AFI award. The sequel, Nukkin Ya, was also published to great acclaim.

He writes for a wide range of age groups from picture books such as Brothers From a Different Mother and junior fiction such as Jetty Rats and Michael in the Stuff Happens series, to the young adult novel Swerve, shortlisted for many awards amongst them the 2010 Prime Minister’s Award and the Golden Inky.