Gabrielle Lord, 2010
Once again, a quick reminder that there might be spoilers for earlier books in this review. It's a little unavoidable.
Interestingly, although Cal began the year almost completely alone in the world (literally at one point where he's in the water, with only sharks for company), as the year goes on he's collecting a bunch of people who can help him out as he tries to solve his father's mystery (and avoid being killed). March keeps him in contact with Boges (becoming more and more a Q like figure) and the might be helpful/might be trying to betray him Winter, but also introduces Repro - the man who lives off lost and abandoned property, the mysterious Jennifer Smith with her never-ending rotation of jobs and the kindly ute driver who's more than willing to participate in a high speed car chase.
The chase is, of course, just one of the dangers. We also have police officers closing in, and (in one of the most hideous scenes I've ever read) deadly snakes. Will Cal survive and will he keep his humanity intact as he does so? (Interesting to see him struggling with looking after others and right and wrong).
One of the things I'm quite enjoying about the series is the Australian-ness of it. It's not overtly in-your-face, but it feels like an Australian story set in Australian locations. Hopefully the younger authors also feel that.
Some more books that might connect to the series include John Marsden's Tomorrow When the War began series - particularly in the ways Cal/Marsden's characters use anything to keep themselves safe.
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