Cassie Clark: Outlaw
Brian Falkner
OneTree House
Pub. 2018

April 07, 2022

Cassie Clark: Outlaw, written by Brian Falkner, is an action-packed novel full of shocking plot twists and exciting thrills. This book is about a teenage girl on a mission to find her father, a prominent figure in the government, who has disappeared. The newspapers say he ran off with a news reporter, but Cassie will not, cannot believe it. She follows leads around the country, brushing with death on multiple accounts. Above anything, this journey tests her judgement, her courage, her strength, and her loyalty as a daughter and a friend.

What I really liked about this book was that even though Cassie experiences everything abnormal and unlikely, she is an entirely relatable character! She is a teenage girl struggling with her emotions, finding it nearly impossible to decide who to trust, and is put through the ultimate test of bravery when forced to make crucial decisions on her own. She must work out who she is and how she fits into the world, and it’s an incredible journey to embark on with her.

The supporting roles in this book are fantastic. Her mother, sister, friends, love interest, enemies and allies all added depth to Cassie’s character, while giving the reader a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Cassie has her flaws but learns to make them strengths with the help of the people around her, whether they are trying to save her or destroy her.

One of my favourite relationships in this book was the one between Cassie and her younger sister. You can instantly tell they have had their ups and downs, and maybe not always gotten along. They have opposite personalities, and don’t understand one another, but throughout the book their relationship develops and strengthens; a true lesson in sistership and resilience.

Cassie Clark: Outlaw is the perfect read for people who love teen fiction, action, coming of age, and drama genres. The storyline and characters are a strong reminder of our own lives, while giving us the unexpected and unknown in the form of life and death situations and hierarchy, which is what makes it impossible to put down. Falkner certainly knows how to tell a good story.

• Belle is 14 years old and lives in Whakatane.