Ambelin Kwaymullina, who is the daughter of celebrated author Sally Morgan, comes from the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. She has clearly drawn inspiration from her culture, blending it subtly with the other elements of the plot. Ashala Wolf, the unique, fierce protagonist of this book, is a Walker, and leader of the Tribe, a group of Runaway illegals hiding deep in the forest. All members of the Tribe possess a special ability, which ensures that they are hunted by the enforcers and captured to preserve the Balance. Ashala is different: she has the strength and insight to lead the Tribe, and her ability is unique. She is the last person the Tribe wants to lose, and yet the book opens as Ashala is dragged off to be interrogated by the enforcer who betrayed and captured her.

There is a great deal that is surprising about this book: the plot twists cleverly hidden until just the right moment; the imaginative abilities given to members of the Tribe; and the characters themselves. Ambelin Kwaymullina draws thoughtfully on dream, myth, and human nature to create this bleak alternative reality, and her book is utterly compelling.