P

Guest Review - by Tony Park

Mark Wales' 2021 biography, 'Survivor' soundly proved this multi-talented Australian could add 'author' to his action-filled and varied resumé which has so far included Special Air Service officer, Afghanistan veteran, reality TV and movie star, MBA graduate and fashion entrepreneur.

'Outrider' promises a new career path for Wales as a successful novelist. Set in the near future with China invading and occupying half of Australia (Victoria was the first state to capitulate...) the story sees Special Forces veteran Jack Dunne having to link up with a female CIA agent who will bring much-needed fire-support to a beleaguered outpost of Australian resistance fighters.

Wales is an actor in the new Mad Max movie and that series' inspiration is clear in the story which is full of high speed pursuits as Jack and his son, and their American charge, scream across Australia in a succession of running-and-gunning battles.

But it's not just an action shoot-em-up. Jack's recently widowed and his grief, guilt, love for his son, and the promise of a new love are deftly handled by Wales. I'm a slow reader, but I devoured 'Outrider' in double time. 

Wales' personal experience of war makes this a gritty and chillingly believable thriller. An absolute page-turner. Hopefully he's working on his next novel.

Five from five!!!