Publisher's Synopsis
Thirteen boys, all twelve years old, embark on a chartered plane from the United States to Australia with their soccer coach. Excitement fills the air as they anticipate the games they'll play and the adventures they'll have. However, their journey takes a tragic turn when their plane crashes into the ocean, and their coach and pilots are lost to the depths below.
The boys' survival instincts kick in as they swim to a nearby island, hoping for rescue. But as days turn into weeks and weeks turn into months, their hopes begin to fade. They must learn how to fend for themselves in this strange new world, where the only rules are those they create.
At first, they stick together, relying on each other for support and guidance. But as time goes by, cracks begin to form in their once-united front. Slowly but surely, they break off into groups, each with their own set of priorities and beliefs. The once-inseparable bond between them is now frayed and fragile. As they struggle to survive, the boys find themselves turning on each other, fighting for resources and power. Every decision they make has consequences, and every action has a reaction. The conflict between them rises steadily, fueled by fear and desperation.
Despite the harsh realities of their situation, some of the boys refuse to give up hope. They cling to the belief that they will one day be rescued and that their families will come for them. Others resign themselves to their fate, accepting that they may never leave the island alive.
Finally, after a year of struggle and strife, a military helicopter spots them and comes to their rescue. The boys are saved, but they are forever changed by their experiences. They have seen the best and worst of humanity, and they know what it means to fight for survival.
In the end, they must confront the truth about themselves and each other and decide what kind of people they want to be.
