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The Brink
A group of school-leavers: free at last, ready to party, expectations high.
A remote island on the Western Australian coast wasn’t exactly the plan, but they’re not going to let that hold them back.
Leonardo, geeky, asthmatic, shy and prone to anxiety, has landed with them. He’s terrified—he’s definitely not part of this cool gang. Super high-achiever Kaiya is trying to forget her frustration with her drug-addicted sister as well as dealing with pressure from the popular girls to lose her virginity. Mason, footy jock with the physique to match, is coming to terms with his secret desire for his best mate, Jared. And Jared wants a week off from his relationship with Val so he can have sex with as many girls as possible.
But the party takes a dangerous turn when Val is drugged and a man is later found dead on the beach. Blame, fear, mistrust, coverups, power plays and dark secrets tear the group apart and expose the deadly tensions beneath the surface. And each teen is forced to confront demons that will lead them either to devastating tragedy or transformative triumph.
Whoever survives the week will never be the same again.
The Brink is a raw, powerful novel that pulls no punches in its authentic exploration of masculinity, sexuality, mental health, drug and alcohol use, relationships and sex. Holden Sheppard takes the teenage experience to the next level.
A remote island on the Western Australian coast wasn’t exactly the plan, but they’re not going to let that hold them back.
Leonardo, geeky, asthmatic, shy and prone to anxiety, has landed with them. He’s terrified—he’s definitely not part of this cool gang. Super high-achiever Kaiya is trying to forget her frustration with her drug-addicted sister as well as dealing with pressure from the popular girls to lose her virginity. Mason, footy jock with the physique to match, is coming to terms with his secret desire for his best mate, Jared. And Jared wants a week off from his relationship with Val so he can have sex with as many girls as possible.
But the party takes a dangerous turn when Val is drugged and a man is later found dead on the beach. Blame, fear, mistrust, coverups, power plays and dark secrets tear the group apart and expose the deadly tensions beneath the surface. And each teen is forced to confront demons that will lead them either to devastating tragedy or transformative triumph.
Whoever survives the week will never be the same again.
The Brink is a raw, powerful novel that pulls no punches in its authentic exploration of masculinity, sexuality, mental health, drug and alcohol use, relationships and sex. Holden Sheppard takes the teenage experience to the next level.
352 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2022
36 people are currently reading
824 people want to read
About the author
Holden Sheppard
12 books411 followersHolden Sheppard is an award-winning Australian novelist once described as "the lovechild of Rambo and Rimbaud". A country boy, a weightlifter and a self-proclaimed “bromosexual”, Holden has won acclaim for the raw, blokey honesty of his emotional novels about the modern experiences of Aussie men.
Holden's bestselling debut Invisible Boys (Fremantle Press, 2019) - a confessional novel about young gay men growing up in rural Australia - picked up major accolades including the WA Premier's Prize, the Kathleen Mitchell Award and the Hungerford Award. In 2025, Invisible Boys was adapted as a critically acclaimed ten-episode television series for Stan Australia, which was the #1 most watched series on that platform nationally upon release.
Holden's second book The Brink (Text Publishing, 2022) – a suspenseful thriller about young adults grappling with life after high school against the backdrop of a shocking murder – won the 2024 Ena Noel Award and the 2023 Indie Book Award. The Brink was also shortlisted for the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs), the Queensland Writers Centre's Adaptable Program, and both the NSW and SA Premiers' Awards.
Holden's groundbreaking new novel King of Dirt (Pantera Press, 2025) is a powerful and unfiltered exploration of the rough and rugged world of gay tradies and construction workers. Gritty and heartfelt, King of Dirt has won early praise for its unflinching authenticity and has been compared to a modern-day Brokeback Mountain.
Holden has worked as a screenwriter, writing two episodes of the Invisible Boys series, has had numerous short stories published in books, and has had multiple articles published in the media. He has worked a wide range of day jobs - from storeman, labourer and excavator operator through to call-centre operator, banker and salesman. Holden is an outspoken advocate for artists' rights, gay rights and mental health initiatives, especially for men. He served as Deputy Chair of Writing WA for four years from 2019-2023.
Known for a trademark larrikin humour that counterbalances the heavier content of his books, Holden appeared in the 2022 "Bogans" episode of hit ABC TV series You Can't Ask That, was once featured in a bourbon advertisement, and barracks for the Collingwood Football Club.
Born and bred in Geraldton, Western Australia, Holden now lives in Perth's far north with his husband and his V8 ute.
Holden's bestselling debut Invisible Boys (Fremantle Press, 2019) - a confessional novel about young gay men growing up in rural Australia - picked up major accolades including the WA Premier's Prize, the Kathleen Mitchell Award and the Hungerford Award. In 2025, Invisible Boys was adapted as a critically acclaimed ten-episode television series for Stan Australia, which was the #1 most watched series on that platform nationally upon release.
Holden's second book The Brink (Text Publishing, 2022) – a suspenseful thriller about young adults grappling with life after high school against the backdrop of a shocking murder – won the 2024 Ena Noel Award and the 2023 Indie Book Award. The Brink was also shortlisted for the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs), the Queensland Writers Centre's Adaptable Program, and both the NSW and SA Premiers' Awards.
Holden's groundbreaking new novel King of Dirt (Pantera Press, 2025) is a powerful and unfiltered exploration of the rough and rugged world of gay tradies and construction workers. Gritty and heartfelt, King of Dirt has won early praise for its unflinching authenticity and has been compared to a modern-day Brokeback Mountain.
Holden has worked as a screenwriter, writing two episodes of the Invisible Boys series, has had numerous short stories published in books, and has had multiple articles published in the media. He has worked a wide range of day jobs - from storeman, labourer and excavator operator through to call-centre operator, banker and salesman. Holden is an outspoken advocate for artists' rights, gay rights and mental health initiatives, especially for men. He served as Deputy Chair of Writing WA for four years from 2019-2023.
Known for a trademark larrikin humour that counterbalances the heavier content of his books, Holden appeared in the 2022 "Bogans" episode of hit ABC TV series You Can't Ask That, was once featured in a bourbon advertisement, and barracks for the Collingwood Football Club.
Born and bred in Geraldton, Western Australia, Holden now lives in Perth's far north with his husband and his V8 ute.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
September 3, 2022
As the author, I can say without bias that The Brink is an absolute ripper novel and definitely the best book I've had published this year. Please buy it so I can afford food, cheers.
July 12, 2022
4★
“I don’t want to be like this. I don’t want to be ruled by fear. I’ve tried so many times to beat it with sheer will power, but it never works. I sit there beside Mason, watching my hand tremble.”
This is one of Leonardo’s chapters. He is the good-student, pity-invite on the school leavers’ trip where they will party-party-party with other school leavers until they run out of steam or grog or drugs. Leonardo and the leader of the group, Jared, were good pals when they were little kids, but since year 7, Jared has pretty much cut him dead.
Today, Jared has his father’s Troopy (Landcruiser Troop Carrier) and has included Leonardo in the group. Jared is the acknowledged leader and his girlfriend Val is the queen. It’s that kind of group. One of the girls, Kaiya, asks Jared how he knows Leonardo.
“His face is nearly as pale as the zinc on his nose. ‘Our dads used to be mates,’ he says. He guns the engine as he overtakes a hatchback. ‘They arranged it.’
This stings. Our dads used to be mates.”
This is a story about teens, for teens, and anyone with teens in their life. Leonardo’s mother was extremely controlling and babied him, but she has died, so now he’s finally allowed to be a normal kid. He’s bought some brand-name clothing and wants to fit in, but of course she’s left him with a legacy of anxiety and fear of dying from an asthma attack.
He is certainly not the kind of kid who would ever want to find himself accidentally on a remote island off the coast of Western Australia with a bunch of would-be drunks with raging hormones, but somehow, that’s where he ends up.
Leonardo, Mason, and Kaiya, are the three points of view of the story. Kaiya, who asked the earlier question, is slightly outside the group and is teased for being a virgin. She seems friendlier to Leonardo than the others, but she questions why he’s there. In one of Leonardo’s chapters, while they are sorting out rooms and she’s hanging up her clothes, she asks again.
“ ‘Not to be mean, but I’m not sure why you came. This group isn’t even nice to the people who are actually in it.’
I stand frozen, smiling politely at Kaiya’s back. ‘Jared’s an old friend. I guess I wanted to reconnect.’
‘What makes you think that’ll happen?’ She unpacks her beach towel and drapes it lightly over a hook on the door, as if we’re talking about the weather.
I don’t have an intelligent answer. ‘I guess because school’s over now, so-’
‘Exactly my point. This is the end of high school. The last hurrah. This isn’t where new things start.’ Kaiya turns, sliding her pink-rimmed sunglasses on as she goes to join the others on the beach. ‘This is where old things end, Leonardo. I genuinely don’t think you get that.’”
Welcome to Brink Island.
The third point of view is Mason’s. He’s a big, boofy (oafish) footy player and sports star whose idea of friendship is to thump people on the arm, crack insults, and make a general nuisance of himself. But he’s not a bad guy. In fact, he discovers something unexpected about himself.
In one of Mason’s chapters, while they’re out on jet skis, Leonardo comes a cropper and Mason helps him back up, saying nobody can expect to be perfect on their first try.
“ ‘I wish I was like you, Mason.’
Nothing’s ever stopped me dead like that. Leonardo wins prizes for chemistry and physics. And he wants to be like me? I guess he has no idea what goes on in my head. S’pose I have no idea what’s going on in his, I always thought he knew he was better than the rest of us. That’s why I give him shit. Gotta take the squares down a peg or two.
Maybe he’s not what I thought he was. I’m definitely not what he thinks I am.
‘You don’t wish that,’ I tell him, over the engine as we chug back to the beach. ‘Trust me.’”
Danger is everywhere, including threats from ‘Machete Max’ and the alternatives who live in a community on the islands. Alcohol, drugs, sex, and eventually death. What a heady mix for teens.
(P.S. Don’t assume who’s gay, or tough, or innocent, or . . . just don’t assume.)
Although this got off to a slow start, my interest picked up, and I’m sure this will be popular with young readers. Thanks to Text Publishing for the preview copy. This will be out in August.
“I don’t want to be like this. I don’t want to be ruled by fear. I’ve tried so many times to beat it with sheer will power, but it never works. I sit there beside Mason, watching my hand tremble.”
This is one of Leonardo’s chapters. He is the good-student, pity-invite on the school leavers’ trip where they will party-party-party with other school leavers until they run out of steam or grog or drugs. Leonardo and the leader of the group, Jared, were good pals when they were little kids, but since year 7, Jared has pretty much cut him dead.
Today, Jared has his father’s Troopy (Landcruiser Troop Carrier) and has included Leonardo in the group. Jared is the acknowledged leader and his girlfriend Val is the queen. It’s that kind of group. One of the girls, Kaiya, asks Jared how he knows Leonardo.
“His face is nearly as pale as the zinc on his nose. ‘Our dads used to be mates,’ he says. He guns the engine as he overtakes a hatchback. ‘They arranged it.’
This stings. Our dads used to be mates.”
This is a story about teens, for teens, and anyone with teens in their life. Leonardo’s mother was extremely controlling and babied him, but she has died, so now he’s finally allowed to be a normal kid. He’s bought some brand-name clothing and wants to fit in, but of course she’s left him with a legacy of anxiety and fear of dying from an asthma attack.
He is certainly not the kind of kid who would ever want to find himself accidentally on a remote island off the coast of Western Australia with a bunch of would-be drunks with raging hormones, but somehow, that’s where he ends up.
Leonardo, Mason, and Kaiya, are the three points of view of the story. Kaiya, who asked the earlier question, is slightly outside the group and is teased for being a virgin. She seems friendlier to Leonardo than the others, but she questions why he’s there. In one of Leonardo’s chapters, while they are sorting out rooms and she’s hanging up her clothes, she asks again.
“ ‘Not to be mean, but I’m not sure why you came. This group isn’t even nice to the people who are actually in it.’
I stand frozen, smiling politely at Kaiya’s back. ‘Jared’s an old friend. I guess I wanted to reconnect.’
‘What makes you think that’ll happen?’ She unpacks her beach towel and drapes it lightly over a hook on the door, as if we’re talking about the weather.
I don’t have an intelligent answer. ‘I guess because school’s over now, so-’
‘Exactly my point. This is the end of high school. The last hurrah. This isn’t where new things start.’ Kaiya turns, sliding her pink-rimmed sunglasses on as she goes to join the others on the beach. ‘This is where old things end, Leonardo. I genuinely don’t think you get that.’”
Welcome to Brink Island.
The third point of view is Mason’s. He’s a big, boofy (oafish) footy player and sports star whose idea of friendship is to thump people on the arm, crack insults, and make a general nuisance of himself. But he’s not a bad guy. In fact, he discovers something unexpected about himself.
In one of Mason’s chapters, while they’re out on jet skis, Leonardo comes a cropper and Mason helps him back up, saying nobody can expect to be perfect on their first try.
“ ‘I wish I was like you, Mason.’
Nothing’s ever stopped me dead like that. Leonardo wins prizes for chemistry and physics. And he wants to be like me? I guess he has no idea what goes on in my head. S’pose I have no idea what’s going on in his, I always thought he knew he was better than the rest of us. That’s why I give him shit. Gotta take the squares down a peg or two.
Maybe he’s not what I thought he was. I’m definitely not what he thinks I am.
‘You don’t wish that,’ I tell him, over the engine as we chug back to the beach. ‘Trust me.’”
Danger is everywhere, including threats from ‘Machete Max’ and the alternatives who live in a community on the islands. Alcohol, drugs, sex, and eventually death. What a heady mix for teens.
(P.S. Don’t assume who’s gay, or tough, or innocent, or . . . just don’t assume.)
Although this got off to a slow start, my interest picked up, and I’m sure this will be popular with young readers. Thanks to Text Publishing for the preview copy. This will be out in August.
August 1, 2022
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*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Brink by Holden Sheppard. (2022).
*Young Adult*
**Thank you to Text Publishing for sending me a free advance readers copy of this novel; due to be published 2 August 2022**
A group of teenagers are on their way to celebrate 'leavers' ready to party when they are detoured to a small isolated island. The geeky and anxious Leonardo has unexpectedly landed with the cool group, all who have their own issues. High-achiever Kaiya is being pressured to lose her virginity. Footy jock Mason is struggling with his secret desire for his best mate Jared. Jared wants a week to go wild and have sex with more girls, despite having girlfriend Val. Their partying takes a dark turn when Val is drugged and a man is later found dead on the beach. Blame, fear, mistrust, coverups, power plays and dark secrets tear the group apart and expose the deadly tensions beneath the surface. And each teen is forced to confront demons that will lead them either to devastating tragedy or transformative triumph...
After reading this author's excellent debut novel (Invisible Boys), I knew we could expect great things in the future. I've been quickly proven right; this novel smashes it out of the park. There's a lot of big issues covered in the story and quite frankly, it's all pretty realistic. Parents might not like to think of their teenagers being horny, drunk and/or high but let's be honest, it rings pretty true for most leavers/schoolies experiences. Throw in some mental health issues and stresses from personal dramas and you've got yourself a bomb waiting to go off. The novel alternates between Leonardo, Kaiya and Mason as they struggle to work out who they really are inside. The book takes a dark twist when Val is drugged and then a man turns up dead; the group quickly turn on each other while they try to work out who is responsible. It's a super entertaining page-turner that will keep readers engrossed!
Overall: I highly recommend this one for adults and older young adults.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Brink by Holden Sheppard. (2022).
*Young Adult*
**Thank you to Text Publishing for sending me a free advance readers copy of this novel; due to be published 2 August 2022**
A group of teenagers are on their way to celebrate 'leavers' ready to party when they are detoured to a small isolated island. The geeky and anxious Leonardo has unexpectedly landed with the cool group, all who have their own issues. High-achiever Kaiya is being pressured to lose her virginity. Footy jock Mason is struggling with his secret desire for his best mate Jared. Jared wants a week to go wild and have sex with more girls, despite having girlfriend Val. Their partying takes a dark turn when Val is drugged and a man is later found dead on the beach. Blame, fear, mistrust, coverups, power plays and dark secrets tear the group apart and expose the deadly tensions beneath the surface. And each teen is forced to confront demons that will lead them either to devastating tragedy or transformative triumph...
After reading this author's excellent debut novel (Invisible Boys), I knew we could expect great things in the future. I've been quickly proven right; this novel smashes it out of the park. There's a lot of big issues covered in the story and quite frankly, it's all pretty realistic. Parents might not like to think of their teenagers being horny, drunk and/or high but let's be honest, it rings pretty true for most leavers/schoolies experiences. Throw in some mental health issues and stresses from personal dramas and you've got yourself a bomb waiting to go off. The novel alternates between Leonardo, Kaiya and Mason as they struggle to work out who they really are inside. The book takes a dark twist when Val is drugged and then a man turns up dead; the group quickly turn on each other while they try to work out who is responsible. It's a super entertaining page-turner that will keep readers engrossed!
Overall: I highly recommend this one for adults and older young adults.
March 20, 2024
People think boys can’t have feelings, but it’s just this stupid society.
The Brink is a powerful YA novel about masculinity, friendship, sexuality, and mental health by the author of Invisible Boys. If you haven’t read that one yet, I urge you to pick it up because it’s one of the best YA books I’ve ever read and comparable to The Long Run by James Acker. Anyway, back to The Brink.
The Brink is extremely Australian (I had to google words multiple times) and, a fantastic depiction of partying teens who behave like they own the world and, at the same time, have so many insecurities underneath.
Meet Leonardo, the shy, anxious, and nerdy boy who doesn’t feel at home with that large group of braggarts. Meet Kayla, who’s always in control and wants to lose her virginity once and for all. Meet Mason, the footballer who’s secretly in love with his best friend and whose own internal homophobia gets in his way.
Three teens who have to face so many challenges in a week away with their friends and have to confront themselves. I loved the book, especially because of all those flawed characters. They all did stupid things, but they were also so relatable: the popular teens, the admired couples, the ones not belonging, the drinking, the partying, the self-consciousness.
Now, I’m eagerly waiting for the sequel to Invisible Boys, and I would love to watch the TV series of that same book. I really hope it will be released outside Australia, too!
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The Brink is a powerful YA novel about masculinity, friendship, sexuality, and mental health by the author of Invisible Boys. If you haven’t read that one yet, I urge you to pick it up because it’s one of the best YA books I’ve ever read and comparable to The Long Run by James Acker. Anyway, back to The Brink.
The Brink is extremely Australian (I had to google words multiple times) and, a fantastic depiction of partying teens who behave like they own the world and, at the same time, have so many insecurities underneath.
Meet Leonardo, the shy, anxious, and nerdy boy who doesn’t feel at home with that large group of braggarts. Meet Kayla, who’s always in control and wants to lose her virginity once and for all. Meet Mason, the footballer who’s secretly in love with his best friend and whose own internal homophobia gets in his way.
Three teens who have to face so many challenges in a week away with their friends and have to confront themselves. I loved the book, especially because of all those flawed characters. They all did stupid things, but they were also so relatable: the popular teens, the admired couples, the ones not belonging, the drinking, the partying, the self-consciousness.
Now, I’m eagerly waiting for the sequel to Invisible Boys, and I would love to watch the TV series of that same book. I really hope it will be released outside Australia, too!
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January 5, 2023The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of The Brink
‘A ride you’ll never forget. I loved, loved, loved The Brink.’
Scot Gardner
‘The Brink is an explosive story about friendship, love, grief, and trauma. Holden Sheppard brings his uniquely gritty voice to a novel that is part coming-of-age, part thriller, and part social commentary. The result is dark, gripping, and utterly compelling, moving at breakneck speed from the very first page. And beneath its hormone-fuelled exterior, the book is a nuanced deep-dive into sexuality and masculinity, and the sometimes perilous intersection between the two. Sheppard is a fearless writer, and The Brink is testament to that. I absolutely tore through this book. I could not put it down.’
Tobias Madden, author of Anything but Fine
‘Raw, exhilarating and emotionally charged, an absolute must read!’
Gary Lonesborough
‘A vivid, thrilling, edge-of-your-seat read. These characters are teetering at the very brink of who they are and who they could be.’
Claire Christian
‘Sheppard dismantles and interrogates stereotypes of masculinity and sexuality, showing a great generosity to his characters…[His] writing is gripping and authentic, and The Brink acknowledges and amplifies the real challenges that face young people as they step into adulthood.’
Bec Kavanagh, Books + Publishing
‘Wild and questioning, tender and fearless, The Brink is filled with characters who, due to their expertly rendered flaws, will break your heart. The novel is a rallying cry to encourage people—young people especially—to be themselves by following whatever path makes them feel most alive; it opens up such space for self-expression that it feels as though Holden Sheppard has created an entirely new universe. His voice is utterly unique and a great, roaring breath of fresh air.’
Nigel Featherstone
'Sheppard successfully explores the meaning of masculinity...The Brink is an ode to self-discovery and self-love.’
Readings
'The Brink succeeds in establishing Sheppard as a young writer with huge potential in the Australian literary scene…It is frank, fresh and unapologetic ...There is so much to admire about this novel—the plotting and structure are impeccable, the tropes run thick and fast. All this is underpinned by beautifully drawn characters.’
Newtown Review of Books
‘Wow! Wow, wow! Sheppard's latest upper YA novel (but seriously, adults would love it too) has achieved so much! It's a captivating, true to life story of a group of teenagers on a schoolies (or leavers) trip; it's a compelling commentary on Aussie masculinity and queer identity; it's a murder mystery and Lord of the Flies and Survivor - it's just a really good book.’
Better Read Kids
‘Sheppard doesn’t shy away from depicting his characters’ bad behaviour...while also representing their struggles with frankness and considerable empathy.’
Gemma Nisbet, West Australian
'Sheppard has absolutely nailed this story...This book is totally immersive, the characters so alive and throbbing and real that you’ll feel yourself invested in their arcs from their first chapters… A totally brilliant read.’
AU Review
‘Thoroughly gripping.’
ReadPlus
'Sheppard doesn't shy away from the uglier bits of beings a teenager, and doesn't provide a pat, didactic solution, either…The exploration of masculinity and sexuality in The Brink is nuanced and subtle. I’d recommend it to anyone who has ever been, loved, or raised a teenage boy.’
Hanne Melgaard Watkins, Canberra Times
‘An absolute rollercoaster of dramatic tension and sun-soaked mayhem…I inhaled this.’
Andrew Pople, 2SER Final Draft
‘[A] well-plotted, twisting mystery…Perfect for teenagers approaching adulthood, or for the adults in their lives who want to connect with and understand their experiences as they come of age.’
ArtsHub
'Incredibly tense…superbly written…it’s awesome.’
Annabel Crabb, Chat 10 Looks 3
‘[Holden Sheppard] has delivered a dark tale, full of tension and deep, complex characters.’
Good Reading
‘You don’t need to be a young adult to enjoy this popular local author’s story…Sheppard has such a fun, insightful and distinctly Aussie voice.’
Kate Emery, West Australian
‘Another cracking young adult novel that offers a thoughtful exploration of masculinity, sexuality and class.’
West Australian
‘An unflinching, tension-filled story…An excellent thriller, enjoyable both for YA and adult audiences alike.’
AU Review
‘A ride you’ll never forget. I loved, loved, loved The Brink.’
Scot Gardner
‘The Brink is an explosive story about friendship, love, grief, and trauma. Holden Sheppard brings his uniquely gritty voice to a novel that is part coming-of-age, part thriller, and part social commentary. The result is dark, gripping, and utterly compelling, moving at breakneck speed from the very first page. And beneath its hormone-fuelled exterior, the book is a nuanced deep-dive into sexuality and masculinity, and the sometimes perilous intersection between the two. Sheppard is a fearless writer, and The Brink is testament to that. I absolutely tore through this book. I could not put it down.’
Tobias Madden, author of Anything but Fine
‘Raw, exhilarating and emotionally charged, an absolute must read!’
Gary Lonesborough
‘A vivid, thrilling, edge-of-your-seat read. These characters are teetering at the very brink of who they are and who they could be.’
Claire Christian
‘Sheppard dismantles and interrogates stereotypes of masculinity and sexuality, showing a great generosity to his characters…[His] writing is gripping and authentic, and The Brink acknowledges and amplifies the real challenges that face young people as they step into adulthood.’
Bec Kavanagh, Books + Publishing
‘Wild and questioning, tender and fearless, The Brink is filled with characters who, due to their expertly rendered flaws, will break your heart. The novel is a rallying cry to encourage people—young people especially—to be themselves by following whatever path makes them feel most alive; it opens up such space for self-expression that it feels as though Holden Sheppard has created an entirely new universe. His voice is utterly unique and a great, roaring breath of fresh air.’
Nigel Featherstone
'Sheppard successfully explores the meaning of masculinity...The Brink is an ode to self-discovery and self-love.’
Readings
'The Brink succeeds in establishing Sheppard as a young writer with huge potential in the Australian literary scene…It is frank, fresh and unapologetic ...There is so much to admire about this novel—the plotting and structure are impeccable, the tropes run thick and fast. All this is underpinned by beautifully drawn characters.’
Newtown Review of Books
‘Wow! Wow, wow! Sheppard's latest upper YA novel (but seriously, adults would love it too) has achieved so much! It's a captivating, true to life story of a group of teenagers on a schoolies (or leavers) trip; it's a compelling commentary on Aussie masculinity and queer identity; it's a murder mystery and Lord of the Flies and Survivor - it's just a really good book.’
Better Read Kids
‘Sheppard doesn’t shy away from depicting his characters’ bad behaviour...while also representing their struggles with frankness and considerable empathy.’
Gemma Nisbet, West Australian
'Sheppard has absolutely nailed this story...This book is totally immersive, the characters so alive and throbbing and real that you’ll feel yourself invested in their arcs from their first chapters… A totally brilliant read.’
AU Review
‘Thoroughly gripping.’
ReadPlus
'Sheppard doesn't shy away from the uglier bits of beings a teenager, and doesn't provide a pat, didactic solution, either…The exploration of masculinity and sexuality in The Brink is nuanced and subtle. I’d recommend it to anyone who has ever been, loved, or raised a teenage boy.’
Hanne Melgaard Watkins, Canberra Times
‘An absolute rollercoaster of dramatic tension and sun-soaked mayhem…I inhaled this.’
Andrew Pople, 2SER Final Draft
‘[A] well-plotted, twisting mystery…Perfect for teenagers approaching adulthood, or for the adults in their lives who want to connect with and understand their experiences as they come of age.’
ArtsHub
'Incredibly tense…superbly written…it’s awesome.’
Annabel Crabb, Chat 10 Looks 3
‘[Holden Sheppard] has delivered a dark tale, full of tension and deep, complex characters.’
Good Reading
‘You don’t need to be a young adult to enjoy this popular local author’s story…Sheppard has such a fun, insightful and distinctly Aussie voice.’
Kate Emery, West Australian
‘Another cracking young adult novel that offers a thoughtful exploration of masculinity, sexuality and class.’
West Australian
‘An unflinching, tension-filled story…An excellent thriller, enjoyable both for YA and adult audiences alike.’
AU Review
October 8, 2022
3.5 Stars.
My review is published in the October edition of GOODREADING magazine.
December 26, 2022
‘The Brink’ is everything that a Holden Sheppard work should be - brash, messy, over-the-top and stunningly accurate. It’s a roller coaster of a novel, a quicksilver brew of bravado, angst, lust and contempt coupled with a moving tenderness and understated empathy for the human condition. A fabulous achievement.
November 12, 2022
‘It didn’t start with the dead body.’
A group of eighteen-year-old school leavers sets off to party. They are (mostly) the cool kids and they are headed to Julien Bay in Western Australia for their schoolies celebrations. Leonardo is a late addition to the group. After Leonardo’s own plans fell through, his father arranged for him to join Jared’s group. Tricky. Leonardo and Jared were friends as youngsters, but Jared has long since left awkward, anxious Leonardo in his wake. Travelling with Jared and Leonardo are Jared’s girlfriend Val, Mason a well-built football player, and Kiaya, a high achiever who is under pressure from the popular girls to lose her virginity and is worried about her sister who is in rehab for drug addiction.
The group (and others) are turned away from Julien Bay by the police: the locals do not want a repeat of earlier year’s schoolies experiences. With another group from their school, they end up on an island off the coast. No rules and no inhibitions – what could possibly go wrong?
Leonardo has his own demons to grapple with and Mason is coming to terms with his feelings for Jared, while Jared wants a week off from his relationship with Val so he can have sex with anyone he chooses. There are others on the island as well, and at times I was reminded of ‘Lord of the Flies’ as the thin veneer of civilisation cracked under unrestrained excess.
Then things really turn ugly after Val is drugged and later a man is found dead on the beach. Everyone blames everyone else for the drugging and the death and different individuals try to take control. Leonardo, Mason and Kiaya are the narrators. Each of them is, for different reasons, an outsider. Each of them will confront their own personal demons: Leonardo is burdened by his controlling (now dead) mother; Kiaya is burdened by both parental expectations and feeling responsible for her sister while Mason starts to come to terms with his sexuality.
Once I picked this book up, I found it hard to put down. I became totally engrossed in this world of angst, expectations and secrets and wondered what the future held … for the survivors. A raw exploration of many of the issues that teenagers confront at some stage as they leave the regimentation of school behind.
‘Life will never really be normal ever again.’
Highly recommended.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
A group of eighteen-year-old school leavers sets off to party. They are (mostly) the cool kids and they are headed to Julien Bay in Western Australia for their schoolies celebrations. Leonardo is a late addition to the group. After Leonardo’s own plans fell through, his father arranged for him to join Jared’s group. Tricky. Leonardo and Jared were friends as youngsters, but Jared has long since left awkward, anxious Leonardo in his wake. Travelling with Jared and Leonardo are Jared’s girlfriend Val, Mason a well-built football player, and Kiaya, a high achiever who is under pressure from the popular girls to lose her virginity and is worried about her sister who is in rehab for drug addiction.
The group (and others) are turned away from Julien Bay by the police: the locals do not want a repeat of earlier year’s schoolies experiences. With another group from their school, they end up on an island off the coast. No rules and no inhibitions – what could possibly go wrong?
Leonardo has his own demons to grapple with and Mason is coming to terms with his feelings for Jared, while Jared wants a week off from his relationship with Val so he can have sex with anyone he chooses. There are others on the island as well, and at times I was reminded of ‘Lord of the Flies’ as the thin veneer of civilisation cracked under unrestrained excess.
Then things really turn ugly after Val is drugged and later a man is found dead on the beach. Everyone blames everyone else for the drugging and the death and different individuals try to take control. Leonardo, Mason and Kiaya are the narrators. Each of them is, for different reasons, an outsider. Each of them will confront their own personal demons: Leonardo is burdened by his controlling (now dead) mother; Kiaya is burdened by both parental expectations and feeling responsible for her sister while Mason starts to come to terms with his sexuality.
Once I picked this book up, I found it hard to put down. I became totally engrossed in this world of angst, expectations and secrets and wondered what the future held … for the survivors. A raw exploration of many of the issues that teenagers confront at some stage as they leave the regimentation of school behind.
‘Life will never really be normal ever again.’
Highly recommended.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
August 1, 2022
Big, bold, brave, open-minded, full-hearted, this is a novel that reveals Australian life in its truest form - it isn't pretty, and neither should it be. The characters are alive on the page and full of psychological complexity and desires (they're not all nice, but the last thing we need in literature is 'nice'). Sheppard also wonderfully - even miraculously - gets the balance right between sending the message that it's okay to be who you really are and not demoting the novel to the role of being an education resource. Holden Sheppard is rocking Australian culture and I, for one, am very glad about that.
August 22, 2022
This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year and it did not disappoint! An awesome combination of coming-of-age and thriller, The Brink perfectly encapsulates so many of the anxieties and fears of late teenage-hood- and then escalates them using the setting of an isolated island cur off from the reality and safety of the mainland.
I love the way Holden has explored themes such as masculinity, sexuality, consent, regret, self-discovery, and so much more, particularly through the characters of Leonardo, Mason, and Kaiya. I think all of the protagonists had unique, strong voices, and although Mason's journey was my favourite to read they all held their own.
The WA setting and mentions of well-known places also added to the story for me as I could so clearly picture everything. I'm certainly glad my leavers experience was much less dramatic than this one, and that I got through that period in my own life much less scarred.
This is a great read, very different to Invisible Boys but with Holden's clear style still shining through- a bit tough, full of dry humour, raw and real characters, and overall very Aussie and pretty bogan- but full of heart.
I love the way Holden has explored themes such as masculinity, sexuality, consent, regret, self-discovery, and so much more, particularly through the characters of Leonardo, Mason, and Kaiya. I think all of the protagonists had unique, strong voices, and although Mason's journey was my favourite to read they all held their own.
The WA setting and mentions of well-known places also added to the story for me as I could so clearly picture everything. I'm certainly glad my leavers experience was much less dramatic than this one, and that I got through that period in my own life much less scarred.
This is a great read, very different to Invisible Boys but with Holden's clear style still shining through- a bit tough, full of dry humour, raw and real characters, and overall very Aussie and pretty bogan- but full of heart.
September 2, 2023
3.5★
The Brink by Aussie author Holden Shepard is a powerful book that touches on important topics like relationships, abuse, sexuality, abuse, drug use and bullying. Holden has done an exceptional job in combining all of these everyday day issues into a book that will be enjoyed by many. Recommended.
The Brink by Aussie author Holden Shepard is a powerful book that touches on important topics like relationships, abuse, sexuality, abuse, drug use and bullying. Holden has done an exceptional job in combining all of these everyday day issues into a book that will be enjoyed by many. Recommended.
April 3, 2024
4.5
I love his writing so much. This was a really great story about so many important things while also just being a fun read and a mystery. I will so that the very minor character of Brayden was waaaay too much of an unbelievable stereotype that took me out of the story.
I love his writing so much. This was a really great story about so many important things while also just being a fun read and a mystery. I will so that the very minor character of Brayden was waaaay too much of an unbelievable stereotype that took me out of the story.
July 15, 2022
Thank you Text Publishing for sending us a copy to read and review.
A dark, gritty and raw tale about a bunch of schools leavers going away to celebrate but end up confronting fears, issues, life, problems and learning about themselves.
A group of friends.
A secluded island.
No rules.
Leonardo the nerd who just wants to be part of the cool gang, he’s here by accident.
Kaiya the academic whose parents expect her to be the good girl but just for once wants to be bad.
Mason, sexy sports superstar who has a hidden desire for his best friend.
Jared and Val, the high school sweethearts who everyone is jealous of but secretly Jared wants to take the week off from the relationship.
But one night while partying it all goes horribly wrong and for all of them it will never be the same again.
Amazing, powerful and totally gripping, The Brink brings the emotions to the surface, shakes them up and lays them among the pages.
Told through the perspective of three distinct voices, each chapter flows into the next seamlessly.
Strong character aspect and attitude, an atmospheric, climatic setting and a plot that’s interesting, inspiring and intoxicating.
Intense at times, compelling, relatable and very addictive.
Lots to break down, discuss and digest in this wild ride and many topical issues explored like masculinity, sexuality, gender issues, relationships, alcohol and well being.
It should be the time of their lives but ends up being the week from hell.
A dark, gritty and raw tale about a bunch of schools leavers going away to celebrate but end up confronting fears, issues, life, problems and learning about themselves.
A group of friends.
A secluded island.
No rules.
Leonardo the nerd who just wants to be part of the cool gang, he’s here by accident.
Kaiya the academic whose parents expect her to be the good girl but just for once wants to be bad.
Mason, sexy sports superstar who has a hidden desire for his best friend.
Jared and Val, the high school sweethearts who everyone is jealous of but secretly Jared wants to take the week off from the relationship.
But one night while partying it all goes horribly wrong and for all of them it will never be the same again.
Amazing, powerful and totally gripping, The Brink brings the emotions to the surface, shakes them up and lays them among the pages.
Told through the perspective of three distinct voices, each chapter flows into the next seamlessly.
Strong character aspect and attitude, an atmospheric, climatic setting and a plot that’s interesting, inspiring and intoxicating.
Intense at times, compelling, relatable and very addictive.
Lots to break down, discuss and digest in this wild ride and many topical issues explored like masculinity, sexuality, gender issues, relationships, alcohol and well being.
It should be the time of their lives but ends up being the week from hell.
July 29, 2025
thank god I never went to schoolies
May 11, 2022
This book is raw, powerful, hard-hitting and absolutely everything I was hoping for. The characters are in that real fragile state of life; the shaky edge between the end of school and whatever the hell comes next. It's a really gritty portrait of that teenage struggle between wanting to be the truest version of yourself while still desperately wanting to fit in. Add in alcohol, drugs, angst, a healthy dose of suppressed anger, catastrophic events and an isolated location, and it becomes irresistibly tense. Every character in this book has something to fight for or against. That delicious tension simmers under the surface throughout and it's just so well done.
Holden Sheppard's writing has the ability to make every one of us that wasn't seen or felt like a misfit for one reason or another at some time in our lives (which I imagine is a fair chunk of society) feel noticed. These are the stories that need to be told. These are the characters that so many people are going to see themselves in and you can't put a price on that. I would recommend this to absolutely everyone that has ever felt left out, put down or in a hard situation because of their need to be loved and accepted. We all need that. And we all need this book. I read The Brink in one sitting despite promising myself I'd savour every word because I just couldn't tear myself away.
Do yourself a favour and read The Brink. And anything else Holden Sheppard has written while you're at it.
Holden Sheppard's writing has the ability to make every one of us that wasn't seen or felt like a misfit for one reason or another at some time in our lives (which I imagine is a fair chunk of society) feel noticed. These are the stories that need to be told. These are the characters that so many people are going to see themselves in and you can't put a price on that. I would recommend this to absolutely everyone that has ever felt left out, put down or in a hard situation because of their need to be loved and accepted. We all need that. And we all need this book. I read The Brink in one sitting despite promising myself I'd savour every word because I just couldn't tear myself away.
Do yourself a favour and read The Brink. And anything else Holden Sheppard has written while you're at it.
June 6, 2022
“I want to stay molten, for me.”
Knowing Holden, I knew this book would be epic, but it still went above and beyond my expectations. The Brink is a powerful coming of age story which examines masculinity, sexuality, substance abuse, mental health and relationships. A story for misfits and outcasts of all ages and one I couldn’t praise highly enough.
Knowing Holden, I knew this book would be epic, but it still went above and beyond my expectations. The Brink is a powerful coming of age story which examines masculinity, sexuality, substance abuse, mental health and relationships. A story for misfits and outcasts of all ages and one I couldn’t praise highly enough.
October 7, 2022
Couldn't put this down.
A raw, unflinching, contemporary YA about a group of 18 year old school leavers who head off for a week of fun, only to discover being stuck on an island together brings emotions and conflicts to the surface in a devastating way.
It's a quintessentially Aussie novel and the author's voice shines through on every page.
Highly recommend.
A raw, unflinching, contemporary YA about a group of 18 year old school leavers who head off for a week of fun, only to discover being stuck on an island together brings emotions and conflicts to the surface in a devastating way.
It's a quintessentially Aussie novel and the author's voice shines through on every page.
Highly recommend.
September 25, 2022
"A group of school leavers - free at last and ready to let loose.
A road trip.
A change of plan.
A remote island.
And a catastrophe that will change their lives forever - if they survive.
Whatever happens...there's no going back."
In only his second novel, Sheppard takes takes us on Leavers Week, Schoolies, in South Australia, with a group of teens. He expertly removes the bravado and exteriors from his characters to reveal them stripped from the lies they live away from school.
The story is raw and emotional as these kids become men and women.
I loved and inhaled word of The Brink.
A road trip.
A change of plan.
A remote island.
And a catastrophe that will change their lives forever - if they survive.
Whatever happens...there's no going back."
In only his second novel, Sheppard takes takes us on Leavers Week, Schoolies, in South Australia, with a group of teens. He expertly removes the bravado and exteriors from his characters to reveal them stripped from the lies they live away from school.
The story is raw and emotional as these kids become men and women.
I loved and inhaled word of The Brink.
July 3, 2022
”Why should we have to do anything to be loved?”
I really enjoyed this! It’s a perfect balance of brutal coming of age story and gripping murder mystery. I think the feeling of being a teenager was so perfectly done, I’ve been out of high school for a while now and this book just threw me straight back in, infighting, drama, the feeling of not belonging, and all.
I loved Kaiya’s chapters, of the three POVs hers were definitely my favourite, the ones that resonated the most for me. I also loved that everyone was given backstory, real motivations and insecurities, there were no black and white characters here, and that depth really made the book.
Also the Aussie slang is bloody beautiful.
I really enjoyed this! It’s a perfect balance of brutal coming of age story and gripping murder mystery. I think the feeling of being a teenager was so perfectly done, I’ve been out of high school for a while now and this book just threw me straight back in, infighting, drama, the feeling of not belonging, and all.
I loved Kaiya’s chapters, of the three POVs hers were definitely my favourite, the ones that resonated the most for me. I also loved that everyone was given backstory, real motivations and insecurities, there were no black and white characters here, and that depth really made the book.
Also the Aussie slang is bloody beautiful.
July 23, 2022
Holden Sheppard has done it again - a compelling story of flawed but realistic and relatable teenage characters, all within the framework of an Aussie exploitation thriller.
August 24, 2025
While parts of The Brink were interesting, the caricature-like cast and the strange pacing unfortunately made this book fall flat for me. I felt that a lot of important information and plot was missing to really draw out the tension and make the finale hit.
February 12, 2023
There are some authors who can't quite get a handle on how to write like a teenager. The books are fine but there's just something off about the way the characters speak, a phrase or a little bit of dialogue that just makes it sound like it's an adult giving it their best guess.
That is not the case with Holden Sheppard, his characters sound exactly like the kids I remember from my own teenage years. The casual swearing, the poor grammar, the attempts at deep emotion without really knowing how to put it all into words.
It was apparent in Sheppard's previous novel Invisible Boys (which I loved), and it's just as apparent here.
The book alternates between three narrators: Leonardo, a wimpy, nerdy outcast who was once friends with popular kid Jared and really wants to get back to that friendship somehow; Mason the jock who is trying to figure out his sexual desires for Jared; and Kaiya who is dealing with being the perfect daughter while her sister recovers from drug addiction, and also not really knowing where she fits as the best friend to Val, the alpha girl and girlfriend of Jared.
So there's a lot of angst and anger and confusion going on as these characters and more all bundle off on a "spring break" style holiday.
All three narrators have different problems but all align on some key factors. None of them are the "cool" kids, Mason and Kaiya are cool-kids-adjacent but not quite part of that clique. All three have to deal with various elements of toxic masculinity, bullying and the pressures of being in that phase of being done with high school but unsure of what's next.
It feels like there are a lot of characters here, but they are all pretty well fleshed out as the story progresses so that even the most dispicable gets his moment of sympathy.
Around the halfway point the story shifts gear and I found that a little sudden, but it does highlight how quickly things can turn to shit at that age (or any other really).
"Invisible Boys" has more of a personal connection to me with the multiple gay narrators, but I love that we get a broader view of the struggles of kids here with a straight male, straight female and gay male narrator.
Definitely looking forward to seeing what's next for Holden Sheppard.
That is not the case with Holden Sheppard, his characters sound exactly like the kids I remember from my own teenage years. The casual swearing, the poor grammar, the attempts at deep emotion without really knowing how to put it all into words.
It was apparent in Sheppard's previous novel Invisible Boys (which I loved), and it's just as apparent here.
The book alternates between three narrators: Leonardo, a wimpy, nerdy outcast who was once friends with popular kid Jared and really wants to get back to that friendship somehow; Mason the jock who is trying to figure out his sexual desires for Jared; and Kaiya who is dealing with being the perfect daughter while her sister recovers from drug addiction, and also not really knowing where she fits as the best friend to Val, the alpha girl and girlfriend of Jared.
So there's a lot of angst and anger and confusion going on as these characters and more all bundle off on a "spring break" style holiday.
All three narrators have different problems but all align on some key factors. None of them are the "cool" kids, Mason and Kaiya are cool-kids-adjacent but not quite part of that clique. All three have to deal with various elements of toxic masculinity, bullying and the pressures of being in that phase of being done with high school but unsure of what's next.
It feels like there are a lot of characters here, but they are all pretty well fleshed out as the story progresses so that even the most dispicable gets his moment of sympathy.
Around the halfway point the story shifts gear and I found that a little sudden, but it does highlight how quickly things can turn to shit at that age (or any other really).
"Invisible Boys" has more of a personal connection to me with the multiple gay narrators, but I love that we get a broader view of the struggles of kids here with a straight male, straight female and gay male narrator.
Definitely looking forward to seeing what's next for Holden Sheppard.
August 26, 2022
Reread of a LoveOzYA favourite. This is so raw and messy and such an absolute ride.
Content warnings: panic disorder, anxiety, drug and alcohol use and abuse, extreme bullying, internalised homphobia, homophobia, homophobic slurs, misogyny, death, violence, addiction, murder, blood, animal cruelty, animal death, sex
Content warnings: panic disorder, anxiety, drug and alcohol use and abuse, extreme bullying, internalised homphobia, homophobia, homophobic slurs, misogyny, death, violence, addiction, murder, blood, animal cruelty, animal death, sex
July 27, 2022
After the treat of meeting Holden in Darwin and being the very first person to buy this book from a retailer, I tore through this gripping YA novel in a day. When a group of teens heading for a schoolies adventure end up in an unexpected and isolated location, tension is high and situations become explosive. A genuine ripper of a second novel that I’ll be recommending all over town.
February 21, 2023
3.5 out of 5
And so I continue on with another book from the Indie Book Awards. This time for best young adult.
The best thing about this book is the voices of the characters. The different chapters from different characters each have a different voice, a different feel. The also have a different texture. You can feel the language as you're reading it. You can feel the roughness and intensity of Mason, the logic and mental agility of Kaiya, and the manic switches in Leonardo. Each character comes to life, not only through their own POV, but they feel consistent in the other POVs as well. Well, most of the time. There are a few moments were I thought, "Really?" A few moments that I think were included for impact, or to inject a touch of character growth, but they felt badly timed or ill advised.
Unfortunately, the structure of the plot is not the best. It didn't work for me. It's a drawn out introduction that does nothing to provide anything significant other than move the characters to the island, where the story starts to pick up a little. We get to learn about the characters, but that could have been condensed a little. From the teen drama at the start, the story shifts into a thriller and mystery, but I wasn't sold on this either. It felt a bit all over the place. I couldn't buy into the Lord of the Flies type themes playing out in this story. And I think some it came down to events were that little bit too extreme, or had elements that seemed out of place. This is a story that could have benefitted from the less is more approach.
If you strip away some of the angst and peculiarities, the mystery itself had good bones. The concept is fine.
And so I continue on with another book from the Indie Book Awards. This time for best young adult.
The best thing about this book is the voices of the characters. The different chapters from different characters each have a different voice, a different feel. The also have a different texture. You can feel the language as you're reading it. You can feel the roughness and intensity of Mason, the logic and mental agility of Kaiya, and the manic switches in Leonardo. Each character comes to life, not only through their own POV, but they feel consistent in the other POVs as well. Well, most of the time. There are a few moments were I thought, "Really?" A few moments that I think were included for impact, or to inject a touch of character growth, but they felt badly timed or ill advised.
Unfortunately, the structure of the plot is not the best. It didn't work for me. It's a drawn out introduction that does nothing to provide anything significant other than move the characters to the island, where the story starts to pick up a little. We get to learn about the characters, but that could have been condensed a little. From the teen drama at the start, the story shifts into a thriller and mystery, but I wasn't sold on this either. It felt a bit all over the place. I couldn't buy into the Lord of the Flies type themes playing out in this story. And I think some it came down to events were that little bit too extreme, or had elements that seemed out of place. This is a story that could have benefitted from the less is more approach.
If you strip away some of the angst and peculiarities, the mystery itself had good bones. The concept is fine.
September 1, 2022
This was the second novel by Holden Sheppard following his much praised debut Invisible Boys which I thoroughly enjoyed. Set in remote WA This story had all the grit and grunge of his writing from that book however for me it was slightly less enjoyable than its predecessor - the story dealt with complex themes however this didn't quite grasp me as much as his first text. Still a very enjoyable read and great to see more Australian authors in the Young Adult space.
July 24, 2022
A group of school leavers take a road trip to the party of a lifetime, only to be turned away at a police roadblock just before they reach their destination. Doing an about face, they end up on Brink Island, a beautiful and isolated place set apart from the mainland.
On arrival at the island, the group are met by a particularly menacing local, who warns them not to cause any trouble. Brink Island and surrounds are inhabited by a community who live under the radar and want to keep it that way. He warns the group not to cause any trouble that will attract the attention of authorities and makes it clear that there will be serious consequences if they do. The group give him their assurances and he returns to the mainland, leaving them entirely to their own devices.
Conditions on the island are very basic. The group are billeted in a few scattered shacks with primitive amenities and restricted communications with the outside world. The food they bring with them seems to be limited to whatever can be fried up on the barbeque, and I don’t recall them ever having any fruit or vegetables. However, they are well stocked with alcohol, and proceed to drink to excess every night.
For the first time in their lives, these young people are away from adult supervision, and take the opportunity to do exactly as they please.
The Brink is told in alternating points of view by several of the lead characters, revealing how differently the same event is perceived by different people. But despite their differences, the group have one commonality; they must all adhere to a brutal teenage code where a single misstep can lead to humiliation, ostracism and even abuse. There is a very distinct pecking order, with the most popular group members on top, those on the outer limits being treated as second class citizens and the ones in between constantly fighting to keep a foothold. And without the influence of the outside world to moderate, this code becomes increasingly punitive, and life on the island becomes all about the survival of the fittest.
The Brink is the story of young people coming of age in extreme and cathartic circumstances. All of them must make choices and decisions that will effect the rest of their lives and the kind of person they want to be. But whatever the outcome for the school leavers of Brink Island, the one certainty is that none of them will ever be the same again.
I loved Invisible Boys by Holden Sheppard and I found The Brink just as engrossing. Holden captures the joy and exuberance of youth, as well as its heartache and struggles. Despite the setbacks and hardships many of the characters faced in this novel, the story ends with a pervading feeling of hope. Like Invisible Boys, The Brink also shows that you don’t have to live up to the expectations of family and society to find happiness and acceptance, but that you can become the person you are truly meant to be and find the people who love you for your own authentic self.
Thanks to Text Publishing for giving me an advance copy of The Brink in exchange for an honest review.
On arrival at the island, the group are met by a particularly menacing local, who warns them not to cause any trouble. Brink Island and surrounds are inhabited by a community who live under the radar and want to keep it that way. He warns the group not to cause any trouble that will attract the attention of authorities and makes it clear that there will be serious consequences if they do. The group give him their assurances and he returns to the mainland, leaving them entirely to their own devices.
Conditions on the island are very basic. The group are billeted in a few scattered shacks with primitive amenities and restricted communications with the outside world. The food they bring with them seems to be limited to whatever can be fried up on the barbeque, and I don’t recall them ever having any fruit or vegetables. However, they are well stocked with alcohol, and proceed to drink to excess every night.
For the first time in their lives, these young people are away from adult supervision, and take the opportunity to do exactly as they please.
The Brink is told in alternating points of view by several of the lead characters, revealing how differently the same event is perceived by different people. But despite their differences, the group have one commonality; they must all adhere to a brutal teenage code where a single misstep can lead to humiliation, ostracism and even abuse. There is a very distinct pecking order, with the most popular group members on top, those on the outer limits being treated as second class citizens and the ones in between constantly fighting to keep a foothold. And without the influence of the outside world to moderate, this code becomes increasingly punitive, and life on the island becomes all about the survival of the fittest.
The Brink is the story of young people coming of age in extreme and cathartic circumstances. All of them must make choices and decisions that will effect the rest of their lives and the kind of person they want to be. But whatever the outcome for the school leavers of Brink Island, the one certainty is that none of them will ever be the same again.
I loved Invisible Boys by Holden Sheppard and I found The Brink just as engrossing. Holden captures the joy and exuberance of youth, as well as its heartache and struggles. Despite the setbacks and hardships many of the characters faced in this novel, the story ends with a pervading feeling of hope. Like Invisible Boys, The Brink also shows that you don’t have to live up to the expectations of family and society to find happiness and acceptance, but that you can become the person you are truly meant to be and find the people who love you for your own authentic self.
Thanks to Text Publishing for giving me an advance copy of The Brink in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2025
Coming from Invisible Boys, I’m a fan of Holden Sheppard's writing style and I like the Australian contexts he puts to his stories. I knew this book wouldn’t centre around LGBT themes but the narrative being set around a schoolies (sorry not a west coaster, SA Pride yeww) murder mystery was really fun to me. Out of the three main narrators of the book, Kaiya was the most interesting and likeable character for me. Leonardo’s character was also enjoyable, however, his narrative gripping so tightly to battling ideas of masculinity and identity I felt could have been fleshed out and developed more for his character growth. Mason is also in this same boat as there was a constant of his insecurities on the intersection of masculinity and homosexuality. Both of these characters have an arc of development but maybe the pacing of it or how it was written could have been different as it didn’t sing as much as character arcs written in Invisible Boys.
I thought this story would be a dramatic and messy whodunit (which it was), showing a chilling mad descent that could be reminiscent of ‘Lord of the Flies’ (which it also does) but its pacing genuinely surprised me. The story kind of mirrors the tv series ‘The White Lotus’ in the sense that it is an average trip when viewed from the outside but within the general conversation, the feelings of anxiety and being uncomfortable keeps building and building. It created this daunting air in which I didn’t know who was going to die and when and how, which really pleasantly surprised me. Shifting dynamics within the group kept piling on to the tension and I kept reading with a feeling that the ball could drop at any moment, which was interesting from a storytelling perspective prior to the shift into the whodunit portion of the book. At points, I did feel like I had to suspend disbelief, but as the story got to the big finale ending I found the big finale reveal was really satisfying and was a great conclusion on the themes developed in the story. There can be a lot of focus on our social identity and how it intersects with gender, sexuality, masculinity and femininity in group dynamics and this story really showcases how insanely intense they can be. I also liked the almost defeating and super realistic to life anti-climax when in the end the group realises in reality, the outer world kept on going and there’s a party not too far away not caring the whole time, all while the group spiralled clinging to unseen ideas of how to be their perceived best selves. Loved the Pluto reference, just keep on spinning - who cares.
I thought this story would be a dramatic and messy whodunit (which it was), showing a chilling mad descent that could be reminiscent of ‘Lord of the Flies’ (which it also does) but its pacing genuinely surprised me. The story kind of mirrors the tv series ‘The White Lotus’ in the sense that it is an average trip when viewed from the outside but within the general conversation, the feelings of anxiety and being uncomfortable keeps building and building. It created this daunting air in which I didn’t know who was going to die and when and how, which really pleasantly surprised me. Shifting dynamics within the group kept piling on to the tension and I kept reading with a feeling that the ball could drop at any moment, which was interesting from a storytelling perspective prior to the shift into the whodunit portion of the book. At points, I did feel like I had to suspend disbelief, but as the story got to the big finale ending I found the big finale reveal was really satisfying and was a great conclusion on the themes developed in the story. There can be a lot of focus on our social identity and how it intersects with gender, sexuality, masculinity and femininity in group dynamics and this story really showcases how insanely intense they can be. I also liked the almost defeating and super realistic to life anti-climax when in the end the group realises in reality, the outer world kept on going and there’s a party not too far away not caring the whole time, all while the group spiralled clinging to unseen ideas of how to be their perceived best selves. Loved the Pluto reference, just keep on spinning - who cares.
August 27, 2022
When I read Holden Sheppard’s debut novel, “Invisible Boys” last year, I was introduced to an author who wrote with raw honesty, grit and authenticity, and that remains true in this novel, as well.
Whether it’s shy, quiet Leonardo who deals with crippling anxiety, prim and proper Kaiya who is eager to rebel and shed her good girl image if only for a weekend, or Mason, the alpha male struggling to come to grips with his sexuality, there’s a character you’ll be able to relate to, and it’s through their eyes that the story unfolds.
What starts as a simple, fun weekend trip to celebrate high school graduation turns deadly, however, as the group splinters at the seams and two bodies wash up on the shore.
Sheppard has crafted a gritty, emotionally charged novel with nuanced depictions of masculinity, sexuality and the violent way that those two things can intersect. He also exposes uncomfortable truths about growing up, and how seemingly trivial things can have unexpected consequences.
In short, “The Brink” is a must-read novel, one of my favourites of 2022, and it cements Holden Sheppard as one of the most electrifying and vital voices in contemporary literature.
Whether it’s shy, quiet Leonardo who deals with crippling anxiety, prim and proper Kaiya who is eager to rebel and shed her good girl image if only for a weekend, or Mason, the alpha male struggling to come to grips with his sexuality, there’s a character you’ll be able to relate to, and it’s through their eyes that the story unfolds.
What starts as a simple, fun weekend trip to celebrate high school graduation turns deadly, however, as the group splinters at the seams and two bodies wash up on the shore.
Sheppard has crafted a gritty, emotionally charged novel with nuanced depictions of masculinity, sexuality and the violent way that those two things can intersect. He also exposes uncomfortable truths about growing up, and how seemingly trivial things can have unexpected consequences.
In short, “The Brink” is a must-read novel, one of my favourites of 2022, and it cements Holden Sheppard as one of the most electrifying and vital voices in contemporary literature.
October 28, 2022
Not surprised to see this in-your-face title, (definite article) (noun) – it’s the go-to thing in Oz at the moment (- Tilt, Wet, Dry). All good things, or mostly. So I was pulled into a book that I would not otherwise have opened. Yes, unreconstructed. So, analysis. Isolated island reunion stuff – even if reunion is interpreted a bit liberally. Perhaps more Florida Spring Break. Back to Ten Little… With a bit of William Golding, maybe the Beach (I haven’t read it) all nicely deflected with a reference to Wilson (a favourite of my beach holidays). Alright, Tom Hanks and what was it called, Castaway, with no mermaid to rescue him. The narrative is split among three kids: a jock, as the Americans would say, a nerd, and a smart (aren’t they all ) Asian-descent kidette. I liked her. “All coming to terms with their sexuality.” Quote from me. I liked the “writing” in the sense of prose and prose-poetry. Some of the plot movers seemed weird. How on earth did that machinery get moved in? Perhaps it shows just how little Strine my knowledge is. Reveal: I was uncomfortable with the gay eroticism. The girl stuff left me cold too. Obviously the core is Nick’s/Leo’s experience, but not for me. All told, a good book spoiled by my prejudices.
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