Westall's novel can be understood as an action thriller, a detective story, a tale of a questing knight errant, or a rite-of-passage narrative. Most important is the work's ability to engage the reader and carry him or her through a complex plot. The narrative voice of Futuretrack 5 drives the novel. Westall constructs a fully realistic and engaging character in Henry Kitson. We perceive the action and events through the boy's singular impressions, and his vision seems clear, persuasive, and intelligent. Our understanding of Kitson's responses throughout the novel reinforce our acceptance of its fantastic elements, for the character is our touchstone with reality.

Certainly Westall provides plenty of vivid description, as he must create a new world in his novel: Henry's hatred of the Paramils flows "like red-hot lava;" deadened Unnems watch a musical group, the audience "like ghouls at a road accident"; the fresh, wet...