"This futuristic novel is set in a Gulf Coast shanty town where teenaged Nailer works as a shipbreaker, scavenging copper wire from beached oil tankers. The work is hard, dirty, and dangerous. And even when he makes his quota, Nailer barely makes enough money to get by. To make matters worse, Nailer’s father is an abusive drunk who is prone to unpredictable rages. Like all of the shipbreakers, Nailer dreams of a “Lucky Strike” – finding a pocket of oil or other valuables that can he can sell for a hefty profit. It’s the only possible way out of a life of scavenging. After a massive hurricane (a Category Six “city killer”) nearly wipes out his village, Nailer discovers a beached clipper ship filled with unimaginable riches – and a badly injured, beautiful girl. Nailer is ready to steal her jewelry and leave her for dead. But then she opens her eyes and claims to be the owner of the ship. Now Nailer is faced with the decision of a lifetime - should he scavenge the ship for its wealth, or rescue the girl? If he chooses to save her, can he protect her (and her riches) from his father? And just why was she out on the open seas during a city killer? This is a fast-paced thriller with plenty of action and suspense. It’s science fiction for everyone who isn’t sure if they really like science fiction!" – Amy Pickett (Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards, 2011-2012)
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Series: Ship Breakers, Drowned Cities