Cirrus@Austlit

'Hi, I'm Helix. I'm twelve years old and the worst caveman-to-be that Rockfall has ever seen. I'm even less cavemanly than my lazy bonehead brother, whose hobby is grooming his nose hair.

'It's almost time for my Arrival. I'll be expected to disappear into the woods and return with something big, dangerous or rare – preferably all three. My best friend Ug is preparing for his Arrival too. He has the strength of a hungry rhinovore so he will no doubt bring back something impressive. And our friend Saleeka would pass with flying colours, except girls aren't allowed to take the test – a rule that makes her angrier than a sabre-tooth.

'But me? I can't even lift a club above my shoulder. Banishment to the Dark Side, here I come . . .' (Publication summary)