Jonathon Newman-Smith, a lonely but gifted 13 year old raised in boarding schools, finds himself drawn into two worlds.

Enrolled in a day school on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia, Jonathon copes with a different school life while his father and new stepmother, both ASIO undercover agents, are on a dangerous mission in Turkey.

On the eve of his thirteenth birthday Jonathon experiences a paranormal event that changes his life forever. In the weeks that follow he discovers he has been gifted with amazing abilities and he remembers the message given to him by TRYSTARON, who becomes his spiritual guide and tutor. He is to use his gifts only for the betterment of mankind. Jonathon is cautioned never to reveal the source of his increasing knowledge and capabilities.

In the meantime, Jonathon's parents are sent on a mission to Istanbul to retrieve information vital to the security and safety of Australians. Their espionage uncovers a planned act of terrorism. In the terrorists efforts to regain control, they use the threat of Jonathon's death to persuade his parents to give back the stolen information, secretly held on disc. 

Suddenly, Jonathon's world is turned upside down when he is kidnapped, a retaliation for his parents' covert activities in Istanbul, and becomes a pawn in a diabolical terrorist plot... He has no option but to learn to use his gifts to save the person he loves most in the world, his father.

Working closely with his stepmother, with whom he has a strained relationship, he assists in the unravelling of a terrorist plot designed to bring the Australian community to its knees. Clued by Jonathon, a combination of Australian secret service officers work feverishly against time to prevent this from happening.

The uniqueness of ENCOUNTER lies in the juxtaposition of a young boy's continued spiritual experiences and growth against the violent, covert and dangerous activities of his parents. Sharp contrasts are evident in the plot. We witness fast moving, life threatening, daring activities of the two major role models in Jonathon's life, his parents. In contrast, we observe the quiet encouraging spiritual development of a boy destined to become a world peace-maker.

ENCOUNTER creates an atmosphere of possibilites. Incredible scenarios become absolutely believable as the story evolves. Although written with older teens and young adults in mind, this story will have wide appeal. It embraces childhood loneliness, family relationships, bullying in school and self-sufficiency. The gentle, informative, spiritual messages throughout add a unique, contrasting dimension to this action-packed thriller. Readers of all ages will be encouraged by the spiritual messages and the bravery of one 13 year old boy.

ENCOUNTER is a fast-paced, exciting novel that will appeal to a wide readership.