Skink--No Surrender

By: Carl Hiaasen

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

Richard's cousin is missing, and his best hope of finding her rests with the wily, one-eyed, ex-governor of Florida. Carl Hiaasen introduces his iconic character Skink to a younger audience in this nail-biting adventure!

A National Book Award Longlist Selection

Classic Malley: her parents are about to ship her off to boarding school, so she takes off with some guy she met online... Poor Richard: he's less of a rebel than Malley, and a lot less trusting. He knows his cousin is in trouble before she does. Wild Skink: he's a ragged, one-eyed, ex-governor of Florida, and enough of a renegade to think he can track Malley down. With Richard riding shotgun, this unlikely pair scour the state, undaunted by blinding storms, crazed pigs, flying bullets, and giant gators.

In Carl Hiaasen's outrageous, hilarious, and wildly dangerous state of Florida, there are a million places an outlaw might stash a teenage girl. A million unpleasant ways to die. And two who will risk everything to rescue a friend . . . and to, hopefully, exact a bit of swamp justice.

Critic reviews

"The book itself is just a wonder, part love poem about the Florida wilds, part road-trip novel, and part thriller. The second half of the book is a nail-biter to rival Cape Fear. I love Hiaasen for adults. I love Hiaasen for kids. But most of all, I love this Hiaasen, which brings the two writers together in one book." --Cory Doctorow

"Skink and Richard make quite a dangerous and entertaining duo in a story that careens perfectly from one crazy situation to the next. Reluctant readers (especially guys) will surrender themselves to this page turner. Cross your fingers that we haven’t seen the last of Skink!" -- Booklist, starred

"If you were pursuing your cousin’s kidnapper across Florida, you would want a man like Skink at your side. Maybe." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Skink is larger than life.... A presence to be reckoned with." -- The Horn Book

"A high stakes, action-packed comedy with a lot of heart." —VOYA

Clinton Tyree is all time favorite

It's great to have the governor back but I don't think a young adult books is the right setting for his edgy character. I didn't realize this was a young adult book and that was a disappointment - suspect it would have been a great read at 15. As always, Hiaasen is funny and creates enjoyable characters to take a ride with. OK book that could have been great.

Another in Hiaasen's "Spunky Kid" series

This book, alongside "Chomp" has a kid as the main character. So, it requires the right narration. Unfortunately, Heyborne (who did a great job on "Gone Girl") chose to read this in a breathless, winsome voice. I found myself wishing for James Van Der Beek, who did a terrific job with "Chomp". He took the right Hiaasen tone, self-assured, and just this side of cocky. Heyborne interprets the main character as gape-jawed throughout, making it difficult to stay with.

It's still Hiaasen, and it's still Skink. It just needs a Van Der Beek, or some other such reader, at the helm.

Carl Hiaasen at his Very Best

This book was a welcomed friend that has finally come back! The story is fabulous! The narration is perfect! My beloved Skink is back and still reminding us of our commitments to nature and the environment. Fantastic read!

Skink's No Fink

Skink's No Fink ⚡💜 the old fart steals my heart He changes his eye and it makes me cry.
For God's sake Carl, write an orange one

Another great book

Great read / listen can’t wait for the next one to enjoy as well makes my commute go faster