The Nature of Ash by Mandy Hager

Ash McCarthy is a typical teenager enjoying the freedom of his first year at University. A visit by two policemen turn Ash's life upside down.
Ash does not only have to deal with the death of his father who is the victim of a terrorist attack but is now the solely responsible for Mikey, his brother who has Down's Syndrome.
On his return home Ash is dragged into the world of political intrigue, corruption, terrorism and lies.
The country is thrown into chaos as two super powers play their deadly games.
While trying to look after his brother and protect two strangers and his fight to uncover the truth of his fathers death and find his estranged mother's disappearance the a race to save their lives becomes deadly.
I could not put this book down. It is set in not too distant future New Zealand. It deals with topical issues like 'home-grown' terrorism, sale of state owned assets, resources shortages, foreign ownership of farms and prejudice against the disabled.
The characters are strong, believable and endearing. I highly recommend this book for boys and girls.