Revolver, by Marcus Sedgwick

Revolver is a fast-paced suspense story that takes place somewhere in the Arctic Circle.  A 15-year-old boy's father freezes to death, and while his sister and stepmother go to the town for help, Sig Andersson keeps a vigil over his father's body.  Eventually, a knock on the door introduces Sig to a cruel, brutal man who claims that, at the last town the Anderssons lived in, Sig's father cheated him out of some gold due to him as part of a business contract.  Sig has no idea what the man is talking about, but this man is not about to be hampered by a 15-year-old.  He threatens Sig and his remaining family members with their lives if he does not receive cooperation.  This is the perfect story for teenage boys who are reluctant readers.  It is about survival, adventure, and history.  I would recommend this book to everyone over 13, in fact; the reason it is great for boys who are reluctant readers is because Sig is an admirable male character, the chapters are short and the story starts right away.  Everything is happening quickly for Sig, and that is how the book reads: quickly, but without detracting from the enjoyment of the story.  Revolver is also a good book for those who enjoy Gary Paulsen's books, Jack London (the London comparison I picked up from Amazon), and any of those stories that feature outdoor survival and adventure as a central theme.