I loved this book, a proper adventure story. It's about two brothers, Toby and Patrick (Paddy) and is set in the 1850s in Victoria, Australia. They live on the family farm until the day outlaws come, kill their parents, and injure Paddy badly. He recovers but is left mute. They need to sell the cattle to raise money to pay the loan on the farm, but are too trusting in who they hire. Left with nothing the brothers set off, along with many others, for the gold fields of Ballerat. Along the way they meet up and join forces with the Hocking family, fresh off the boat from England.
If this book followed the usual cliches they would find gold, get rich, and live happily ever after. But it doesn't and the story doesn't end there. There are plenty more adventures to come, mining accidents, rebellion against heavy handed troops, a wedding and a baby. And eventually tracking down the outlaw gang who murdered their parents.... coming full circle.
This is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys Clive Cussler or Wilbur Smith books.
If this book followed the usual cliches they would find gold, get rich, and live happily ever after. But it doesn't and the story doesn't end there. There are plenty more adventures to come, mining accidents, rebellion against heavy handed troops, a wedding and a baby. And eventually tracking down the outlaw gang who murdered their parents.... coming full circle.
This is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys Clive Cussler or Wilbur Smith books.