Novel - "Valley of the Eagle"

SECOND NOVEL OF THE COLOURED SANDS TRILOGY

"Valley of the Eagle" is set in the Carnarvon Gorge area of Queensland. It does not follow directly on from "Coloured Sands". This is the story of the notorious neighbours whose properties join the great Jooloonga Station in "Coloured Sands". They are mentioned often in the first book and are connected by blood, a delicate matter that is veiled by secrecy. "Valley of the Eagle" stands alone if necessary.

This is the story of Benjamin Clarke, an upper-crust Englishman who comes to Australia after an urgent phone call from his young sister, begging him to come home, not that he could ever call the cattle-breeding station, ‘Moorooba Downs’, home, as this is his first visit. It has been five long years since he has seen his family.

Benjamin’s father, the womanising Jonathon Clarke has deserted his wife and daughter for a Boston socialite. Ben’s help is needed immediately. His mother is too ill with a depressive illness to leave her bed. His young sister, Anne Marie is unable to cope fearing the station could go into receivership and be sold. Moorooba Downs is her passion.
Ben finds himself in a bizarre set of circumstances. The deeds of Moorooba Downs Station have been signed over to himself and Annie. He is destined to become a cattleman on an Outback station. Ben is confronted with numerous unnerving situations, one being his love for the feuding neighbour’s daughter, Miriam O’Shea from Wandara Station. Their love cannot endure. They must first be humbled by the consequences of their feuding families.

To add to Ben’s troubles and to his utter disdain, his fearless, untamed sister, Annie 15, is involved with Gully Raking (cattle stealing). And then there is the problem of the bold-hearted, enigmatic aboriginal servant Josie – a problem so demeaning; he must swallow his distinguished English pride. However, he is enlightened by the sheer magic of the Ancient Mystical Eagle, custodian of the secret Aboriginal Dreamtime place, known as VALLEY OF THE EAGLE. This valley forms a major part of the story.

From the Author

I wrote Valley of the Eagle to continue the OUTBACK COLOURED SANDS SERIES. I endeavoured to weave true historical facts concerning our indigenous people into the storyline of people of various other cultures. The characters are encased in the Aboriginal Dreaming, including the mysticism and psychic abilities of the ancient tribes. I know and respect the resilience and diversity of the people who brave the Australian Outback. My characters are distinct, exciting individuals at variance with the world in general.
I especially enjoyed writing about the beauty of the Australian bush, and the wonder and enchantment of the secret gorge (from our very own Carnarvon Gorge). Writing Valley of the Eagle was an absolute challenge. It is so very different from the first of the series, COLOURED SANDS. My third book will join the characters of both books to complete the Trilogy. Tracking the fortunes of the Clarke family as they battle
the elements, the Outback, their neighbours and their love life will be an unforgettable experience.

About Author

Novels

Inspiration

Extracts

Reviews

Ordering