Cirrus@Austlit

'Sixteen-year-old Kit Campbell has disturbing visions. Following the death of his beloved great-grandfather, Kit learns that he’s been dreaming the old man’s memories and that he has been left a dangerous legacy, the role of Umlindi, Keeper of the Nzikazi Bowl. Kit discovers a hidden manuscript amongst his great-grandfather’s effects, and takes up the challenge to confront unknown and unimagined dangers in an ancient quest to prevent a cosmic catastrophe. Some unlikely allies join Kit on Bruny Island, off the coast of Tasmania, where he must face down his personal demons and outmanoeuvre Izinzondo Umnyama, The Black Hatred—age-old nemesis of the Keepers of the Nzikazi Bowl.' (Publisher's blurb)

'Major Taylor, the black American cyclist and 1899 World Sprint Champion, was the highest paid and most famous athlete in what was then the world’s most popular and lucrative sport. Spectators packed stadiums in North America, Europe and Australasia to watch him race. In the United States, however, his white rivals’ racial bigotry, hatred, threats, and dangerous and dirty riding tactics became intolerable. It was in Australia, in 1904, facing his American arch enemy, that hostilities came to a head.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.