Cirrus@Austlit

'Many of us have had the occasional vague suspicion that the universe is not just a massive vacuum with a few specks of burning hydrogen here and there.

'We also have our doubts about the various ‘truths’ we are told at school, or at work, regarding the nature of reality and the power systems which underpin our world. Especially as this ‘truth’ appears to have been created to serve the wealthy and powerful.

'Some are prepared to fight – to lay down their lives if necessary for the one chance to reveal the lies lurking behind the so-called “truth”.

'Not Mitch Kuiper though: a man of simple tastes and little ambition, who would rather drink beer and watch sport with his best mate Cam than involve himself in the struggle.

'Unfortunately, fate has other plans for Mitch as he finds himself drawn into a galactic war in which he has become a key player.' (Publication summary) 

'Growing up in darkest Scotland as the son of the local poacher and then rampaging across Europe with a pack of Rangers hooligans is not the best preparation for high office in Australia.

'Father at 18, professional footballer at 20, Lawrie McKinna was living the dream until he uprooted for Australia at 25 to play in the NSL. Then he became a successful coach (NSL, A-League and China) and ultimately was elected to political office as an independent after being courted by both mainstream parties du to his massive popularity.

'These pages chronicle his journey, telling his dangerous truth with fearless candour, infectious enthusiasm and a wicked sense of humour.'

(Source: publisher's blurb)

A Tale of Love and Revenge Set Against History's Bloody Backdrop...

'In the year 1060, young Brand Holgarsson's family are wiped out in a Viking raid arranged by Brand's treacherous uncle Malgard. Malgard is named thegn of the town of Stybbor in East Anglia while Brand is made outlaw and hunted through the woods by Malgard's men, determined to extinguish the last possible claim to Malgard's thegnship.

'Aided by a strange young woman, Valla, who claims to be 242 years old, Brand escapes and is befriended by Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex and the choice of the Saxon nobles to be king after the childless Edward (the Confessor). Brand nurses his dream of vengeance over Malgard while sharing Harold's perils and waiting for Valla who will only return from The Place of Dreams if Brand has remained true to his promise to lie with no other woman.

'All stories come together at the Battle of Hastings, where Harold's great banner, The Fighting Man, flew above the field at Senlac Ridge in opposition to the papal cross carried by William the Bastard.

'"Not since reading Sharpe have I felt such a sense of being in the story. Outstanding." - Stuart Quin, Full Circle Films

'"I read it on the train, walking down the street, well after my usual bed time and when I was supposed to be working. Even though I knew exactly where the story was headed, I was compelled to know what happened next." - Jane B Rawson, From The Wreck'

(Source: publisher's blurb)

‘If God is too indifferent, or too non-existent to take care of His creation, then clearly it’s up to Me.’

'Morgen Tanjenz is a lawyer with an overactive sense of justice. His mission in life is to reward the virtuous, punish the ignorant and avenge those who won’t avenge themselves. His favourite pastime is ‘life sculpture’ — anonymously intervening in the lives of strangers to change their destiny in ways he thinks they deserve.

'But Morgen isn’t the only one changing lives in the city. A serial killer is on the prowl and taunting the police in letters to the local rag. But, as the body count rises, Detective Sergeant Blacksnake Fowler can hardly focus on the job with so many distractions: his boss hates him, his deputy is trying to undermine him and the woman he loves is having an affair.

'In the cicada-throbbing heat of a Sydney summer, the threads of a strange story become entangled in a wild conclusion no one will see coming. ' (Publisher's blurb)

'Eric Judd is 39 and his girlfriend wants him to give up playing football. Eric (aka Mr Cleansheets) is a goalkeeping legend at his amateur Sydney club because in his youth he received a letter inviting him to trial with Manchester United. The letter said to "come when you're ready" - and six days before his 40th birthday, Eric is finally ready.

Inspired by the dying wish of his Uncle Jimmy, Eric travels to England, but does not quite receive the welcome he had hoped for. Instead, he encounters all manner of villains: murderous football hooligans, Irish mafia, dodgy football agents, beautiful pop stars, international terrorists and a range of supporting players with any number of overt and hidden agendas.

He also plays football.' (From the publisher's website.)