Savages: a truth telling

Think you know your Australian history? Think again.

Balagaan has defeated Dangan, wed his childhood sweetheart and has two beautiful children; so why does he feel so anxious?

When the Nyangbal people discover the Yirraalii, the Newcomers, on their land, they take no chances and hastily move camp. The Yirraalii have a reputation for being dangerous and brutal.

While the Nyangbal people watch the Yirraalii from the safety of the bush, Dangan's wife stumbles into their camp and recounts a brutal Yirraalii attack on her husband's clan. She pleads for help. Balagaan and his cousins, Yirinyin and Irindilli, are sent to investigate. Unable to find survivors, they quickly discover the Newcomers are using 'Native Police' to murder and capture other Aboriginal people.

Balagaan and the Nyangbal people flee to a secret campsite, deep in the forest. But are they really safe? Balagaan must consult the Clever Man. While he journeys far from home, he is unaware his mortal enemy, Dangan, is leading the Native Police straight to his family's hiding place.

Can Balagaan return in time to save his wife and children, or will his enemy finally get his revenge?

'Savages' is a Truth Telling of the shameful frontier conflict history of Ballina that occurred due to the British colonisation of Australia. It is a story that was duplicated across the country in the 1800s. If you like historical romance, Aboriginal history, and plenty of action, then you'll love this gripping historical novel from Steve Trotter.

'It conveys an important message and ought to be compulsory reading in every Australian High School.'

Length 67,000 words or 300 pages