First Fleet

by M. Howard Morgan

Love, murder, betrayal, and adventure with transportation of convicts in 1787 and the founding of the penal colony that became Australia. With the American colonies closed to Britain, the gaols overflowed, the criminal under-class posed a threat to the property classes. A solution was required. The answer lay in the continent on the far side of the world - Terra Australis Incognita. 'Discovered' by James Cook, the government of the day launched an ambitious experiment; to make use of the criminal class to develop a new colony, a source of trade and a base far from home for England's Royal Navy. The First Fleet of 11 ships left Portsmouth in May 1787 tasked with that objective. The First Fleet of convicts. The experiment so nearly failed. Jack Vizzard, a young marine officer of affluent background, becomes a member of this expedition. Lawyer, newly commissioned officer and murderer, Vizzard finds his acts of betrayal follow him to New South Wales. But what awaits him? Retribution, reconciliation or ignominy and death?

453 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 3, 2011

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously this is the first book in a set. Interesting tale about the first fleet to transport English convicts to Australia. A familiar mix of jealousy, treachery, revenge and a bit of romance to hold the story together. The book also addresses the concept brutality in social systems dominated by the powerful and the effect of individuals who hold to the belief of humane treatment for the voiceless.

[Paul-Robert Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well researched and engaging story.

The story of love in diversity, set against historic times. Well drawn characters and littered with factual references. Such hard times.