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Border Watch #2
Shattered Sky
Gripping romantic suspense from Helene Young.
On a routine surveillance flight east of the Australian coast, Captain Lauren Bennett's crew pick up a mayday call. A yacht is under fire. For the international smugglers operating below the radar of the navy and Border Watch, sinking a pleasure craft is just part of their day's work.
Lauren has other ideas.
As she pursues the men into the isolated country of Cape York, she?ll need all the help she can get. That will mean joining forces with the cynical navy officer Callam Granger, who's already shown his contempt for her. What will it take to convince him she's right this time?
Can they put aside their old animosities to outwit, outrun and ultimately out-fly the traffickers? Or will another death shatter Lauren's life completely?
Helene Young has been awarded Romantic Book of the Year by Romance Writers of Australia for "Shattered Sky" and "Wings of Fear."
On a routine surveillance flight east of the Australian coast, Captain Lauren Bennett's crew pick up a mayday call. A yacht is under fire. For the international smugglers operating below the radar of the navy and Border Watch, sinking a pleasure craft is just part of their day's work.
Lauren has other ideas.
As she pursues the men into the isolated country of Cape York, she?ll need all the help she can get. That will mean joining forces with the cynical navy officer Callam Granger, who's already shown his contempt for her. What will it take to convince him she's right this time?
Can they put aside their old animosities to outwit, outrun and ultimately out-fly the traffickers? Or will another death shatter Lauren's life completely?
Helene Young has been awarded Romantic Book of the Year by Romance Writers of Australia for "Shattered Sky" and "Wings of Fear."
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2011
4 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
About the author
Helene Young
9 books215 followersHello! I’m Helene Young and welcome to my author page on Goodreads.
Seven years ago, after a rewarding career as an airline captain and senior manager with the Qantas Airline Group in Australia, I swapped the sky for the sea to go in search of adventure with my husband aboard our sailing catamaran. While that should have given me more time to write it seems the lure of exploring was too strong. But there is good news! My next book is in the safe hands of my publisher and I look forward to sharing title and cover details soon.
And you can be sure that all the adventures we’re having in our floating home will lead to many more books! The rural and remote places we visit, along with the fascinating people we meet, provide boundless inspiration.
I love exploring themes of social justice and delving into the complexity of human nature. Small towns and tight-knit communities are perfect settings for those, along with the messy ties that bind families together. I’d also like to think my varied career from waitress, to gardener, to rock climbing and sailing instructor, to cook, to pilot all help to add a little something to my stories.
I can’t believe it’s been 12 years since my first book, Wings of Fear, (Book 1 in the Border Watch Trilogy) released. I always be grateful for the support of readers so thank you to those who’ve already read my books and welcome if you’re browsing here.
If you’d like to keep up to date on my book news then please click follow button at the top of the page.
You can also find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeleneYoungA...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heleneyoung...
Webpage : heleneyoung.com
I love sharing photos of our travels so come join in the conversations and be part of a wonderful world-wide community of book lovers.
Happy reading
Much love
Helene
Seven years ago, after a rewarding career as an airline captain and senior manager with the Qantas Airline Group in Australia, I swapped the sky for the sea to go in search of adventure with my husband aboard our sailing catamaran. While that should have given me more time to write it seems the lure of exploring was too strong. But there is good news! My next book is in the safe hands of my publisher and I look forward to sharing title and cover details soon.
And you can be sure that all the adventures we’re having in our floating home will lead to many more books! The rural and remote places we visit, along with the fascinating people we meet, provide boundless inspiration.
I love exploring themes of social justice and delving into the complexity of human nature. Small towns and tight-knit communities are perfect settings for those, along with the messy ties that bind families together. I’d also like to think my varied career from waitress, to gardener, to rock climbing and sailing instructor, to cook, to pilot all help to add a little something to my stories.
I can’t believe it’s been 12 years since my first book, Wings of Fear, (Book 1 in the Border Watch Trilogy) released. I always be grateful for the support of readers so thank you to those who’ve already read my books and welcome if you’re browsing here.
If you’d like to keep up to date on my book news then please click follow button at the top of the page.
You can also find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeleneYoungA...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heleneyoung...
Webpage : heleneyoung.com
I love sharing photos of our travels so come join in the conversations and be part of a wonderful world-wide community of book lovers.
Happy reading
Much love
Helene
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 29, 2018
Captain Lauren Bennett receives a mayday call from a Yacht in distress. It seems that the yacht may have been in a storm and gone off course. Once the yacht is located and taken to safety the people on board the yacht are questioned. It's not long into the questioning and things don't look to be adding up. With more questions than answers Lauren and her team know there is something wrong, very wrong in fact, but what that is will be the biggest question of all.
Aussie author Helene Young has written an intriguing and very enjoyable book. The suspense throughout this novel will have you turning pages at a great speed and before you know it you'll be on the very final page which by the way will leave you wanting more. Highly recommended.
Aussie author Helene Young has written an intriguing and very enjoyable book. The suspense throughout this novel will have you turning pages at a great speed and before you know it you'll be on the very final page which by the way will leave you wanting more. Highly recommended.
March 16, 2012
Starting Shattered Sky at just after 1am with the intention of reading only a chapter was, in retrospect, a poor decision when I found myself unable to put it down until I had finished at 4 in the morning. Loosely linked by setting and characters and with all the action, adventure, mystery and romance found in Wings of Fear, Helene delivers an exciting and engaging romantic suspense novel with Shattered Sky.
In Wings of Fear, Lauren Bennett was the likeable supporting character, here she is at the center of the plot. Almost a year has passed since the aborted terrorist attack in Wings of Fear and Lauren is still struggling to come to terms with the loss of her close friend and crew mate, Gavin. This explains her impulsive decision to involve herself in a case of suspected sex slave trafficking as she tries to overcome survivors guilt and prove she is more than the carefree party girl she once was.
Callam Granger was a friend of Gavin's who made the mistake of condemning Lauren, rather than supporting her, in her grief. Learning he has misjudged the blonde beauty, Callam's attraction for the feisty pilot overcomes his reticence at becoming involved in a committed relationship. Lauren isn't just going to forgive and forget though, so the relationship between the two has plenty of conflict.
While I quite like reading the odd romance novel, I need the extra depth that Young delivers with the suspense to become truly engaged in the story. Shattered Sky is a fast paced novel that sucks you in as you soar over the coastline of far north Queensland and traverse dusty roads in the isolated outback. From a daring rescue in cyclonic weather, to a terrifying shoot out with menacing bikies, there is plenty of action that keeps the pages turning, and enough tension to maintain interest throughout. Shattered Sky is an entertaining read and I am looking forward to the release of Burning Lies in July 2012.
In Wings of Fear, Lauren Bennett was the likeable supporting character, here she is at the center of the plot. Almost a year has passed since the aborted terrorist attack in Wings of Fear and Lauren is still struggling to come to terms with the loss of her close friend and crew mate, Gavin. This explains her impulsive decision to involve herself in a case of suspected sex slave trafficking as she tries to overcome survivors guilt and prove she is more than the carefree party girl she once was.
Callam Granger was a friend of Gavin's who made the mistake of condemning Lauren, rather than supporting her, in her grief. Learning he has misjudged the blonde beauty, Callam's attraction for the feisty pilot overcomes his reticence at becoming involved in a committed relationship. Lauren isn't just going to forgive and forget though, so the relationship between the two has plenty of conflict.
While I quite like reading the odd romance novel, I need the extra depth that Young delivers with the suspense to become truly engaged in the story. Shattered Sky is a fast paced novel that sucks you in as you soar over the coastline of far north Queensland and traverse dusty roads in the isolated outback. From a daring rescue in cyclonic weather, to a terrifying shoot out with menacing bikies, there is plenty of action that keeps the pages turning, and enough tension to maintain interest throughout. Shattered Sky is an entertaining read and I am looking forward to the release of Burning Lies in July 2012.
October 15, 2017
Shattered Sky is book two in the Border Watch series by Helene Young. Lauren Bennett is Border Watch pilot and on one shift caught a mayday from a stricken yacht. Callam Granger was the captain of the Naval Warship Atherton who came to the rescue of the yacht. However, it was not what is seem at first, and Lauren Bennett and Callam Granger became involved in the chasing of a gang of traffickers. The readers of Shattered Sky will go on a rollercoaster ride to find the traffickers and to see what happens to Callam and Lauren.
I enjoyed reading Shattered Sky, and it still kept me glued to my chair even on the second time I read this book. I love romance and suspense, and by reading Helen Young's books, I have the pleasure of having both in one book. Helen Young writing style and the way she takes her readers on a rollercoaster ride until the very last page of her books. I do like Helen Young's portrayals of her characters especially Lauren Bennett and Callam Granger.
The readers of Shattered Sky will learn about being a Border Watch pilot. Also, the readers of Shattered Sky will start to understand the roles of Border Watch and Naval Patrol in Border Security.
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed reading Shattered Sky, and it still kept me glued to my chair even on the second time I read this book. I love romance and suspense, and by reading Helen Young's books, I have the pleasure of having both in one book. Helen Young writing style and the way she takes her readers on a rollercoaster ride until the very last page of her books. I do like Helen Young's portrayals of her characters especially Lauren Bennett and Callam Granger.
The readers of Shattered Sky will learn about being a Border Watch pilot. Also, the readers of Shattered Sky will start to understand the roles of Border Watch and Naval Patrol in Border Security.
I recommend this book.
Read
July 27, 2011Yes, I'm definitely biased but I had a lot of fun writing Lauren's story!
Her character was begging for a larger role in Wings of Fear (Border Watch) so, from the moment I sat down to write Shattered Sky, Lauren was in the middle of the action. I enjoyed doing more research into Naval operations as well diving into the life and times of Outlawed Motorcycle Gangs. It made for a fascinating couple of months.
I hope you enjoy the finished story.
Helene
Her character was begging for a larger role in Wings of Fear (Border Watch) so, from the moment I sat down to write Shattered Sky, Lauren was in the middle of the action. I enjoyed doing more research into Naval operations as well diving into the life and times of Outlawed Motorcycle Gangs. It made for a fascinating couple of months.
I hope you enjoy the finished story.
Helene
July 5, 2015
another great Aussie writer. It took me a few chapters to work out all the characters, as there seemed to be a lot at the start. However, once this was achieved I was able to sit back and get into the story. Enough romance but not too much. The story was not too fast moving but fast enough not to get bored.
April 1, 2012
Captain Lauren Bennett is on a routine surveillance flight when they pick up the garbled distress call of a yacht. Although they can do little to render assistance other than relay the call to a patrolling Navy boat nearby, they can help by flying low enough for the people on board the distressed yacht to sight them and know that help is on the way. Lauren also maintains radio contact and stays above the yacht as long as possible, delaying her return to base because she cannot bear to leave another person alone under treacherous conditions after the devastating experience that rocked her world nearly a year ago. She lost a crew member that day and more importantly, the beautiful blonde lost someone that she loved and was never able to tell him that.
Callum Granger is the man in charge aboard the Navy boat that goes to the yacht’s rescue. He knows Lauren through their fallen friend Gavin and not long after Gavin’s tragic death, he said something hurtful and careless to her that he shouldn’t have and that cut her to the bone. He’s been looking for a way to apologise ever since but Lauren isn’t taking his calls. When they run into each other in the hospital visiting the rescued yacht crew, he finally gets his chance to make amends.
At first the yacht looked like it’d caught the wrong end of a cyclone but the truth is quickly uncovered – they were boarded and sabotaged and then drifted into the path of the oncoming cyclone. Lauren slowly discovers that something sinister is going on up in the north – bikie gangs are smuggling in Asian women who believe they’re coming to Australia to work in factories but really they’re going to be trapped in the country as sex slaves, with no passports, no rights and kept in terrible conditions. Through a friend of hers who works with rescuing such women, Lauren learns a lot. Including the location the bikies are using to smuggle the women in and also to hold them before flying them out of the remote north down south to the capitals. And she just happens to be on holiday – camping up north suddenly looks good, because she needs some evidence before she can take it to the relevant authorities.
Callum knows Lauren is partially fleeing a misunderstanding, especially with a tragic anniversary looming. He pursues her, discovering she isn’t where she said she’d be. When he finds her, Lauren is in danger up to her eyeballs and she’s fighting for her life – and the lives of all the girls she’s trying so hard to save. It’s up to Lauren to get them out safely because she’s the only person who can. And now there’s also Callum…whom she has come to care for. She can’t lose another person that means so much to her.
Shattered Sky is loosely a sequel to Wings of Fear, focusing this time on Lauren, who was Morgan’s provocative first officer. Now promoted to Captain herself, she flies her own team, although she still links up with Morgan regularly and maintains their friendship. We see a different Lauren in this novel – gone are the bright red fingernails, the teetering high heels, the flirtatious innuendos. Instead Lauren is grieving and also stung deep by a comment from Callum. She knows that she acted out a little after Gavin’s death but to have to shoved in her face was callous and cruel and she’s been avoiding him ever since. When they’re thrown back into each other’s company, it sets off an instant attraction.
Callum is at a point in his life where he’s ready to settle down, make a go of things. Lauren is more unstable, still reeling from the loss of Gavin, still uncertain about what she wants and if she’s deserving of happiness after the actions surrounding his death. It still eats at her and it’s like she’s determined to make up for it by saving as many people as she can, such as the couple on the stricken yacht and then the girls being trafficked from the Asian islands, when she hears about them.
Shattered Sky is every bit a breathless, fun read as Wings of Fear, with characters that you can get invested in. I liked Lauren well enough in Wings of Fear but that was Morgan’s story and now it’s her turn to shine. Her character is full of depth and development and I enjoyed seeing her come almost full circle as she heals and deals and realises that she is worthy. Callum is just the man to show her that she is.
Normally I don’t really love protagonists that wander into dangerous situations that they have no business being in but Lauren’s intervention was necessary in this story and although the whole situation had me on the edge of my seat frantically flipping pages to ensure nothing would happen to people I cared about, it didn’t at all bother me like it so often would. Unfortunately Helene Young had me reaching for the tissues again with the fate of a character I had come to really enjoy and had prayed for a happy ending for, even though I suspected very early on it would not happen. I know now that I need to have tissues ready in advance!
Burning Lies is the third and final novel in this trilogy, spinning off again with a lesser character from this novel and expanding on their story to make them the main character. It’s due out around the middle of this year and I’m pretty thrilled to already have a copy although I’m going to (try and) wait until much closer to the release date. The temptation may be too much though!
Another enjoyable, fast paced read set in our beautiful north.
Callum Granger is the man in charge aboard the Navy boat that goes to the yacht’s rescue. He knows Lauren through their fallen friend Gavin and not long after Gavin’s tragic death, he said something hurtful and careless to her that he shouldn’t have and that cut her to the bone. He’s been looking for a way to apologise ever since but Lauren isn’t taking his calls. When they run into each other in the hospital visiting the rescued yacht crew, he finally gets his chance to make amends.
At first the yacht looked like it’d caught the wrong end of a cyclone but the truth is quickly uncovered – they were boarded and sabotaged and then drifted into the path of the oncoming cyclone. Lauren slowly discovers that something sinister is going on up in the north – bikie gangs are smuggling in Asian women who believe they’re coming to Australia to work in factories but really they’re going to be trapped in the country as sex slaves, with no passports, no rights and kept in terrible conditions. Through a friend of hers who works with rescuing such women, Lauren learns a lot. Including the location the bikies are using to smuggle the women in and also to hold them before flying them out of the remote north down south to the capitals. And she just happens to be on holiday – camping up north suddenly looks good, because she needs some evidence before she can take it to the relevant authorities.
Callum knows Lauren is partially fleeing a misunderstanding, especially with a tragic anniversary looming. He pursues her, discovering she isn’t where she said she’d be. When he finds her, Lauren is in danger up to her eyeballs and she’s fighting for her life – and the lives of all the girls she’s trying so hard to save. It’s up to Lauren to get them out safely because she’s the only person who can. And now there’s also Callum…whom she has come to care for. She can’t lose another person that means so much to her.
Shattered Sky is loosely a sequel to Wings of Fear, focusing this time on Lauren, who was Morgan’s provocative first officer. Now promoted to Captain herself, she flies her own team, although she still links up with Morgan regularly and maintains their friendship. We see a different Lauren in this novel – gone are the bright red fingernails, the teetering high heels, the flirtatious innuendos. Instead Lauren is grieving and also stung deep by a comment from Callum. She knows that she acted out a little after Gavin’s death but to have to shoved in her face was callous and cruel and she’s been avoiding him ever since. When they’re thrown back into each other’s company, it sets off an instant attraction.
Callum is at a point in his life where he’s ready to settle down, make a go of things. Lauren is more unstable, still reeling from the loss of Gavin, still uncertain about what she wants and if she’s deserving of happiness after the actions surrounding his death. It still eats at her and it’s like she’s determined to make up for it by saving as many people as she can, such as the couple on the stricken yacht and then the girls being trafficked from the Asian islands, when she hears about them.
Shattered Sky is every bit a breathless, fun read as Wings of Fear, with characters that you can get invested in. I liked Lauren well enough in Wings of Fear but that was Morgan’s story and now it’s her turn to shine. Her character is full of depth and development and I enjoyed seeing her come almost full circle as she heals and deals and realises that she is worthy. Callum is just the man to show her that she is.
Normally I don’t really love protagonists that wander into dangerous situations that they have no business being in but Lauren’s intervention was necessary in this story and although the whole situation had me on the edge of my seat frantically flipping pages to ensure nothing would happen to people I cared about, it didn’t at all bother me like it so often would. Unfortunately Helene Young had me reaching for the tissues again with the fate of a character I had come to really enjoy and had prayed for a happy ending for, even though I suspected very early on it would not happen. I know now that I need to have tissues ready in advance!
Burning Lies is the third and final novel in this trilogy, spinning off again with a lesser character from this novel and expanding on their story to make them the main character. It’s due out around the middle of this year and I’m pretty thrilled to already have a copy although I’m going to (try and) wait until much closer to the release date. The temptation may be too much though!
Another enjoyable, fast paced read set in our beautiful north.
February 2, 2012
This review was first posted @ The Australian Bookshelf
Shattered Sky is the loosely based sequel to Helene’s debut novel, Wings of Fear- which I loved! So, I was extremely pleased to finish her second novel with a big smile on my face. This one was just as great!
Shattered Sky= action, drama, romance + outback tropical QLD + strong, feisty heroine. What more could you ask for in an Australian crime fiction novel?
The protagonist, Lauren Bennett is a pilot with Australian customs and stumbles across a sex slave trafficking operation on the shores of North Queensland.
Lauren is still recovering from the loss of her best mate, Gavin who she never admitted she loved until he was gone. Grieving and doused in guilt and regret- the last thing she is looking for is romance. But when Callam Granger comes onto her radar, she realises that she can’t keep her heart locked away forever.
Lauren is a strong heroine and despite her “girly” presence and love of shopping she is also very smart. What I loved about this story is that the author draws out the character from the superficial façade and makes her emotional vulnerabilities and desires apparent and realistic.
Highly recommended read for romance suspence fans who want to delve into an exciting Aussie adventure. I can’t wait for the third book in this series- please hurry up and release it Helene!
Shattered Sky is the loosely based sequel to Helene’s debut novel, Wings of Fear- which I loved! So, I was extremely pleased to finish her second novel with a big smile on my face. This one was just as great!
Shattered Sky= action, drama, romance + outback tropical QLD + strong, feisty heroine. What more could you ask for in an Australian crime fiction novel?
The protagonist, Lauren Bennett is a pilot with Australian customs and stumbles across a sex slave trafficking operation on the shores of North Queensland.
Lauren is still recovering from the loss of her best mate, Gavin who she never admitted she loved until he was gone. Grieving and doused in guilt and regret- the last thing she is looking for is romance. But when Callam Granger comes onto her radar, she realises that she can’t keep her heart locked away forever.
Lauren is a strong heroine and despite her “girly” presence and love of shopping she is also very smart. What I loved about this story is that the author draws out the character from the superficial façade and makes her emotional vulnerabilities and desires apparent and realistic.
Highly recommended read for romance suspence fans who want to delve into an exciting Aussie adventure. I can’t wait for the third book in this series- please hurry up and release it Helene!
August 4, 2013
3/5; 3 stars; B
I liked this book. I liked the action and the suspense and particularly liked the setting. As I mentioned in my review of the first book, Wings of Fear, the author does a fantastic job of building the reader's awareness and understanding of the vast, wild, and dangerous nature of Northern Queensland.
However, there was a downside. Leaving Callum's house in a fit of pique, putting herself in extreme danger, and persisting in behaving in a prideful and foolish way just made Lauren seen like much less of an admirable character. Hard to get behind. I came close to abandoning the book at that point left it for awhile then came back and finished it. The rest of the story, the escape and rescue were well done. I will definitely read the next book in the Border Watch series.
I liked this book. I liked the action and the suspense and particularly liked the setting. As I mentioned in my review of the first book, Wings of Fear, the author does a fantastic job of building the reader's awareness and understanding of the vast, wild, and dangerous nature of Northern Queensland.
However, there was a downside. Leaving Callum's house in a fit of pique, putting herself in extreme danger, and persisting in behaving in a prideful and foolish way just made Lauren seen like much less of an admirable character. Hard to get behind. I came close to abandoning the book at that point left it for awhile then came back and finished it. The rest of the story, the escape and rescue were well done. I will definitely read the next book in the Border Watch series.
October 12, 2011
OMG!! Loved this book! Helene Young has done it again!
When Lauren Bennett gets tangled up with a group international smugglers while responding to a mayday call from a stricken yacht in the eye of a cyclone, all hell breaks loose! Lauren and her crew on board their Border Watch aircraft manage to direct the nearby navy frigate to the yacht's aid before heading back to base.
She then decides to follow the smugglers into the isolated country of Cape York, trying to get the information a friend needs to capture these criminals. Twists, turns, thrills, intrigue, and lots of adventure, plus a little romance tossed in as well, will keep you on the edge of your seat till the last page is turned......
When Lauren Bennett gets tangled up with a group international smugglers while responding to a mayday call from a stricken yacht in the eye of a cyclone, all hell breaks loose! Lauren and her crew on board their Border Watch aircraft manage to direct the nearby navy frigate to the yacht's aid before heading back to base.
She then decides to follow the smugglers into the isolated country of Cape York, trying to get the information a friend needs to capture these criminals. Twists, turns, thrills, intrigue, and lots of adventure, plus a little romance tossed in as well, will keep you on the edge of your seat till the last page is turned......
September 26, 2012
Suspense, murder and love in the Australian tropics.
On a routine surveillance flight in North Queensland, and in the midst of a fast approaching storm with the threat of a Cyclone (which hopefully stays far away from New Zealand), Captain Lauren Bennett and her Border Watch crew pick up a mayday call from a yacht in distress. In collaboration with the naval ship HMAS Atherton, of which Callam Granger is the newly promoted CO, the yacht’s crew are rescued. At first it appears that the yacht has merely encountered some difficulties and drifted into the storm, but once the crew are rescued and questioned, it is discovered that there could be something more sinister at work.
Lauren, the protagonist in this story, was one of the sub-characters in Wings of Fear . Now a Captain, she is still in the throes of trying to come to terms with the role she feels she played in her best friend Gavin’s death. After a bitter encounter with Callam in a pub about two months after Gavin’s demise, crossing paths with him is the last thing she wants to do.
Unfortunately, the rescue of the yacht’s crew members throws them back into each others lives when they both visit at the hospital. Even though she wants to despise him, his genuine concern, understanding and empathy for her make it difficult.
Shortly after the rescue of the yacht’s crew members, Lauren receives a telephone call from her friend Mel who advises her that she’s had a tip from a member of an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG) about a suspected human-trafficking operation. Armed with this information, she undertakes to find out as much as she can.
With the telephone call and Mel’s request playing on her mind, and whilst out on yet another patrol, Lauren and her Border Watch air crew are called in to maintain forward air support for the HMAS Atherton which has come across some seemingly suspicious activity in the water involving two vessels. Callam, following instructions from his Rear-Admiral, instructs his naval crew to pursue the larger tanker which enables the smaller boat to escape. In the ensuing mêlée between the naval officers and the fishing vessel, Callam is shot, resulting in their mission being aborted.
Are international smugglers really operating below the radar of the navy and Border Watch?
After doing all they can to support the naval vessel, Lauren’s flight crew turn around to head back in. Movement on land draws their attention and they see a ute making its way through the scrub. Using high-tech camera surveillance equipment they are able to obtain photos of the ute and its occupants.
Jack is one of those occupants. (Now, I know that he is one of the villains in the story, but I really felt that he deserved a special mention in my review.)
When Lauren sees a photo of Jack, she describes him as “a man who’d endured and survived, a man who knew his limits, a man who regarded the world with a sardonic smile”. An accurate description of him, Jack has suffered the pain of losing his wife and has two daughters to look out for. It appears he went into this operation with his eyes closed and is now in a quandary over his involvement with the OMG and their illegal activities. Will he be able to extract himself from this situation without dire consequences?
Back on land, the tensions between Callam and Lauren increase – and not always in a bad way. Callam appears to have “snuck under Lauren’s defences”.
Callam, of course, is a man after my own heart (hubba hubba). Unbeknownst to Lauren, he has been in love with her for 3 years. Originally having hidden his thoughts of Lauren with “wayward cynicism” he has come to realise that he has misjudged her and throughout the story attempts to make up for it. He feels that the uncomplimentary encounter with her in a pub two months after Gavin’s death, which created all the hostility between them, was unjustified and done in the heat of the moment.
Lauren, not wanting to dwell on her growing feelings for Callam which she feels could consume her, decides to retrace the steps of the last camping trip she took with Gavin and some friends and takes a few weeks leave over the first anniversary of his death - this, in order to try and “say goodbye” to Gavin and re-evaluate her life.
However, travelling back home from her camping trip, Lauren takes a wrong turn and finds herself near the property that Mel mentioned in her phone call, and her curiosity gets the better of her. What follows is a nail-biting climax from which I wasn’t sure the characters would extricate themselves.
On a journey which takes you from Cairns to the outback region of Cape York, will Callam and Lauren be able to overcome their old animosities to outwit, outrun and ultimately out-fly the traffickers?
Being a South African living in Australia, I have found it so refreshing to read books by authors of my adopted country. With all the “Aussie lingo” and scenic descriptions, especially with this one being based in Queensland, Helene Young makes me feel right at home.
In my personal opinion, Helene is a really talented author and one who appears to have grown since the writing of Wings of Fear. She has the creative ability of balancing the right amount of intrigue, suspense and romance in her writing - and a fabulous sense of humour to boot – a True Blue Aussie.
The descriptive manner in which Helene conveys the characters’ surroundings ensures that you will feel like you are actually at the scene. The characters thoughts, too, draw you in, making way for a deep, personal and long-lasting connection. Of course, one of the many things I loved about this novel was the fact that Helene weaves in the true meaning of “mateship”.
All in all, I found this to be a riveting and incredibly entertaining page-turner with a cleverly crafted plot. The revelation of the true identity of one of the OMG members is going to leave you wanting to race out and get your hands on the next book in the trilogy, Burning Lies – I know I am.
On a routine surveillance flight in North Queensland, and in the midst of a fast approaching storm with the threat of a Cyclone (which hopefully stays far away from New Zealand), Captain Lauren Bennett and her Border Watch crew pick up a mayday call from a yacht in distress. In collaboration with the naval ship HMAS Atherton, of which Callam Granger is the newly promoted CO, the yacht’s crew are rescued. At first it appears that the yacht has merely encountered some difficulties and drifted into the storm, but once the crew are rescued and questioned, it is discovered that there could be something more sinister at work.
Lauren, the protagonist in this story, was one of the sub-characters in Wings of Fear . Now a Captain, she is still in the throes of trying to come to terms with the role she feels she played in her best friend Gavin’s death. After a bitter encounter with Callam in a pub about two months after Gavin’s demise, crossing paths with him is the last thing she wants to do.
Unfortunately, the rescue of the yacht’s crew members throws them back into each others lives when they both visit at the hospital. Even though she wants to despise him, his genuine concern, understanding and empathy for her make it difficult.
Shortly after the rescue of the yacht’s crew members, Lauren receives a telephone call from her friend Mel who advises her that she’s had a tip from a member of an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMG) about a suspected human-trafficking operation. Armed with this information, she undertakes to find out as much as she can.
With the telephone call and Mel’s request playing on her mind, and whilst out on yet another patrol, Lauren and her Border Watch air crew are called in to maintain forward air support for the HMAS Atherton which has come across some seemingly suspicious activity in the water involving two vessels. Callam, following instructions from his Rear-Admiral, instructs his naval crew to pursue the larger tanker which enables the smaller boat to escape. In the ensuing mêlée between the naval officers and the fishing vessel, Callam is shot, resulting in their mission being aborted.
Are international smugglers really operating below the radar of the navy and Border Watch?
After doing all they can to support the naval vessel, Lauren’s flight crew turn around to head back in. Movement on land draws their attention and they see a ute making its way through the scrub. Using high-tech camera surveillance equipment they are able to obtain photos of the ute and its occupants.
Jack is one of those occupants. (Now, I know that he is one of the villains in the story, but I really felt that he deserved a special mention in my review.)
When Lauren sees a photo of Jack, she describes him as “a man who’d endured and survived, a man who knew his limits, a man who regarded the world with a sardonic smile”. An accurate description of him, Jack has suffered the pain of losing his wife and has two daughters to look out for. It appears he went into this operation with his eyes closed and is now in a quandary over his involvement with the OMG and their illegal activities. Will he be able to extract himself from this situation without dire consequences?
Back on land, the tensions between Callam and Lauren increase – and not always in a bad way. Callam appears to have “snuck under Lauren’s defences”.
Callam, of course, is a man after my own heart (hubba hubba). Unbeknownst to Lauren, he has been in love with her for 3 years. Originally having hidden his thoughts of Lauren with “wayward cynicism” he has come to realise that he has misjudged her and throughout the story attempts to make up for it. He feels that the uncomplimentary encounter with her in a pub two months after Gavin’s death, which created all the hostility between them, was unjustified and done in the heat of the moment.
Lauren, not wanting to dwell on her growing feelings for Callam which she feels could consume her, decides to retrace the steps of the last camping trip she took with Gavin and some friends and takes a few weeks leave over the first anniversary of his death - this, in order to try and “say goodbye” to Gavin and re-evaluate her life.
However, travelling back home from her camping trip, Lauren takes a wrong turn and finds herself near the property that Mel mentioned in her phone call, and her curiosity gets the better of her. What follows is a nail-biting climax from which I wasn’t sure the characters would extricate themselves.
On a journey which takes you from Cairns to the outback region of Cape York, will Callam and Lauren be able to overcome their old animosities to outwit, outrun and ultimately out-fly the traffickers?
Being a South African living in Australia, I have found it so refreshing to read books by authors of my adopted country. With all the “Aussie lingo” and scenic descriptions, especially with this one being based in Queensland, Helene Young makes me feel right at home.
In my personal opinion, Helene is a really talented author and one who appears to have grown since the writing of Wings of Fear. She has the creative ability of balancing the right amount of intrigue, suspense and romance in her writing - and a fabulous sense of humour to boot – a True Blue Aussie.
The descriptive manner in which Helene conveys the characters’ surroundings ensures that you will feel like you are actually at the scene. The characters thoughts, too, draw you in, making way for a deep, personal and long-lasting connection. Of course, one of the many things I loved about this novel was the fact that Helene weaves in the true meaning of “mateship”.
All in all, I found this to be a riveting and incredibly entertaining page-turner with a cleverly crafted plot. The revelation of the true identity of one of the OMG members is going to leave you wanting to race out and get your hands on the next book in the trilogy, Burning Lies – I know I am.
July 15, 2014
The second book in the Border Watch series. LOVE that this series is set in Australia - Queensland at that! Really happy that we get to read Lauren's story. We meet Lauren in the first book Wings of Fear in which she suffers the devastating loss of a close friend. In this book, she is still coming to terms with the loss, and finding new friendships along the way. (And of course, helping bust a serious smuggling operation along the way)...
A great read!
A great read!
June 1, 2017
A well crafted, well written story. My only quibble is with the overuse - to my taste anyway - of bad language. I feel that a few instances can add the grit an author/publisher is after, while too many instances make it feel contrived. That's just my 2 cents of course! Apart from that, this was an enjoyable read.
September 3, 2017
Oh! This novel had so much potential! A lot of suspense, a bit of romance, a cyclone, bad biker gang who are in the business of smuggling. And Australia as the setting? And a bold young woman pilot? Happy feet, dancing.
But the writing was off and the romance was slightly boring.
But the writing was off and the romance was slightly boring.
March 27, 2015
Another well written and exciting story from Helene Young. Romance is not a genre I read, but Helene Young's books include plenty of action and suspense, and lots of local colour, so it's a book that can be enjoyed on several levels.
It's obviously written by someone who knows her area well, and has a lot of experience in a world that's unfamiliar to most of us - flying surveillance aircraft for Customs. "Shattered Sky" is also set in the same place as "Border Watch", but with a different heroine. Morgan, the main character in "Border Watch", is now in the background, and Lauren, the feisty younger crew member in the first book, is now centre stage. Drugs, bird and reptile smuggling, and an international prostitution racket involving southern bikies are all part of a good lively plot, with plenty of human drama and tension.
It's a good, pacy read, and deserves to be in all the airport bookshops!
It's obviously written by someone who knows her area well, and has a lot of experience in a world that's unfamiliar to most of us - flying surveillance aircraft for Customs. "Shattered Sky" is also set in the same place as "Border Watch", but with a different heroine. Morgan, the main character in "Border Watch", is now in the background, and Lauren, the feisty younger crew member in the first book, is now centre stage. Drugs, bird and reptile smuggling, and an international prostitution racket involving southern bikies are all part of a good lively plot, with plenty of human drama and tension.
It's a good, pacy read, and deserves to be in all the airport bookshops!
May 31, 2011
I was tossing between 3 and 4 stars, and if given the chance would probably choose 3.7. I love the heroine Lauren Bennett, such a unique character, doing a traditional male-type job with gusto and passion, yet she is still a very feminine character. There is a lot of technical bits and pieces, which I found refreshing, but sometimes it seemed to distract from the flow of the story.
The romantic side for me was a bit long winded, but that might just show how unsentimental I am/was at the time I was reading it, not the quality of the writing/story.
I was expecting a bit of a showdown with the main bad guy, and Lauren, but it did not happen face-to-face, but this could happen in any subsequent novels, which I think could happen as Lauren is a character with potential.
The romantic side for me was a bit long winded, but that might just show how unsentimental I am/was at the time I was reading it, not the quality of the writing/story.
I was expecting a bit of a showdown with the main bad guy, and Lauren, but it did not happen face-to-face, but this could happen in any subsequent novels, which I think could happen as Lauren is a character with potential.
February 26, 2015
I am fast becoming a huge fan of Helene Young because she writes so well!!! I enjoy the flying action in her books and in this one even more so. I unintentionally stayed up late to finish this novel because I simply could not put it down. It just kept getting better and better. The last third of the novel was utterly gripping with its non-stop action and unexpected surprises along the way. Nicely connected with the events and characters of her first novel "Wings of Fear", "Shattered Sky" brings a unique story all of its own and takes readers on a journey of healing through self-forgiveness as the female protagonist lets go of her past to face an optimistic prospect with the solidarity of a new man in her life. I'm starting the last book in the trilogy tonight!!
August 27, 2011
I found Shattered Sky a very interesting read. I liked the characters but I felt that they could have been developed a little more deeper. I really enjoyed reading this book because it was different. I had a little bit of a struggle with understanding the navy lingo and the differences between the U.S. and Australia (i.e. the metric system). At the same time, I found reading this story refreshing because it wasn't a U.S. book, which is what I'm used to reading. The plot of the book was good but tended to get a little confusing. I really enjoyed some of the twists in the story and I found I really liked how the immoral characters weren't really what they appeared.
July 30, 2012
After reading Wings of Fear, I knew I had another must read author to add to my list and Shattered Sky didn't disappoint. I was introduced to Lauren in the first book and as a spunky character I was glad that this book was about her.
Lauren is having to come to terms with losing a loved one and letting someone new in, and whilst this is happening she is finding herself in the middle of an organized bikie ring and all that entails.
Loved the action of this story mixed with the emotional development between Lauren and Callum.
A definite recommend.
Lauren is having to come to terms with losing a loved one and letting someone new in, and whilst this is happening she is finding herself in the middle of an organized bikie ring and all that entails.
Loved the action of this story mixed with the emotional development between Lauren and Callum.
A definite recommend.
June 9, 2019
I LOVED this book! I was hooked with Border Watch (now re-released as Wings of Fear) and I couldn't wait to read her second novel. I was not disappointed - I can't begin to tell you how great it is to read about places... REAL places in Australia where I've actually been, and have them transformed as places where drama, action and suspense explode from the pages! Fantastic - I couldn't put it down!
September 4, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, it grabbed my attention from the start and at times found it hard to put the book down, the only thing that stopped me from giving it 5stars was the character of Lauren Bennett, she started out strong, but came across as headstrong and foolish in the middle, although she did redeem herself for the finale.
October 9, 2012
I read the whole thing on Sunday, while my husband watched Bathurst - lucky it's a long race so I didn't feel guilty reading all day!
I finally got to unclench my stomach muscles from "helping" fight the bad guys.
Another great read Helene!
I finally got to unclench my stomach muscles from "helping" fight the bad guys.
Another great read Helene!
July 27, 2013
I enjoyed this book, the action and story line about refugees being exploited was great. The romance side was slightly corny at first, but over all made an enjoyable read. I will be reading more of Helene Young
May 8, 2014
I have to admit, romantic suspense isn't usually my genre, but I saw Helene talk at a Sisters in Crime event in Melbourne and she won me over with her humour and stories. Shattered Sky really transports you to the Aussie outback, and the main characters are pleasingly contrary.
June 5, 2011
Great Australian backdrop, thrilling action and best of all a gorgeous Navy man by the name of Callum Granger - what more can you ask for? This was a great read!
July 15, 2011
This was another great book I loved Lauren and Callum's story kept me on the edge of me seat throughout the book a real page turner
March 22, 2012
I really enjoyed this book and love reading about a part of our great country that we don't read about much.
January 21, 2013
Great Story
January 10, 2013
A great read. Fast paced and engrossing.
July 7, 2013
Excellent. Smart, gripping suspense romance with a fantastic heroine, who's not going to change her name. Hurrah!
September 4, 2013
In Shattered Sky, Helene delivers an exciting and engaging romantic suspense novel. An emotional and touching story.
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