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King of Dirt
A gritty and heartfelt gay coming-of-age story set in the world of FIFO workers and tradies in Western Australia, from the author of the bestselling Invisible Boys
Giacomo Brolo, aka Jack, is a mess. He works piecemeal construction gigs in remote WA, drinks himself to oblivion and is estranged from his family and friends. He's consumed by a self-loathing all too common for closeted men who have grown up in a world of hate and shame.
But then Jack returns to his regional hometown of Geraldton for a family wedding. He hasn't been back since he fled at the age of eighteen, and his past soon catches up with him.
Turns out Jack's deeply conservative Italian family would prefer he remained in the closet. Then he finds out he may have conceived a son with his teenage girlfriend, and now Jack needs to convince her and her new husband that he's fit to be a father figure. And whatever happened to Xavier, the former schoolmate who Jack was in love with and whose rejection spurred him to leave Geraldton in the first place?
Is Jack doomed to live a dead-end life–or can he open himself up to the possibility of love, found family and connection?
Giacomo Brolo, aka Jack, is a mess. He works piecemeal construction gigs in remote WA, drinks himself to oblivion and is estranged from his family and friends. He's consumed by a self-loathing all too common for closeted men who have grown up in a world of hate and shame.
But then Jack returns to his regional hometown of Geraldton for a family wedding. He hasn't been back since he fled at the age of eighteen, and his past soon catches up with him.
Turns out Jack's deeply conservative Italian family would prefer he remained in the closet. Then he finds out he may have conceived a son with his teenage girlfriend, and now Jack needs to convince her and her new husband that he's fit to be a father figure. And whatever happened to Xavier, the former schoolmate who Jack was in love with and whose rejection spurred him to leave Geraldton in the first place?
Is Jack doomed to live a dead-end life–or can he open himself up to the possibility of love, found family and connection?
Audible Audio
Published June 3, 2025
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About the author
Holden Sheppard
12 books417 followersHolden Sheppard is an award-winning Australian novelist once described as "the lovechild of Rambo and Rimbaud". A country boy, a weightlifter and a self-proclaimed “bromosexual”, Holden has won acclaim for the raw, blokey honesty of his emotional novels about the modern experiences of Aussie men.
Holden's bestselling debut Invisible Boys (Fremantle Press, 2019) - a confessional novel about young gay men growing up in rural Australia - picked up major accolades including the WA Premier's Prize, the Kathleen Mitchell Award and the Hungerford Award. In 2025, Invisible Boys was adapted as a critically acclaimed ten-episode television series for Stan Australia, which was the #1 most watched series on that platform nationally upon release.
Holden's second book The Brink (Text Publishing, 2022) – a suspenseful thriller about young adults grappling with life after high school against the backdrop of a shocking murder – won the 2024 Ena Noel Award and the 2023 Indie Book Award. The Brink was also shortlisted for the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs), the Queensland Writers Centre's Adaptable Program, and both the NSW and SA Premiers' Awards.
Holden's groundbreaking new novel King of Dirt (Pantera Press, 2025) is a powerful and unfiltered exploration of the rough and rugged world of gay tradies and construction workers. Gritty and heartfelt, King of Dirt has won early praise for its unflinching authenticity and has been compared to a modern-day Brokeback Mountain.
Holden has worked as a screenwriter, writing two episodes of the Invisible Boys series, has had numerous short stories published in books, and has had multiple articles published in the media. He has worked a wide range of day jobs - from storeman, labourer and excavator operator through to call-centre operator, banker and salesman. Holden is an outspoken advocate for artists' rights, gay rights and mental health initiatives, especially for men. He served as Deputy Chair of Writing WA for four years from 2019-2023.
Known for a trademark larrikin humour that counterbalances the heavier content of his books, Holden appeared in the 2022 "Bogans" episode of hit ABC TV series You Can't Ask That, was once featured in a bourbon advertisement, and barracks for the Collingwood Football Club.
Born and bred in Geraldton, Western Australia, Holden now lives in Perth's far north with his husband and his V8 ute.
Holden's bestselling debut Invisible Boys (Fremantle Press, 2019) - a confessional novel about young gay men growing up in rural Australia - picked up major accolades including the WA Premier's Prize, the Kathleen Mitchell Award and the Hungerford Award. In 2025, Invisible Boys was adapted as a critically acclaimed ten-episode television series for Stan Australia, which was the #1 most watched series on that platform nationally upon release.
Holden's second book The Brink (Text Publishing, 2022) – a suspenseful thriller about young adults grappling with life after high school against the backdrop of a shocking murder – won the 2024 Ena Noel Award and the 2023 Indie Book Award. The Brink was also shortlisted for the Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIAs), the Queensland Writers Centre's Adaptable Program, and both the NSW and SA Premiers' Awards.
Holden's groundbreaking new novel King of Dirt (Pantera Press, 2025) is a powerful and unfiltered exploration of the rough and rugged world of gay tradies and construction workers. Gritty and heartfelt, King of Dirt has won early praise for its unflinching authenticity and has been compared to a modern-day Brokeback Mountain.
Holden has worked as a screenwriter, writing two episodes of the Invisible Boys series, has had numerous short stories published in books, and has had multiple articles published in the media. He has worked a wide range of day jobs - from storeman, labourer and excavator operator through to call-centre operator, banker and salesman. Holden is an outspoken advocate for artists' rights, gay rights and mental health initiatives, especially for men. He served as Deputy Chair of Writing WA for four years from 2019-2023.
Known for a trademark larrikin humour that counterbalances the heavier content of his books, Holden appeared in the 2022 "Bogans" episode of hit ABC TV series You Can't Ask That, was once featured in a bourbon advertisement, and barracks for the Collingwood Football Club.
Born and bred in Geraldton, Western Australia, Holden now lives in Perth's far north with his husband and his V8 ute.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
October 28, 2025
so masc it hurts.
Jack works construction in rural Western Australia, after returning to his hometown of Geraldton (same as invisible boys - love!!!) he reconnects with family, friends and old relationships.
this story explores the struggles of family, religion and homophobia in Australia, from a VERY Aussie, unapologetically masculine, almost occa viewpoint. I’ve never read a book like it. I’m used to hot sexy jocks in most queer books I’ve read. But it was refreshing to read something different.
if there’s one thing Holden Sheppard is gonna do… it’s use a metaphor. my god there was A LOT of metaphors in this book. but some of them were really fantastic
Loved the line “Now the can is open, and the worms are gonna eat me alive”. Holden can paint a picture very well and it’s one of those “watching a movie in my head” books - which I love.
Did I fully connect to the story? Don’t think so. But I found it very enjoyable all the same and LOVED the journey it took me on and where it landed. I do recommend.
Jack works construction in rural Western Australia, after returning to his hometown of Geraldton (same as invisible boys - love!!!) he reconnects with family, friends and old relationships.
this story explores the struggles of family, religion and homophobia in Australia, from a VERY Aussie, unapologetically masculine, almost occa viewpoint. I’ve never read a book like it. I’m used to hot sexy jocks in most queer books I’ve read. But it was refreshing to read something different.
if there’s one thing Holden Sheppard is gonna do… it’s use a metaphor. my god there was A LOT of metaphors in this book. but some of them were really fantastic
Loved the line “Now the can is open, and the worms are gonna eat me alive”. Holden can paint a picture very well and it’s one of those “watching a movie in my head” books - which I love.
Did I fully connect to the story? Don’t think so. But I found it very enjoyable all the same and LOVED the journey it took me on and where it landed. I do recommend.
July 10, 2025
✰ 3.5 stars ✰
If you're a reader whose delicate sensibilities are easily offended, then I can assure you. This will test your limits. Not only in its crassness in detail, or the very crude depiction of certain real-life moments that are better left unsaid, the masculine gritty raw nature in behavior, as well as the very abject basis of good tolerance and faith that has you wonder how people can be so devoted to their beliefs on one hand and still spiral in the way of human decency. 😞
Returning home after sixteen years of silence and absence definitely opens its fair share of canned worms that Jack was certainly not prepared for. How he goes about handling it definitely is a make or break situation, even for readers. 🥺 Elena was a MVP; a true sport and confidante and a woman who didn't hesitate to show Jack who's boss, let alone remind him that he's not alone in his plight, despite how he did unfairly use her; which, no doubt, people would be offended by.
“I wish such a king existed, and that he cared enough about someone like me to touch my nothing life and turn it into gold.”
But, Jack, the jagged piece that didn’t fit, doesn't have it easy. And being caught in his emotions and thoughts is difficult, because you know he's making mistakes and questionable choices, and you're struggling to figure out how he's going to break free of all these hindrances and overbearing pressures put on him, when all he wants is a second chance, to dispel his own internalized homophobia, or even an explanation for why things turned south the way they did. How did he lose so much and why is the world still so turned against him.
Through talking and understanding do these problems air themselves out. His relationship with his son, Daniel, is a cathartic and a decisive one that shows how, at thirty-four, he is determined to step up to the plate, to be a father to his son who is not okay. With the simplest gestures of kindness and this intimate bond that is special only to the two of them do we see the hopeful reward for a future. 🫂
“Why am I shoving myself back in the closet when I finally accepted who I am?”
You will dislike Jack's Italian Catholic family with a passion so much so that I just wanted to --
It's painfully heartbreaking to see just how cruel they are. Once you see it, you can never unsee it. 💢 It's the unspoken and unresolved tension that circles in Jack's very being that even as a grown man, he's helpless in front of the critical eyes of those he only ever wanted to be loved and feel like he belonged. A discarded outcast in his own family, rejected without reason from the only boy he ever gave his most honest heart to. ❤️🩹
As much as there was that still deeply rooted unresolved emotional trauma between him and Xavier - palpable ache of years of heartbreak - I do wish their present day dynamic could have been more toned out; despite how there still existed lingering sentiments between the two, it felt oddly balanced. 😕 I still grieved for the time lost; I felt for their heartbreak and how outside interference prevented what could have been. It just felt a bit rushed in reconnecting, esp. how Jack was so keen on reuniting with him.
The lingo is very Aussie; and it shines in Jack's interactions and the depiction of the places and people he acquaints himself with upon his return to his hometown. It's a bit straining at times, but I think Jack's own self-deprecating emotions towards himself are challenging enough. He's really at rock bottom, ridden with guilt, a defeated soul, so low that feelings of Toilet is home is where he drowns his lonely sorrows happily. 😢 So, just to see him pull himself out of the gutter and into someone - not admirable, but with purpose and resolve and intent that he no longer needs the acceptance of those vile kin is rewarding enough to witness. As tough and rocky a road it was to get there.
And y'know what I also found sad, but ironic.
“I don’t know if you are real, but I believe, if you are, you would love us.”
People criticize and condemn gay people, calling them an abomination or even hurtling spiteful words to them that they'd never be loved by God. It's a hard hurts and conflicting thoughts that plagues Jack when he does visit the Church. But, after all that was said and done to Jack, what he experienced at the hands of his family, his lost love, his newly-discovered son, and his newfound kindred spirit in Elena, it was his final conversation with God that had me tearing up. 🥺
How lost and searching he was in his words to Him, and yet, it was filled with so much love and hope, that it was perhaps the one and only moment where my heart truly felt something. The accumulation of all that pent-up rage and loneliness and sadness and frustration built up to this quiet testament for being seen... 🙏🏻
And to the author, this inquiring mind would like to know?
Is there any chance of either Spencer or Daniel having their own personal spin-off story?
Was there perhaps a personal self-insert of when Jack takes 'a second look at two blokes walking down Marine Terrace holding hands', a small but loud step of how happiness shines when you're brave and free to express openly who you love. 👨🏻❤️👨🏽
“Sometimes life gives us good shit at bad times, and we gotta run with it.”
If you're a reader whose delicate sensibilities are easily offended, then I can assure you. This will test your limits. Not only in its crassness in detail, or the very crude depiction of certain real-life moments that are better left unsaid, the masculine gritty raw nature in behavior, as well as the very abject basis of good tolerance and faith that has you wonder how people can be so devoted to their beliefs on one hand and still spiral in the way of human decency. 😞
Returning home after sixteen years of silence and absence definitely opens its fair share of canned worms that Jack was certainly not prepared for. How he goes about handling it definitely is a make or break situation, even for readers. 🥺 Elena was a MVP; a true sport and confidante and a woman who didn't hesitate to show Jack who's boss, let alone remind him that he's not alone in his plight, despite how he did unfairly use her; which, no doubt, people would be offended by.
“I wish such a king existed, and that he cared enough about someone like me to touch my nothing life and turn it into gold.”
But, Jack, the jagged piece that didn’t fit, doesn't have it easy. And being caught in his emotions and thoughts is difficult, because you know he's making mistakes and questionable choices, and you're struggling to figure out how he's going to break free of all these hindrances and overbearing pressures put on him, when all he wants is a second chance, to dispel his own internalized homophobia, or even an explanation for why things turned south the way they did. How did he lose so much and why is the world still so turned against him.
Through talking and understanding do these problems air themselves out. His relationship with his son, Daniel, is a cathartic and a decisive one that shows how, at thirty-four, he is determined to step up to the plate, to be a father to his son who is not okay. With the simplest gestures of kindness and this intimate bond that is special only to the two of them do we see the hopeful reward for a future. 🫂
“Why am I shoving myself back in the closet when I finally accepted who I am?”
You will dislike Jack's Italian Catholic family with a passion so much so that I just wanted to --
It's painfully heartbreaking to see just how cruel they are. Once you see it, you can never unsee it. 💢 It's the unspoken and unresolved tension that circles in Jack's very being that even as a grown man, he's helpless in front of the critical eyes of those he only ever wanted to be loved and feel like he belonged. A discarded outcast in his own family, rejected without reason from the only boy he ever gave his most honest heart to. ❤️🩹
As much as there was that still deeply rooted unresolved emotional trauma between him and Xavier - palpable ache of years of heartbreak - I do wish their present day dynamic could have been more toned out; despite how there still existed lingering sentiments between the two, it felt oddly balanced. 😕 I still grieved for the time lost; I felt for their heartbreak and how outside interference prevented what could have been. It just felt a bit rushed in reconnecting, esp. how Jack was so keen on reuniting with him.
The lingo is very Aussie; and it shines in Jack's interactions and the depiction of the places and people he acquaints himself with upon his return to his hometown. It's a bit straining at times, but I think Jack's own self-deprecating emotions towards himself are challenging enough. He's really at rock bottom, ridden with guilt, a defeated soul, so low that feelings of Toilet is home is where he drowns his lonely sorrows happily. 😢 So, just to see him pull himself out of the gutter and into someone - not admirable, but with purpose and resolve and intent that he no longer needs the acceptance of those vile kin is rewarding enough to witness. As tough and rocky a road it was to get there.
And y'know what I also found sad, but ironic.
“I don’t know if you are real, but I believe, if you are, you would love us.”
People criticize and condemn gay people, calling them an abomination or even hurtling spiteful words to them that they'd never be loved by God. It's a hard hurts and conflicting thoughts that plagues Jack when he does visit the Church. But, after all that was said and done to Jack, what he experienced at the hands of his family, his lost love, his newly-discovered son, and his newfound kindred spirit in Elena, it was his final conversation with God that had me tearing up. 🥺
How lost and searching he was in his words to Him, and yet, it was filled with so much love and hope, that it was perhaps the one and only moment where my heart truly felt something. The accumulation of all that pent-up rage and loneliness and sadness and frustration built up to this quiet testament for being seen... 🙏🏻
And to the author, this inquiring mind would like to know?
Is there any chance of either Spencer or Daniel having their own personal spin-off story?
Was there perhaps a personal self-insert of when Jack takes 'a second look at two blokes walking down Marine Terrace holding hands', a small but loud step of how happiness shines when you're brave and free to express openly who you love. 👨🏻❤️👨🏽
May 11, 2025
Holden needs to trademark “bro-job” ASAP!! It’s genius and I plan to use it often. *wink*
But for real, it says a lot about how talented an author is when they can jump from writing YA to adult contemporary and make it feel totally natural. Mr. Sheppard absolutely nails it with King Of Dirt. It’s thoughtful, emotional, sexy, a little dramatic, all the good stuff, and he balances it all so well. It just works.
5 stars. I’m 2 for 2 with giving Holden’s books 5 stars now, he’s that good.
But for real, it says a lot about how talented an author is when they can jump from writing YA to adult contemporary and make it feel totally natural. Mr. Sheppard absolutely nails it with King Of Dirt. It’s thoughtful, emotional, sexy, a little dramatic, all the good stuff, and he balances it all so well. It just works.
5 stars. I’m 2 for 2 with giving Holden’s books 5 stars now, he’s that good.
July 28, 2025
This book is full of heart and honesty and that’s why it’s amazing. And full of things that I like - Italian-Australians, gay people, afl and WA. read it!
June 3, 2025
Happy publication day 🥳🎉🎧
King of Dirt is an absolute triumph. I barely blinked from beginning to end. It’s all story, all substance, all heart. I laughed hard, I shed a few tears I was consumed with rage and I rooted for Giacomo all the way through. There were moments I wanted to throw fists on his behalf, moments I wanted to drag him out of his family and show him unconditional love. The ending was brilliant, exactly what I wanted to happen! It’s really hard not to spoiler this story 🤔
Trigger warnings apply for homophobia, racism, self harm and suicide and coarse language throughout.
The narration was excellent.
Huge thanks to Wavesound from W F Howes LTD and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
King of Dirt is an absolute triumph. I barely blinked from beginning to end. It’s all story, all substance, all heart. I laughed hard, I shed a few tears I was consumed with rage and I rooted for Giacomo all the way through. There were moments I wanted to throw fists on his behalf, moments I wanted to drag him out of his family and show him unconditional love. The ending was brilliant, exactly what I wanted to happen! It’s really hard not to spoiler this story 🤔
Trigger warnings apply for homophobia, racism, self harm and suicide and coarse language throughout.
The narration was excellent.
Huge thanks to Wavesound from W F Howes LTD and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
June 8, 2025
Maaate. I picked this up on a whim and finished it in a weekend, felt a bunch of feelings, and now I'm not quite sure what to do with myself. It's a great read, beautifully written, and a fresh kind of queer bogan representation you don't exactly see a lot of. I really loved it.
June 23, 2025
This is one of the best adult fiction LGBTIQ novels I’ve read in my time. Lots of attitude and raw energy. I loved the way the story played out and I felt right at home with it.
August 17, 2025
brain is soup but this finished so strong and I'll be back with a proper review istg
June 7, 2025
King of hearts
So much about how you review a book like “King of Dirt” will depend on how you see its main character Giacomo Brolo… aka Jack. You see this whole book is told from Jack’s point of view, through Jack’s language and through Jack’s own mind’s eye. He is a character who, at the start of this book, is in a really dark place. He drinks heavily, takes drugs and gets into fights. He hates himself both physically and internally. He is so repulsed by his homosexuality that he has to hurt himself when he succumbs to temptation. He has no friends and cares about hardly anything outside his beloved Ute. He is going nowhere in life, except towards an early grave. And this self-destructive path surrounds him so tightly that he has made himself into an island, so no one can reach him. Unable to voice his pain and what he needs, he lashes out, hurting himself and those around him. But beneath all of that is a beautifully innocent light. Someone desperately in need of love and acceptance. Someone who thinks he has nothing to give but would give it all if given the chance. And that’s the beauty that Holden Sheppard has managed to draw out of this intense book.
Very much like his previous book “Invisible Boys” this is a book that comes from a deeply emotional place. It casts its eye on the darker corner of masculinity and shows us what such toxicity can do. Bigotry and prejudice seem to be the narrative currency for many of the characters, and that can make for a hard read. But there is something about Jack’s voice that makes this book endearing. You want to read on. You’re desperate to see some change for the better. You want to see his life improve.
Whenever I pick up a Holden Sheppard book I know I’m not going to be in for a cosy, comfort read. He won’t be describing the beauty in Australia or the romantic side of life. He shows us some of the grittier parts of life. A picture of life that is as much from his imagination as it is from his own experience. He brings an honesty to his books that very few authors are brave enough to do. After all, if a book is too emotionally dark it’s going to affect its sale. You’re unlikely to find those books on many readers’ TBR lists. But ignore this book at your peril. Now, it’s a tough read to be sure. But aren’t some of the toughest journeys some of the most rewarding. And this book is definitely that. Part of me wishes Holden Sheppard would write more books, or at least publish more than one every couple of years. But I’m not sure my nerves could cope. That said, I would always choose quality over quantity any day of the week. And on that count, this book does not disappoint.
One of the other things that made this book such an incredible experience for me was when I heard the audio version of it. Hearing Holden Sheppard’s words spoken by Barton Welch brought this book to life in ways my feeble British imagination couldn’t do. He was incredible at capturing all the different Australian colloquialisms and making them flow effortlessly into my understanding. Even his Italian dialect had a natural feel to it. But it was the emotion that he brought to the book that really lifted it beyond a normal reading experience. His voice married perfectly with Holden’s words making the whole experience much more immersive. So whether you pick up the book itself or it’s audio sibling, you will not be disappointed as this is a book that will stay in your heart for a very long time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So much about how you review a book like “King of Dirt” will depend on how you see its main character Giacomo Brolo… aka Jack. You see this whole book is told from Jack’s point of view, through Jack’s language and through Jack’s own mind’s eye. He is a character who, at the start of this book, is in a really dark place. He drinks heavily, takes drugs and gets into fights. He hates himself both physically and internally. He is so repulsed by his homosexuality that he has to hurt himself when he succumbs to temptation. He has no friends and cares about hardly anything outside his beloved Ute. He is going nowhere in life, except towards an early grave. And this self-destructive path surrounds him so tightly that he has made himself into an island, so no one can reach him. Unable to voice his pain and what he needs, he lashes out, hurting himself and those around him. But beneath all of that is a beautifully innocent light. Someone desperately in need of love and acceptance. Someone who thinks he has nothing to give but would give it all if given the chance. And that’s the beauty that Holden Sheppard has managed to draw out of this intense book.
Very much like his previous book “Invisible Boys” this is a book that comes from a deeply emotional place. It casts its eye on the darker corner of masculinity and shows us what such toxicity can do. Bigotry and prejudice seem to be the narrative currency for many of the characters, and that can make for a hard read. But there is something about Jack’s voice that makes this book endearing. You want to read on. You’re desperate to see some change for the better. You want to see his life improve.
Whenever I pick up a Holden Sheppard book I know I’m not going to be in for a cosy, comfort read. He won’t be describing the beauty in Australia or the romantic side of life. He shows us some of the grittier parts of life. A picture of life that is as much from his imagination as it is from his own experience. He brings an honesty to his books that very few authors are brave enough to do. After all, if a book is too emotionally dark it’s going to affect its sale. You’re unlikely to find those books on many readers’ TBR lists. But ignore this book at your peril. Now, it’s a tough read to be sure. But aren’t some of the toughest journeys some of the most rewarding. And this book is definitely that. Part of me wishes Holden Sheppard would write more books, or at least publish more than one every couple of years. But I’m not sure my nerves could cope. That said, I would always choose quality over quantity any day of the week. And on that count, this book does not disappoint.
One of the other things that made this book such an incredible experience for me was when I heard the audio version of it. Hearing Holden Sheppard’s words spoken by Barton Welch brought this book to life in ways my feeble British imagination couldn’t do. He was incredible at capturing all the different Australian colloquialisms and making them flow effortlessly into my understanding. Even his Italian dialect had a natural feel to it. But it was the emotion that he brought to the book that really lifted it beyond a normal reading experience. His voice married perfectly with Holden’s words making the whole experience much more immersive. So whether you pick up the book itself or it’s audio sibling, you will not be disappointed as this is a book that will stay in your heart for a very long time.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2025
"I'm a square peg in a round hole. Tryna fit in places I don't belong, where I'm not loved, has bent me out of shape and made me sick.
I can't ever get better if I stay here."
There's nothing like Aussie fiction!!!!!
I can't ever get better if I stay here."
There's nothing like Aussie fiction!!!!!
November 28, 2025
Few books get me in the feels but the Bob conversation made some tears. This is the kinda book I wish I had 20 years ago.
December 12, 2025
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
👷♂️King of Dirt signals my introduction to Holden Sheppard’s writing. What struck me from the very beginning of this novel was the frank and very open voice this narrative establishes from the onset. Linked to this is the richly depicted true blue setting. As someone who has lived in Perth for much of my adult life, I found the mining and construction lifestyle experience presented in the story to be very relatable. This is a lifestyle many WA and Australian residents understand all too well.
👷♂️King of Dirt introduces us to Jack. Sheppard’s lead is a rough-edged construction worker who seems to drift between isolated jobs located in remote locations of Western Australia. When his gruelling shifts are over, Jack often drowns his feelings in alcohol and self-punishment, as he grapples with his desires, his sexuality and the past. We learn that Jack is estranged from his Italian family. His sister Lucy is his only trusted family member. When Jack is invited to a family wedding by his sister, he gets more than he bargained for, especially when some ghosts of the past come to the surface.
👷♂️From the first page Sheppard’s prose spoke to me as incredibly honest and unfiltered, complete with a unique West Aussie flavour. Jack is presented as quite flawed but this makes him all the more real. I was emotionally moved in many spots by his struggles with his sense of self, his dark thoughts and his overall wellbeing (triggers with mental health/self harm here). It is upsetting to read just how unforgiving his family unit are, especially his parents. These scenes were depicted well and highlight some important issues with denial, suppression, avoidance, the weight of expectation, acceptance, lifestyle choices and love.
King of Dirt is a book that quietly crept up on me highlighting its power on the page to place me directly in Jack’s difficult life, completely with its rawness, recklessness, search to belong and connect, the angst, regret, rejection, frustration, betrayal, letdowns and deep emotional cuts. It all may sound quite bleak but Sheppard balances the hard moments with segments of humour, light, compassion, hope, positive links and self-acceptance. The conclusion left me with a sense of optimism for Jack.
I enjoyed my first read from Holden Sheppard and I was struck by how his narrative voice was full of fierce conviction. It’s great to be able to support our home grown WA authors. Get behind this one and the tour!
👷♂️King of Dirt signals my introduction to Holden Sheppard’s writing. What struck me from the very beginning of this novel was the frank and very open voice this narrative establishes from the onset. Linked to this is the richly depicted true blue setting. As someone who has lived in Perth for much of my adult life, I found the mining and construction lifestyle experience presented in the story to be very relatable. This is a lifestyle many WA and Australian residents understand all too well.
👷♂️King of Dirt introduces us to Jack. Sheppard’s lead is a rough-edged construction worker who seems to drift between isolated jobs located in remote locations of Western Australia. When his gruelling shifts are over, Jack often drowns his feelings in alcohol and self-punishment, as he grapples with his desires, his sexuality and the past. We learn that Jack is estranged from his Italian family. His sister Lucy is his only trusted family member. When Jack is invited to a family wedding by his sister, he gets more than he bargained for, especially when some ghosts of the past come to the surface.
👷♂️From the first page Sheppard’s prose spoke to me as incredibly honest and unfiltered, complete with a unique West Aussie flavour. Jack is presented as quite flawed but this makes him all the more real. I was emotionally moved in many spots by his struggles with his sense of self, his dark thoughts and his overall wellbeing (triggers with mental health/self harm here). It is upsetting to read just how unforgiving his family unit are, especially his parents. These scenes were depicted well and highlight some important issues with denial, suppression, avoidance, the weight of expectation, acceptance, lifestyle choices and love.
King of Dirt is a book that quietly crept up on me highlighting its power on the page to place me directly in Jack’s difficult life, completely with its rawness, recklessness, search to belong and connect, the angst, regret, rejection, frustration, betrayal, letdowns and deep emotional cuts. It all may sound quite bleak but Sheppard balances the hard moments with segments of humour, light, compassion, hope, positive links and self-acceptance. The conclusion left me with a sense of optimism for Jack.
I enjoyed my first read from Holden Sheppard and I was struck by how his narrative voice was full of fierce conviction. It’s great to be able to support our home grown WA authors. Get behind this one and the tour!
July 8, 2025
Big thanks to Pantera Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
A raw and compelling story that reflects the fears, aspirations and acceptance that live in the closet until that big leap into a life where truth erodes the surreptitious past.
Hitchhike a lift in a VE Ute, pack your footy beanie and have your eyes opened in this brilliant read.
Growing up in a country town, being part of a smothering Italian family and being maliciously outed by a so called mate has scarred Jack Brolo.
His escape has not watered down the longing and lust he has to live his truth.
An invitation to return back to Geraldton opens emotional wounds and ignites hope he might find his long lost flame.
Thrust back into a life with a family that hope by denying the past they can forge a false future fuels a determination in Jack.
A reacquaintance, an exposed secret and hope intertwine in a heartfelt and humorous story that defies stereotypes and cements a good dose of authenticity.
A catapult into adult fiction portrays a tumultuous journey many of us make with grit and realism.
Peripherally covering many angles that counteract self and social acceptance and most importantly reiterating that gays come in every shape and size and can be tough as guts blokes.
A raw and compelling story that reflects the fears, aspirations and acceptance that live in the closet until that big leap into a life where truth erodes the surreptitious past.
Hitchhike a lift in a VE Ute, pack your footy beanie and have your eyes opened in this brilliant read.
Growing up in a country town, being part of a smothering Italian family and being maliciously outed by a so called mate has scarred Jack Brolo.
His escape has not watered down the longing and lust he has to live his truth.
An invitation to return back to Geraldton opens emotional wounds and ignites hope he might find his long lost flame.
Thrust back into a life with a family that hope by denying the past they can forge a false future fuels a determination in Jack.
A reacquaintance, an exposed secret and hope intertwine in a heartfelt and humorous story that defies stereotypes and cements a good dose of authenticity.
A catapult into adult fiction portrays a tumultuous journey many of us make with grit and realism.
Peripherally covering many angles that counteract self and social acceptance and most importantly reiterating that gays come in every shape and size and can be tough as guts blokes.
June 11, 2025
This book is top tier!!!
It’s brute, masc, emotion filled & enraging (the mum can absolutely get in the bin)
I loved this story and I hate my job for not allowing me to read this in one sitting!
This story connects so deeply, it’s so real and current. I think everyone needs to read this and appreciate the struggle of a gay man coming to terms with his sexuality, it really compels you and gets you thinking of a bigger picture!
ALSO, MVP is Elena, that bitch is a true friend and I hope everyone has an Elena in their life hahahahahaha.
Holden, you’ve done it again! I didn’t think you could top Invisible Boys (one of my top 5 books of all time) but you did!
It’s brute, masc, emotion filled & enraging (the mum can absolutely get in the bin)
I loved this story and I hate my job for not allowing me to read this in one sitting!
This story connects so deeply, it’s so real and current. I think everyone needs to read this and appreciate the struggle of a gay man coming to terms with his sexuality, it really compels you and gets you thinking of a bigger picture!
ALSO, MVP is Elena, that bitch is a true friend and I hope everyone has an Elena in their life hahahahahaha.
Holden, you’ve done it again! I didn’t think you could top Invisible Boys (one of my top 5 books of all time) but you did!
January 3, 2026
4/01/26
Ok I'm back to write a proper review now
This is the second book by Sheppard I've read. I love how grounded and realistic Jack felt. His portrayal makes you empathise with his internalised homophobia, religious trauma, trauma from abusive family members, and his maladaptive coping mechanisms. Sheppard pulls no punches with the latter in particular.
Behind the bluster and machismo of Jack lies a terrified, hurting boy and to see that facade stripped back time and time again felt raw and almost wrong for us to see something so private.
Jack's journey was tumultuous. I liked how we are shown that he has people who care for him with the same intensity with which he cares for them.
I think Jack IRL would be a difficult person to mesh with. But this book pushes you to have grace, reminds you of the many pieces that make a person, to look beyond someone's outer shell and have empathy.
28/12/25
I have so many emotions
Ok I'm back to write a proper review now
This is the second book by Sheppard I've read. I love how grounded and realistic Jack felt. His portrayal makes you empathise with his internalised homophobia, religious trauma, trauma from abusive family members, and his maladaptive coping mechanisms. Sheppard pulls no punches with the latter in particular.
Behind the bluster and machismo of Jack lies a terrified, hurting boy and to see that facade stripped back time and time again felt raw and almost wrong for us to see something so private.
Jack's journey was tumultuous. I liked how we are shown that he has people who care for him with the same intensity with which he cares for them.
I think Jack IRL would be a difficult person to mesh with. But this book pushes you to have grace, reminds you of the many pieces that make a person, to look beyond someone's outer shell and have empathy.
28/12/25
I have so many emotions
August 13, 2025
4,5 ⭐️
“All the other blokes in the yard hate Spencer cos he’s a homo, but none of them knows I’m secretly a homo too, so I hate Spencer the most.”
It’s a book about identity, internalised homophobia, family trauma, corrosive secrets, and the possibility of choosing to live truthfully, even after everything.
There’s pain, anger, explicit scenes and deeply uncomfortable moments and I’d say it’s exactly because of all that that the book matters.
Sometimes, self-love begins at rock bottom. 🫂
Jack’s courage to confront the past, and the hope that even what we think of as “trash”, even what we believe is unworthy of love, might still grow into something that blooms.
“Every time I delete it I train my body to associate the app and my urges with pain and discomfort…”
“You move to a new town and before long, people try to get to know you, work out who you are, where you come from, what shady secrets you carry like luggage.”
“All the other blokes in the yard hate Spencer cos he’s a homo, but none of them knows I’m secretly a homo too, so I hate Spencer the most.”
It’s a book about identity, internalised homophobia, family trauma, corrosive secrets, and the possibility of choosing to live truthfully, even after everything.
There’s pain, anger, explicit scenes and deeply uncomfortable moments and I’d say it’s exactly because of all that that the book matters.
Sometimes, self-love begins at rock bottom. 🫂
Jack’s courage to confront the past, and the hope that even what we think of as “trash”, even what we believe is unworthy of love, might still grow into something that blooms.
“Every time I delete it I train my body to associate the app and my urges with pain and discomfort…”
“You move to a new town and before long, people try to get to know you, work out who you are, where you come from, what shady secrets you carry like luggage.”
June 20, 2025
I laughed, cried and loved this book. KOD is another 5 star read from Holden Sheppard. It definitely left me with a lot of food for thought to, especially about support systems and the kind of parent I don’t want to be! I started this review with the way the book made me feel and I’ll touch on that again noting Holden does an extremely good job of making you come along for the ride, the good the bad and the ugly. I don’t think anyone could read this and not want to love Jack themselves
Read
July 22, 2025the Most australian book i have ever read. definitely a worthwhile read, especially for a different queer perspective
September 6, 2025
Honeybee walked so King of Dirt could run.
Jack's story hit deep. He's 34, works as a labourer deep in the Nullarbor and drinks himself into oblivion each night. Jack also has some pretty major anger issues- stemmed from confusion over his sexuality and the judgement that comes from his highly religious Italian family.
When it's time to return to Geraldton after many years of absence and virtually no contact, Jack is pretty much forced to put up a front, rather than embrace his new found freedom. The extended Broco family is happy that his 'gayness' has been stamped out and he's in a 'relationship' with an Italian Bella. Still.... Jack had never gotten over his first love of teen mate Xavier and he's just found out that he's got a teenage son...
So begins a journey of self identity and reflection. How can Jack have his cake and eat it as well? There's major pressure to prove himself and others that no matter his sexual orientation that he's still the same Jack, albeit a better version, that they all loved before the s**t hit the fan.
Please be aware that there are some strong themes of homophobia and mental health issues included. Jack finds himself in a negative head space more than once, even considering suicide because of his family's and society's judgement and his own confusion. Luckily, he does discover positive outlets for much needed support. Sheppard has been able to get across the need for men's mental health awareness strongly here.
King of Dirt is authentic, emotional, raw and absolutely 100% bingable. Jack really is a diamond in the rough, being the 'prodigal' youngest child that causes his family grief. He desperately wants to earn that 'king' status, rising above everything and everyone that has hurt him in the past. And maybe, just maybe, he'll get there in the end.
An instant Aussie classic!
5 🌟
Jack's story hit deep. He's 34, works as a labourer deep in the Nullarbor and drinks himself into oblivion each night. Jack also has some pretty major anger issues- stemmed from confusion over his sexuality and the judgement that comes from his highly religious Italian family.
When it's time to return to Geraldton after many years of absence and virtually no contact, Jack is pretty much forced to put up a front, rather than embrace his new found freedom. The extended Broco family is happy that his 'gayness' has been stamped out and he's in a 'relationship' with an Italian Bella. Still.... Jack had never gotten over his first love of teen mate Xavier and he's just found out that he's got a teenage son...
So begins a journey of self identity and reflection. How can Jack have his cake and eat it as well? There's major pressure to prove himself and others that no matter his sexual orientation that he's still the same Jack, albeit a better version, that they all loved before the s**t hit the fan.
Please be aware that there are some strong themes of homophobia and mental health issues included. Jack finds himself in a negative head space more than once, even considering suicide because of his family's and society's judgement and his own confusion. Luckily, he does discover positive outlets for much needed support. Sheppard has been able to get across the need for men's mental health awareness strongly here.
King of Dirt is authentic, emotional, raw and absolutely 100% bingable. Jack really is a diamond in the rough, being the 'prodigal' youngest child that causes his family grief. He desperately wants to earn that 'king' status, rising above everything and everyone that has hurt him in the past. And maybe, just maybe, he'll get there in the end.
An instant Aussie classic!
5 🌟
July 21, 2025
King of Dirt by Holden Sheppard is a gritty, emotional, and deeply Aussie story that doesn't hold back. Narrated brilliantly by Barton Welch, the audiobook brings Giacomo Brolo—aka Jack—to life with a raw, authentic voice that rings true to the harsh beauty of Western Australia.
Set in the rough world of FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) mining life, Jack returns to his hometown of Geraldton for a family wedding. But he's not just carrying baggage—he's drowning in it. Estranged from his Italian family, tormented by self-loathing, and still hiding in the closet, Jack is a mess. His traditional upbringing clashes painfully with who he really is, and his return home forces him to confront everything he’s been running from.
Can Jack find peace, acceptance, and maybe even love, in a world that hasn’t been kind to him?
Sheppard doesn't sugarcoat a thing—this is a raw exploration of masculinity, sexuality, mental health, and identity in regional Australia. It's a hard-hitting, powerful read, and Welch’s narration only amplifies the emotional weight of the story.
Set in the rough world of FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) mining life, Jack returns to his hometown of Geraldton for a family wedding. But he's not just carrying baggage—he's drowning in it. Estranged from his Italian family, tormented by self-loathing, and still hiding in the closet, Jack is a mess. His traditional upbringing clashes painfully with who he really is, and his return home forces him to confront everything he’s been running from.
Can Jack find peace, acceptance, and maybe even love, in a world that hasn’t been kind to him?
Sheppard doesn't sugarcoat a thing—this is a raw exploration of masculinity, sexuality, mental health, and identity in regional Australia. It's a hard-hitting, powerful read, and Welch’s narration only amplifies the emotional weight of the story.
January 22, 2026
I love a book set in WA. All the references to towns and roads I know just make me visualise the story like I’m there. Jacks life stressed me out at times but meeting his family made me understand him more and feel his heartache. Could feel his happiness when he was finally reunited with his love. My first Holden Sheppard read and I couldn’t put it down.
God bless Bob & Elena!
God bless Bob & Elena!
September 14, 2025
Having really loved the TV series Invisible Boys I was excited to read this book. Yes, it’s a coming out story but more importantly it’s a story about family, pride, image, Australian life, and mental health. The main character is fatally flawed but loveable somehow. The whole way through I just wanted him to turn a corner and succeed at something. It’s a flawed and difficult story but this is what makes it a charming and heartfelt read.
January 9, 2026
First book of 2026
Gritty, testosterone - fuelled, desperate, good.
Gritty, testosterone - fuelled, desperate, good.
July 22, 2025
Amazing book, gritty and raw with intense and expansive emotional range. The first few chapters took me a bit to get used to because of how distinctive Jack’s voice is but by page 30 I was HOOKED!!!
July 17, 2025
King of Dirt is honest, raw and heartbreaking storytelling at its finest. This is my first novel by Sheppard and it most certainly won’t be my last. With a unique and authentically Australian voice, Sheppard’s storytelling will draw you in, put you through an emotional wringer and then spit you out the other side wanting more.
The story centres around Giacomo Brolo, aka Jack. At lot of time has passed since he fled Geraldton at the age of 18, so when he returns home for a family wedding, he is disappointed to find that his deeply conservative Italian family still prefer he remain in the closet.
Then he finds out he has a son with his teenage girlfriend…what the fudge…and wonders whatever happened to Xavier, his first love and whose rejection spurred him to leave Geraldton in the first place.
King of Dirt explores the way family can significantly impact and alter the trajectory of your life. In Jack’s case appearances and reputation over family is hard to witness him experience. It was so sad he didn’t have the support and love he obviously needed from his family to be his authentic gay self.
Jack’s inner monologue makes you want to reach into the pages and give him a big hug or, at times, throttle him! He keeps telling himself he has to choose a side in order to be happy, which is not the case.
There is open door spice, drug use, bullying, alcoholism and self harm themes throughout. Making it a bit of a confronting and hard read in places, unapologetically so, but it just works…so very well…adding depth and layers to the story.
Also everyone needs a Bob in their life! This man…couldn’t love him more. Thank goodness Jack had him in his corner.
King of Dirt is an absolute belter and I highly recommend you add this one to your upcoming reads 💙
Thank you to @panterapress and @holdensheppard for having me on this tour!
The story centres around Giacomo Brolo, aka Jack. At lot of time has passed since he fled Geraldton at the age of 18, so when he returns home for a family wedding, he is disappointed to find that his deeply conservative Italian family still prefer he remain in the closet.
Then he finds out he has a son with his teenage girlfriend…what the fudge…and wonders whatever happened to Xavier, his first love and whose rejection spurred him to leave Geraldton in the first place.
King of Dirt explores the way family can significantly impact and alter the trajectory of your life. In Jack’s case appearances and reputation over family is hard to witness him experience. It was so sad he didn’t have the support and love he obviously needed from his family to be his authentic gay self.
Jack’s inner monologue makes you want to reach into the pages and give him a big hug or, at times, throttle him! He keeps telling himself he has to choose a side in order to be happy, which is not the case.
There is open door spice, drug use, bullying, alcoholism and self harm themes throughout. Making it a bit of a confronting and hard read in places, unapologetically so, but it just works…so very well…adding depth and layers to the story.
Also everyone needs a Bob in their life! This man…couldn’t love him more. Thank goodness Jack had him in his corner.
King of Dirt is an absolute belter and I highly recommend you add this one to your upcoming reads 💙
Thank you to @panterapress and @holdensheppard for having me on this tour!
June 30, 2025
‘king of dirt’ is the first holden book i’ve read and i loved it so so much, so insanely aussie and gay, felt very homey to read the slang and writing too. OHHHH MY HEART jack elena brick dan lucy toby bob! spencer!!!! spencer i loved him sm wholesom lil guy … all of these characters have a special place in my heart 🥹🥹♥️ i highlighted the heck out of this book, so many good quotes; i felt all the emotions on the spectrum. specific insane shout out to the spaghetti dinner table scene where i felt so murderous and had many verbal reactions ohhhhhmyGODDD. i adore this crazy aussie gay book with all my heart, such a gift for the gays and specifically those of us west aussies 🫂🤍♥️🌈🥹 i love jack and brick forever🫶 thank you holden for writing this!!! invisible boys and the brink are next on my list 🕺🏻🕺🏻🕺🏻🕺🏻🥳🏳️🌈♥️🥰🥹🫂
June 29, 2025
I couldn’t recommend this more. As a queer individual who grew up in an Italian family (albeit a much kinder one than Jack’s) in Australia, this book felt so personal.
Jack’s character development was beautiful to witness.
If you’re a fan of Holden’s other books you’ll enjoy a few little easter eggs in here :)
Never stop writing Holden!!
Jack’s character development was beautiful to witness.
If you’re a fan of Holden’s other books you’ll enjoy a few little easter eggs in here :)
Never stop writing Holden!!
June 25, 2025
Paperback. This story is a raw and gritty gay story/ definitely no sweet romance. It is, at times confronting and sad yet extremely real. I did get my HEA.
June 13, 2025
This was a heartfelt and raw novel, unlike anything I've ever read or listened to before.
"Jack" is a great character in that we can see his development and growth in self-believe as the book goes on. I really felt for him and his isolation at the beginning, as no one should ever be ostracised due to their sexuality. I will say the sex scenes were more graphic than I anticipated, but no more than the romantasies I've been reading lately and they added to the true grit feel of the story.
I think this book's biggest strength is its authenticity; I could tell throughout that this story comes from a personal place and isn't queer bating as some LGBTQIA+ media seems to be. I think it's the perfect book to read for Pride month for this reason.
Barton Welch did a fantastic narration and really captured Guacamo's narrative. I was hooked throughout, despite contemporary not being a genre I usually gravitate towards.
Overall, a very important read and one that I'm happy to have read. Thank you to Netgalley and W.F. Howes for the review copy audiobook.
"Jack" is a great character in that we can see his development and growth in self-believe as the book goes on. I really felt for him and his isolation at the beginning, as no one should ever be ostracised due to their sexuality. I will say the sex scenes were more graphic than I anticipated, but no more than the romantasies I've been reading lately and they added to the true grit feel of the story.
I think this book's biggest strength is its authenticity; I could tell throughout that this story comes from a personal place and isn't queer bating as some LGBTQIA+ media seems to be. I think it's the perfect book to read for Pride month for this reason.
Barton Welch did a fantastic narration and really captured Guacamo's narrative. I was hooked throughout, despite contemporary not being a genre I usually gravitate towards.
Overall, a very important read and one that I'm happy to have read. Thank you to Netgalley and W.F. Howes for the review copy audiobook.
June 12, 2025
Holden Sheppard’s first adult novel is such a blast. He has taken what works well in his other books and takes it to another level, both in terms of content and style.
In King of Dirt, it’s quite clear for anyone who follows his social media, that this is the most aligned with his life compared to the previous books, and I think it’s this that really makes it strong.
The narrative voice of Giacomo “Jack” Brolo is so Australian that you can clearly picture him as you read, and everything that Jack goes through, from the internalised homophobia, to the abusive family dynamics, the self doubt and the mental health issues is so relevant to a lot of “blokey” men go through before accepting themselves.
I realise that this book won’t be for everyone, either due to how Australian is it, or how much more complex it is compared to his YA novels. It still worthy of a read, especially if you’re looking for something written by a unique voice in Australian literature.
In King of Dirt, it’s quite clear for anyone who follows his social media, that this is the most aligned with his life compared to the previous books, and I think it’s this that really makes it strong.
The narrative voice of Giacomo “Jack” Brolo is so Australian that you can clearly picture him as you read, and everything that Jack goes through, from the internalised homophobia, to the abusive family dynamics, the self doubt and the mental health issues is so relevant to a lot of “blokey” men go through before accepting themselves.
I realise that this book won’t be for everyone, either due to how Australian is it, or how much more complex it is compared to his YA novels. It still worthy of a read, especially if you’re looking for something written by a unique voice in Australian literature.
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