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The Tuart: An Australian Gothic Novel
There is no redemption within these pages. No tender love. No mercy.
The Immortals were never human. Cast onto Earth by convict vessels eons before the first tall ships cut these waters, they have ruled us since before humankind remembers.
Kazimir comes to the Swan River Colony hunting gold and power—and something older. Old World bloodlines have taken root among the jarrah and karri forests; their secrets grown too deep to pull free.
Britain sent its convicts here in iron chains. Kazimir’s chains are harder to see.
In Pinjarra, he seeks the O’Grady family—and Georgia, who has no idea what she is or what is coming for her.
But the Mother knows, and so does the tuart tree. Georgia was chosen long ago.
The Tuart is an Australian Gothic novel with mythic reach and savage reckonings, grown from a land that has never had to answer to anyone.
This is a love story.
But here, love is a weapon—and Georgia will ask for neither your approval nor your sympathy.
Dare to meet her.
The Immortals were never human. Cast onto Earth by convict vessels eons before the first tall ships cut these waters, they have ruled us since before humankind remembers.
Kazimir comes to the Swan River Colony hunting gold and power—and something older. Old World bloodlines have taken root among the jarrah and karri forests; their secrets grown too deep to pull free.
Britain sent its convicts here in iron chains. Kazimir’s chains are harder to see.
In Pinjarra, he seeks the O’Grady family—and Georgia, who has no idea what she is or what is coming for her.
But the Mother knows, and so does the tuart tree. Georgia was chosen long ago.
The Tuart is an Australian Gothic novel with mythic reach and savage reckonings, grown from a land that has never had to answer to anyone.
This is a love story.
But here, love is a weapon—and Georgia will ask for neither your approval nor your sympathy.
Dare to meet her.
187 pages, Paperback
Published September 25, 2026
About the author
Robyn E. Clemen
5 books5 followersRobyn E. Clemen is an Australian author with a deep-seated passion for the hidden histories and rugged landscapes of Western Australia.
Born and bred in the Murray District, Robyn holds a degree in History and English, which she uses to weave authentic period detail with the haunting legends of the bush. Her debut novel, Red Rebel: Justice is What You Make It, explores the grit and defiance of 19th-century colonial life.
When she isn't researching local lore or writing the next chapter of the Red Rebel series, Robyn can be found exploring the Jarrah forests or connecting with her local writers' group. She lives in Mandurah, where the salt air and local history continue to inspire her stories of justice, survival, and the supernatural. (less)
Born and bred in the Murray District, Robyn holds a degree in History and English, which she uses to weave authentic period detail with the haunting legends of the bush. Her debut novel, Red Rebel: Justice is What You Make It, explores the grit and defiance of 19th-century colonial life.
When she isn't researching local lore or writing the next chapter of the Red Rebel series, Robyn can be found exploring the Jarrah forests or connecting with her local writers' group. She lives in Mandurah, where the salt air and local history continue to inspire her stories of justice, survival, and the supernatural. (less)
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 25, 2026
Australian history with a supernatural twist
What I enjoyed most about The Tuart was its unusual mix of Western Australian history and Australian Gothic. The colonial setting, social expectations and changes being made to the landscape all come through strongly, while the gods, magic and supernatural elements give the story something quite different.
Although this follows Red Rebel, it works well as a standalone book. The returning characters are introduced naturally, so I never felt as though I was missing information. There is also a large cast and plenty happening around the main story. I liked wondering what some of the characters were up to and being left to draw a few conclusions for myself.
Sean, Georgia’s father, was my favourite character. His feelings and motivations seemed very real, and I could easily imagine him as an actual person. Georgia’s Irish grandfather was another interesting addition to the story and its magical side.
The darker parts are handled with restraint and often left to the imagination. There are some inventive twists along the way and a particularly memorable ending. A good choice for readers who like their historical fiction mixed with supernatural intrigue and a distinctly Australian setting.
What I enjoyed most about The Tuart was its unusual mix of Western Australian history and Australian Gothic. The colonial setting, social expectations and changes being made to the landscape all come through strongly, while the gods, magic and supernatural elements give the story something quite different.
Although this follows Red Rebel, it works well as a standalone book. The returning characters are introduced naturally, so I never felt as though I was missing information. There is also a large cast and plenty happening around the main story. I liked wondering what some of the characters were up to and being left to draw a few conclusions for myself.
Sean, Georgia’s father, was my favourite character. His feelings and motivations seemed very real, and I could easily imagine him as an actual person. Georgia’s Irish grandfather was another interesting addition to the story and its magical side.
The darker parts are handled with restraint and often left to the imagination. There are some inventive twists along the way and a particularly memorable ending. A good choice for readers who like their historical fiction mixed with supernatural intrigue and a distinctly Australian setting.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Something a little different
Australian history mixed with gods and magic is an unusual combination, and it was one of the things I most appreciated about The Tuart. There’s something appealing about seeing a familiar country through such a different lens. Colonial Western Australia gives the story a setting with plenty of interest in its own right, and the supernatural side opens up all sorts of unexpected possibilities.
I particularly liked the inventiveness of the plot. With powerful beings pursuing their own interests and Georgia caught up in their plans, there’s plenty to wonder about as the story unfolds. Some of the turns are wonderfully unusual, including a resolution I certainly wouldn’t want to spoil.
There are also smaller mysteries among the wider cast. I enjoyed trying to work out where people fitted in, what they might be doing and how their stories would connect. Having some things left to my imagination added to that interest.
The combination of history and magic was the real draw for me. Readers who enjoy unusual supernatural stories have something quite distinctive to explore here, especially if they also enjoy an Australian setting.
Australian history mixed with gods and magic is an unusual combination, and it was one of the things I most appreciated about The Tuart. There’s something appealing about seeing a familiar country through such a different lens. Colonial Western Australia gives the story a setting with plenty of interest in its own right, and the supernatural side opens up all sorts of unexpected possibilities.
I particularly liked the inventiveness of the plot. With powerful beings pursuing their own interests and Georgia caught up in their plans, there’s plenty to wonder about as the story unfolds. Some of the turns are wonderfully unusual, including a resolution I certainly wouldn’t want to spoil.
There are also smaller mysteries among the wider cast. I enjoyed trying to work out where people fitted in, what they might be doing and how their stories would connect. Having some things left to my imagination added to that interest.
The combination of history and magic was the real draw for me. Readers who enjoy unusual supernatural stories have something quite distinctive to explore here, especially if they also enjoy an Australian setting.
September 29, 2026
This is a quick read but I can't get over how action packed it is! So much happens within the book and it is all well told. I did not feel that the story was being rushed at all. The only question I have is, is there more to the story and I truly hope there is! There was only one thing that confused me, so I did have to look it up. The story takes place in Australia and within the story it is summer in December. Come to find out that is actually true, it is considered summer time in Australia in December. If you like fantasy that is action packed, than you will LOVE this book as much as I did!!!!
September 25, 2026
A dark fantasy with a lot of twists. Some unexpected revelations and strong characters kept me guessing as to how the conflict might be resolved. A great deal of historic content holds the storyline together very soundly. An enjoyable read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
THE TUART - A genre I seldom read. An interesting story set in AU in the late 1890s. Immersing. A good variety of characters. Source: The Author. 4*
September 25, 2026
I thought this book was amazing and did not realize it was from Australian folk lore. Story plot is great with many surprising twists. I will be thrilled to read Clemens next book.
Chigirl44
Chigirl44
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews