White Spirit

by Lance Morcan, James Morcan

Based on the remarkable true story of Irish convict John Graham, WHITE SPIRIT is an epic historical adventure set in 19th Century Australia.

After escaping from the notorious Moreton Bay Penal Settlement, Graham finds refuge with the Kabi, a tribe of Aborigines who eventually accept him as one of their own.

Attempts to recapture Graham are orchestrated by a variety of contrasting characters working for the all-pervasive British Empire. They include Moreton Bay's tyrannical, opium-addicted commandant Lord Cheetham, the dashing yet warlike Lieutenant Hogan, native tracker Barega and the penal settlement's captain, Tom Marsden.

Marsden's young daughter Helen, a progressive lady ahead of her time who is both an egalitarian and a feminist, boldly inserts herself into the clash between the Irish convict, her father and Moreton Bay's other iron-fisted rulers. Helen complicates things further when she finds herself in a Pride and Prejudice-style love triangle with men on opposite sides of the conflict.

When Scottish woman Eliza Fraser is found shipwrecked and close to death in Kabi territory, Graham and his legion of pursuers, as well as the Irishman's adopted Aboriginal family, are all forced to navigate a multi-faceted rescue mission. The precarious rendezvous is made all the more dangerous by Helen Marsden's ethically-driven meddling that often outwits the men involved.

WHITE SPIRIT is not only based on arguably the great Australian (true) story, a sweeping tale that encapsulates all the nuances of the southern continent's unique history, it also provides readers with detailed insights into the tribal life of First Australian (Aboriginal) peoples.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Australia, Historical Romance, Historical, True Story, Fiction, Adventure

695 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 12, 2016

About the author

New Zealand novelist and screenwriter Lance Morcan is a prolific author with more than 30 published fiction and non-fiction books to his credit as well as several screenplay adaptations of his work. A former journalist and newspaper editor, he regularly writes in collaboration with his son James Morcan, and their books are published by Sterling Gate Books.

The father-and-son team's published books include the crime thriller Silent Fear (A novel inspired by true crimes) and the bestselling historical adventures White Spirit and Into the Americas.

They also have several series on the market including:

The Orphan Trilogy, an international thriller series.
The globetrotting action-romance series The World Duology.
And the controversial non-fiction franchise The Underground Knowledge Series.

The Morcans have adapted several of their novels as feature film screenplays and these are in early development.

An additional non-fiction title, Debunking Holocaust Denial Theories, was written in collaboration with Holocaust survivors to document the genocide.

The Morcans' books have been translated into eight languages (Arabic, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Norwegian, French, Afrikaans, German).

Lance's first solo-authored novel, an epic historical adventure titled New Zealand: A Novel was published in December 2024. A tale of conflict, lust and adventure, it spans almost 500 years and covers the respective discoveries of New Zealand by Pacific Islanders and Europeans.
From the outset the two stories are interposed. It starts in the 1300’s with the departure of Islanders from Hawaiki in search of land far to the south. A land Maori will name Aotearoa.
Watch this space! https://morcanbooksandfilms.com/categ...

Reviews

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moilow (husband/father, Aborigine), had a great day. He had killed Big Red enough to help feed the village Kabi tribe (Aborigine) PPL.
Gabirri (hunter), & Turo (Gabirri’s BMF, hunter), had also contributed their fair share to the village feast.
Mirritji (Senior elder) by tradition always gets the 1st./best choice of the daily kill to eat.
Mamba is Moilow’s wife/mother of their 2 boys: Murrowdooling (8), & Carravanty (4).
Horror in the Kabi tribe the next day Moilow & Turo had been killed by the rival Noonuccal enemy tribe.
19th. Century Australia (Pacific Ocean). Britain’s Moreton Bay Penal Settlement (MBPS).
Lieutenant Desmond Hogan (English) was using Barega (Joondaburri tribe, aka the tracker) skills to track convicts who had escaped & were on the run.
Commandant Lord Bertram “Bertie” Cheetham (MBPS, opium addict), was well-known for his harsh punishment & treatment of prisoners.
Beyond Repatriation was the term the British used for the escapees.
The Hoogley (3-masted schooner) was used to transport prisoners. Condition’s aboard it were not much better.
John Graham (28, Dundalk, Louth County, Irish), Noel Thomas, Leith Donavan (45, 65), Tim Brady (45, Cornishman, ringleader) & Frank Patterson (23, cockney) were 5 of the many convicts being transported.

Captain Thomas Tom Marsden (40, MBPS) was in charge of the everyday goings on at the prison settlement.
His family is: Missus Vera Marsden (wife/mother), Helen Marsden (19, daughter/sister), Matthew Marsden (11, son/brother), Lucy (maid) & Orana (Quandamooka, Aborigine (maid, Barega’s concubine).
Corporal Angus Davies (English), & Private Johnathan Withers, went to get Bertie so he could gander at the convicts.
Leith died upon arrival. A crocodile waited in the river as his body was thrown overboard.

The Quandamooka tribe & Parramatta Aborigines looked on at awe at the prisoners.
Sergeant Charlie Benson (Redcoat) was there to greet them also.
There were now 238 convicts.
Lieutenant Desmond Hogan & Barega arrived dragging Frank Patterson (23, cockney) behind a horse.
He is Orana’s lover.

Seamus O’Neill (Irish), Pat Kennedy, Luke Donavan, Sean O’Driscoll, Angus McPherson (Scotland), Leith Donavan (returnee), Noel & John were all on the incoming convict list.
Paddy O’Donnell & Dan Green (English) greeted the bunch.
Angus & Dan got into it. Not real sure who got the worst of the outcome!?
What would happen with John & Mamba (f)?

Would Helen get married to Lieutenant Desmond?
Murrowdooling now of age would undergo the Kabi tribe’s initiation rites.

Would Barega ever give up his chase for John?
What of the lives of Lieutenant Desmond Hogan, Commandant Lord Bertram “Bertie” Cheetham, Captain Thomas Tom Marsden, Missus Vera Marsden (wife/mother), Helen Marsden (27, daughter/sister), Matthew Marsden (19, son/brother)?

Would the battles continue between the Kabi tribe & Quansamooka tribe, Wanjuri tribe, Ngadjonjii tribe, Nootka clan, Noosa clan, & Gureng tribe? Or would there be peace among them someday?

What did the 10/15/1833, The Sydney Gazette (newspaper) edition headlines read?

greensaid (pg. 1304) O’Shealooked (pg. 2111) johncouldn’t (pg. 4339)

I think this book could have been made a trilogy. It was way too long.
I am not gonna knock off points for that. This has to be my #1 for book of 2016. A must read.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written 19th. Century down under historical fiction adventure book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Australian outback adventure movie, animated cartoon, history class PP presentation or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; Sterling Gate Books; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

There has been so much praise over this book, that there's nothing left to say other than it's a long story, but definitely worth it!!!

[Rachel (borntoberustic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to say first off that I very, very much enjoyed this historical fiction and it has given me a new love and appreciation for the Aboriginal people! The first half of the book shows them through the eyes of a typical 19th century individual (definitely not flattering and scandalizingly racist!!), but the second half brings about a HUGE change in the protagonist's character, world-view, and morals. Definitely an amazing book!

Pros:

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE STORY! I was thrilled to read in the author's notes at the end of the book that so much of this story is true. (In my opinion, all the "good parts." Aka: the many perilous adventures of John Graham!) Naturally there is dramatization and embellishment throughout the novel, but I feel that it is all appropriate and well done.

I also appreciate how authentic this book is. The Morcans clearly did their research well! (Resources are also listed in the back of the book, in case you're interested in further research of your own.) It really is beautiful watching as John Graham's understanding of the Aborigines changes throughout the book. This people group is more than a little underappreciated in our world.

The last half of this book moved so quickly that I finished it in only a couple sittings. :D You're bound to be gripped by John's adventures, plights, and mishaps. If I had any doubts about reading this book through the beginning, they all vanished as I reached the halfway point!

Cons:

I regret to say that the first half of this book was almost unbearably long. As interesting as the story is, that first half needs to be pretty much halved! There's just too much "stuff." You have to wade through a ton of unnecessary information simply to get to where John Graham enters the picture. It's good info, but it would be more palatable if it were introduced over time.

Also, the writing style is definitely lacking. Even the most emotional parts of White Spirit read as dry and unfeeling. Part of this matter-of-fact approach fits the feel of the book, but it really could use some more emotion and creativity.

* * *

Overall, but especially because of the last half of this book, I recommend White Spirit to all lovers of historical fiction! John Graham's story is one that everyone will enjoy.

Content (10= extremely high focus; 0=non existent):
Adventure content: 8
Creepiness content: 4
Grief content: 5
Language content: 5
Religion content: 6
Romance content: 4
Sexual content: 5
Violence content: 7

[Yvonne Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Lance and James Morcan’s best work to date. It is up there with Colleen McCullough’s Thorn Birds.
They have breathed life into a true Australian story about the convicts that were transported to the huge continent to make it habitable. The British Empire had no qualms about convicting people for crimes as simple as stealing a loaf of bread for their starving families. It provided slave labor in their colonies.
There they were treated inhumanely; and Lord Cheetham is a typical example.
It struck a chord with me as my Irish Grandfather was one of those convicts who worked in canefields of Queensland. His story is not as dramatic as John Graham’s. He served out his term, married and emigrated to New Zealand.
The indigenous people of Australia, the aborigines are one of the most ancient and interesting peoples on this planet. The Morcans have taken great care to showcase their lives and inter-tribal quarrels.
Read this beautifully crafted book.

[Christopher Goforth · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the best novels I have ever read I'm hoping there will be a movie made

[Tony Sunderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

White Spirit is an exceptionally well crafted novel that recreates the dramatic and dualistic world of opposites that typified the early years of colonial Australian settlement. The authors also give us a taste of the sheer beauty and harshness of the Australian landscape. The characters are very well crafted and reflect the opposing ways of life that permeated this time.

[Alexszollo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have this huge thing for adventure stories. The more perils, the better, I always say. So, when I heard incidentally about this awesome-sounding fella named John Graham, whose story is told in the doorstopper that I am hereby reviewing, I immediately knew that I had to read this book. And, boy, am I ever glad that I did!

This is probably the grittiest adventure story that I have ever had the honor to read. It is well known that Australia, famous for its weird and dangerous wildlife and stunning sights, started out as a penal colony, and it is against this rough, violent background that the real-life saga of John Graham, a nineteenth-century Irish convict, is set. Thus, the book is not for the faint of heart, being filled with often gruesome scenes of whippings and other such punishments. The opening description of an Aboriginal hunting a big red kangaroo is something that could make more squeamish readers flinch. This massive tome screams for a Rated R movie or TV version. Personally, I think Tom Hardy would make an excellent John Graham.
But there is also a wealth of priceless, probably otherwise unavailable information about the lives of Aboriginal people, particularly the Kabi, those with whom John forms a very strong and inspiring bond upon escaping his English captors, and there is also a great romance with Helen Marsden, the daughter of the captain of Moreton Bay, the harsh penal colony where a large part of the story takes place. The sheer amount of dangerous situations that Graham gets through makes me think of this book as the Australian version of The Revenant.
Where it shines the most, though, in my view, is in its portrayal of John's relationship with the Kabi tribe. It is very easy to create stereotypical images of any native culture, but thankfully, this book is well-researched enough to avoid this common temptation, and the Kabi are portrayed with great respect. I was particularly fond of Mamba, Murrowdooling and Carravanty, the wife and children of the Aboriginal hunter who is the first character to make his appearance in the book. What connection there is between said hunter and John, I will leave readers to discover. This is definitely one of my favorite historical novels of all time, and I feel as though reading it made me a better person. Ten stars out of five for an epic read! Though I was provided with a review copy by Mr. Morcan, the views herein are my own, and I state it with great pride.

[Mirella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lance and James Morcan love to write books about aboriginal peoples of the world. Their novels always intrigue me with their blend of historical fact and fiction. White Spirit is my favorite of all their novels so far.

It is a brutal, no-holds-barred retelling of the true story of Australia's notorious Moreton Bay Penal and the one prisoner who successfully escaped and eluded capture for decades - a man named Graham.

The story takes from the harsh conditions of the penal settlement to the brutality of the aboriginals and their daily lives. The book is very long - about the length of a trilogy - but I can see why it is important for the tale to be told in one book as opposed to three. The best way to describe this novel is disturbing, brutal, honest, and unputdownable. It is real, very, very real with fascinating characters at the helm. Very highly recommended! Both men and women will enjoy the story.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a huge amount better than I was expecting. Hadn't realised that it was based on a true story but would have loved to know what happened further into John Graham's life. Those characters that were false were wonderfully interwoven.

Highly recommended

[Robyn Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the plot interesting. What an eye-opener regarding how the convict camps in Australia were run in the early days. I also enjoyed the insights into the Aborigine people of Australia. It's a long book, but a good story that held my interest.

[Louise Child · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book .

For the first time in a long time 5 stars .A gripping , evocative read .Historically ,it was fascinating .

[Maurice Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic in every sense, thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

White Spirit: A Novel Based on a True Story is by Lance Morcan and James Morcan. I had previously read several of their other books which were based on the truth but fictionalized. I had really liked these so when James asked me to review this one, I agreed. I am so glad I did. It is an excellent book with great characters and a simple plot which is made complex by the many subplots. It is not a book to rush through but one to savor. The research done prior to the book was well done and a tremendous amount of it was done. This is what makes their books so marvelous. They do an excellent job of showing us what the outback of Australia and the Aborigines were like. It deals with the penal colony that was the mainstay of Australian livelihood at first.
John Graham was an Irishman who was sentenced to seven years’ hard labor in a penal colony in Australia. The trip from England to Australia was horrific but he managed to survive and to help Noel Thomas survive also. They were taken to Moreton Bay which was under the control of Lord Bertram Cheetham whose reputation for cruelty was renowned. He was also addicted to opium. His second in command was Captain Tom Marsden who was more of a humanitarian but followed Cheetham’s orders. Present also was Lieutenant Hogan who wanted to marry Marsden’s daughter Helen. Barega was the native tracker.
After a short time at Moreton Bay, Noel and another inmate tried to escape. They were able to avoid being missed by a ruse designed by other inmates. John was not aware of the escape plan until it happened. John had been working was an apprentice to the blacksmith so wasn’t around to hear the plans. He would have been against them anyway. When it was discovered that Noel and the other inmate had escaped, Lieutenant Hogan and Barega set out to find them. Meanwhile, they didn’t believe John didn’t know about the escape so he was flogged and put in isolation. He was then sent back to the quarry. Here he found a way to escape and took it. Now he just had to avoid the trackers and find a ship that would pick him up. How long could he last in the fields and hills of Australia? He had no food, no weapons, no hat, and only tattered clothing. How could he survive?
The story continues with many adventures left for John. You just have to keep reading to find out what happens to him. When you are finished, you still want more. The book is fantastic. The only drawback for some might be its length. Personally, I liked it. It tells the whole story and doesn’t leave you hanging.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to learn about Australia, and enjoyed it a lot. It is historical fiction based on an actual English convict transported to Australia for petty theft. John Graham was imprisoned near today's city of Brisbane, but escaped and lived with the aboriginal people for 6 years before returning to the prison. Most of it is fiction, of course, but it is based on a real prison, a real person and real Aboriginal life. I especially enjoyed learning about Aboriginal culture. I was surprised to learn that the last part of the book, which seemed far-fetched, is fact. An English ship wrecked off the Queensland coast, and an English woman plus a few others were held captive by the Aborigines. John Graham, due to his knowlege and experience, was able to rescue them, and did eventually obtain a pardon in return from the English governor.

[Galilee Dott · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like the film Australia, this is a book with a similar setting but more depth. I enjoyed reading this all the way through. It made me want to research more about this era. I had ancestors who were sent as convicts to Australia and this book made me wonder about their stories. It ties in with "Banished" on Amazon or Netflix. The characters were well developed to the point of making me cry more than once when one died. The author uses symbolism adeptly, pulls you along to multiple climactic turns in the plot and makes you really despise the villains. Read when you have time to dive in and enjoy.

[Gloria Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of there best books

I couldn't put this book down , it captivated me to the very end. Especially since it's based on a true story, so we'll written and so many details that it felt like you are there..just when I thought these authors couldn't write a better book, they came up with White Spirit..so grateful to have read this book..it's full of excitement and bravery, Endurance that most of us can't comprehend. Thanks for given me a great book to read.

[Terri Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

Well written and thought provoking. The history was the best I've read of the early days in Australia for the English. Knowing it was based on truth made it fascinating. I felt angry at the reminders of how half of my ancestors felt it was their right to slaughter the natives but then mankind hasn't changed in all these years. Always thinking might is right. A really good read.

[David Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this kind of story a good down under tale. I hope to visit Australia one day and this colourful description of the country's history will stay with me for a good while. A pleasure to read, so very descriptive. Good on you Mr. Morcan. I love your books.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother-in-law was from Tasmania, Australia. Her pedigree is packed with a wide variety of colorful individuals from Reverends to military officers to first fleet convicts to Irish sheep rustlers,so this book was exceptionally interesting to me. The story of John Graham was well written. Definitely held my interest. What impressed me as I read this book (and a couple of other books dealing with the British in India that I have recently read), is the exceptional cruelty of the mighty British elitist empire.....the superior race mentality. Their feeling of superiority not only extended to those people of the countries that they conquered but to their own countrymen/women of lower social standing. It is horrifyingly comparable to the Nazis, albeit on a much smaller scale. Total lack of respect for human life. They simply select certain people to view as subhuman and then without conscience torture and annihilate them at will. All this while feeling completely justified and noble in their actions. “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." This is powerfully demonstrated in the character of Mardsen, Cheetham and all who had some authority in the book. Great read!

[Dr. Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel grateful to the authors for teaching me a slice of history I knew little about.
I am also sad and disturbed to have learnt about unimaginable atrocities that took place
In the penal colonies. Those places seem to have attracted military men with colossal sadistic tendencies, and due to the loose/non-existent rules and regulations, they had plentiful opportunities to indulge them.
The comparison between the level of kindness and savagery of “white men in charge” and native tribes was quite shocking and unexpected.

The world of military men, this was truly an eye opener. Their attitude/behaviours, reasons for tolerating ruthless abuse of the convicts they were supposed to "look after"...I feel I’ve learnt a lot, and all sorts of “male behaviours” interpretations felt intuitive and accurate.

The co-existence of barbarity and sophistication in the lifestyle and traditions of the aboriginal people was intriguing and provoking to reflection.

The animals’ behaviour, the beauty of the countryside, the thrilling twists and turns of the plot, and the incredible strength of human spirit of the main character were the best parts of the book for me… as well as the ethereal connections between native people and their ancestors, via songs that only they can hear and dreams that only they could see- this was so charming and beautiful.

[Janet Colbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book White Spirit. It is truly up there with one of the best books I’ve read. Couldn’t wait to get back to it.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

This was a great story but it was hard to read at times. It drug in places and made a long story seem even longer. The characters were good and it was an interesting read.

[Vicki Revering · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional fictionalized history!

The knowns of John Graham's history are very well told, and the fictionalized bits are engaging and compelling. A great book that I couldn't put down and never wanted to end!

[Joel A Reif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Very well written and kept my interest the entire time.

[Alicja · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional piece of writing, mesmerizing and eyes-opening story, skillfully portrayed characters and events. Without a doubt, one of the best books I have read. 5 starrs don't do this fascinating and highly enjoyable novel justice.

[Elizabeth Flanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of adventure

This was a great read made even better by the fact that it was based on a true story filled with historical facts. My only complaint was the repetition of some phrases even written the same paragraph. I would defiantly recommend it to friends although it is riddled with violence.

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

White Spirit is set in 19th century Australia .It tells the story of John Graham an Irish Convict. It is the story of the life he led after escaping from the notorious Moreton Bay Penal Settlement,he found refuge with the Kobi, a Tribe of Aborigines. And the attempts made to recapture him.

[Susan Samuelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderful.

The book started off slow but got to where it was hard to put down. I loved knowing it was a true story and taken from John Grahams diary.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

White Spirit (A novel based on a true story) By Lance and James Morcan

Based on the true story of Irish (convict) John Graham, Set in the 19th Century Australia. John escapes Moreton Bay Penal Settlement and finds refuge with the Kabi. The Aborigine tribe accept him as their own, although this is not an easy task for either of them. He faces many challenges and prejudices as he struggles to find himself, a place to call home, and finding his way in his new homeland.

Well written with vivid details, intense prose and interesting history of the Aboriginal people. I got to learn how one man incorporated himself in this tribe, how he lived his life and the obstacles he faced. I learned so many new things about the Aborigines, (I) found John likable and enjoyed this fascinating, compelling story. I highly recommend White Spirit To all.

[Lynelle Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

White Spirit is a lengthy book that takes you around the coastline into the heart of Australia.
You are taken back to the days when Australia was a huge convict settlement, harsh weather conditions and very rough terrain. Because of this many convict settlements were scattered across the country. Life was difficult for all involved. The terrain was mostly unknown to the mostly English people. The further you venture, away from the coastline, the harsher it becomes with water shortage a huge problem. If you don't keep your wits about you, you will die.
John Graham, White Spirit, showed his cunningness and determination very well during his trails. Characteristics that saved him on more than one occasion. As a convict, he had to learn very quickly the ways of this country. At first, he had to overcome the cruelty of the soldiers and guards stationed at this particular settlement. The cruelty no doubt painful and deadly. He lost many friends during this time. Then he had to live from the land... No spoilers here... :)

The story's vivid explanation gave you a very good sense of his experiences, the turmoil and how he used his cunningness to save himself. It was as if a higher hand was protecting him constantly and I had the feeling it was meant to be to end up with an Aboriginal tribe.

Although I enjoyed the book I found it to lengthy, too many things were added that had no effect on the story. All it did was giving me some ideas of the story but it became very boring after a while. At times I skipped paragraphs to get to the real story. There are too many point-of-views - even from a Dingo. Somehow that deter the story and find it unbelievable.

I was a bit disappointed with this book. Not in the story but in the flow and the unnecessary stretch of the storyline. Because the authors are well known to me, I never hesitate to read any of their books but this one lacked the normal flow I expected, even grammatical mistakes - not much but there.

Other than that, I enjoyed learning more about John Graham and his life. The choices he had made to survive and his determination to stay alive.