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Outback Saga #2
Outback Station
Disillusioned convict David Kerrick and Alexandra Hammond, a beautiful colonist, take on the perils and hardships of the vast Australian wilderness, burying the bitterness of the past and planting the seeds of a shining future. Reissue.
480 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 19, 2019
Holy moly, this story was mozying along... sometimes boring...sometimes interesting... other times dismal... and some moments truly evocative...
Then BAMMMMM THAT ENDING, WHAT????!!!
Aaron Fletcher's Outback Station deals with the same topic of the colonization of Australia by European convicts in the late 18th century and early 19th century as its predecessor, simply titled Outback.
Like the earlier novel, this story is a generational saga centering on a formidable matriarchal character who is the head of a legendary sheep station/empire. Rather than a conventional romance, it is more of a love story to Australia and its aborigines, and a chronicle of its first settlers. It is also liberally sprinkled with themes of mysticism, fate, reincarnation and yes, even a bit of the supernatural.
Outback Station is not exactly a sequel to its predecessor, more of variations on a theme. Its timeline runs parallel to the plot of the protagonists of that first novel and I really enjoyed their cameos here, especially that of my favorite character Mayrah, the regal Aborigine superwoman of Outback.
The weaknesses in this book, as enjoyable a read as it was, were many. There was a lot, and I mean a lot of lengthy, descriptive paragraphs on everything from the topography and politics of the region, to the sheep shearing methods, to the burgeoning stock market, etc. that considerably slowed down the action and made my eyes glaze over.
Another big weakness was that the female protagonist here was not plausible, at least not in the way that I have been used to reading from this author in his other novels. So there was a huge leap to force myself to believe that in the matter of weeks, the heroine went from a prissy English Miss, to
Nevertheless, for fans of Australian historical fiction, especially the Outback, this is such a heartfelt, moving, visual and awesome book that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. And that fireworks, wtf, spectacular ending made it all worthwhile to have trudged through the more sedate parts of this book. Seriously, it was a scene worthy of the big bonfire in Game of Thrones that birthed three dragons. Except here, it involved That ending elevated this from 3 to 4 stars for me. Kudos!
Then BAMMMMM THAT ENDING, WHAT????!!!
Aaron Fletcher's Outback Station deals with the same topic of the colonization of Australia by European convicts in the late 18th century and early 19th century as its predecessor, simply titled Outback.
Like the earlier novel, this story is a generational saga centering on a formidable matriarchal character who is the head of a legendary sheep station/empire. Rather than a conventional romance, it is more of a love story to Australia and its aborigines, and a chronicle of its first settlers. It is also liberally sprinkled with themes of mysticism, fate, reincarnation and yes, even a bit of the supernatural.
Outback Station is not exactly a sequel to its predecessor, more of variations on a theme. Its timeline runs parallel to the plot of the protagonists of that first novel and I really enjoyed their cameos here, especially that of my favorite character Mayrah, the regal Aborigine superwoman of Outback.
The weaknesses in this book, as enjoyable a read as it was, were many. There was a lot, and I mean a lot of lengthy, descriptive paragraphs on everything from the topography and politics of the region, to the sheep shearing methods, to the burgeoning stock market, etc. that considerably slowed down the action and made my eyes glaze over.
Another big weakness was that the female protagonist here was not plausible, at least not in the way that I have been used to reading from this author in his other novels. So there was a huge leap to force myself to believe that in the matter of weeks, the heroine went from a prissy English Miss, to
Nevertheless, for fans of Australian historical fiction, especially the Outback, this is such a heartfelt, moving, visual and awesome book that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. And that fireworks, wtf, spectacular ending made it all worthwhile to have trudged through the more sedate parts of this book. Seriously, it was a scene worthy of the big bonfire in Game of Thrones that birthed three dragons. Except here, it involved That ending elevated this from 3 to 4 stars for me. Kudos!
August 5, 2021
Not particularly informative, interesting or exciting to start, BUT THEN
the author introduces 3 violent and disgusting thieving men called “bushrangers”, who capture a woman. She is mentally, physically and sexually abused, as well as descriptively RAPED no less than 3 times in less than 3 chapters. ...Sorry folks.... couldn’t get past that graphics, nor could I get past the abuse of animals.
OUTBACK STATION was a huge disappointment and I couldn’t finish it.
the author introduces 3 violent and disgusting thieving men called “bushrangers”, who capture a woman. She is mentally, physically and sexually abused, as well as descriptively RAPED no less than 3 times in less than 3 chapters. ...Sorry folks.... couldn’t get past that graphics, nor could I get past the abuse of animals.
OUTBACK STATION was a huge disappointment and I couldn’t finish it.
December 2, 2010
Although this book is second in Fletcher's Outback Saga, this one actually backtracks in time and retells some of the same history from the POV of David Kerrick. David murdered his wife's lover in a jealous rage and has been deported to Australia. Industrious, David earns his freedom and the lure of the Outback beckons him. Alexandra Hammond is a cousin of the man David murdered and circumstances which I cannot divulge without spoiling brings her to the Outback and the two marry and raise sheep. The latter part is that of the second generation with the growth of Sydney and the discovery of gold.
Unfortunately telling more than that is very much on the spoiler side of things. While it does sound dull on the surface, there is a lot of interesting stuff going on, but the biggest thrill for me was seeing some old friends from the first book - the Garritty's and most especially that ball of fire Sheila.
Unfortunately telling more than that is very much on the spoiler side of things. While it does sound dull on the surface, there is a lot of interesting stuff going on, but the biggest thrill for me was seeing some old friends from the first book - the Garritty's and most especially that ball of fire Sheila.
December 14, 2025
This author seems to equate large facial birthmarks with violent criminals. It was in his first book in the Outback saga and then we see it again in this book – and this time it plays a large roll in the plot and the psyche of the MC.
And,
There were typos throughout the kindle book. I'm guessing some were from the digitizing process. But, the author also has some sloppy writing. Such as:
"eyes that matched the color of her meticulously neat, severely plain dress" – so we are told neither the color of her eyes or that of the dress.
"the men and jackaroos" – unless the jackaroos are not also men (they are), this was probably supposed to say "the stockmen and jackaroos."
"and dark, rich treacle bread bottled by Crosse & Blackwell in London" – the bread was bottled in London?
Will I continue with the saga? Although this one dragged a bit and had some aspects to the story that either irritated me or I found ridiculous, I probably will keep going.
And,
There were typos throughout the kindle book. I'm guessing some were from the digitizing process. But, the author also has some sloppy writing. Such as:
"eyes that matched the color of her meticulously neat, severely plain dress" – so we are told neither the color of her eyes or that of the dress.
"the men and jackaroos" – unless the jackaroos are not also men (they are), this was probably supposed to say "the stockmen and jackaroos."
"and dark, rich treacle bread bottled by Crosse & Blackwell in London" – the bread was bottled in London?
Will I continue with the saga? Although this one dragged a bit and had some aspects to the story that either irritated me or I found ridiculous, I probably will keep going.
May 29, 2018
I read this series of 5 books while visiting Australia. This is book #2. I enjoy learning history through historical fiction. I am going to leave the same review for all 5 books. I enjoyed the first two books because I felt I learned quite a bit about the aborigine culture, the transportation of convicts to Australia, and the beginnings of the giant sheep stations. However, I found the subsequent three books not as good. The author basically used the same boy-meets-girl formula as a focus in the final three books, and there was not as much history to be gleaned. In fact, I skimmed quickly through the "romance" scenes because they got rather abnoxious and over the top.
October 26, 2025
The convict David Kerrick sets out on a journey to create a new life for himself in the Australian outback. Haunted by his past, he nearly sees his whole existence as a failure until he accidentally meets Alexandra Hammond, a beautiful newcomer in this distant land.
The novel was generally interesting, with quite a few twists. Sometimes the conversations between the characters were kind of weird, and some of their actions were quite bizarre. However, overall I enjoyed the family saga, the switch between the generations and the chance to witness the development of Australia during the 19th century.
The novel was generally interesting, with quite a few twists. Sometimes the conversations between the characters were kind of weird, and some of their actions were quite bizarre. However, overall I enjoyed the family saga, the switch between the generations and the chance to witness the development of Australia during the 19th century.
May 14, 2021
Beautifully Written
This is a beautifully written book about the trials and tribulations of surviving in the outback. It also encapsulates early Australia life with the prisoners trying to earn their freedom and the large part they played in building the society that is now today's modern society.
This is a beautifully written book about the trials and tribulations of surviving in the outback. It also encapsulates early Australia life with the prisoners trying to earn their freedom and the large part they played in building the society that is now today's modern society.
October 15, 2021
A Very Good Story
Interesting and well-written novel about early Australia 🇦🇺, especially concerning the "Outback ", which has always had a profound influence on the country as a whole (and still does). Author Fletcher's characters are very believable yet complex which adds to the pleasure of the story. Readers will enjoy this one!
Interesting and well-written novel about early Australia 🇦🇺, especially concerning the "Outback ", which has always had a profound influence on the country as a whole (and still does). Author Fletcher's characters are very believable yet complex which adds to the pleasure of the story. Readers will enjoy this one!
July 22, 2022
I found this book very slow moving and involved way too many people’s stories. I found Alexandria rather unbelievable as a character. How did a society daughter, who had never cooked a meal in her life or spent any time in the wild, manage to round up thousands of sheep, among other miraculous achievements on her own. Without her I’m sure the outback would never have been tamed.
December 27, 2018
If you liked The Thorn Birds you’ll love these Aaron Fletcher books. They aren’t the dramatic love story that Thorn Birds is, but the sheep station in the outback part is very similar.
March 16, 2019
Very interesting book. Gave me some insides to Australia that I had never known. The story was good. Some of the lines were a little shaky, but overall a very good story.
April 4, 2020
Good series.
Read 3 books of this series. This is the 4th. Just wish I read them in order. I do recommend.
Read 3 books of this series. This is the 4th. Just wish I read them in order. I do recommend.
January 28, 2022
great book, review soon
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April 19, 2024A well written book and very factual. I really enjoyed hearing some of the local lingo. It was just so underdeveloped for me. It was like reading a history book but there wasn't a story line.
July 19, 2024
The size of the book almost deterred me from reading it, but once I started, it was hard to put down. An interesting story with descriptions of Australia's history and landscape.
August 2, 2025
interesting info about the outback but story just so so
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April 6, 2020boring...
October 19, 2014
What it takes to build a nation.
Among other things, the willingness to let bygones be bygones when the time is right, to realize there are two sides to every story, that sometimes, there are reasons to kill...
That the challenges each person faces cannot be judged, except from inside their shoes.
The author builds his characters carefully, with loving attention to detail. The emotions of the men and women are accurate, and the responses each has to the other as the story progresses yield the next step in the story in a logical progression most of the time.
The people in this book are strong, which is lucky, because had they been less so, there would be no book.
I recommend getting all the books in this series before starting to read. Although the breaks are firm, there is a strong desire to move on to the next and know what happens.
Among other things, the willingness to let bygones be bygones when the time is right, to realize there are two sides to every story, that sometimes, there are reasons to kill...
That the challenges each person faces cannot be judged, except from inside their shoes.
The author builds his characters carefully, with loving attention to detail. The emotions of the men and women are accurate, and the responses each has to the other as the story progresses yield the next step in the story in a logical progression most of the time.
The people in this book are strong, which is lucky, because had they been less so, there would be no book.
I recommend getting all the books in this series before starting to read. Although the breaks are firm, there is a strong desire to move on to the next and know what happens.
February 13, 2015
I am in love with These stories from Aaron Fletcher. All of the Outback ones. You get an almost overwhelming feeling for the outback and what it took to settle and live there. The detail that Mr Fletcher provides makes you feel like you are there with the sheep, dust, sweat & danger.
I loved this series so much that I had to have a bookstore order it for me 10 years ago because I couldn't find the original Outback. That was when I found there were more. Needless to say I went on a hunt and found them all.
If you are at all interested in Australia in the early years of settlement and want to learn more of the Outback and the people who settled in it, definitely give these books a read. They are just an awesome series.
I loved this series so much that I had to have a bookstore order it for me 10 years ago because I couldn't find the original Outback. That was when I found there were more. Needless to say I went on a hunt and found them all.
If you are at all interested in Australia in the early years of settlement and want to learn more of the Outback and the people who settled in it, definitely give these books a read. They are just an awesome series.
April 10, 2015
[library audiobook, plot summary elsewhere]
Under my rating system, if I listen to the end, it's a three. But this had problems leading to a deduction.
I listened to the end because it depicted Australia in the early 19th century and the society of transported convicts and free citizens. I didn't actually get the date. The dialogue was wooden, the characters were caricatures - mostly the good guys. Some of the action was hard to believe, like the herding of thousands of sheep, or the accuracy of musket shooting.
Under my rating system, if I listen to the end, it's a three. But this had problems leading to a deduction.
I listened to the end because it depicted Australia in the early 19th century and the society of transported convicts and free citizens. I didn't actually get the date. The dialogue was wooden, the characters were caricatures - mostly the good guys. Some of the action was hard to believe, like the herding of thousands of sheep, or the accuracy of musket shooting.
June 27, 2014
'Outback Station' is the second in a five book series. I'm thoroughly enjoying reading this historical fiction series set during the early settlement of Australia. I've already started reading the third book, 'Walkabout.' I have the whole series on my two Kindles.
March 17, 2015
Great story, great family,and wonderful dramatic country, Thank you Aaron Fletcher!
The vistas, country descriptions were very well done. History details very enjoyable, and the sheep station descriptions were excellent. This family and their work made the story interesting.
The vistas, country descriptions were very well done. History details very enjoyable, and the sheep station descriptions were excellent. This family and their work made the story interesting.
March 21, 2016
An amazing work of historical fiction. It really brings the Australia of the past to life. I didn't care for the multiple rapes.
But honestly the best thing about this book was the narrator. He was fantastic. The voices, and the varied accents, were amazing.
But honestly the best thing about this book was the narrator. He was fantastic. The voices, and the varied accents, were amazing.
May 22, 2010
Not! your typical historical romance novel. For one, it has a very hard and true fact about that time period.
October 10, 2011
Another really good read, looking forward to the next three in the series.
August 24, 2012
If you like stories about early Australia you will enjoy this book
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November 4, 2012very interesting many twists and turns
May 30, 2015
I really liked this - only for those interested in Australian history. I plan to read the whole series
August 31, 2015
Better than the first.
March 14, 2016
Loved this series
Positively loved this series! It is wonderful saga, I have come to adore the characters and respect their tenacity.
can't say enough!
Positively loved this series! It is wonderful saga, I have come to adore the characters and respect their tenacity.
can't say enough!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews