Unshackled

Step into the tumultuous world of Gold Rush-era Sydney Town, where history unfolds before your eyes in all its gritty, unvarnished glory. The past comes alive, invoking vivid memories of a bustling Sydney under construction. In the roiling year of 1855, the vibrant city of Sydney is thriving, and the future looks promising for John Leary. His dreams of construction are materializing, and his heart swells with anticipation as his beloved wife Clarissa is expecting their first child. Together with his trusted partner Sean Connaire, they've left their mark by erecting some of the city's most significant structures. Yet, amidst this success, jealousy lurks in the shadows, and a shadowy rival plots to undermine a crucial Leary project. John Leary's ability to steer his own company is hampered by his father-in-law's majority ownership stake. Determined to regain control, he orchestrates a buyout, unwittingly inviting a silent partner into his life who threatens the very harmony of his marriage. Meanwhile, an unexpected connection emerges as ex-convict Gerry Gleeson reveals himself to be John's uncle and offers assistance in unmasking the saboteur. This tale unfurls against a backdrop of raw ambition, buried secrets, and clandestine dealings. Will these forces propel the young builder towards ruin, or will he emerge victorious in the face of adversity? Prepare to embark on a riveting journey through the second instalment of The Australian Sandstone Series, a captivating historical fiction saga that provides a fresh, immersive perspective on nineteenth-century Sydney as it rises from the ground up. While part of a series, each book stands as an independent story, inviting you to explore this captivating era at your leisure.