Australia, 1852. A gang of desperate convicts stage a daring escape from the world's worst prison on Norfolk Island. The escapees, led by a vicious New Zealander called Davis, row 850 miles from Norfolk Island and make landfall on a small aboriginal outpost near the newly founded setllement of Brisbane. Upon arrival, the convicts steal a fishing boat belonging to a Phillippino Dugong Hunter, the "Manila man", Fernando Gonzales, and quickly establish themselves as fearsome Pirates that seem to relish the chance of terrorising the community. As their daring raids begin to take their toll on the commerce of the new town, the newly appointed governor, Whickham, is driven to take action. He enlists the help of the fire-brand Gonzales, and together they go in search of the Pirates. The novel reaches a dramatic conclusion just as the Pirates stumble upon some ancient ruins that hold a stunning secret...
The most surprising thing about "Pirate Attack! on Brisbane" is that it is a true story - well...almost.
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