Is there such a thing as real fiction?
Yes… and it’s called Border Watch (re-titled and re-released as Wings of Fear), the debut novel by Queensland author (and pilot) Helene Young. So, ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seatbelts and let Helene take you on a fabulous journey, flying with the dedicated and intensely private Captain Morgan Petland (and crew) as she and hunky ex-SAS soldier, Rafe Daniels, work together to expose a devastating terrorist threat on Australian soil.
This story is HUGE.
It has depth of both plot and character that you rarely see in the contemporary romance-suspense genre, giving readers a story as rich as our big brown land and as vast as the pristine coastal waters that surround it. Helene’s vivid descriptions of life, the land and the sea in the N/E tropics will make Aussies glow with pride (and make those not lucky enough to live here want to visit.)
The author, like her heroine, is not afraid to tackle the difficult stuff head on and this story boldly touches on the political, the personal, and the cultural by exposing chinks in Australia’s defence systems as well as chinks in the personal armour of Captain Petland and aloof Customs Agent, Rafe. As a result, readers are guaranteed plenty of turbulence for Morgan, both in the air and in love. Helene also skilfully weaves substantial sub-plot and back-story through this novel so that each character has ample baggage to deal with. (In fact, I’d say excess baggage charges are applicable for this lot. LOL)
I certainly had no problem remaining seated until Captain Helene Young turned off the fasten seatbelt sign on the last page. I actually didn’t want the journey to end at all, reading the last one-hundred pages without stopping.
What I loved.
Everything. Helene really knows how to build up emotion and sensual tension. My tummy tripped at one point – and it’s been a long time since a darn book has done that! LOL. As for that wonderfully outrageous co-pilot – come on Helene, she’s too real not to be based on someone. I loved getting to know Lauren and Gav and enjoyed being up there with the crew, part of the playful banter and the camaraderie.
What I learned.
Lots and it’s a bit scary! I had no idea just how vulnerable we were. God bless the guardians of our coastline who dedicate their careers and lives to protecting our beautiful country.
What will linger long after I’ve read the book.
Helene’s descriptions of our menacingly magnificent far north. I so want to go there. But until then (and until her next novel) perhaps I’ll just read Border Watch again. It’s a very real journey.
Get to know more about Helene Young and her writing here http://www.heleneyoung.com/ and become a fan – like me – of the facebook group Australian Outback Romances and Mysteries
