A Kingdom for the Brave

the long version

"When George Collinson meets Eloise it is love at first sight. But Eloise is married to Edward Cadwallader - a man capable of great brutality, who will never let his wife or their son leave him alive. Surviving a vicious massacre, the Aboriginal boy Mandawuy is the last of his tribe. He will face the ultimate choice - join with the white man, or rebel alongside his fellow warriors. Their husbands are devoted friends but Nell Penhalligan and Alice Quince clash from the moment they meet. However, when tragedy threatens, they will have to overcome their enmity to survive. Niall Logan is one of many Irish children sent to Sydney in chains. As he struggles to exist in the cruel world of a convict colony, he yearns only for freedom."--Publisher's description.