Book Jacket

 

rank 1886
word count 28146
date submitted 26.03.2009
date updated 11.08.2011
genres: Literary Fiction, Thriller, Histori...
classification: universal
incomplete

Icaroz Rising

Pat Brehony

The Wright Brothers made the first ever flight. Or did they? Three Australian youngsters have a different tale to tell. Their adventures start here.

 

It all begins with a mysterious tin trunk at an auction...

Two youngsters, Eric and Pete, living in a remote part of Western Australia in 1901, have a unique and eerie experience during a storm which rolls over the cattle station owned by the father of their neighbour, Harriet (Harry). As the years pass the trio go their separate ways. Later on, the two boys find themselves in the thick of fighting against the Turks in Gallipoli in 1915 during the First World War, initially unaware that they are both in the same area. Eric and Pete meet again in extraordinary circumstances and there follows a strange climax to their friendship.

Harry moves to the Northern Territory and an exciting new life. During the Second World War her career takes another amazing turn, becoming a daring Coast Watcher in Japanese occupied islands. She has many exciting brushes with danger.

The story of Eric, Pete and Harry will appeal to young and old readers alike and will tell them something about true grit and extraordinary lives which evolve from small beginnings.

 
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tags

courage & true grit, danger, self-sufficiency galore, three youngsters in outback australia, wartime adventures

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170 comments

 

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Pat Brehony wrote 1107 days ago

Hi Katlynn,

Many thanks for your positive comments!
Now to work...on the remaining chapters.
Regards.
Pat

Pat Brehony wrote 364 days ago

Chapter 10 of 'Icaroz Rising' has been amended.

Su Dan wrote 402 days ago

easy to read writing, this book flow with care narrative and effective dialogue...on my watchlist...
read SEASONS...

Pat Brehony wrote 416 days ago

Thanks, Jane.
I'm afraid I have had to put my book to one side for some time due to pressure of other work. Hope to get back soon and also to absorb your work.
Regards.
Pat

Pat Brehony wrote 560 days ago

Hi there,

Many thanks for your insightful and welcome comments.
Sorry that I had you drifting off! I saw Burke as an opportunist who was intrigued by the trunk and bid for it impulsively on a whim (don't we all do that at times?)
I will have a look at the material again and see if some editing can tighten it up.
Thanks again.
Pat

trainspotter wrote 561 days ago

This book feels very cinematic. Right from the start I can see the characters, and the dusty auction room makes me want to sneeze. I do feel that Burke's compulsion to buy the trunk didn't ring true. I didn't believe his urge to bid for it. Why did he want it so badly? I personally felt he needed more of a reason. Or maybe, no one else bids for it and it's going cheap, so he thinks, 'what the hell'. Also, at the start you say it's a tin trunk, but then later, his mum says, she doesn't want woodworm. I absolutely loved chapters 2 and 4, but the letter in chapter 3 had me drifting off.

With an edit to tighten up the pace, this could be a wonderful book, so it's going on my shelf.

hikey wrote 574 days ago


Icaroz Rising

Well done this is a solid thoroughly enjoyable begining. A good blend of fact and fiction with characters and imagery that are striking.

Jane

' Breath in the Dark '

Bonzo147 wrote 637 days ago

Hold's the reader's interest with consummate ease. Very well written indeed and backed with pleasure.

Angus Shoor Caan.

Violet Hiccup.

hikey wrote 649 days ago

Well constructed plot and good writing that gives the reader a sense of time and place.
Jane

Wilma1 wrote 650 days ago

This book has great potential I really likes the fact that he felt compelled to buy the chest and what he found in it. We are left hanging with a great mystery to unfold. Chapter two takes us into a different setting and more characters are introduced to beef it up. This is excellent writing.
Wilma1
Knowing Liam Riley – I hope you can spare a moment to take a look

GK Stritch wrote 654 days ago

Dear Pat Brehony,

Courage and true grit, self determination, I certainly hope Icaroz Rising takes off like a jet liner in the charts.

Best and backed.

GK Stritch
CBGB Was My High School

Kieron wrote 655 days ago

Excellent! Good Boy's Own stuff, pretty rare these days. You've got a great voice, and a wonderful sense of place. Backed.

Darugh wrote 656 days ago

Marvelous premise for a good story - couldn't wait to see what was inside the trunk - now I want to see where it all leads. Good beginning, clear description, draws the reader in from the start. I will have to come back to read more later. (And thanks for backing The Witness Tree).
Patricia West Hays

Pat Brehony wrote 656 days ago

Sorry, folks. I have been away from my desk for quite a while. Hope to make amends over the coming weeks & finish the novel.
Cheers.
Pat Brehony
'Icaroz Rising'

Pat Brehony wrote 761 days ago

Many thanks, Andrew.
Your comments are much appreciated.
Pat

Andrew Burans wrote 763 days ago

It is always most difficult to write an accurate period piece and you have done so well. Excellent character development and use of imagery. Backed with pleasure.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

Pat Brehony wrote 764 days ago

Thanks for that, Famlavan. It's great to get such insightful and helpful comments.
Best wishes.
Pat

Pat Brehony wrote 764 days ago

Thanks for that, Famlavan. It's great to get such insightful and helpful comments.
Best wishes.
Pat

Famlavan wrote 765 days ago

Icaroz Rising

What a great story, you had me hooked from Auction. You use sensory descriptions so well to create believable scenes.
Your writing style does so much to enhance this book and make it real and grounded it time and place. Brilliant characters brought to life with equally brilliant dialogue. An absolutely great story so very well told.

Pat Brehony wrote 767 days ago

Thanks for your encouraging words, Carl.
Good luck with 'The Time Hunters'.
Regards.
Pat

carlashmore wrote 767 days ago

One of the most enjoyable pitches on the site, is followed by some excellent prose. You write beautifully and your research and insight into the period really gives the reader a sense of time and space. Your dialogue is so sharp, propels the narrative beautifully and I genuinely hope you finish this soon and post the entire MS here.Backed with pleasure
Carl
The Time Hunters

Pat Brehony wrote 771 days ago

Many thanks, Jim.
Every success with your 'The Firelord's Crown.'
Best regards.
Pat

Jim Darcy wrote 771 days ago

This is becoming a well crafted novel with a great mystery to set it up then back to the beginning and a clear historical voice. You distinguish very well between the speakers and add little nuances that give authenticity. Glad I found this. Its my second Australian book today and I am impressed with both. Jim Darcy The Firelord's Crown

blueboy wrote 777 days ago

You have an interesting voice here. And the narrative flows well. I have not read enough to comment on your plot structure but i like what i have read so far, and based on thepitch and the first couple of chapters i will back you and wiosh you the best of luck. Please read some of my book, The Age of Rhinestone, when you have time and let me know what you think. cheers

blueboy

Pat Brehony wrote 780 days ago

New chapter 11 now added to 'Icaroz Rising.'.
Comments welcome.
Pat

Pat Brehony wrote 782 days ago

Many thanks, Burgio. Glad you liked 'Icaroz Rising.'
Will check out your 'Grain of Salt' over Easter.
Good luck.
Pat.

Burgio wrote 782 days ago

I like stories that take place over a long span of time. It gives you so much more time to present in-depth characters. And that's what happens here. Eric, Pete and Harry are all interesting characters. And I have no doubt they flew before the Wright Brothers.They just didn't have good publicity people. A good read, I'm adding this to my bookshelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

Pat Brehony wrote 783 days ago

Hi Straussy,

What an uplifting comment on 'Icaroz Rising.' It provokes me into getting down to do some more serious work on my book.

Regards.

Pat

Strauss wrote 784 days ago

I was looking forward to this from the moment I read your pitch. A good, solid and very interesting read. Best wishes for its future! Straussy

Pat Brehony wrote 785 days ago


Hi Jeff,
Thanks for your very positive comments about 'Icaroz Rising.'
I am putting 'The Ladies' Temperance Club's Farewell Tour (a lovely concept!) on my watchlist. Every success with that.

Regards.
Pat

jfredlee wrote 785 days ago

Hi, Pat -

Your first chapter does a masterful job of setting up the story, even ending on a nice point of tension.

Happy to back Icaroz Rising.

Best of luck with it, and I would love it if you could take a look at my book.

Thanks.

-Jeff Lee
THE LADIES TEMPERANCE CLUB'S FAREWELL TOUR

Pat Brehony wrote 786 days ago

Dear Pia,
What a refreshing & inspiring comment! I will try to live up to the expected standard in the remainder of the book.
Next chapter almost ready.
Good luck with yours.
Regards.
Pat

Pia wrote 786 days ago

Pat,

Icaroz Rising - Marvellous, I love this story. In so many fields of invention, official acknowledgement goes in a flash to those who happen to be in the limelight while others who risked all remain in darkness. Lovely writing, too, powered by passion for friendship, which, I am certain, the author values and hold dear. Irresistable.

Backed with pleasure, Pia (Course of Mirrors)

SusieGulick wrote 786 days ago

Dear Pat, Since I already backed your book, I'll put you on my watchlist & comment again, which will hopefully advance your book more. :)
PLEASE take a moment to BACK/COMMENT my other book, the UNEDITED version to help mine advance, too. ... "Tell Me True Love Stories"
Thanks, Susie :)

Pat Brehony wrote 787 days ago

Dear Suzie,
I am working on 'He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not,' at the moment. Every success.
Backed.
Regards.
Pat

Pat Brehony wrote 787 days ago

Great to get your comments & support, JC.

I look forward to delving into your work.
Shelved.
Regards.
Pat

soutexmex wrote 787 days ago

Both of the pitches worked for me. You have mastered the pitch. SHELVED!

I can use your comments on my book when you get the chance. Cheers!

JC
The Obergemau Key
Authonomy's #1 rated commentator

SusieGulick wrote 787 days ago

Dear Pat, I love that you are sharing your story. It is a good read because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. SO, what DOES happen next.? I kept re-writing mine & finally stopped the re-writing & have almost finished it. I suggest you finish yours, then do the re-writing, so we can see the full picture. Hope this is helpful. :) I'm backing your book. :) PLEASE take a moment to BACK/COMMENT possibley on my TWO Books, ... "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" ... and the UNEDITED version? ... "Tell Me True Love Stories"
Thanks, Susie :)

Pat Brehony wrote 788 days ago

Hi Bonalibro,

Your v. positive comments on 'Icaroz Rising' have cheered me up on this rather wet Monday morning1 It will encourage me to get back to the keyboard and do some more work.

Regards.
Pat

bonalibro wrote 788 days ago

A beautifully written and fascinating tale that doesn't require gunplay or paranormal characters or any of the other junk fiction devices to hold this reader's interest. Goodonya. Backed.

lynn clayton wrote 788 days ago

I didn't know history could be this exciting.This seems very commercial to me, Pat. The plot is gripping, the characters attractive, and two world wars as a background give it an epic feel. I'm sure it will do well. Backed. Lynn

Pat Brehony wrote 790 days ago

Many thanks, Hatts. Your comments are very encouraging.
Now to do some more work on it,
Regards,
Pat

Hatts wrote 790 days ago

I don't usually read books of this genre, but was atteacted by the pitch and cover. I found the first chapter with the old tin trunk / auction scene very atmospheric. Chapter 4 - much more dramatic and the inclusion of letters within the chapters (particularly between peter and Harry) works for me. Good luck with this
Hatts

Pat Brehony wrote 791 days ago

Hi Lorri,

Well said! I will have a look at the pitch and see if I can make the layout more attractive.
Thanks for backing.
Regards.
Pat

Lorri wrote 791 days ago

I thought your pitch was a little heavy to read, not for the content, but for the layout.

I'd suggest breaking it up a little.

The start to the story is great though! I can't say I really found anything to pick on in it. It flows well, is engaging, drew me in as a reader effortlessly and I wanted to find out what was in the trunk too!

backed

Lorri (Euphoria)

Pat Brehony wrote 791 days ago

Thanks, Missy.
Your comments are much appreciated.
Would be glad if you would highlight areas that did not hold your attention. I respond positively to constructive criticism!
Cheers.
Pat

missyfleming_22 wrote 791 days ago

Not sure if I ever backed this before but I came across it and started reading! You've got a great style that makes your historical fiction easy to read. Sometimes they get bogged down in the details. It was interesting and educational too, I felt like Iearned something as I read. All in all a pleasure to read!

Missy
Mark of Eternity

Pat Brehony wrote 793 days ago

I have rewritten parts of the first chapter.
Comments welcome.
Thanks.
Pat.

Pat Brehony wrote 793 days ago

Hi Holdril,

Many thanks for your astute comments on 'Icaroz Rising'. I will amend as suggested.
I intended the auction event to be set in the 1970s, but I will look again to see how that sits with the developing story.
Regards.
Pat

holdril wrote 793 days ago

Good story, interesting for the likes of me. I love to see the millions of hidden yarns that peek out of Australia's first 100 years. Having been to countless auctions a point you missed is the buyers premium which would have taken him over his $30 bucks.
The rythmn is OK but I am having trouble dating the activity. I have been told that it is important to a reader. I find it so.

All the best

lizjrnm wrote 800 days ago

This is historical fiction at its best! Wonderful, realistic characterizations and beautiful prose! BACKED with pleasure - I want this to be true!

Liz
The Cheech Room