A historical fiction novel set amongst the turmoil, loyalty and violent betrayal of the gold rush era.

San Francisco, 1849- a place gripped by gold fever, swarming with desperate men come to seek their fortune. Among them are former convict Australians, quick to seize control in a town without masters, a town for the taking. Into this world steps an Australian boy in search of his mother. Just twelve years old, and all alone in a time of opportunism, loyalty and violent betrayal, Samuel Bellamy must learn to become one of the Sydney Coves if he is to survive.