In 1950s Australia, during the height of the divisive White Australia Policy, Virginia, a young Aboriginal girl, is taken from her home and put to work on an isolated and harsh outback station. Her only solace: the violin, taught to her secretly by the kind-hearted wife of the abusive station owner. However, Virginia's prodigious musical gift cannot save her from years of hardship and racism.

Decades later, her eight-year-old granddaughter Ruby plays the violin with the passion Virginia once possessed. Amidst poverty, domestic violence, and social dysfunction, Ruby escapes her circumstance through her practice with her grandmother's frail, guiding hand. Ruby’s zeal attracts the attention of an enigmatic music professor, and with his help, she embarks on an incredible journey of musical discovery that will culminate in a rare opportunity.

But with two cultural worlds colliding, her gift and her ambition will be threatened by deeply ingrained distrust, family jealousies, and tragic secrets that will define her very identity.

Every time lightning strikes or thunder cracks, you will remember the story of the Priori.

Strike of Lightning tells of the tragic stories of true childhood experiences for many. This book weaves together tales of unimaginable pain and suffering as experienced by young Australians Michael, Sumaya, and Charlie. Unexpected events see their lives changed forever as they are chosen by the Order of the Priori to join the fight for all that is good in the world.

The trio discover a deep, ancient, and powerful presence lurking deep inside each of them. Having been transported from the western suburbs of Sydney to the Towers of Light, to be inducted and trained in the ways of the Priori, Michael, Charlie, and Sumaya develop unbreakable bonds of friendship and kinship which only shared tragedy could forge.

A dark prophecy is fulfilled when a member of the Priori is murdered, setting loose a chain of events which will ultimately lead the world to a battle which will decide the fate of every human for generations to come.

About the author: In 2008, my eldest brother, father to my niece and nephew, was murdered in cold blood for his strong and successful effort in preventing troubled youth from joining violent bikie gangs. He was 26 years old. After this, I was flung into the grips of depression which forced me to place my university studies on hold. To escape my pain and sorrow, I travelled around the world, learning, sharing, and growing. Once I emerged from my dark place, I was inspired to dedicate my life to helping those who have gone through trauma. This story is one of the tools in my arsenal.

Coupled with my own overcoming and growth, the idea for this book came about after volunteering with survivors of abuse and trauma. Having spoken to and mentored numerous survivors, when discussing inspiration, one commonality stuck out. Amongst all the literature available to us, there was an outstanding absence of a protagonist who had risen from the throngs of real, deep abuse and trauma. This novel questions why should abominable trauma equal villainous behaviour? What if for once, protagonists turned to heroism through such extreme traumas? The real world survivors, the heroes of said abominable traumas, who have turned to good rather than evil deserve literary hope and more so, representation.