Author's Blog 25 June '26:
From Australia
Mark
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in Australia on 18 December 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
“Unbelievable Discovery! This is a fast paced historical novel which outlines Western Australian history as well as a superbly balanced account of the true beginnings of the fledgling colony. This author has a remarkable gift for story-telling. In addition, he has paid much attention to telling an accurate and culturally sensitive account of the effects on the original indigenous inhabitants.
This book will want you looking for more novels penned by this author. Highly recommended.”
Cathy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in Australia on December 6, 2025
Format: GoodReads – paperback
“In DA Wray’s rollicking historical novel, at last we have a West Australian equal to Kate Grenville’s beautiful and sensitive works. Historical, social and political issues are intricately demonstrated, with interpretations that are generous but not shying away from shames of the colonial past. We discover the realities of difficulties in Ireland and England, with engaging characters who are followed to the fledgling society of very early Western Australia. Pioneering, adventuring, pearling, some massacres, love stories and daily realities of life are brought together in this historical fiction that is hard to put down. D A Wray has left a true gift to Western Australia from which we can understand more of the reality of our past.”
Bruce
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in Australia on December 6, 2025
Format: GoodReads – paperback
“I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It follows the life of Maggie from her humble beginnings in Ireland, her passage to Western Australia and subsequent life in the new colony. It is an extremely easy read and provides a genuine sense of place and time. The book has been thoroughly researched and provides an authentic and intimate insight into early colonial life in Western Australia. Further, the author presents an extremely sensitive treatment of early engagement of the colonialists with the local aboriginals. This is a wonderful work of historical romance and is particularly timely for Western Australia as we approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Swan River Colony.”
From other countries
EJ
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 August 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
“Truth telling, romance and adventure in early settlers. This book is easy to read and provides an compelling and intriguing account of what is was like to be an early settler. The novel contains romance, but history of massacres, and relationships with Aboriginal people, and getting to know this land is not romanticised and reading about the impact of colonialism gives the novel breadth and depth. The story feels authentic and the research behind it ensures it is historically accurate. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a fictional introduction to what life was like for early settlers in WA.”
DH
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on 21 June 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
“Captivating Adventure in Western Australia: Highlighting it’s history, culture & enduring people. I enjoy a great historical fiction, it’s my go to read when I want to dive in and learn about history, culture, and people. Diamond of the Desert does not disappoint! I learned so much about the pioneer spirit in Western Australia along with an honest look at the impact of colonial expansion on the indigenous people and their lands. D.A. Wray’s rich descriptions of the landscape, the climate, and the characters immediately immersed me in the story of the young protagonist, Maggie O’Brien. Her optimistic worldview, love of learning, and compassion for others resonated deeply with me. Throughout Maggie’s story, we learn of her hardships, her efforts to overcome them, her loves, her losses, and her successes; all written with an engaging plot punctuated with adventure and romance. The message is one highlighting the power of connection and moves me to connect with our better selves.”
Caren H.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in the United States on 13 June 2026
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
“I genuinely enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to any fan of historical adventure.
Part historical adventure, part romance, Diamond of the Desert is an impressive achievement in historical fiction. Following the intersecting lives of Maggie, James, and Richard from the hardships of the UK and Ireland to the brutal frontier of the Swan River Colony, the narrative spans decades and continents. What makes the book stand out is its balance: it delivers the high stakes of an adventure and a love triangle while remaining dedicated to a gritty, deeply researched, and honest look at colonial expansion. It’s a captivating, sweeping, and illuminating read for any historical fiction fan.”