SWITCHPUB
SwitchPub specialises in publishing quality historical fiction from Australian authors.
We are proud to launch ‘Diamond of the Desert’, a historical action/romance that tells a full and accurate history of the early years of Western Australia’s colonial expansion.
Diamond of the Desert
…’for one last time this place was one of reverence and intrigue. She sat in the shade, watching the contrast going on around her. A place that seemed deeply spiritual, steeped in Aboriginal lore; now trampled by cattle and men, who bathed from the cooled spring and soon started to drink and swear and to turn it to a place of commerce – a staging post for the European march over the land.
Something about the place reminded Maggie of a famous book from the time, “The Talisman” by Sir Walter Scott. As she witnessed the mysterious place now being trampled and changed forever, Maggie reflected that here again was a clash of cultures, and that ‘men of civilisation’ were once more those displaying the traits expected of the ‘savages’ they claimed superiority over. She recalled that the whole sorry saga had come to a head with a great duel at a desert oasis called ‘The Diamond of the Desert’…
Five facts you probably didn't know about early WA
It's been six months since the launch, and I'm pleased to see more reviews coming out regularly in sites like Amazon and GoodReads. Here are just a few:
Part three in a revisit of the iconic North-West Stock Route reveals the beauty of the new lands, as the colony first expanded North.
An inquiring mind is just the start.
Part two in a revisit of the iconic North-West Stock Route is a perfect reflection as National Reconciliation Week 2026 closes out.
This Western Australia Day, join me in rediscovering the North-West Stock Route.
All is not lost! This section only displays the author's last four blogs, but fortunately the posts are still accessible! Here they all are in sequence:
It was no summer cruise for those making their way to colonial Western Australia.
Western Australia was the lost colony - one of the last colonies to be established in the 400-year long, world-wide expanse of the British Empire and then promptly forgotten.
First impressions of Fremantle caused many early settlers to doubt their wisdom...
The early days of Western Australia are to be found on the other side of the planet in 1840s Ireland and England.
Author’s Blog Feb ’26: Early Days Diamond of the Desert is a historical adventure-romance story of early colonial Western Australia. Released to …
Book Reviews
True
“Noting there is currently little in the way of ‘truthful’ colonial fiction on public record about the early years in Western Australia, The Diamond paints an engaging and compelling story of the 1850s to build respect and educate readers – many of whom are still ignorant to those truths of this boodja.” Rohan Collard, Ballardong Wadjuk Maaman, Dooga Waalitj Healing
West Australian History
“An entertaining, informative and thought provoking journey through the early years of white settlement in the Swan River Colony and beyond – thoroughly enjoyed.” Tim Finucane
Enlightening
“… a vividly woven tapestry of both drama and yesteryear that successfully illuminates the realities of life in the early years of Western Australia’s Swan River penal colony. A genuinely thoughtful, character driven tale that draws the reader in with identifiable and thought provoking elements such as genuine hardship and family bonds… This is a truly enlightening journey into a rarely publicised period of Australia’s not too distant historical past.” Richard Connery
Available now
Softback: Diamond of the Desert is now available for purchase in soft-copy using the form below (approx one week delivery). Also available through your local bookshop – just ask for
‘Diamond of the desert by DA Wray’
Or purchase immediately using the e-book links below.
Visit the GoodReads book shop on the link below to explore all your options
Send us a message
If you have questions or concerns, please let us know by reaching our contact information or submit via enquiry form.
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0467 573 070
Write Us
david@switchconsultancy.org
Address
Scarborough Western Australia
“Education leads to the truth; and it is only the truth that can set us free”