Life wasn't meant to be easy, and rarely do things go according to plan. So young Ned Collins found out the hard way when he was thrown suddenly into the deep end of a vast Outback cattle empire. After his cousins die mysteriously he is the last remaining heir, and he has to learn quickly to stand on his own feet. He is not alone. There are other interests he must negotiate before his place in life is finally settled. Using Aboriginal magic, supernatural intervention and sheer strength of character his family are able to maintain the status quo and through him restore their lineage into the next generation, but at considerable personal cost. Ned inherits more than wealth and property. He must deal somehow with the madness running through his family and decide for himself what is of most value, until finally while the immediate curse is lifted he knows that spiritual redemption is not so easily won.