Toward the Sea of Freedom (The Sea of Freedom Trilogy Book 1)

Toward the Sea of Freedom is an epic, sweeping saga of the first white settlers in New Zealand. Many are convicts from England who were originally sent to colonize Australia and who either stayed after serving their sentences or were able to escape and find their way to New Zealand. Among the characters are Kathleen whose first love Michael was convicted of theft and sent to Australia but not before leaving her pregnant with his child. Michael himself is a shiftless sort, not afraid of work but more of a drifter looking for a good drink and a pretty woman; he doesn’t believe he’ll survive the trip to Australia. Lizzie is a street walker in London living in abject poverty; when she’s accused of trying to steal some bread, she’s convicted and sent to Australia. Ian Coltrane, from the same Irish village as Kathleen and Michael, marries her and they set off for New Zealand, but he’s embittered by the fact that she carries Michael’s child; he is dishonest in his dealings as a horse trader and beats and rapes his wife mercilessly. Claire is Kathleen’s only friend in New Zealand; together with their children they escape their husbands and set up their own business in Dunedin. Peter Burton, the Anglican minister who preaches about Darwinism, falls in love with Kathleen but can’t help her past the secrets she is hiding. Finally, the native Maori tribes that inhabit both the North and South Islands of New Zealand; they find in Lizzie one who is compatible with their way of life. All of these characters find their lives intertwined in various ways.Set against the backdrop of the lush islands of New Zealand and Australia, the reader is transported to a time when the land was still unspoiled and full of promise; a time before cities but also a time of hardships and struggles. The author, Sara Lark, provides an in depth look at the history of both countries and the people who settled there. For example, this reader had heard of the Maori but now I have a much better understanding of their culture and how it affected the white settlers.If you like historical fiction, sweeping sagas, intrigue, adventure, non-stop twists and turns, then this book is for you. Crossed-paths, struggles, self-discovery, survival, and love are all contained in the pages of this tome. I personally think this book has the makings of at least three seasons on Masterpiece theatre. Best news: I just realized that this is the first book of a trilogy and have already ordered book #2 – Beneath the Kauri Tree.Originally written in German and translated into English by D. W. Lovett, this reader was hard pressed to find even a single grammatical error in the over 500 pages. An amazing accomplishment!

Michael, Kathleen, Ian, Claire, and Lizzy. When we are young, we think we know everything. When we have lived, loved, struggled, and fought, we sometimes regret choices we have made, but we also know you have to roll with the punches and go where life leads you. This is a great story, enjoy!

After reading Sarah Lark’s other New Zealand based Trilogy, I was excited to begin, this new series of books. “Onward the Sea of Freedom” is an engaging and easy read. If you enjoy learning some history and historical background about New Zealand, Sarah Lark’s books will painless teach you.

This was a very well developed book that kept me engaged throughout the entire story. I actually read it quite quickly as I was fascinated by the lives of three very strong women, role models for women 150 years later. I appreciate stories that tell the story of those who lived through and survived the Famine in Ireland as it provides me with a background for why my own ancestors left this beautiful country. I really enjoyed learning more about the penal colonies in Australia, and how New Zealand came to be settled. The story is both romantic and realistic and while the ending was different than what I had hoped for during three-quarters of the book, it was the right ending and did not disappoint.

This was my first exposure to Sarah Lark, and I must say this book was good.The story centers on 2 totally different women, that end up in New Zealand and fate plays a wicked trick on them resulting in their paths crossing, add in loves present and past, love lost, love found, pride, guilt, moral values etc and you have a really good book. Now, you're probably asking yourself if it's a good book, why only 3 stars, without giving too much away aka spoilers, it's because this book flows, you're into the characters, you're into the plot, then in the middle of all this a sub-plot is introduced regarding the native tribes people who at that time, the 1800's, lived in New Zealand. I found this sub-plot to be boring and dragged down the story. Historically, you may find it interesting, but when you're sitting on the edge of your seat, reading as fast as you can, to see if Katherine will or will not etc, then a Maori tribe person enters and the story goes down the path of their traditions, language etc., it's extremely frustrating and ruins the smooth story-line.Even though I am giving it only 3 stars, because it does bog down periodically with the historical tribal sub-plot ,I want you to know, that this is a good book, and worth your time.

Sarah Lark treats all her characters with understanding and sympathy while exposing their many character flaws. She has done careful and thorough research of the Maori culture and incorporates it beautifully into the story line. I recommend her books for anyone interested in the histories of New Zealand and Australia. I was completely enchanted by this book and her believable characters.

This historic novel takes us from "potato blight" Ireland, to the beautiful hills of Australia and NewZealand. Adventure, hard times, struggles and a new life , new start and finding self.

What a wonderful story (historical fiction) built around Australia, New Zealand and the indigenous peoples who gave way to the English and Irish and all the other poor souls sent to "get along" or die so that England could get rid of what they saw as troublemakers.It was hard to put down and I think most anyone over the age of sixteen or so would like it.I can't wait to read the second in the series to find out how the children of the first group fair and when the Maori tribe awakes to find itself losing everything they held dear. But maybe this story does not go into that. A great, great story anyway!

Great descripción, Great plot.

I liked the link with previous Sarah Lark novels both characters and location. This doesn't preclude reading this novel as a stand alone. People's lives, hardships, and successes never grow old especially when set in a beautiful, natural setting.

Very good story. Lots of history and good character development. The plot sort of follows her other books but still different and very good to read. It was difficult to put down.

I really like this author...

Great read.