What People are Saying about Rob's Work

Son of the Storm is a compelling book. Its language and story are honest yet, in parts, visceral and explosive, giving credence to the characters and the plot. It is never gratuitous - a narrative as sharp as a sword's edge. A must read for those who love a ripping good yarn.

Rob McCubbin writes in a concise modern style which allows the book to flow. He has a curious way of jumping from scene to scene with as little as a paragraph on each segment. This could be distracting, but given that most of the story is worked out against the background of a sea voyage, it actually enhances the action and drives the book along.

Like many modern books, Son of the Storm doesn't finish the story and McCubbin leaves several threads dangling, which will entice the reader to look for the next instalment of the Andy McCubbin story, in the sequel which is bound to follow, about Andy and Jessie's life in Australia. The reader will be keen to know what happens to their brother John who is left, on the run, heading for Hanging Rock.

It's an exciting story, which has all the ingredients to be a best seller.

Rob McCubbin's new historical novel, Son of The Storm, is an interesting and compelling read. It is a family saga with more than a hint of authenticity about it ...take time out to read Son of The Storm - you'll enjoy it. Son of The Storm - I'll give it a resounding 10/10

Rob McCubbin's historical novel weaves a fascinating fiction of adventure and romance over the strands of his factual family history. ...his depiction of the harshness of life in the 1850s makes engrossing reading that shows life in the impoverished rural communities of Scotland as a constant struggle. And there's not much joy either, governed as they are by rigid and ultra conservative churchmen. A house fire that explodes in the night brings change unexpectedly to the lives of the young folk of Penpont chafing under well-meant religious bigotry, and to Andrew McCubbin and his wife Jessie. After the gentle and vulnerable Andie is robbed the couple, faced with demands that cannot be met from a greedy landlord, find themselves taking ship for Australia, fearful but exhilarated about travelling to the unknown land. The spirited Jessie is expecting a child; they must face stoically the harsh privations, tragedies and dangers vividly portrayed for passengers and crew on one of the early merchant ships plying the England-Australia run. A further strand weaves in a subplot of other lives on the Victorian goldfields. With some grim realities to come, there are yet tantalising glimpses of a better life for the McCubbins and their newborn Australian son.

Set in 1850, this historical novel is an adventure story embracing loyalty, love, courage and disaster. Woven through the drama is the love story of Jess and Andie who share their lives with the extended family of McCubbins in Scotland, then embark on a voyage to Australia. This reader knows nothing about sailing or navigation, yet I was avidly turning the pages enjoying every word, lost in the exciting drama as the ship Northerly heads towards disaster. I was intrigued and entertained by the story. The author's fluent style is impressive. An excellent read.

Notes from my valiant band of readers, who have helped me hone the story:

I don't consider myself as a prude, or a loose moral person. In fact broad minded, but most of all appreciative of beautiful truth of love, respect and honor. Therefore I express my deep appreciation of your beautifully written sex life of Andie and Jessie.

I am so impressed with the story and your writing! I have learned much of Scottish migration, families, history and sailing. And more. I had the world globe down from its resting place. I turned it and pondered the sailing route. Wondered about the climate, weather of the time, and all about the route. You answered all the questions, including where chapter 15 ends. Icebergs would terrify me. I had read about the waters in the southern seas! Can hardly wait for the outcome.

I've just finished reading Son of the Storm. Thank you for sharing your talent. I'm amazed at how you are able to learn and use the terminology of various trades such as sailing, navigation, ship construction and even obstetrics for an era of over a hundred years ago. And how you are able to capture the language and feelings of that period and use them in such a natural flow. Very impressive and very well done. Because of their importance to Scotland, I've often thought that there should be other books on the McCubbin family. I'm currently reading The Bruce Trilogy by Nigel Tranter which I'm sure you have already read. Incidentally, your talent is superior. I'll look forward to owning your book.

I'm amazed at how you know these things. Your research is stunning! Details such as saving paper when penning a letter by writing over the top of what has been written, at a 90 degree angle. When I read about a room in the cottage, or life on the ship I really walked into it. This is the essence of stepping back in time for me.

And from others who have read Son of the Storm:

...It is a rare talent to be able to make the characters come alive as you read, and the author does this in full measure. The story moves along and at no stage becomes bogged down. I am already looking forward to a sequel....

A well written, well researched historical novel. ... Useful reading for younger generations who have had little interest in their Australian ancestors...

If the next book to follow Son of the Storm is as good as the first, then we are in for a double treat... I couldn't wait to turn the page to see what was written on the other side. Andrew, Jessie and others step out of the pages as real living people we would like to know and have as friends.

... Such wonderful characters. I didn't want to leave them! ...suggested reading material for history students.

...what we have here is an excellent story. My appetite has been whetted.... "Please Sir, I want some more!"