John Grimes initiates a temporal intervention to alter the historical trajectory of the Australian outlaw Ned Kelly. Grimes, a seasoned spacefarer, utilizes advanced technology to navigate the currents of time, aiming to assist Kelly in securing independence from British colonial rule. He faces significant opposition from the rigid constraints of established history and the logistical challenges of operating in the nineteenth-century Australian bush. The narrative follows a linear progression, focusing on the tactical implementation of modern knowledge to shift the outcome of historical conflicts.

Discussion often centers on the intersection of Australian folklore and speculative science fiction elements. Readers frequently highlight the author's ability to blend the rugged atmosphere of the bush with the technical precision of space-age protagonists. The pacing is noted for its steady progression as the narrative shifts from historical recreation to active intervention. Critics observe that the work serves as a distinct entry in the subgenre of alternate history by focusing on a specific regional icon. The balance between character-driven decision-making and the broader implications of changing the past remains a primary point of interest for those examining Chandler's broader body of work.