The action adventure is based on Jan Hugo's experience as a helicopter pilot.
To celebrate the milestone, Daleen Engelbrecht (writing this novel under a pseudonym - Dana Crown), held a cosy gathering at her home where she was congratulated by her husband Schalk, who said he was proud of her literary talents, which have come to the fore after she retired from a demanding corporate career. She now has three books in print.
In jest, Daleen explained that after having written a historic novel she became quite well versed at colouring in dramatic moments like when the heroine and hero experience a tender moment. Her co-author tended to lean over to extreme brevity, wanting to cover a passionate moment in one sentence. They had agreed to reach a happy middle ground where at least a little more detail is revealed.
The novel is available on Amazon as an e-book or from the authors.
The authors do not shy away from the controversial subject of how technology is used to systematically slaughter our rhino population to the point of near annihilation. Daleen mentioned how few rhinos are left in South Africa today and said that she hopes that something good will come out of their compelling story.
"It is by no means meant to be a documentary. It is essentially an adventure story about life - love, hate, heroic and ruthless characters who are purely fictional - or are they? I am very passionate about the conservation of our rhino and that came through," said Daleen, who has spent months researching the subject. Jan Hugo was in Stellenbosch and unable to attend the launch.
Gerrie and Verona Cronjé with Daleen Engelbrecht at the launch of her book Choppers.
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