Step into the rugged, romantic world of the Frontier series, where the untamed Australian outback sets the stage for a sweeping saga of love, revenge, and resilience! Penned by Australian author Peter Watt, this collection of twelve historical novels traces the bitter feud between the wealthy Macintosh and working-class Duffy families across generations. Blending meticulously researched history with heart-pounding adventure, Frontier captures the wild spirit of colonial Australia.
With a cast of vivid characters and a backdrop of Queensland’s harsh frontier, these books weave tales of power struggles, forbidden romance, and the fight to tame a new land. If you’re craving a series that marries historical depth with emotional intensity, Frontier is your next obsession.
How Frontier Began
Peter Watt, a former soldier, firefighter, and jack-of-all-trades, launched the Frontier series in 1999 with Cry of the Curlew. Inspired by Australia’s colonial past and his own diverse experiences—from working with Aboriginal communities to volunteering as a bush firefighter—Watt aimed to bring lesser-known historical events to life. His passion for storytelling and knack for vivid characters turned Frontier into a beloved saga, published by Pan Macmillan, that resonates with readers eager to explore Australia’s roots.
Watt’s unique perspective, shaped by his time in Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, and the Australian outback, infuses the series with authenticity. He crafted Frontier to educate and entertain, spotlighting the gritty realities of colonial life while weaving a multi-generational family drama that spans from the 19th century to the Vietnam War era.
The Heart of Frontier
The series kicks off with Cry of the Curlew (1999), where squatter Donald Macintosh’s brutal act sparks a deadly rivalry with the Duffy family. This feud fuels the narrative, with characters like Michael Duffy, a soldier of fortune, and Enid Macintosh, a cunning matriarch, driving the drama. Shadow of the Osprey (2000) deepens the conflict, exploring espionage and savagery from Sydney’s boardrooms to the Coral Sea. Flight of the Eagle (2002) takes readers to the battlefields of Sudan and Queensland’s outback, blending global events with personal vendettas. The series concludes with From the Stars Above (2017), tying up the saga in the turbulent 1960s.
Frontier’s themes—revenge, loyalty, and the clash of cultures—shine through its richly drawn characters and evocative settings. Watt’s style, often compared to Wilbur Smith, balances action-packed battle scenes with tender romances and intricate family dynamics. The Australian frontier, from Queensland’s rugged plains to Sydney’s bustling streets, becomes a character itself, reflecting the harsh beauty and opportunity of a young nation. Readers praise the series for its historical accuracy, with Watt weaving in real events like the Malayan Emergency and Indigenous struggles, making Frontier both educational and enthralling.
The saga’s strength lies in its ability to connect personal stories to global history. Whether it’s a Duffy navigating love amidst war or a Macintosh scheming for power, the characters’ journeys resonate with universal themes of survival and sacrifice, all grounded in Australia’s colonial evolution.
Why Frontier Resonates
Frontier has carved a niche among historical fiction fans for its gripping storytelling and authentic portrayal of Australia’s past. Readers on Goodreads and Amazon rave about its addictive quality, with many devouring the entire series multiple times. Its focus on underrepresented conflicts, like Australia’s role in Borneo or Vietnam, sets it apart from mainstream historical fiction, earning Watt the title of “Australia’s Wilbur Smith.” The series’ blend of romance, adventure, and historical insight appeals to a wide audience, from history buffs to saga enthusiasts.
Its legacy endures through its ability to humanize Australia’s complex history, sparking interest in colonial and Indigenous narratives. Fans have even called for a TV adaptation, envisioning the Duffy-Macintosh feud on screen. For Australians, Frontier is a lens into their nation’s roots; for global readers, it’s a thrilling dive into a lesser-known world.
- First book published: 1999 (Cry of the Curlew)
- Number of books: 12
- Publisher: Pan Macmillan Australia
- Setting: Colonial Australia to 1960s
Ready to gallop into the wild heart of Australia? Grab Cry of the Curlew and let Peter Watt’s Frontier series sweep you into a world of passion, peril, and unforgettable adventure!