Dark Frontier is a change in setting/period for Matthew Harffy who has established himself as one of the best historical fiction writers out there.. so what’s the new offering about you may ask..Well the latest treat for us readers is a western adventure that packs a punch!

Word of warning.. I’ll try to keep this spoiler free but there’s only so much I can tell you so…..

Lieutenant Gabriel Stokes leaves England behind to escape his past.. he’s running away from his daemons, but you can only run so long before things will catch up with you.

Stokes heads to Oregon to meet his friend John who owns and runs Thornford Ranch. As soon as he steps off the train the action starts.. there’s a commotion and the first body hits the floor courtesy of Jed White.

Things spiral kind of fast for Stokes now as we learn about Jed, who was actually sent to collect Stokes.. but where is his friend John.. and why did Jed just shoot this young man?

Now I’ll try and remain spoiler free as much as I can but from the off Stokes is knocked for six and his whole purpose/lookout changes… I’m not sure he really knew what he was expecting at Thornford Ranch but what he’s thrown into is beyond anything he would have thought possible and he quickly finds himself sucked into a protective role.. he can’t just walk away..

We learn of a town under the thumb of very influential people, and eyes and ears are everywhere…this place is more dangerous than London even.. the law doesn’t really have any power here… it’s those with connections that hold the power.

To say it’s a typical western wouldn’t do the story justice but it does have some things you’d expect such as the gun fights which really added an edge of excitement. I particularly liked the detail added to explain the weapons, range, kick back and such..wow.

Some would say the author took a risk moving away from his well established work.. I say he’s killed it! What was clear from the off was the detail added not only to give you that true western feel but also the wider story of Stokes, London, his reasons for being in Oregon.. it adds more depth to the tale and for me would help the flow for someone who may not consider a western their genre, the detail just gave it that polished edge knowing how much time had gone into the background of the plot but perfectly added the gruffness I’d expect of a western tale!

Stokes is the main character and by far the most developed due to this but I can’t even start to explain how well developed his character is… he’s got his issues and he’s fighting them, you can tell he’s honourable.. but at the same time has weaknesses like we all do..

I particularly found him funny in those moments when a pretty face would turn his head only for him to overreach and old wounds opened so to speak.. these moments were lighthearted at times but at others pivotal showing what kind of man Stokes is and the length’s he will go to for what he believes is right.

Engrossing.. mesmerizing…. however you want to say it this book has the wow factor from the off, the plot sucks you in.

I don’t think I’ve seen such a well-developed ensemble cast either, even down to the shop keepers.. their mannerisms/style just melted through the pages and each added something to the flow and direction of the story.

If I had to pick a word that describes the feel of the book best it would be authentic.. it has everything I expect of a western.. but here’s the thing.. it goes beyond that, transcends what you expect and delivers even more of a punch.

Grab a beer, whiskey or even a sarsaparilla and enjoy!.

I really wish I could write some spoilers but that’s not me.. but trust me.. it’s git everything a reader could ask for!

A wonderous 5* read.