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Frontier #3
Frontier Defiant
The new-found alliance of Starlyne and human has fought back, but the Garsal invaders are relentless in their desire to conquer Frontier. Once again, Shanna, her fellow cadets, and their starcats find themselves on the front-line. But even as she and the other cadets begin to master their new skills tragedy strikes, and all of Shanna’s resolve is tested as she discovers there is even more at stake than she’d ever believed possible.
As Garsal attacks on Watchtower and the other human settlements intensify, the cadets and Patrol Ten are sent on a mission to infiltrate the Garsal ship and free those slaves who hold knowledge that might enable the alliance to strike back. But even as factions start to appear within the seemingly implacable foe, Frontier’s future seems increasingly uncertain.
As Garsal attacks on Watchtower and the other human settlements intensify, the cadets and Patrol Ten are sent on a mission to infiltrate the Garsal ship and free those slaves who hold knowledge that might enable the alliance to strike back. But even as factions start to appear within the seemingly implacable foe, Frontier’s future seems increasingly uncertain.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2016
About the author
Leonie Rogers
9 books173 followersGrowing up in Western Australia, Leonie was an avid reader from an early age. Her mother vividly recalls her stating “I can read faster with my eyes than you can with your mouth, Mum…” at around the age of six. Her parents and great aunt encouraged her interest in literature, providing her with books of many different genres, and . She began writing during high school, placing in the Western Australian Young Writers Award in 1980, and she fondly remembers several of her English teachers, who encouraged her to write, both fiction and poetry.
Leonie trained at Curtin University as a physiotherapist and moved to the remote north west of Western Australia, as a new graduate, in late 1986. She continued to write poetry for herself and for friends. Living in the remote northwest, she had the opportunity to work with camels, fight fires as a volunteer fire fighter, and develop vertical rescue and cyclone operation skills with the State Emergency Service.
After relocating to NSW with her husband and two children, Leonie continued to work as a physiotherapist, while still dabbling with writing. Finally deciding to stop procrastinating, Leonie decided to write the novel she’d had sitting in the back of her head for the last twenty years. Her husband children have been extremely tolerant of the amount of time she has devoted to writing in the last few years.
Leonie trained at Curtin University as a physiotherapist and moved to the remote north west of Western Australia, as a new graduate, in late 1986. She continued to write poetry for herself and for friends. Living in the remote northwest, she had the opportunity to work with camels, fight fires as a volunteer fire fighter, and develop vertical rescue and cyclone operation skills with the State Emergency Service.
After relocating to NSW with her husband and two children, Leonie continued to work as a physiotherapist, while still dabbling with writing. Finally deciding to stop procrastinating, Leonie decided to write the novel she’d had sitting in the back of her head for the last twenty years. Her husband children have been extremely tolerant of the amount of time she has devoted to writing in the last few years.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 28, 2016
Wow! Absolutely brilliant!
As Shanna and her fellow Scout Cadets, Amma, Ragar, Zandany, Taya and Verran alongside their starcats spent their days in exhausting training, Shanna’s thoughts were never far from their new alliance with the Starlyne and the horrors the Garsal invaders were inflicting on Frontier. They all knew the individual gifts they held needed to be honed to perfection so they could defeat the Garsal – the alternative was too dreadful to think about…
The Overlord’s orders throughout the Garsal were feared – but The Matriarch was in control. The use of human slaves throughout their ship was inhumane; The Overlord delighted in the cruelties he could inflict. But earlier Anjo had managed to escape and was now surrounded by the humans including Shanna’s family and the starcats. Kaiden, Shanna’s brother formed a friendship with Anjo and taught him the ways of Frontier...
When Garsal attacks on Watchtower and their homes intensified and tragedy struck, immediate action was needed. Shanna’s team of cadets and starcats along with Patrol Ten and Fractus from the Starlynes headed Below, their mission to infiltrate the Garsal ship, free the slaves and stop the constant attacks on the humans. But could they do it? Could Shanna concentrate on what needed to be done, knowing what she knew? With Twister and Storm by her side, she would do her best. The dangers from the creatures of Below had them on edge; their knowledge of the lethal nature of Garsal weapons meant plans needed to be made and stuck to. The dangers were intense – but the alternative, where their home – Frontier – was controlled by Garsal meant their determination to win was paramount. What was in the future for Frontier?
Frontier Defiant by Aussie author Leonie Rogers is the final instalment in the Frontier trilogy and oh, what a doozy! I am so sad it’s finished – I loved the complete series; Shanna’s starcats Storm and Twister (and all the others!); the interaction between the young Scout Cadets as they learned their craft. It is one of those series though that MUST be read from book one! Though the back story is there, it will make more sense, and your enjoyment will be much greater if you read from the beginning. Most highly recommended.
With thanks to Hague Publishing for my digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
As Shanna and her fellow Scout Cadets, Amma, Ragar, Zandany, Taya and Verran alongside their starcats spent their days in exhausting training, Shanna’s thoughts were never far from their new alliance with the Starlyne and the horrors the Garsal invaders were inflicting on Frontier. They all knew the individual gifts they held needed to be honed to perfection so they could defeat the Garsal – the alternative was too dreadful to think about…
The Overlord’s orders throughout the Garsal were feared – but The Matriarch was in control. The use of human slaves throughout their ship was inhumane; The Overlord delighted in the cruelties he could inflict. But earlier Anjo had managed to escape and was now surrounded by the humans including Shanna’s family and the starcats. Kaiden, Shanna’s brother formed a friendship with Anjo and taught him the ways of Frontier...
When Garsal attacks on Watchtower and their homes intensified and tragedy struck, immediate action was needed. Shanna’s team of cadets and starcats along with Patrol Ten and Fractus from the Starlynes headed Below, their mission to infiltrate the Garsal ship, free the slaves and stop the constant attacks on the humans. But could they do it? Could Shanna concentrate on what needed to be done, knowing what she knew? With Twister and Storm by her side, she would do her best. The dangers from the creatures of Below had them on edge; their knowledge of the lethal nature of Garsal weapons meant plans needed to be made and stuck to. The dangers were intense – but the alternative, where their home – Frontier – was controlled by Garsal meant their determination to win was paramount. What was in the future for Frontier?
Frontier Defiant by Aussie author Leonie Rogers is the final instalment in the Frontier trilogy and oh, what a doozy! I am so sad it’s finished – I loved the complete series; Shanna’s starcats Storm and Twister (and all the others!); the interaction between the young Scout Cadets as they learned their craft. It is one of those series though that MUST be read from book one! Though the back story is there, it will make more sense, and your enjoyment will be much greater if you read from the beginning. Most highly recommended.
With thanks to Hague Publishing for my digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
August 28, 2016
This is a very satisfactory conclusion to a delightful trilogy. I have loved spending my time with the Starcats and the Starlynes. All the human characters are appealing too and it was good in this one to see Kaidan taking an important role.
This final episode is action packed and full of suspense and will be just as appealing to the older reader as it is to its target YA audience.
I still want a Starcat of my own:)
This final episode is action packed and full of suspense and will be just as appealing to the older reader as it is to its target YA audience.
I still want a Starcat of my own:)
May 6, 2021
Frontier Defiant is the third book in the Frontier series by Australian author, Leonie Rogers. It follows on directly from Frontier Resistance. The Scouts and Cadets were mourning a casualty of their raid on the Garsal Colony Ship. They had succeeded in destroying Garsal communication with the rest of the galaxy, but Shanna and her team understood this would not be the last of their number to die in what promised to be a fierce battle.
Shanna was relieved to know her family was safe; others had not been so fortunate. As soon as they had rested and recovered, intensive training with a retired Scout recalled to duty began, and the Cadets were stunned to discover that, together with their starcats, they have the ability to become such a close team as they could never have imagined.
Meanwhile, the Garsal Overlord, furious at having underestimated the strength, tactics and abilities of this planet’s humans, orders a series of air and ground assaults on the plateau settlements to demoralise them. He demands that one of the humans be captured so he can learn more of their resistance.
He is advised that sentries are being picked off by a mostly-invisible feline, and his suspicions that the Garsal’s old enemy, the Starlyne, are present on the planet, are confirmed: this might just be his chance to excel, if he can eradicate them. The Garsal Matriarch, though, seems to have her own agenda…
Then a shock development sees Shanna and her team asked to pledge their loyalty: “Can you set aside your family ties? Can you focus yourself only on what we do, knowing that if we fail it is likely that our world will fall to the Garsal?”
Soon, the now-Second Year Scouts join Patrol 10 in a mission to free the humans held captive by the Garsal, and learn what they can to overcome the Garsal threat. This requires avoidance of Garsal weapons and breaching Garsal defences, but also facing the dangers posed by the planet’s inhospitable flora, fauna and weather systems.
What an excellent conclusion to this trilogy: plenty of action, characters discovering untapped reserves and hidden talents, an extremely satisfactory resolution and the starcats playing a very significant part in it all. Once again, addictive fantasy/sci-fi.
Shanna was relieved to know her family was safe; others had not been so fortunate. As soon as they had rested and recovered, intensive training with a retired Scout recalled to duty began, and the Cadets were stunned to discover that, together with their starcats, they have the ability to become such a close team as they could never have imagined.
Meanwhile, the Garsal Overlord, furious at having underestimated the strength, tactics and abilities of this planet’s humans, orders a series of air and ground assaults on the plateau settlements to demoralise them. He demands that one of the humans be captured so he can learn more of their resistance.
He is advised that sentries are being picked off by a mostly-invisible feline, and his suspicions that the Garsal’s old enemy, the Starlyne, are present on the planet, are confirmed: this might just be his chance to excel, if he can eradicate them. The Garsal Matriarch, though, seems to have her own agenda…
Then a shock development sees Shanna and her team asked to pledge their loyalty: “Can you set aside your family ties? Can you focus yourself only on what we do, knowing that if we fail it is likely that our world will fall to the Garsal?”
Soon, the now-Second Year Scouts join Patrol 10 in a mission to free the humans held captive by the Garsal, and learn what they can to overcome the Garsal threat. This requires avoidance of Garsal weapons and breaching Garsal defences, but also facing the dangers posed by the planet’s inhospitable flora, fauna and weather systems.
What an excellent conclusion to this trilogy: plenty of action, characters discovering untapped reserves and hidden talents, an extremely satisfactory resolution and the starcats playing a very significant part in it all. Once again, addictive fantasy/sci-fi.
August 24, 2016
This is an exciting and action packed final episode to this excellent scifi trilogy!
Having successfully settled on an alien planet after their spacecraft crashed on it three centuries ago, humans have learnt to deal with the dangerous wildlife, the many toxic plants and the wild storms and have build a new colony on the planet they named Frontier. Not only have they domesticated the beautiful huge starcats who are more companions than pets they have recently discovered an amazing, advanced race called the Starlyne who had kept themselves hidden. However, now their peaceful existence is being threatened by an aggressive insectoid alien life form, the Garsal that recently invaded Frontier, threatening to destroy their homes and take them as slaves to build their own colony on the planet.
However, the people of Frontier are not defenceless and set about using their survival skills and knowledge of the planet to fight the Garsal in an alliance with the Starlyne. Their highly trained groups of Scouts who explore the dangerous regions of the planet are skilled in stealth and defence and Shanna, a scout cadet and the rest of her group and their starcats suddenly find themselves on the frontline planning an attack on the Garsal spaceship.
I loved the brilliant world building in this series of books and can picture in my mind the settlements on the plateau and the more exotic wilderness down below with its often weird and dangerous plants and animals. It’s been wonderful too, watching Shanna and the other new cadets grow through the series to become more confident and to see them develop their own individual skills. The starcats too are very lovable characters with their playfulness and skills but also their devotion to their partners. In the Garsal, Leonie Rogers has invented a truly horrible alien species, particularly the males, depicted as cruel and ruthless needing to win at all costs so they would be allowed to become breeders. There is plenty of action in this well written plot and an unexpected twist near the end that you mightn't see coming. Aimed at young adults, this series would definitely appeal to teenagers but can also be enjoyed by older lovers of a good scifi story.
October 10, 2018
I am a little conflicted by this book. I found myself really looking forward to how this series was going to end, and in one respect, it really did not disappoint, but in another it did. The action picked up from the very first page and drew me back into the world very quickly. The climax was long, drawn and delicious, and the author used tension as a marvellous plot device. I would have preferred to see more of a resolution than there was.
June 18, 2016
Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth
This is the third and final book in the epically brilliant Frontier trilogy. Though you can read each book as an individual, I highly recommend reading all the books. The three books are based over a year, and with each book you see how much the characters have grown and developed, but more importantly, you care what happens to them. Their pain and sorrow become yours.
In this book are characters are preparing for the fight of their very lives. If they fail to win, all will either be killed or enslaved. Yet at the base of it all they are still cadets, and are only learning about their own skills and abilities.
This series has had me hooked from the start, and how it finished stayed with me. To say I loved it is so mild a word, but I did. These books are ones to keep so you can read again and again. Based for young adults, I’d recommend it to everyone. A must read book and series, one that will keep you reading until you have finished the last word, and then keep you awake long after that.
Opening Scene:
Shanna felt slow tears slide down her cheeks as she stood with her friends and their starcats in a circle on the small hill, a short distance from the Starlyne habitation.
The Review:
The new-found alliance of Starlyne and human has fought back, but the Garsal invaders are relentless in their desire to conquer Frontier. Once again, Shanna, her fellow cadets, and their starcats find themselves on the front-line. But even as she and the other cadets begin to master their new skills tragedy strikes, and all of Shanna’s resolve is tested as she discovers there is even more at stake than she’d ever believed possible.
As Garsal attacks on Watchtower and the other human settlements intensify, the cadets and Patrol Ten are sent on a mission to infiltrate the Garsal ship and free those slaves who hold knowledge that might enable the alliance to strike back. But even as factions start to appear within the seemingly implacable foe, Frontier’s future seems increasingly uncertain.
Notable Scene:
Shanna sighed with relief, exchanging quick glances with her fellow cadets. Despite the strength of her longing to see her family, one of her major fears was the possibility of being sidelined as ‘just a cadet’ again. “Do you think we’ll hear anything about our families?” she whispered to Amma beside her.
“I hope so. I just hope they weren’t at Watchtower when it was attached.”
Cold struck suddenly deep into Shanna’s bones and her hand holding the plate trembled. The possibility of injury or death of any of her family members hadn’t crossed her mind. Now, almost numbed by fear, she remembered Kaidan’s last farewell as he headed back to the plateau, and wondered if he’d left Watchtower for the safety of Hillview before the aircraft had struck. He’d have been back on the plateau for several months by now, by her calculations, but she’d lost track of just how long it had been since the battle with the Garsal vehicles. Dimly, she realized that Spiron was still speaking.
“I can’t give you details of dead and injured yet. Our communications are relayed through the Starlyne network, and there are priorities.” There was a slight angry murmur. “I know, I know, and I don’t like not knowing either. But personal fears aside, we must remember that there are more essential communications that must take priority. We’ll find out soon enough.” His face was grim, and Shanna noticed that there were more lines etched into his brow than she remembered from their first meeting. “In the meantime empty your packs, wash your clothes, and take it easy today. We’ll be working hard tomorrow as it’s now imperative that we figure out what you lot did when you dropped that cliff on the Garsal.” He frowned in mock exasperation at the cadets.
They resumed eating in a very subdued mood, and again the cadets grouped themselves together, starcats sprawled about them. “And now we’ll be wondering about our families,” Verren said. His tone was resigned, and his face solemn. There were nods, and a few sighs.
FTC Advisory: Andrew Harvey provided me with a copy of Frontier Defiant by Leonie Rogers. Published through Hague Publishing. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
This is the third and final book in the epically brilliant Frontier trilogy. Though you can read each book as an individual, I highly recommend reading all the books. The three books are based over a year, and with each book you see how much the characters have grown and developed, but more importantly, you care what happens to them. Their pain and sorrow become yours.
In this book are characters are preparing for the fight of their very lives. If they fail to win, all will either be killed or enslaved. Yet at the base of it all they are still cadets, and are only learning about their own skills and abilities.
This series has had me hooked from the start, and how it finished stayed with me. To say I loved it is so mild a word, but I did. These books are ones to keep so you can read again and again. Based for young adults, I’d recommend it to everyone. A must read book and series, one that will keep you reading until you have finished the last word, and then keep you awake long after that.
Opening Scene:
Shanna felt slow tears slide down her cheeks as she stood with her friends and their starcats in a circle on the small hill, a short distance from the Starlyne habitation.
The Review:
The new-found alliance of Starlyne and human has fought back, but the Garsal invaders are relentless in their desire to conquer Frontier. Once again, Shanna, her fellow cadets, and their starcats find themselves on the front-line. But even as she and the other cadets begin to master their new skills tragedy strikes, and all of Shanna’s resolve is tested as she discovers there is even more at stake than she’d ever believed possible.
As Garsal attacks on Watchtower and the other human settlements intensify, the cadets and Patrol Ten are sent on a mission to infiltrate the Garsal ship and free those slaves who hold knowledge that might enable the alliance to strike back. But even as factions start to appear within the seemingly implacable foe, Frontier’s future seems increasingly uncertain.
Notable Scene:
Shanna sighed with relief, exchanging quick glances with her fellow cadets. Despite the strength of her longing to see her family, one of her major fears was the possibility of being sidelined as ‘just a cadet’ again. “Do you think we’ll hear anything about our families?” she whispered to Amma beside her.
“I hope so. I just hope they weren’t at Watchtower when it was attached.”
Cold struck suddenly deep into Shanna’s bones and her hand holding the plate trembled. The possibility of injury or death of any of her family members hadn’t crossed her mind. Now, almost numbed by fear, she remembered Kaidan’s last farewell as he headed back to the plateau, and wondered if he’d left Watchtower for the safety of Hillview before the aircraft had struck. He’d have been back on the plateau for several months by now, by her calculations, but she’d lost track of just how long it had been since the battle with the Garsal vehicles. Dimly, she realized that Spiron was still speaking.
“I can’t give you details of dead and injured yet. Our communications are relayed through the Starlyne network, and there are priorities.” There was a slight angry murmur. “I know, I know, and I don’t like not knowing either. But personal fears aside, we must remember that there are more essential communications that must take priority. We’ll find out soon enough.” His face was grim, and Shanna noticed that there were more lines etched into his brow than she remembered from their first meeting. “In the meantime empty your packs, wash your clothes, and take it easy today. We’ll be working hard tomorrow as it’s now imperative that we figure out what you lot did when you dropped that cliff on the Garsal.” He frowned in mock exasperation at the cadets.
They resumed eating in a very subdued mood, and again the cadets grouped themselves together, starcats sprawled about them. “And now we’ll be wondering about our families,” Verren said. His tone was resigned, and his face solemn. There were nods, and a few sighs.
FTC Advisory: Andrew Harvey provided me with a copy of Frontier Defiant by Leonie Rogers. Published through Hague Publishing. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
September 6, 2016
Perfect ending ***sigh***
Starcats all gone?
Sniff.
Starcats all gone?
Sniff.
November 3, 2018
This ends a really exciting scifi trilogy. This story is almost all conflict, with little time for character development or societal philosophy. The final twist is a bit too easy, but it is well told.
I've enjoyed the entire series, and I do want to have a starcat of my own.
I've enjoyed the entire series, and I do want to have a starcat of my own.
August 27, 2016
This was the third volume in the Frontier trilogy and it was all that I could have hoped for. A wonderful, exciting story full of tension, and pathos, and also a finale that was very satisfying. The gorgeous starcats make it extra beautiful!
August 1, 2017
A decent ending to the trilogy. The characters continue to grow and expand to deal with more difficult challenges. I felt the author did a good job allowing me to suspend my disbelief on a couple fronts. There were some editing errors like misspellings. The story was engaging and I found it difficult to put down once I started. Recommended.
February 28, 2021
This was a frustrating book to read, partly because I really like the whole idea behind the story and the main characters, but the way the story is put together seems so haphazard.
I started this book wondering how the trilogy was going to come to a satisfactory conclusion given how little progress had been made in the previous two books. I presumed there would be a ‘cunning’ plan I just hadn’t discerned yet, in fact what plan there was, was at best inept, but was more akin to a ‘headless’ chicken running around aimlessly.
I was also annoyed with the author taking liberties with the plot, simple things like numbers, times and distances didn't always make sense and contradicted things she had already written in previous books. There were a couple of occasions where I just stopped reading and thought ‘this really shouldn’t be happening’.
In the end there is an elegant solution to the Garsal problem on Frontier, although the rest of the galaxy is left open.
I suspect some of my negative reaction to this book is because I have read hundreds of ‘hard’ Science Fiction books and was being a bit too ‘picky’ with some of the details, so instead of giving the 2 stars I intended I have given 3.
I started this book wondering how the trilogy was going to come to a satisfactory conclusion given how little progress had been made in the previous two books. I presumed there would be a ‘cunning’ plan I just hadn’t discerned yet, in fact what plan there was, was at best inept, but was more akin to a ‘headless’ chicken running around aimlessly.
I was also annoyed with the author taking liberties with the plot, simple things like numbers, times and distances didn't always make sense and contradicted things she had already written in previous books. There were a couple of occasions where I just stopped reading and thought ‘this really shouldn’t be happening’.
In the end there is an elegant solution to the Garsal problem on Frontier, although the rest of the galaxy is left open.
I suspect some of my negative reaction to this book is because I have read hundreds of ‘hard’ Science Fiction books and was being a bit too ‘picky’ with some of the details, so instead of giving the 2 stars I intended I have given 3.
September 13, 2020
One of the best written series I have ever read.
Ms. Rogers has written a most wonderful series. Being a longtime cat lover, I was amazed at the level of understanding Ms. Rogers employed with her starcat actors. One, has to read all three books in the series to appreciate this engaging story. I was completely absorbed by this excellent body of literature. Very, very well done Leonie!
Ms. Rogers has written a most wonderful series. Being a longtime cat lover, I was amazed at the level of understanding Ms. Rogers employed with her starcat actors. One, has to read all three books in the series to appreciate this engaging story. I was completely absorbed by this excellent body of literature. Very, very well done Leonie!
June 30, 2020
Fascinating! Loved the premise and characters!
June 20, 2020
Excellent series!
Best new scifi that I've read in years.
Character development was very good, books paced well, and storyline had depth.
Disappointed there aren't more books in the series.
Best new scifi that I've read in years.
Character development was very good, books paced well, and storyline had depth.
Disappointed there aren't more books in the series.
July 24, 2020
Well written
Enjoyable story with good characters and not too much repetition. I would buy another in this series. It's going adult without being juvenile.
Enjoyable story with good characters and not too much repetition. I would buy another in this series. It's going adult without being juvenile.
October 23, 2020
Very excellent series
I was entertained and kept on the edge of my seat throughout most of this trilogy. I haven't enjoyed a story this much since Anne McCaffery's Dragon riders! I do hope there will be more starcats in the future.
I was entertained and kept on the edge of my seat throughout most of this trilogy. I haven't enjoyed a story this much since Anne McCaffery's Dragon riders! I do hope there will be more starcats in the future.
September 22, 2017
I liked this series so much, I bought the printed books as a Christmas present for my daughter who uses science fiction in teaching her high school science classes. I don't think there can be a better endorsement of how good this series is than to buy hard copies of the books for my daughter.
In reading this series some of my thoughts were - It has flavors of David Weber's Treecats from his young adult series in the Honorverse. Except, Rogers did a much better job at It than David Weber did. It is reminiscent of Anne McCaffrey's world building on Pern in her Dragonriders series. The relationship between Starcats and their humans and learning what they were capable of in the need to protect their planet also reminded me of the Dragonriders of Pern. These similarities are positives to me as they are representative of excellence in science fiction and Roger's Frontier series is completely its own unique story.
That story includes starcats that are not pets who work with their human partner to whom they bond for life, an alien invasion, a bit of politics, teenaged scouts in training, local aliens that the settlers didn't know had been there first. The diversified biome with the plants and animals, landscape, and weather were so well described that I felt I was there, yet it was integral to the plot and presented as part of the story line. Her aliens were quite distinctive from the human norm. All of these things were well-designed by the author and never an information dump on the reader. A well-written plot from the first page of the first book to the last page of the trilogy.
Whether a young or old adult, you will enjoy this. I highly recommend this trilogy. I hope Rogers someday adds more novels set on Frontier with the Scouts, their Starcats, and the rich environment she has created.
In reading this series some of my thoughts were - It has flavors of David Weber's Treecats from his young adult series in the Honorverse. Except, Rogers did a much better job at It than David Weber did. It is reminiscent of Anne McCaffrey's world building on Pern in her Dragonriders series. The relationship between Starcats and their humans and learning what they were capable of in the need to protect their planet also reminded me of the Dragonriders of Pern. These similarities are positives to me as they are representative of excellence in science fiction and Roger's Frontier series is completely its own unique story.
That story includes starcats that are not pets who work with their human partner to whom they bond for life, an alien invasion, a bit of politics, teenaged scouts in training, local aliens that the settlers didn't know had been there first. The diversified biome with the plants and animals, landscape, and weather were so well described that I felt I was there, yet it was integral to the plot and presented as part of the story line. Her aliens were quite distinctive from the human norm. All of these things were well-designed by the author and never an information dump on the reader. A well-written plot from the first page of the first book to the last page of the trilogy.
Whether a young or old adult, you will enjoy this. I highly recommend this trilogy. I hope Rogers someday adds more novels set on Frontier with the Scouts, their Starcats, and the rich environment she has created.
November 20, 2016
Good trilogy
Ok, I really enjoyed this trilogy. Of course, I love cats so I am very enamored of the starcats. These stories ad pretty much every thing I like in a book. Now I wonder if the author will continue with our scouts and their starcats heading out to the stars to free the others.
Ok, I really enjoyed this trilogy. Of course, I love cats so I am very enamored of the starcats. These stories ad pretty much every thing I like in a book. Now I wonder if the author will continue with our scouts and their starcats heading out to the stars to free the others.
September 11, 2016
Honestly, the best book of the series
I loved the Frontier series. I love animals, sci-fi and fantasy. The series has them all. I highly recommend these books and this author. Enjoy.
I loved the Frontier series. I love animals, sci-fi and fantasy. The series has them all. I highly recommend these books and this author. Enjoy.
April 23, 2021
Excellent YA science fiction. I stayed up until 2 am to finish it, when rereading. The science part has a lot of nonsense but the action is great and I cared about the characters.
September 12, 2016
More please tell me there is more!!
I love these books!! I am hoping that this store is going to continue, there is a lot of store to tell yet!!
I love these books!! I am hoping that this store is going to continue, there is a lot of store to tell yet!!
December 17, 2016
Good series. It did keep me up late too many nights to get thru the three books however''''
November 12, 2016
a fitting end to this stirring saga
The third book more than makes up for the occasional slow moments in the first book. It's nonstop action and a lot of adrenaline rush. The major conflict in the plot doesn't follow the usual YA paradigm of an overly fast and easy wrap-up. Rather the story believably shows the devastation, loss and suffering caused by war, and the depths of dedication, strength and clear vision needed not just to fight a war, but to end one. The book's ending also doesn't leave the reader with some kind of magical happily ever after, but maps out a fairly realistic resolution to the immediate conflict, a lot more work needing to follow and no assurance that the wider struggle will be won, much less with any ease. Rogers' writing is strong, direct and clear, and while some of her main characters sometimes seem overly angelic for human beings (as do the Starlynes and starcats generally), she also has a gift for writing in all the grit, sweat and weakness that assail us all, especially those who are tried as cruelly as these folks have been.
I highly recommend this series, especially for those who enjoyed David Weber's Treecat Wars series with Honor Harrington's ancestor, Stephanie Harrington, as the lead character. There's more grit, a richer bioscape and less politicking in Rogers' work, but they share a moral tone, a focus on two sentient species in a companion partnership and the importance of preserving and respecting the environment and its inhabitants.
The third book more than makes up for the occasional slow moments in the first book. It's nonstop action and a lot of adrenaline rush. The major conflict in the plot doesn't follow the usual YA paradigm of an overly fast and easy wrap-up. Rather the story believably shows the devastation, loss and suffering caused by war, and the depths of dedication, strength and clear vision needed not just to fight a war, but to end one. The book's ending also doesn't leave the reader with some kind of magical happily ever after, but maps out a fairly realistic resolution to the immediate conflict, a lot more work needing to follow and no assurance that the wider struggle will be won, much less with any ease. Rogers' writing is strong, direct and clear, and while some of her main characters sometimes seem overly angelic for human beings (as do the Starlynes and starcats generally), she also has a gift for writing in all the grit, sweat and weakness that assail us all, especially those who are tried as cruelly as these folks have been.
I highly recommend this series, especially for those who enjoyed David Weber's Treecat Wars series with Honor Harrington's ancestor, Stephanie Harrington, as the lead character. There's more grit, a richer bioscape and less politicking in Rogers' work, but they share a moral tone, a focus on two sentient species in a companion partnership and the importance of preserving and respecting the environment and its inhabitants.
November 22, 2020
“So, Shanna,” came Fractus’ words, “what we hoped for is now realised. You have found your true skill, and your calling.”
These are words that sent goosebumps racing down my arms as Leonie Rogers’ thrilling ‘Frontier’ trilogy came to its resounding conclusion. Full of narrative twists and turns, this is a series I am truly sad to have finished reading (it’s been my literary escape throughout 2020!)
My favourite part of this story is definitely the strong ensemble of characters and the heartfelt emotions they convey. From Shanna’s love and selflessness, Kaidan’s determination, to Master Cerren’s forbearance in the face of tough decisions (not to mention the cheekiness of the occasional starcat), this series is a timely reminder of the things that are important: hope, love and friendship.
While categorised 'young adult' this is a book all ages will most certainly enjoy.
These are words that sent goosebumps racing down my arms as Leonie Rogers’ thrilling ‘Frontier’ trilogy came to its resounding conclusion. Full of narrative twists and turns, this is a series I am truly sad to have finished reading (it’s been my literary escape throughout 2020!)
My favourite part of this story is definitely the strong ensemble of characters and the heartfelt emotions they convey. From Shanna’s love and selflessness, Kaidan’s determination, to Master Cerren’s forbearance in the face of tough decisions (not to mention the cheekiness of the occasional starcat), this series is a timely reminder of the things that are important: hope, love and friendship.
While categorised 'young adult' this is a book all ages will most certainly enjoy.
November 24, 2023
Great trilogy
Great series. Wish a future continuation of this world leonie rogers created. It'd be interesting to see how the former slaves adapt to the changes may come their way.
Great series. Wish a future continuation of this world leonie rogers created. It'd be interesting to see how the former slaves adapt to the changes may come their way.
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