Frontier is a bit of a wild west science fiction mash up, set in a dystopia future. It's a very odd book though, written almost as a series of vignettes roughly following an unknown visitor to a barren Earth.

I found the book quite hard to get through, and no part of it really gripped me. I'm sure there are plenty of readers it would work for though!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for a free copy in return for an honest review.

I always liked the unknown stranger stories, where someone (sometimes something) unknown would wander into town to right a wrong, or do something that needed to be done, often to inscrutable purpose. I love the notion of westerns and backwater wilds, and I love space and the vast unknown.

So on the surface, I should have really enjoyed this, but as sometimes happens, I didn't get on with the book.

It's not the writing, which is never less than good and often with streaks of brilliance. It's not the characters, although I was a little thrown when different names were applied to the same character on occasion, I know there's reason for it, I've done it in my own books, but it didn't work for me here. I don't know, I finished it, but I don't know what it was about this that didn't work for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC, in exchange for this honest review.

I went into this with pretty high expectations and whilst it was interesting and enjoyable, being a very compelling mix between sci-fi and a typical western, the narrative style just wasn’t for me. It struggled quite a bit with it due to how it was written, though the writing style itself was great.
I may get a physical copy and give it another try once it releases, as I find it is easier for me to concentrate with a physical copy.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and I’d say you should give it a try if it’s in your radar.

This review will be up on my Instagram, @Kratist0, between now and early next year.

Frontier is a gorgeous, hilarious, compelling space western, featuring a mostly-unnamed lesbian with a laser gun and a mission to find someone she lost. This is an excellent debut and I literally need all of you to read it right now (but it’s not out until March, so maybe pre-order it instead)

The Stranger crash lands on Earth in a strange pod and so begins a love story. A funny, perilous, gripping queer love story about a person willing to go to the literal ends of the earth to find the woman she loves. This is one for fans of Becky Chambers (think of the warmth of Becky Chambers’ books and then apply it to Frontier because it’s got warmth in spades. Practically a furnace.)

I read this over two days and was bereft when I finished it, This is such an exciting, confident new voice and it’s set in an incredibly immersive world. 10/10.

[social media links to come]

I tried to read this book like 3 times but I ended up dnf'ing it. Probably wasn't my cup of tea. The characters were not likable, the world building was poor. Overall I didn't liked it.

Frontier, the debut novel by Grace Curtis, is a captivating exploration of universe building and an absolute page turner. Told from mutliple perspectives, our main character is present throughout, and is called many names: Stowaway, Courier, Tramp, Homeless Woman, Traveller, Guest. Everyone's perspective shows not only what they focus in on about our protagonist, but also where she is on her journey to find her person—to return to the one she loves.

One of the most expertly done aspects of this novel was the way it used other characters to tell her story. Not everyone is likeable but everyone is intriguing, everyone is interesting. I came to care for the side characters who only make a small indentation on the story: a child in need of insulin; a woman in need of resolution to stories—her own and one from a comic book; a boy who learned some hard truths about his faith. These people who made up a sliver of the Earth population showed so much about how the world runs, who's in charge, and why, without ever feeling heavy handed.

In addition to this wonderful way to portray our protagonist, the style of perspective switches lent itself to another key part of what I believe makes the world (universe) building so strong: the empty spaces. Not everything is explained. A lot is, but characters who live on Earth in the 2800s wouldn't comment on what makes it different from our current time, they'd only comment on what's unique about the events happening in their own time. Mostly, this means comments about our protagonist, but there are other things happening too. Other people with motivations and rich histories and backstories and lives. This enriched the world beyond what it would have been had we only seen it through the protagonist's eyes.

Woven into the perspective shifts we also get glimpses at galactic news, scholarly articles, book excerpts, and other small bites of information that help expand our understanding of life on Earth and beyond. I loved the idea that even after a full planet evacuation, some stubborn people would remain. And the religion that spouted among those who stayed—The Latter Day Saints of Gaia—made absolute sense. The Saints have a belief in climate change as humanity's ultimate punishment, and view those who left and anyone who uses space-like technology a heathen and a sinner. When the climate becomes impossible to ignore, it tracks that humans would turn it into a religion. Especially humans living under the thumb of the High Sheriff of New Destiny and his militaristic, power hungry deputy, Seawall.

Frontier is a must read for those who enjoy books about space, but also about Earth: saving it, and also recognizing the beauty that already exists. I know I'll be recommending this book to many friends, and will continue to read future novels by Grace Curtis.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for access to an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I very nearly DNF about 35-40% of the way through this, but I'm pretty glad I didn't! The first thalf was a bit slow and I felt lacking in information on this "mysterious strange" which I know is the point but it just felt like I couldn't connect!

But the 2nd half of the book did make up with for this with some fantastic world building and storyline.

All in all I enjoyed it in the end but it was a slog to get there!

A science fiction novel set on a desolate future Earth. Elements of a old style western, brutal sheriffs and general lawlessness combined with intricate world building.

If you are a fan the Wayfarers series by Becky Chambers, then this is a book I'd reccomend reading. The story (set on Earth in the far future) follows a lone traveller from space who is looking for her lost love. Curtis creates a tangible world for the reader to fall into that will have you hooked from the first page. Although some sections left me a little confused, I found the story is gripping, fun and well paced. If a queer, adventurous, romance *set in space* is what you're after... then look no further!

Frontier by Grace Curtis.

Thank you Netgallery and Hodder & Stoughton for an arc for an unbiased review.

This book was one that I blinked and suddenly realised I was 40% of the way though without realising it, and desperate to continue reading. So I had a quick refreshment break, before delving back in, and all too soon this was ending.

We don't get a name for our main protagonist until close to the end, although she is named Darling at one point, albeit because her name isn't forthcoming. So for a while, I had Darling associated with her until her real name emerged.
This Sci-Fi book is very much a dystopian type, with ecosystems in collapse. The landscapes are obviously desolate, with a lawlessness in many areas, but some that are ruled by ruthless Sheriffs or law enforcement.

Darling has to navigate this inhospitable and dangerous world, to find her love. Along the way, we meet a number of different characters. Some in turn become more important than others. We get glimpses into things that on the surface appear one way, but the reality is vastly different.

There was a surprising amount of humour scattered throughout the book, and I personally was grateful for it, as it helped eliminate some of the heaviness that might have occurred otherwise.
It wasn't a book that you could skim through. Because it was fast paced, running through a number of different locations and characters, you need to take time to read it carefully. I didn't mind that at all, but it could detract for some readers. Having said all that, some little things that you might not have thought much of become pretty important towards the end as it all begins to slot together.

I'd love to see another book in this world. The ending could certainly allow for it should the author so wish. I'm unsure if they've plans to continue with it, but I would definitely read it should they decide to.

A book I've already recommended to others, and would buy for myself and gift to others.

5/5 stars 🌟

I absolutely adored Frontier - it's rare that a book of two halves is equally wonderful in both, but I was utterly engrossed right the way through. I loved the Western-styled atmosphere of the first half, and the unspooling story (with grand world-building) of the second, once we learn more about the Stranger's identity.
I would happily read more books set in this universe - especially ones focussing on some of the little pockets of the world we fleetingly visit during the length of Frontier.
Frontier strikes a wonderful balance between an exciting, adventurous plot and a hopeful and moving emotional core. Whether handling emotion or action, Frontier remains hugely engaging throughout.
I'm really keen to see what Grace Curtis writes next.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.