For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, The Frontier, by Griff Hosker. I recently discovered his books and website, griffhosker.com, and was greatly impressed by the series of books he has written. They span from the early Ancient period to this book, to World War II. He started this series to go back and focus more specifically on the American Revolution.
His books focus more on the military side and might appeal more to men, but I appreciate them for the historical accuracy he puts into them. It's my favorite way to learn history. I admit I'm not a huge fan of fictional characters and prefer to focus on the real people featured, here George Washington, but the story can still be compelling told through the eyes of the made up character.
In the year 1754, as the American frontier becomes a canvas for a brewing global conflict, two mighty kingdoms - England and France - clash for dominion over a land brimming with untold riches. Amidst this delicate dance of power, a young Major George Washington, under the direction of Governor Dinwiddie, embarks on a perilous journey through the Ohio Valley. Tasked with persuading the French to vacate the territory, Washington, with his lack of success, will unknowingly ignite the flames of the world’s first great war.
At the heart of this tumultuous landscape is Robbie Coulter, a 20-year-old baker with a restless spirit and dreams as boundless as the wilderness itself. Disillusioned with the routine of kneading dough and the expectations of a mundane life at the family bakery, Robbie finds himself captivated by a bold recruitment poster calling brave souls to join the newly formed Virginia Regiment, destined for the Ohio wilderness. In an impulsive leap into the unknown he trades his rolling pin for a musket, ready to forge his destiny.
As Robbie marches alongside legendary figures like Major George Washington and Christopher Gist, he bears witness to the brutal reality of battle; the camaraderie and courage of his fellow soldiers shine bright against the backdrop of pain and loss. Through his eyes, we experience the heart-stopping moments of ambushes, the thrill of the hunt, and the heart-wrenching decisions that define a soldier’s spirit.
From clandestine meetings with native tribes to the pulse-pounding battles that ignite the first flames of a global war, "The Frontier" immerses readers in the raw, visceral tapestry of 18th-century America, where every choice echoes through time, and where every man’s destiny intertwines with the fate of nations. Perfect for fans of James Fenimore Cooper, Bernard Cornwell and Cormac McCarthy.
