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Summary: American Colonial-era Western meets psychological thriller!
Review: I'm not really into Westerns, but by about halfway through the book, I was totally hooked! Brilliant use of the various metaphors of 'frontiers': physical, sexual, emotional. I especially loved how well he expressed the concept of being gay in an overbearingly non-gay world. And it's a love story to boot!
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Summary: How the West was really won!
Review: If you like your tales to be adventurous, and your men to be rough and strong but also sweet and innocent in a way that only frontiersmen can be, then this is the book for you. I didnt' think I would fall for an historical gay romance novel but I was hooked from the get-go. The prototypical characters are endearing, from our hero John Chapman (who takes almost as many pratfalls as Lucille Ball) to the monstrous villian Zach who, despite his murderous bent, gives some of the best fictional sex I've read in years. Add to this some really beautiful descriptions of Western Pennsylvania and frontier life, a blooming love story with a youthful buddy surrounded by a menacing, racist community (an Indian boy is killed for no reason), and you've got a novel that would hold any reader's interest. I only hope there's a second volume in the making because I want to know what happens next!
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Summary: Our History
Review: "Frontiers" certainly does break new ground in many ways and deserves 6-stars for the 3 years which author Michael Jensen put into researching the historical, linguistic, and geographical detail that went into the making of this gem. Never has historical fiction been as breathtaking in its epic sweep (reminiscent of Alan Eckert), its exploration of the pioneer mind (something which Michener and Uris could never get right), and its fresh take on American values and where they may have started. I appreciate that the humanity, humor and psychology of his characters -- John, Daniel, Palmer and Gwennie -- never get lost in the huge palette of events (1779-1812) that transpire. To call this a "homoerotic" romp misses the mark completely; "Frontiers" is about finding, fearing, and adapting to change, internally and externally. We've all explored that "Frontier." Do yourself a favor and explore Michael Jensen's "Frontiers." Then share it with a friend.
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Summary: Rawhide romance?
Review: I normally do not read historical novels, but I came across this one and thought I would give it a try. Overall, I thought it was pretty good but I could have done without all the cruelty to animals. I know it was a fact of life then, but every time an animal is introduced in this book, you can bet your bottom dollar that it will meet a tragic end. Very well written, however, and the gay slant is certainly appealing and unexpected!
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Summary: History, romance, and suspense in a page-turning tale
Review: I purchased this book mainly out of curiosity, to see how gay characters would be portrayed in a historical novel. But I was quickly drawn into the story of John Chapman, and found it difficult to abandon the book for very long over the course of a weekend. The author obviously put a lot of research and time into his novel, and I was especially impressed with his ability to describe antiquated terms without distracting the reader from the story. In the end, I enjoyed the banding together of the "misfits" into a real community of trust and mutual concern. It is doubtful there is much documentation of actual same-sex relationships from this part of history, and I think Michael Jensen did an outstanding job of weaving history, romance, and suspense in a page-turning tale.
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Summary: Breaking New Ground
Review: Lambda Awards Committee, are you reading these glowing reviews? "Frontiers" is a stunning achievement on many, many levels, and without a doubt one of the best historical romances of all time -- with a twist. Jensen's skill as a novelist in his chosen genre is unparalleled today. And what a twist -- a positive, optimistic, uplifting adventure story about people you will long remember after you put down the book. I finished it last week and have started rereading it already. John, Palmer, Gwennie, and even the ambiguously evil "Daniel McQuay" have become part of my heart and soul. Without a doubt this novel should be voted "Best Novel of the Year," and Pocket Books should be commended for its publication of what must have been for them "sensitive" subject matter. I can only hope that we see more of this high quality from Michael Jensen and Pocket Books in the future.
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Summary: A superb adventure novel
Review: A poignant story of adventure, love, and compassion laced with humorous similes and metaphors. An easy read, but more important, an enjoyable read. It ended much too soon. This is the finest gay novel that I have ever read. I believe heterosexuals would enjoy it as well.
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Summary: Something Different....
Review: Well, here is something different: A gay romance-thriller set on the American frontier in 1796. Sex, bad guys, more sex, Indians, more sex...a real page-turner, and nicely told, too. I can't wait to see what author Michael Jensen offers us next.
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Summary: A fascinating and different perspective on frontier life
Review: In 1797, John Chapman flees his home after being confronted with criminal charges for sexual misbehavior due to being seen in the arms of another man. John seeks a new home for himself in the Allegheny Mountains. However, instead of salvation, John's inexperience in the wilds leaves him near death. Loner Daniel McQuay saves young John from starving to death. Soon the pair becomes lovers. However, a darker side of Daniel appears that frightens Johnny with its violent tendencies. When Daniel tells John about a psychopath who murdered many people before vanishing into the hills, a scared Johnny decides to flee. After leaving McQuay, Johnny meets a teenage Southerner, Palmer and an Indian woman Gwennie. The trio travels together in search of their own dreams. However, McQuay has tracked Johnny down and the lad knows that he will never enjoy life until he faces his one time rescuer and would be murderer. FRONTIERS is a multifaceted historical fiction that paints a different picture of early American history than seen in text books. The star is an extremely complex individual, whose sexual preference leaves him struggling with a society that disses him. The story line is filled with non-stop action and heated sex scenes between gay lovers. However, the characters turn Michael Jensen's novel into an entertaining novel. Harriet Klausner
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Summary: Read This
Review: I wish Michael Jensen would kick whoever wrote on the inside of the book jacket "A thrilling homoerotic odyssey." Sooner or later there is bound to be one ignorant critic who calls this book "the gay adventures of Johnny Appleseed." He should be kicked too. There is much more to this story. First of all, it's good clean fun. There is sex, and it's pertinent and romantic. There is melodrama and predictable plot moves, but they're somehow superceded by Jensen's energetic use of detail and the sheer speed of this book. And there are subtle strokes and delineations throughout that almost get by you: without giving anything of the plot away, I could say it's remarkable how Jensen makes clear the deep need for love and companionship which motivates the person who turns out to be the villain of the story. The story moves easily from the savage to the subtle and the author's skill with both is deft. Appropriate to his topic, Mr. Jensen comes off as an folk-tale-type story teller, weaving narrative for the pure enjoyment of it. I had the same experience of the reader directly below me: once I picked up _Frontiers_, I was 3/4 of the way finished in no time. The author's writing style is as smooth and readable as anybody since David Leavitt. Great, great fun.
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