What do you think?
Rate this book
Frontier #3
Flight of the Eagle
A deadly family curse holds two families in its powerful grip.
Captain Patrick Duffy's passions are inflamed by the mysterious Irishwoman Catherine Fitzgerald, further pitting him against his father, Michael Duffy, and his adoring but scheming grandmother, Lady Enid Macintosh.
On the rugged Queensland frontier, Native Mounted Police trooper Peter Duffy is torn between his loyal bond with Gordon James, the love of his sister, Sarah, and the blood of his mother's people, the Nerambura tribe.
Two men, the women who love them and a dreadful curse that still inextricably links the lives of the Macintoshes and the Duffys culminate in a stunning addition to the series featuring Cry of the Curlew and Shadow of the Osprey .
Captain Patrick Duffy's passions are inflamed by the mysterious Irishwoman Catherine Fitzgerald, further pitting him against his father, Michael Duffy, and his adoring but scheming grandmother, Lady Enid Macintosh.
On the rugged Queensland frontier, Native Mounted Police trooper Peter Duffy is torn between his loyal bond with Gordon James, the love of his sister, Sarah, and the blood of his mother's people, the Nerambura tribe.
Two men, the women who love them and a dreadful curse that still inextricably links the lives of the Macintoshes and the Duffys culminate in a stunning addition to the series featuring Cry of the Curlew and Shadow of the Osprey .
640 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2002
73 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Peter Watt
57 books121 followersPeter Watt's life experiences have included time as a soldier, articled clerk to a solicitor, prawn trawler deckhand, builder's labourer, pipe layer, real estate salesman, private investigator, police sergeant and adviser to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary. He has lived and worked with Aborigines, Islanders, Vietnamese and Papua New Guineans.
He speaks, reads and writes Vietnamese and Pidgin - and has a reasonable grasp of the English language. He currently lives in Maclean, on the Clarence River in Northern NSW.
Good friends, fine food, fishing and the vast open spaces of outback Queensland are his main interests in life. He also enjoys SCUBA diving, military history, crosswords (but not the cryptic kind) and teaching.
He is a member of the Australian Institute of Management, the Australian Institute of Training and Development and the Australian Society of Authors.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (University of Tasmania), Post Graduate Diploma of Training & Development (University of New England) and an Associate Diploma of Justice Administration (Sturt University).
He speaks, reads and writes Vietnamese and Pidgin - and has a reasonable grasp of the English language. He currently lives in Maclean, on the Clarence River in Northern NSW.
Good friends, fine food, fishing and the vast open spaces of outback Queensland are his main interests in life. He also enjoys SCUBA diving, military history, crosswords (but not the cryptic kind) and teaching.
He is a member of the Australian Institute of Management, the Australian Institute of Training and Development and the Australian Society of Authors.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (University of Tasmania), Post Graduate Diploma of Training & Development (University of New England) and an Associate Diploma of Justice Administration (Sturt University).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 15, 2014
Book Review By Jill Smith © June 2003
This is the third book in the continuing saga of the Duffy and McIntosh families shared curse. The blurb describes this as a stunning conclusion to the trilogy although I’m certain that this tale will continue for many more tomes.
Peter models his work on the mass-market success format of Wilbur Smith. His canvass is the Queensland outback as a new frontier colony emerges from savage beginnings to become a settled civilized land. The characters are rich and diverse and the readers longing to know what becomes of each of the already well known occupants of Peters’ imagination drives the rapid devouring of the solid volume.
Michael Duffy has lived a rugged life in exile in America after partaking in grizzly wars. He returns a mercenary to Australia to discover his son Patrick has been groomed by the McIntosh matriarch Enid McIntosh to take over the family business and disinherit himself from his Duffy clan. Patrick is a born leader and fights bravely for the British in the Sudan. He finds love in the wild Irish hillsides so different from his life in the desert wilderness. Would this Irish Catholic descendant really turn his back on his origins and become the head of an upright Protestant family? The two men meet in a brief bittersweet twist of fate culminating in hopeless battle.
The next generation in the family line is well developed in this book. Gordon James and Peter Duffy have left behind their boyhood friendship to become members of the Mounted Police. Eventually they go their separate ways as colour and bigotry continued to get in the way and causes the ever-widening rift between white commander James and dark Trooper Peter Duffy. Sarah, Peter’s very beautiful half-caste sister has captured Gordon’s heart, yet circumstances ensure they never marry.
Many other characters weave their magic throughout the book from the seductive Penelope and loyal loving Fiona. Then the remarkable businesswoman Kate Duffy having raised Peter and Sarah single-handedly after the death of Luke and continues to make a future for her family, and onto the more unsavoury Hugh Darlington, and loathsome Granville White.
Wallarie the aging skilful native bushman continues to play cat and mouse with the mounted police to evade capture and help take Peter Duffy to his Nerambura tribal land for initiation. The land where it all began is fittingly the place the tale ends, or does it?
There is no doubting Peter Watt is a masterful story teller and his work is entertaining, intriguing and much of it is based on historical fact. I can hardly wait for the next edition of the Duffy and McIntosh families entwined lives. I am equally certain anyone who picks up these books and delves into them will feel the same.
Merged review:
This is the third book in the continuing saga of the Duffy and McIntosh families shared curse. The blurb describes this as a stunning conclusion to the trilogy although I’m certain that this tale will continue for many more tomes.
Peter models his work on the mass-market success format of Wilbur Smith. His canvass is the Queensland outback as a new frontier colony emerges from savage beginnings to become a settled civilized land. The characters are rich and diverse and the readers longing to know what becomes of each of the already well known occupants of Peters’ imagination drives the rapid devouring of the solid volume.
Michael Duffy has lived a rugged life in exile in America after partaking in grizzly wars. He returns a mercenary to Australia to discover his son Patrick has been groomed by the McIntosh matriarch Enid McIntosh to take over the family business and disinherit himself from his Duffy clan. Patrick is a born leader and fights bravely for the British in the Sudan. He finds love in the wild Irish hillsides so different from his life in the desert wilderness. Would this Irish Catholic descendant really turn his back on his origins and become the head of an upright Protestant family? The two men meet in a brief bittersweet twist of fate culminating in hopeless battle.
The next generation in the family line is well developed in this book. Gordon James and Peter Duffy have left behind their boyhood friendship to become members of the Mounted Police. Eventually they go their separate ways as colour and bigotry continued to get in the way and causes the ever-widening rift between white commander James and dark Trooper Peter Duffy. Sarah, Peter’s very beautiful half-caste sister has captured Gordon’s heart, yet circumstances ensure they never marry.
Many other characters weave their magic throughout the book from the seductive Penelope and loyal loving Fiona. Then the remarkable businesswoman Kate Duffy having raised Peter and Sarah alone after the death of Luke and continues to make a future for her family, and onto the more unsavoury Hugh Darlington, and loathsome Granville White.
Wallarie the aging skillful native bushman continues to play cat and mouse with the mounted police to evade capture and help take Peter Duffy to his Nerambura tribal land for initiation. The land where it all began is fittingly the place the tale ends, or does it?
There is no doubting Peter Watt is a masterful story teller and his work is entertaining, intriguing and much of it is based on historical fact. I can hardly wait for the next edition of the Duffy and McIntosh families entwined lives. I am equally certain anyone who picks up these books and delves into them will feel the same.
This is the third book in the continuing saga of the Duffy and McIntosh families shared curse. The blurb describes this as a stunning conclusion to the trilogy although I’m certain that this tale will continue for many more tomes.
Peter models his work on the mass-market success format of Wilbur Smith. His canvass is the Queensland outback as a new frontier colony emerges from savage beginnings to become a settled civilized land. The characters are rich and diverse and the readers longing to know what becomes of each of the already well known occupants of Peters’ imagination drives the rapid devouring of the solid volume.
Michael Duffy has lived a rugged life in exile in America after partaking in grizzly wars. He returns a mercenary to Australia to discover his son Patrick has been groomed by the McIntosh matriarch Enid McIntosh to take over the family business and disinherit himself from his Duffy clan. Patrick is a born leader and fights bravely for the British in the Sudan. He finds love in the wild Irish hillsides so different from his life in the desert wilderness. Would this Irish Catholic descendant really turn his back on his origins and become the head of an upright Protestant family? The two men meet in a brief bittersweet twist of fate culminating in hopeless battle.
The next generation in the family line is well developed in this book. Gordon James and Peter Duffy have left behind their boyhood friendship to become members of the Mounted Police. Eventually they go their separate ways as colour and bigotry continued to get in the way and causes the ever-widening rift between white commander James and dark Trooper Peter Duffy. Sarah, Peter’s very beautiful half-caste sister has captured Gordon’s heart, yet circumstances ensure they never marry.
Many other characters weave their magic throughout the book from the seductive Penelope and loyal loving Fiona. Then the remarkable businesswoman Kate Duffy having raised Peter and Sarah single-handedly after the death of Luke and continues to make a future for her family, and onto the more unsavoury Hugh Darlington, and loathsome Granville White.
Wallarie the aging skilful native bushman continues to play cat and mouse with the mounted police to evade capture and help take Peter Duffy to his Nerambura tribal land for initiation. The land where it all began is fittingly the place the tale ends, or does it?
There is no doubting Peter Watt is a masterful story teller and his work is entertaining, intriguing and much of it is based on historical fact. I can hardly wait for the next edition of the Duffy and McIntosh families entwined lives. I am equally certain anyone who picks up these books and delves into them will feel the same.
Merged review:
This is the third book in the continuing saga of the Duffy and McIntosh families shared curse. The blurb describes this as a stunning conclusion to the trilogy although I’m certain that this tale will continue for many more tomes.
Peter models his work on the mass-market success format of Wilbur Smith. His canvass is the Queensland outback as a new frontier colony emerges from savage beginnings to become a settled civilized land. The characters are rich and diverse and the readers longing to know what becomes of each of the already well known occupants of Peters’ imagination drives the rapid devouring of the solid volume.
Michael Duffy has lived a rugged life in exile in America after partaking in grizzly wars. He returns a mercenary to Australia to discover his son Patrick has been groomed by the McIntosh matriarch Enid McIntosh to take over the family business and disinherit himself from his Duffy clan. Patrick is a born leader and fights bravely for the British in the Sudan. He finds love in the wild Irish hillsides so different from his life in the desert wilderness. Would this Irish Catholic descendant really turn his back on his origins and become the head of an upright Protestant family? The two men meet in a brief bittersweet twist of fate culminating in hopeless battle.
The next generation in the family line is well developed in this book. Gordon James and Peter Duffy have left behind their boyhood friendship to become members of the Mounted Police. Eventually they go their separate ways as colour and bigotry continued to get in the way and causes the ever-widening rift between white commander James and dark Trooper Peter Duffy. Sarah, Peter’s very beautiful half-caste sister has captured Gordon’s heart, yet circumstances ensure they never marry.
Many other characters weave their magic throughout the book from the seductive Penelope and loyal loving Fiona. Then the remarkable businesswoman Kate Duffy having raised Peter and Sarah alone after the death of Luke and continues to make a future for her family, and onto the more unsavoury Hugh Darlington, and loathsome Granville White.
Wallarie the aging skillful native bushman continues to play cat and mouse with the mounted police to evade capture and help take Peter Duffy to his Nerambura tribal land for initiation. The land where it all began is fittingly the place the tale ends, or does it?
There is no doubting Peter Watt is a masterful story teller and his work is entertaining, intriguing and much of it is based on historical fact. I can hardly wait for the next edition of the Duffy and McIntosh families entwined lives. I am equally certain anyone who picks up these books and delves into them will feel the same.
August 3, 2022
Well written, and researched, therefore depicting well the early years of white settlement of Australia and troubled interactions with aboriginals. As the ongoing saga of the main families Macintosh and Duffy, each subsequent book seems repetitive in their interactions and hardships, many caused by a continuing curse. Yes that's how it was, but do we need as many pages over multiple volumes. Perhaps move on.
It's a book I did easily put down and returned to, unlike many page turners where you just want to keep devouring the story. May be in part because periodically we lose main characters (in whom we have invested time and emotion) that in most novels would be there until the end. Is of course a reflection of life, but is that emotion of loss the discomfort that you seek in fiction?
It's a book I did easily put down and returned to, unlike many page turners where you just want to keep devouring the story. May be in part because periodically we lose main characters (in whom we have invested time and emotion) that in most novels would be there until the end. Is of course a reflection of life, but is that emotion of loss the discomfort that you seek in fiction?
Read
January 18, 2016This third saga in the trilogy by Peter Watt is at least as good as the second. Watt writes very well in portraying the personalities and the nature of the northern Australian landscape and hardships. A few of the themes come together, as one would expect, but they do so in ways that you would not have anticipated. One of the best aspects of this series was the few oddities scattered through it. Lesbians, intrigue with German vs English imperialism and the addition of the Chinese to the Irish-English-Scottish mix. It is a classic true historical context drama - adventure, romance and good vs evil - what more could you ask for?
September 8, 2020
So glad I’ve discovered Peter Watt. His Frontier series books are addictive. If only we had these resources when we were taught Oz history at school. It was a lovely surprise to see his signature on the book from the library where I have now reserved number 4 in the series. The family saga is thrilling and it is so interesting and educational to see how Peter weaves in other events occurring across the globe. I am so invested in the richly characterised Duffy and Macintosh family members.
January 28, 2024
Australia's answer to Wilbur Smith delivers another globe-trotting epic set in the mid to late 1800's, spanning the Queensland frontier, the South African veldt and Sudan. Memorable characters, both good and bad, though sometimes they tend to be a little cliched, especially the villains.
Still, a great piece of historical fiction.
Still, a great piece of historical fiction.
April 6, 2019
This series of books just keeps getting better. Filled with characters to love and hate and stories lines to keep the pages turning at a rapid place, set against the backdrop of unchartered territory, I cannot recommend these books highly enough.
November 10, 2019
Have quite enjoyed this series. It continues for more books but I am not sure I will pursue it further. Not for a while anyway. Enjoyed the cast of characters and the historical background. Thanks to my brother for putting me onto these.
February 14, 2022
Peter Watt is a consummate story teller. The saga was engaging and the characters well developed and interesting. I enjoyed the Australian content as well as the historical events that are woven throughout the novel. The series is worth the investment .
February 16, 2018
As good as wilbur
Love these books. If you enjoy Wilbur Smith's early work you will enjoy this series. The good thing is I have 9 more books to go
Love these books. If you enjoy Wilbur Smith's early work you will enjoy this series. The good thing is I have 9 more books to go
May 22, 2019
After reading the 1st 2 books of the series reading this one became mandatory
September 24, 2020
The dreaming never goes away
Another great story by this author hence the 5 stars. Whitefellas don't understand the blackfellas which is sad and still excisit today.
Another great story by this author hence the 5 stars. Whitefellas don't understand the blackfellas which is sad and still excisit today.
May 2, 2024
Audiobook.
Book 3 of the series.
Book 3 of the series.
January 5, 2025
Not bad a bit drawn out
March 30, 2025
Interesting history even better when you know and have lived in the areas mentioned
October 24, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this read as it moved through many characters and their adventures and yet linked .
I have enjoyed this book and the drama between the McIntos and the Duffy families and the story between Australia, Africa and Ireland and the link as it unfolded. A good read mm
I have enjoyed this book and the drama between the McIntos and the Duffy families and the story between Australia, Africa and Ireland and the link as it unfolded. A good read mm
January 9, 2017
Plenty of plot and characters in this tale of early Australia
April 24, 2018
A good read as per usual.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews