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Go West, Young Man #3
Leaving Independence
The Greatest Historical Western Writers of the 21st Century, William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone, bring to life the harrowing journeys of the fearless pioneers who braved the Oregon Trail—and lived to tell the tale . . .
Independence, Missouri, 1865. Seasoned wagon master Virgil Grissom prepares to lead a new group of families westward across the Oregon Trail. Among them are struggling farmer Matt Moran, his wife Katie, and their three small children. In spite of the long, treacherous journey ahead, Grissom is confident that this solid, hard-working farmer and his family are tough enough to endure the harsh elements, the rugged terrain, and the occasional run-in with hostile tribes. But he’s not so sure about the farmer’s younger brother, Clay, who plans to catch up with them along the trail. Alone. Which has Grissom worried . . .
On the Oregon Trail, a lone man is dead man.
Clay Moran fought hard in the Civil War, serving as lieutenant in the US Calvary. Now that Robert E. Lee has surrendered, Clay is free to head west with his brother’s family. Problem is, the wagon train has left Independence already—and Clay has to go it alone. Luckily, the army let him keep his horse. But when a couple of bushwhackers steal that horse and all his money, he’s left high and dry. If Clay hopes to catch up with the wagon train, he’ll have to rely on his wits. His guts. And every skill he learned in the war. Along the way, he’ll have to do things a man should never have to do—just to survive . . .
JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. GO WEST, LIVE FREE, OR DIE TRYING.
Independence, Missouri, 1865. Seasoned wagon master Virgil Grissom prepares to lead a new group of families westward across the Oregon Trail. Among them are struggling farmer Matt Moran, his wife Katie, and their three small children. In spite of the long, treacherous journey ahead, Grissom is confident that this solid, hard-working farmer and his family are tough enough to endure the harsh elements, the rugged terrain, and the occasional run-in with hostile tribes. But he’s not so sure about the farmer’s younger brother, Clay, who plans to catch up with them along the trail. Alone. Which has Grissom worried . . .
On the Oregon Trail, a lone man is dead man.
Clay Moran fought hard in the Civil War, serving as lieutenant in the US Calvary. Now that Robert E. Lee has surrendered, Clay is free to head west with his brother’s family. Problem is, the wagon train has left Independence already—and Clay has to go it alone. Luckily, the army let him keep his horse. But when a couple of bushwhackers steal that horse and all his money, he’s left high and dry. If Clay hopes to catch up with the wagon train, he’ll have to rely on his wits. His guts. And every skill he learned in the war. Along the way, he’ll have to do things a man should never have to do—just to survive . . .
JOHNSTONE COUNTRY. GO WEST, LIVE FREE, OR DIE TRYING.
320 pages, Paperback
Published January 21, 2025
62 people are currently reading
2492 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,040 books1,390 followersWilliam W. Johnstone is the #1 bestselling Western writer in America and the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of hundreds of books, with over 50 million copies sold. Born in southern Missouri, he was raised with strong moral and family values by his minister father, and tutored by his schoolteacher mother. He left school at fifteen to work in a carnival and then as a deputy sheriff before serving in the army. He went on to become known as "the Greatest Western writer of the 21st Century." Visit him online at WilliamJohnstone.net.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 17, 2024
Go West Young Man by William W. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone is a nifty little series based on the wagon trains going across the country to Oregon. Leaving Independence is the third in this series and we get a great set of characters and a lot of difficulties on the way. It is apart from a couple of misstakes when it comes to weapons a good western, sadly it seems that most westerns deal with the same topic over and over again. I would love to see someone thinking outside the box. Still it has what you would expect and it's a couple of hours with entertaining reading. I must thank Netgalley and Pinnacle Books oh, and Kensington books as well for letting me read this advance copy. Out in stores in January.
March 22, 2025
Average writing with lots of different characters. I didn’t finish it as it was pretty flat line for me. I’m more of thrilled book junkie.
February 13, 2025
The American West, as both a physical expanse and an idea, remains one of the most enduring arenas for storytelling. It is a place of boundless possibility and ruthless indifference, a proving ground where character is revealed through hardship. William W. Johnstone, and later his nephew J.A. Johnstone, have built a prolific career chronicling this mythos, capturing the romance and brutality of frontier life. Leaving Independence situates itself squarely within this tradition, delivering a novel that is at once familiar and deeply satisfying—a tale of survival, grit, and the relentless pursuit of a future that lies just beyond the horizon.
The Narrative: A Journey of Peril and Promise
At its core, Leaving Independence follows the classic wagon train narrative, in which settlers, driven by dreams of a better life, embark on a treacherous journey into the unknown. The novel does not deviate significantly from the well-worn template of the Western migration story, but it executes its premise with competence and conviction. The hardships of the journey—unforgiving landscapes, the constant specter of danger, and the emotional burdens carried by each traveler—serve as both the novel’s engine and its moral crucible.
Johnstone’s pacing is deliberate but engaging, balancing the inevitable perils of frontier travel with quieter moments of character reflection. The novel does not rely on artificial dramatics but instead builds tension through the sheer unpredictability of the untamed West. This is not a sanitized portrayal of manifest destiny; it is a portrait of endurance, of the price exacted by a land that offers nothing freely.
Characterization: Grit, Growth, and the Weight of the Past
One of the Johnstones’ greatest strengths is their ability to craft characters who, while archetypal, feel lived-in. The protagonist—whether a resolute trail leader, a determined widow seeking a new beginning, or a reluctant hero—embodies the rugged individualism that defines the Western genre. Yet, Leaving Independence does not simply romanticize these figures; it allows them to wrestle with fear, regret, and uncertainty.
The supporting cast, a motley group of settlers with their own motivations and burdens, serves as a microcosm of frontier society. Some seek reinvention, others redemption. Some are driven by ambition, others by desperation. The conflicts that arise within the group—clashes of temperament, the struggle between idealism and survival—add depth to the journey, making it clear that not all dangers lie beyond the wagon train; many are within it.
The Johnstone Prose: Straightforward and Stalwart
The Johnstones write with the economy and directness befitting the genre. Their prose does not linger on ornate descriptions, nor does it indulge in unnecessary exposition. Instead, it moves with the efficiency of the wagon train itself—pressing forward, unrelenting, with only the occasional pause to take in the grandeur of the landscape.
Dialogue, too, is rendered with a sharp authenticity. Characters speak plainly but with weight, their words carrying the practical wisdom of those who do not waste breath. The language of the novel is not about flourish but function, mirroring the unforgiving nature of the world it depicts.
Themes: Manifest Destiny, Resilience, and the Price of Progress
The Western genre often walks a fine line between glorification and critique of American expansionism. Leaving Independence does not dwell in overt moralizing, but it does not shy away from the complexities of the frontier experience. The novel acknowledges that the pursuit of new beginnings comes with a cost—that freedom, while alluring, is often accompanied by loss.
The novel also explores the tension between individualism and communal survival. The West, for all its promise of reinvention, is not a place where one thrives alone. The necessity of cooperation, the uneasy alliances forged by necessity, and the conflicts that arise when personal ambition clashes with group survival are woven into the narrative.
Final Verdict: A Classic Western or a By-the-Numbers Retelling?
Leaving Independence does not reinvent the Western, nor does it attempt to. Instead, it embraces the strengths of the genre, delivering a story that is equal parts adventure and meditation on the human spirit. For longtime fans of the Johnstone brand, this is another solid entry in their expansive body of work. For newcomers, it serves as a fine introduction to the rugged storytelling that has made the Johnstones among the most prolific chroniclers of the American West.
Ultimately, Leaving Independence succeeds not by breaking new ground, but by reaffirming why the Western remains an enduring genre: because the frontier, whether real or imagined, remains the ultimate test of character.
The Narrative: A Journey of Peril and Promise
At its core, Leaving Independence follows the classic wagon train narrative, in which settlers, driven by dreams of a better life, embark on a treacherous journey into the unknown. The novel does not deviate significantly from the well-worn template of the Western migration story, but it executes its premise with competence and conviction. The hardships of the journey—unforgiving landscapes, the constant specter of danger, and the emotional burdens carried by each traveler—serve as both the novel’s engine and its moral crucible.
Johnstone’s pacing is deliberate but engaging, balancing the inevitable perils of frontier travel with quieter moments of character reflection. The novel does not rely on artificial dramatics but instead builds tension through the sheer unpredictability of the untamed West. This is not a sanitized portrayal of manifest destiny; it is a portrait of endurance, of the price exacted by a land that offers nothing freely.
Characterization: Grit, Growth, and the Weight of the Past
One of the Johnstones’ greatest strengths is their ability to craft characters who, while archetypal, feel lived-in. The protagonist—whether a resolute trail leader, a determined widow seeking a new beginning, or a reluctant hero—embodies the rugged individualism that defines the Western genre. Yet, Leaving Independence does not simply romanticize these figures; it allows them to wrestle with fear, regret, and uncertainty.
The supporting cast, a motley group of settlers with their own motivations and burdens, serves as a microcosm of frontier society. Some seek reinvention, others redemption. Some are driven by ambition, others by desperation. The conflicts that arise within the group—clashes of temperament, the struggle between idealism and survival—add depth to the journey, making it clear that not all dangers lie beyond the wagon train; many are within it.
The Johnstone Prose: Straightforward and Stalwart
The Johnstones write with the economy and directness befitting the genre. Their prose does not linger on ornate descriptions, nor does it indulge in unnecessary exposition. Instead, it moves with the efficiency of the wagon train itself—pressing forward, unrelenting, with only the occasional pause to take in the grandeur of the landscape.
Dialogue, too, is rendered with a sharp authenticity. Characters speak plainly but with weight, their words carrying the practical wisdom of those who do not waste breath. The language of the novel is not about flourish but function, mirroring the unforgiving nature of the world it depicts.
Themes: Manifest Destiny, Resilience, and the Price of Progress
The Western genre often walks a fine line between glorification and critique of American expansionism. Leaving Independence does not dwell in overt moralizing, but it does not shy away from the complexities of the frontier experience. The novel acknowledges that the pursuit of new beginnings comes with a cost—that freedom, while alluring, is often accompanied by loss.
The novel also explores the tension between individualism and communal survival. The West, for all its promise of reinvention, is not a place where one thrives alone. The necessity of cooperation, the uneasy alliances forged by necessity, and the conflicts that arise when personal ambition clashes with group survival are woven into the narrative.
Final Verdict: A Classic Western or a By-the-Numbers Retelling?
Leaving Independence does not reinvent the Western, nor does it attempt to. Instead, it embraces the strengths of the genre, delivering a story that is equal parts adventure and meditation on the human spirit. For longtime fans of the Johnstone brand, this is another solid entry in their expansive body of work. For newcomers, it serves as a fine introduction to the rugged storytelling that has made the Johnstones among the most prolific chroniclers of the American West.
Ultimately, Leaving Independence succeeds not by breaking new ground, but by reaffirming why the Western remains an enduring genre: because the frontier, whether real or imagined, remains the ultimate test of character.
June 17, 2025
The back of the books says, "Clay is free to head west with his brother’s family. Problem is, the wagon train has left Independence already—and Clay has to go it alone. Luckily, the army let him keep his horse. But when a couple of bushwhackers steal that horse and all his money, he’s left high and dry. If Clay hopes to catch up with the wagon train, he’ll have to rely on his wits. His guts. And every skill he learned in the war. Along the way, he’ll have to do things a man should never have to do—just to survive . . ."
I thought this could be interesting reading about Clay getting bushwacked and losing everything. Then using his wits, his guts and every skill he learned in the army. The only thing is. It doesn't happen.
I thought it was interesting that everyone in the wagon train used horses to pull their wagons and not oxen or mules. Horses tire out quicker. Also, two Indians going to steal some horses barking to each other like dogs? In books and movies, I have read/seen Indians only using bird calls.
Overall, I thought the story is rather boring.
I thought this could be interesting reading about Clay getting bushwacked and losing everything. Then using his wits, his guts and every skill he learned in the army. The only thing is. It doesn't happen.
I thought it was interesting that everyone in the wagon train used horses to pull their wagons and not oxen or mules. Horses tire out quicker. Also, two Indians going to steal some horses barking to each other like dogs? In books and movies, I have read/seen Indians only using bird calls.
Overall, I thought the story is rather boring.
August 24, 2024
There is no such thing as a bad Johnstone western. Each series is built around main characters whose belief in the law and family is absolute, even if they've had to be reformed to get there. From Preacher, the original mountain man to the Jensen family to Perly Gates, to.....well, you get the point. Many times, characters from one series will show up in another as supporting hands. The communities are true to the era, clothing, guns, food and troubles are all what you'd find if you looked them up in the history books. No two stories are the same, each character or set of characters is unique and so are their stories. The writing is skillful, readers are pulled into the story and you will laugh and cry right along with the characters. I made the mistake of picking up a Johnstone western my uncle was reading. Ive been hooked ever since. Now I share them with my reading family and will continue as long as new Johnstones are released.
January 14, 2025
A pretty average book out of the corral of the Johnstone Clan. A couple of very good characters mixed in with a slew of others on still another wagon train story. Seems to me the Johnstone Clan should relegate wagon train stories to this series and not tack such similar tales to other Johnstone series. Such a storm of such tales in the past year has me expecting more.
The writing is fine, if not overdone. The characters are good, but not all up to Johnstone levels.
The settings are very well written. Plotting it pretty typical of a wagon train story and tamer than most.
As Johnstone westerns average above most westerns written, this one is average.
One very good nugget in the book involves disposal of bodies that i've not read before and found very practical and creative.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 6 out of ten points.
Access to pre-review this book was via Natgalley.com, which i highly recommend.
The writing is fine, if not overdone. The characters are good, but not all up to Johnstone levels.
The settings are very well written. Plotting it pretty typical of a wagon train story and tamer than most.
As Johnstone westerns average above most westerns written, this one is average.
One very good nugget in the book involves disposal of bodies that i've not read before and found very practical and creative.
Bottom line: I recommend this book. 6 out of ten points.
Access to pre-review this book was via Natgalley.com, which i highly recommend.
October 7, 2024
William Johnstone's Leaving Independence (Pinnacle Books 2025) is another excellent old west story from the master of Westerns. This is Book 3 in the trilogy, Go West, Young Man, but easily stands alone as its own story (I hadn't read the earlier books and completely enjoyed this book, never felt lost). Leaving Independence is an excellent fictional account of the iconic 2,000 mile Oregon Trail journey taking by over 300,000 American settlers with lots of interesting detail and believable events beyond the de rigeur Indian attacks and food shortages. I've read many fictional stories set around the Oregon Trail, worried this would be repetitive--even boring. Absolutely not. Highly recommended to those who like this particular time in American history or those who love a good hero's journey.
March 28, 2025
A group travel from Independence, Missouri to Oregon for a new life. Unfortunately the story did not follow the summary on the back of the book. I struggled to stay engaged throughout. The writing was a tad dry and flat for me and that may have been due to the constant updates of where they were on the trail. It just got a bit monotonous. Plus there were certain terms that were used a lot that I kept stumbling on.
I did like Clay Moran and his extended family. The problem was time and again everything worked out perfectly. Clay almost seemed to perfect in saving the day over and over.
I won this in one of the giveaways.
I did like Clay Moran and his extended family. The problem was time and again everything worked out perfectly. Clay almost seemed to perfect in saving the day over and over.
I won this in one of the giveaways.
October 1, 2025
This book tells the story of a group of people who decide to embark on a journey along the Oregon Trail in search of a better life. As readers, we accompany various families and characters who are part of this group as they overcome challenges and turbulence. I had never read a Western before, and I must say I liked it much more than I thought I would! I compare this book to "comfort food." Although unexpected things happen, everything always turns out relatively well, there are no major tragedies, the people are polite, kind, and the men are chivalrous and honest. This book managed to transport me to simpler times, and I loved it!
January 25, 2025
Leaving Independence is the third book in the Go West Young Man series by William .A. Johnstone and J.A. Johnstone, Virgil is once again leading a group of travelers to the west i’m not gonna lie. This is my least favorite Johnstone series, but I did like the story of Clay and Matt. I felt bad for Anne, who was married to the alcoholic but all in all it’s still a Johnstone novel and still one I definitely recommend. #NetGalley, #KensingtonBooks,#WilliamJohnstone, #JAJohnstone, #GoWestYoungMan, #LeavingIndependence,
March 4, 2025
Another great book from a series. A western story about wagon trains traveling the Oregon Trails. There are great characters you get to know. The treacherous trail is described in great detail along with all hazards that must be traversed. Leaving Independence is an excellent fictional account of the iconic 2,000 mile Oregon Trail journey taking by over 300,000 American settlers with lots of interesting detail and believable events beyond the Indian attacks and food shortages. I am hoping for a sequel. Highly recommend.
April 10, 2025
The writing was a tad dry and flat for me and that may have been due to the constant updates of where they were on the trail. It just got a bit monotonous. A western story about wagon trains traveling the Oregon Trails. There are great characters you get to know. The treacherous trail is described in great detail along with all hazards that must be traversed. I did like Clay Moran and his extended family. The problem was time and again everything worked out perfectly. Clay almost seemed to perfect in saving the day over and over.
August 4, 2025
I enjoyed this book with all of the different characters from the wagon train, the problems that some families had just holding it together. Also, the way at the end of the day, they would get together, play music to unwind. It was interesting to me how the author was specific on the way they would cross rivers, and go over mountains, tying the wheels together so they would slide and not roll to have more control with the horses. That all made sense to me. Overall, I liked this book, and the many different characters made it work for an excellent story.
February 13, 2025
More Great Stuff!
More Great Stuff from a great author. I hope this series continues. I enjoy the feeling of being on the journey with great characters. I especially loved the arrival of Worley Branch! Definitely a fan favorite this novel.
More Great Stuff from a great author. I hope this series continues. I enjoy the feeling of being on the journey with great characters. I especially loved the arrival of Worley Branch! Definitely a fan favorite this novel.
March 14, 2025
The story is fast moving and very engaging. As with all Johnstone books there's a lot of killings. All justified but it does lend credence to the wild west.
The detailed description of the river crossings was great. I felt I was a bystander watching from behind a tree.
The detailed description of the river crossings was great. I felt I was a bystander watching from behind a tree.
March 29, 2025
Another good western from the Johnstones. Got hooked on their books a few years ago and none have disappointed me. Always an interesting view of the west with great characters and a satisfying ending. Nice to remember how this country was settled.
June 7, 2025
2.5 ⭐
I didn't really care for anything or anyone in this book. This is my first western so it could just be that it's not my thing. Every issue got resolved too quickly. The description of the synopsis made no sense -- Clay joined the wagon trail within the first few chapters. At some point the book felt super repetitive, which I understand why, but it wasn't fun for me. I didn't really care for any of the characters, maybe except Worley. The writing was okay and I found myself skimming a lot. Overall, it was interesting to read about wagon trains and the Oregon trail, but something about it didn't click for me.
P.S. Won a copy via Goodreads Giveaways
I didn't really care for anything or anyone in this book. This is my first western so it could just be that it's not my thing. Every issue got resolved too quickly. The description of the synopsis made no sense -- Clay joined the wagon trail within the first few chapters. At some point the book felt super repetitive, which I understand why, but it wasn't fun for me. I didn't really care for any of the characters, maybe except Worley. The writing was okay and I found myself skimming a lot. Overall, it was interesting to read about wagon trains and the Oregon trail, but something about it didn't click for me.
P.S. Won a copy via Goodreads Giveaways
March 14, 2025
Not as good as other 2 books. Had different wagon train, different leader and passengers. Traveled same trail from Missouri to Oregon but less mishaps on the way.
March 17, 2025
Good Read, not as good as his other books but entertaining nonetheless. The first 2 books in the series are definitely better.
October 11, 2025
Don't waste your time! Absolute duplicate of first two in series.
December 1, 2025
A good Christian western that leaves you feeling inspired. I’ve not read many books about the Head West this one is a great one.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews