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Yonder
A vow he couldn’t break—and a girl he couldn’t forget…Seventeen-year-old Jem Hardy pleaded with the wagon master. He had to join the wagon train, had to cross the Oregon Trail, had to keep a sacred promise—but he couldn’t reveal the truth.
Grudgingly, the man took him on as a scout.
Jem had never scouted a mile in his life. But he had another set of skills. Skills no one could imagine.
As the courageous men and women of the wagon train face bandits, bloodshed, and betrayal, Jem’s secret could save their lives—or doom them all.
“John Deacon writes the kind of Westerns I like to read—gritty and fun with lots of heart.” — Don Bentley, New York Times Bestselling author of the Matt Drake thrillers; the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. novels; and the Vince Flynn Mitch Rapp series
Grudgingly, the man took him on as a scout.
Jem had never scouted a mile in his life. But he had another set of skills. Skills no one could imagine.
As the courageous men and women of the wagon train face bandits, bloodshed, and betrayal, Jem’s secret could save their lives—or doom them all.
“John Deacon writes the kind of Westerns I like to read—gritty and fun with lots of heart.” — Don Bentley, New York Times Bestselling author of the Matt Drake thrillers; the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. novels; and the Vince Flynn Mitch Rapp series
- GenresWesterns
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2025
1066 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
December 8, 2025
ONE YOUNG MANS CREDO;
"FEAR GOD, NOT MAN. KILL THE WICKED."
☆☆☆☆☆
Yonder (A Sweeping Oregon Trail Saga Book 1) by John Deacon is a fictional tale of a group of immigrants from the east who are determined to try their luck in California back in the mid 1800's. The Benson wagon train leaving from St. Joseph, some from Pennsylvania and New York, others from Kentucky and Tennessee to name a few areas. These people are your average people of these times ranging from shopkeepers, doctors, carpenters, blacksmiths, domestic servants, college students, and wealthy businessman all traveling with a few of their most valued possessions, their families.
John Deacon has written this tell through the experiences of Jem, a seventeen year old young man, who is serving as a indentured servant working towards the last two years of his contract and Charlotte, a seventeen year old young lady, who's parents have pasted on and is traveling with her stepfather who is anything but a parental figure and is more of man who is out for what he can get from others without a cost of effort on his part.
All the characters are well written and easy to follow and relate to and you'll find yourself drawn into their struggles and accomplishments as they walk, drive their prairie schooners, and ride their few horses close to two thousand miles to the land on milk and honey and with the gold so easily found you can just walk around picking it up off the ground filling your pockets in no time at all.
Unfortunately, that's not the case. The trip is full of hardships and death is waiting around every corner to take your dreams in an instance whether it's the long track itself, weather, diseases, Indians, bandits, and deranged individuals. At the sametime, dreams and hopes are brought to the surface whether it's finding your way in a new world, moving up in social class status, or falling hopelessly in love for the first time.
As a young man, Jem becomes an irreplaceable member of the wagon master's team placing his life on the line for the members of the wagon train, providing fresh meat, and going everything within his powers to help ensure the members of the wagon train make it as safely as possible so they can fulfill their dreams all the while fulfilling his commitment to his father figure to complete the trip from St. Joseph to San Francisco to deliver a letter. He will hold up his promise or die trying to.
This being the first book in this series, it's built a solid foundation for a great series with more than a few mysteries hanging out there to be solved, a few romantic interactions with the possibility of leading to marriage with more than a few twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat to find out if their loves interests come true, and with all the different people in their group, there are more than a few mysteries and conflicts waiting to be resolved.
If you are into historical fiction, western suspense thrillers, with a touch of romance, this book has it. I really enjoyed this first book in this series and have already started the second book and it's looking as if there will be a lot more action, suspense, romance, and mysteries to be brought out or solved. I haven't read all of John Deacon's books as of yet but can honestly tell you the ones I have read are great and you will not be disappointed.
Quotes:
"Fear God, not man. Kill the wicked."
"No man need apologize for another's behavior. Every man is responsible for his own actions. Whatever he does or say, it's his choice and no one else's."
"Knowing you will never have two pennies to rub together, you put stock in things other than money. You take pride in your work, your toughness, and above all else, your character."
"Fear pride like the devil himself."
"No matter how hard things get in life, if you're blessed to face it along someone you love, there's still hope...and you're never alone."
"FEAR GOD, NOT MAN. KILL THE WICKED."
☆☆☆☆☆
Yonder (A Sweeping Oregon Trail Saga Book 1) by John Deacon is a fictional tale of a group of immigrants from the east who are determined to try their luck in California back in the mid 1800's. The Benson wagon train leaving from St. Joseph, some from Pennsylvania and New York, others from Kentucky and Tennessee to name a few areas. These people are your average people of these times ranging from shopkeepers, doctors, carpenters, blacksmiths, domestic servants, college students, and wealthy businessman all traveling with a few of their most valued possessions, their families.
John Deacon has written this tell through the experiences of Jem, a seventeen year old young man, who is serving as a indentured servant working towards the last two years of his contract and Charlotte, a seventeen year old young lady, who's parents have pasted on and is traveling with her stepfather who is anything but a parental figure and is more of man who is out for what he can get from others without a cost of effort on his part.
All the characters are well written and easy to follow and relate to and you'll find yourself drawn into their struggles and accomplishments as they walk, drive their prairie schooners, and ride their few horses close to two thousand miles to the land on milk and honey and with the gold so easily found you can just walk around picking it up off the ground filling your pockets in no time at all.
Unfortunately, that's not the case. The trip is full of hardships and death is waiting around every corner to take your dreams in an instance whether it's the long track itself, weather, diseases, Indians, bandits, and deranged individuals. At the sametime, dreams and hopes are brought to the surface whether it's finding your way in a new world, moving up in social class status, or falling hopelessly in love for the first time.
As a young man, Jem becomes an irreplaceable member of the wagon master's team placing his life on the line for the members of the wagon train, providing fresh meat, and going everything within his powers to help ensure the members of the wagon train make it as safely as possible so they can fulfill their dreams all the while fulfilling his commitment to his father figure to complete the trip from St. Joseph to San Francisco to deliver a letter. He will hold up his promise or die trying to.
This being the first book in this series, it's built a solid foundation for a great series with more than a few mysteries hanging out there to be solved, a few romantic interactions with the possibility of leading to marriage with more than a few twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat to find out if their loves interests come true, and with all the different people in their group, there are more than a few mysteries and conflicts waiting to be resolved.
If you are into historical fiction, western suspense thrillers, with a touch of romance, this book has it. I really enjoyed this first book in this series and have already started the second book and it's looking as if there will be a lot more action, suspense, romance, and mysteries to be brought out or solved. I haven't read all of John Deacon's books as of yet but can honestly tell you the ones I have read are great and you will not be disappointed.
Quotes:
"Fear God, not man. Kill the wicked."
"No man need apologize for another's behavior. Every man is responsible for his own actions. Whatever he does or say, it's his choice and no one else's."
"Knowing you will never have two pennies to rub together, you put stock in things other than money. You take pride in your work, your toughness, and above all else, your character."
"Fear pride like the devil himself."
"No matter how hard things get in life, if you're blessed to face it along someone you love, there's still hope...and you're never alone."
September 7, 2025
“Yonder” a good reading experience
John Deacon writes a very good western. It has a very good story line with a good moral message. I’m moving on to Yonder 2. Thanks for the good entertainment Mr. Deacon.
John Deacon writes a very good western. It has a very good story line with a good moral message. I’m moving on to Yonder 2. Thanks for the good entertainment Mr. Deacon.
July 31, 2025
Enjoyable
The story centers on Jem Hardy, a young apprentice who’s been tasked with delivering an important letter to a man in California. He locates a wagon train ready to depart from Missouri. He impresses the wagon master, who takes him on as an employee.
Now, Jem has to prove his worth on the trail, through all the obstacles and perils along the way. A good read—I especially enjoyed the relationship between Jem and the wagon master.
The story centers on Jem Hardy, a young apprentice who’s been tasked with delivering an important letter to a man in California. He locates a wagon train ready to depart from Missouri. He impresses the wagon master, who takes him on as an employee.
Now, Jem has to prove his worth on the trail, through all the obstacles and perils along the way. A good read—I especially enjoyed the relationship between Jem and the wagon master.
May 12, 2025
Start of another great series
I have read the Heck series and found I wanted it to continue, the Yonder series will likely be as good or better. I have read all of Louis Labour's books and find Mr Dragon's writing as just as good if not better. John I am 80 years old so write fast
I have read the Heck series and found I wanted it to continue, the Yonder series will likely be as good or better. I have read all of Louis Labour's books and find Mr Dragon's writing as just as good if not better. John I am 80 years old so write fast
May 13, 2025
Excellent read
Another great book great book written by this author. A story of hardship, anger,goodness and of course love. Would highly recommend this book to all that enjoy a great western.
Another great book great book written by this author. A story of hardship, anger,goodness and of course love. Would highly recommend this book to all that enjoy a great western.
September 13, 2025
Amazing read, great for young readers!
For my review I am copying and pasting what I sent to my 14 year old son’s English teacher in a n email:
I am reading a novel and I honestly think it would be great for these boys in his age group.
It’s called Yonder, it’s about a teenage farm hand who’s given an important mission by his “master” (he’s an indentured servant) to go West and deliver a mysterious parcel by hand.
He joins a group of wagons and begins the Oregon trail.
It’s very clean (written by a Christian author) and focuses a lot on how capable, confident, and clever this young man is as he navigates the Wild West to fulfill his oath to his master.
There is also a love interest, a young lady on the trail, it shows her perspective of the Oregon trail as well.. how difficult it was for young women at the time to be themselves and remain within the boundaries of “lady like” behavior for the time.
The writing is very plain, direct, but has a lot of exciting elements (fights with attempted trail robbers, hunting with primitive weapons, dangerous passages thru the wilderness) and I think it would be great for boys who may not exactly love reading.
For my review I am copying and pasting what I sent to my 14 year old son’s English teacher in a n email:
I am reading a novel and I honestly think it would be great for these boys in his age group.
It’s called Yonder, it’s about a teenage farm hand who’s given an important mission by his “master” (he’s an indentured servant) to go West and deliver a mysterious parcel by hand.
He joins a group of wagons and begins the Oregon trail.
It’s very clean (written by a Christian author) and focuses a lot on how capable, confident, and clever this young man is as he navigates the Wild West to fulfill his oath to his master.
There is also a love interest, a young lady on the trail, it shows her perspective of the Oregon trail as well.. how difficult it was for young women at the time to be themselves and remain within the boundaries of “lady like” behavior for the time.
The writing is very plain, direct, but has a lot of exciting elements (fights with attempted trail robbers, hunting with primitive weapons, dangerous passages thru the wilderness) and I think it would be great for boys who may not exactly love reading.
October 24, 2025
4.7 Stars
One of my favorite reads of the year!
This book deserves way more hype, Mr. Deacon has an incredible ability to pull you into a story that has faith, adventure, and relatable characters in such an organic way (especially since it's set in the 1800s!). I could see the "movie" developing in my mind and I even got startled by a bird while I was reading one time because I was so invested in the story!
I love how humble and teachable Jem is, Mr. Benson also quickly became one of my favorite characters because of his firm yet caring leadership. Charlotte is a sweet girl and I love her and Amelia's friendship.
The main reason I didn't give this five stars is that about three chapters are from Roger's pov and his character is so weird and uninteresting to me, especially since there is mention of harming animals that I had to skip over. I skipped over most of the information in his pov chapters.
I also felt that Charlotte acted a bit immature when Jem was trying to be vulnerable and kind at times. There wasn't much violence but fight scenes felt hard to follow and visualize at times.
This book reminded me that God is always with us and cares about second chances ☀️
P.S. When I finished this book I was so happy that I danced and sang to " Man I Need"by Olivia Dean ✨
One of my favorite reads of the year!
This book deserves way more hype, Mr. Deacon has an incredible ability to pull you into a story that has faith, adventure, and relatable characters in such an organic way (especially since it's set in the 1800s!). I could see the "movie" developing in my mind and I even got startled by a bird while I was reading one time because I was so invested in the story!
I love how humble and teachable Jem is, Mr. Benson also quickly became one of my favorite characters because of his firm yet caring leadership. Charlotte is a sweet girl and I love her and Amelia's friendship.
The main reason I didn't give this five stars is that about three chapters are from Roger's pov and his character is so weird and uninteresting to me, especially since there is mention of harming animals that I had to skip over. I skipped over most of the information in his pov chapters.
I also felt that Charlotte acted a bit immature when Jem was trying to be vulnerable and kind at times. There wasn't much violence but fight scenes felt hard to follow and visualize at times.
This book reminded me that God is always with us and cares about second chances ☀️
P.S. When I finished this book I was so happy that I danced and sang to " Man I Need"by Olivia Dean ✨
May 7, 2025
Not a lot of shoot em ups in this 1st book in the series. Jem Hardy is an indentured servant in the Ozarks. His master, Mr. Donohoe, treats him more like son than a slave. Now he has an unusual request, Take a letter to a lawyer in California. Surely there are more efficient ways to do that, but Mr. Donohoe only trusts Jem. He ends up on a wagon train where he meets Charlotte, who has quite a story of her own. She is engaged to a man she never meet, or even exchanged letters with, bound by a contract signed by her stepfather. Jem doesn't waste any time endearing himself to the wagon master, Hank Benson with his shooting skills and wise decision making. The Oregon Trail is loaded with Indians, bad guys and natural disasters and they are about to meet them. That's okay with Jem, though, as it gives him more time to get to know Charlotte. This is a very interesting read.
May 26, 2025
Finally
I have read so many western over the years and this the very first one that has gone to the trouble to explain how these many wagons have been made and been able to carry so much stuff to live with when they get where they started and had a place to repair things if they broke down! How they used tar to paint the bottoms to prevent leaking when they had to cross all those rivers and the top of them to stop the leaking from ruining everything that was inside. Thank you so much might sound stupid but I was just blown away when I read that in this book and you might think that sounds silly. And I guess it might be! But I realized after reading so much I had never stopped to think what had to go Into the construction of preparing one of those wagons for those long trips. Thank you! Faye Kelly
I have read so many western over the years and this the very first one that has gone to the trouble to explain how these many wagons have been made and been able to carry so much stuff to live with when they get where they started and had a place to repair things if they broke down! How they used tar to paint the bottoms to prevent leaking when they had to cross all those rivers and the top of them to stop the leaking from ruining everything that was inside. Thank you so much might sound stupid but I was just blown away when I read that in this book and you might think that sounds silly. And I guess it might be! But I realized after reading so much I had never stopped to think what had to go Into the construction of preparing one of those wagons for those long trips. Thank you! Faye Kelly
May 29, 2025
Jem— what a gem!
To come from a criminal father that misused him and he then had to live the life of an orphan —he is an amazing young man. This is a slow moving book but still very intriguing. It seems to be a bit like a soap opera where people cannot be straight forward and honest in their dealings. So many mean, deceptive, and snotty people on this wagon train. Such grandiose idiots that are full of themselves type people. Whew, 400 pages to get through all the misunderstandings!. I hope there are happy endings for those that deserve it. Especially the nanny. Would someone put her master witch in place and Roger of course. They need to be taken down several notches.!
To come from a criminal father that misused him and he then had to live the life of an orphan —he is an amazing young man. This is a slow moving book but still very intriguing. It seems to be a bit like a soap opera where people cannot be straight forward and honest in their dealings. So many mean, deceptive, and snotty people on this wagon train. Such grandiose idiots that are full of themselves type people. Whew, 400 pages to get through all the misunderstandings!. I hope there are happy endings for those that deserve it. Especially the nanny. Would someone put her master witch in place and Roger of course. They need to be taken down several notches.!
August 16, 2025
Boring and slow paced. Nothing really happens. I listened to the audiobook version and the narrator had the most boring and dull voice. He had no inflection at all. He used the same dull monotone voice when he was reading about a fight to the death between two people as he did when he was talking about someone doing a mundane task like making coffee.
I was really hoping for better since I really enjoy the Heck And Hope series from this author.
I was really hoping for better since I really enjoy the Heck And Hope series from this author.
September 12, 2025
Yonder
It seems I never know what to say. I love reading. I especially love reading a Good tale that sweeps you into it and creates pleasant daydreams, and hurrying to read ahead to find out what happens next. Mr. Deacon not only gives us a good wholesome story but involves half the Oregon Train passengers in it so you have more than one storyline to get involved in.
I’m ready to move onward to Yonder 2! Thank you!
It seems I never know what to say. I love reading. I especially love reading a Good tale that sweeps you into it and creates pleasant daydreams, and hurrying to read ahead to find out what happens next. Mr. Deacon not only gives us a good wholesome story but involves half the Oregon Train passengers in it so you have more than one storyline to get involved in.
I’m ready to move onward to Yonder 2! Thank you!
May 12, 2025
I did enjoy the book, not as gritty as the times demand, but an enjoyable read. My biggest complaint was the typical author ploy of using dialogue as filler; i.e. making a 200 page story in 350 pages. Otherwise the characters were interesting and the story held my attention. I’ll probably get the sequel if I see it when it’s released.
May 13, 2025
Captivating story
This was a very entertaining and interesting story! Jem is a young man who is doing his very best to be the kind of man to make his employer proud. A wonderful book of the trials of the Oregon trail and the struggle of the people. John Deacon never fails to keep the stories captivating. Definitely worth the reading!
This was a very entertaining and interesting story! Jem is a young man who is doing his very best to be the kind of man to make his employer proud. A wonderful book of the trials of the Oregon trail and the struggle of the people. John Deacon never fails to keep the stories captivating. Definitely worth the reading!
May 26, 2025
My opinion, this is his best one so far. Can’t wait for the next one.
I guess this is my favorite author except for some of the old ones like the guy that wrote the Virginia. Most authors western authors just don’t get it for me. This was exciting and fun serious and not. Good characters. None of them can be realistic, but this was more realistic than some. Enjoy it thorough
I guess this is my favorite author except for some of the old ones like the guy that wrote the Virginia. Most authors western authors just don’t get it for me. This was exciting and fun serious and not. Good characters. None of them can be realistic, but this was more realistic than some. Enjoy it thorough
June 3, 2025
good guys and bad guys, but even more complicated events
Good character development…each person on this journey had their own reasons and dreams to make such a difficult trek..can’t imagine many people who would have the internal grit to accomplish what folks attempted in the mid 1800’s…
Good character development…each person on this journey had their own reasons and dreams to make such a difficult trek..can’t imagine many people who would have the internal grit to accomplish what folks attempted in the mid 1800’s…
June 22, 2025
Very surprised?
Had no idea what I was getting into at first in the early chapters,and at times, simply wanted to stop and get to a real historical western.
Very happy to have hung with the story as it soon captivated my interest unlike any past readings.
Very happy to certainly say to all what a very unusual read and most enjoyable time spent with the John Deacon novel!
Had no idea what I was getting into at first in the early chapters,and at times, simply wanted to stop and get to a real historical western.
Very happy to have hung with the story as it soon captivated my interest unlike any past readings.
Very happy to certainly say to all what a very unusual read and most enjoyable time spent with the John Deacon novel!
June 27, 2025
The first of hopefully many in this series
As with all Mr Deacon's books, you are drawn in immediately within the first few sentences. You can feel what his characters feel and can't wait to see what they'll do next. Jem & Charlotte's trek west starts off rough but I'm sure they'll get through the hurdles. Can't wait to start the next book in the series!
As with all Mr Deacon's books, you are drawn in immediately within the first few sentences. You can feel what his characters feel and can't wait to see what they'll do next. Jem & Charlotte's trek west starts off rough but I'm sure they'll get through the hurdles. Can't wait to start the next book in the series!
July 29, 2025
I think giving this a 2 is quite generous and definitely because the narrator was excellent. (in fact the narration was the only reason I finished this piece of work)
Novels of the old west and particularly the Oregon Trail, are like candy to me - I can never get enough and even the "okay" novels are sweet to me - but this one - terrible. The whole thing was one big cliche.
Novels of the old west and particularly the Oregon Trail, are like candy to me - I can never get enough and even the "okay" novels are sweet to me - but this one - terrible. The whole thing was one big cliche.
August 4, 2025
New Series Begins!
I read all of John Deacon’s books a few months ago. I loved all of them so much! I was so excited when i discovered this new series! Once again, he has written a winner! I love all the characters and am so excited to find out what happens to them. I will continue reading book 2 NOW… Thanks John Deacon! Please keep writing more books!
I read all of John Deacon’s books a few months ago. I loved all of them so much! I was so excited when i discovered this new series! Once again, he has written a winner! I love all the characters and am so excited to find out what happens to them. I will continue reading book 2 NOW… Thanks John Deacon! Please keep writing more books!
May 7, 2025
Winning on a new frontier
As usual, the only thing you can expect from Deacon is an amazing read. His stories aren't predictable like some others are and it's refreshing. This is one that I don't feel is "too western" for someone who'd like to dip their toes in the genre.
As usual, the only thing you can expect from Deacon is an amazing read. His stories aren't predictable like some others are and it's refreshing. This is one that I don't feel is "too western" for someone who'd like to dip their toes in the genre.
May 9, 2025
A new adventure!
Now I'm really eager to see where this journey goes! John Deacon always delivers high quality reading. You won't be making a mistake downloading this book. If you have never read him before you have a treat.
Now I'm really eager to see where this journey goes! John Deacon always delivers high quality reading. You won't be making a mistake downloading this book. If you have never read him before you have a treat.
May 20, 2025
Sweet story
Really enjoyed this book. The people who blazed the trails to the west were tough and determined. This story was an easy read and kept me interested till the end. Will look for Yonder 2.
Really enjoyed this book. The people who blazed the trails to the west were tough and determined. This story was an easy read and kept me interested till the end. Will look for Yonder 2.
May 25, 2025
Adventures
All the people on the wagon train had so much going on ,in their lives. Making the trip to a new live life. Looking forward to reading the next book, too see how it all turns out. I like your style of writing. Thank you
All the people on the wagon train had so much going on ,in their lives. Making the trip to a new live life. Looking forward to reading the next book, too see how it all turns out. I like your style of writing. Thank you
May 25, 2025
A page turner.
I loved this book. I hated to reach the end of it, and now I have to wait until July for the second one. John Deacon is a great author and I will be reading more of his books.
I loved this book. I hated to reach the end of it, and now I have to wait until July for the second one. John Deacon is a great author and I will be reading more of his books.
May 27, 2025
Great Western Migration Story
Orphaned boy meets the step daughter of a widower headed west where Jen was delivering a special letter and Charlotte had been sold to a wealthy businessman in California. What a tale. Enjoy.
Orphaned boy meets the step daughter of a widower headed west where Jen was delivering a special letter and Charlotte had been sold to a wealthy businessman in California. What a tale. Enjoy.
May 27, 2025
I sincerely enjoyed this book. Although there are stories within the story they do not take away or distract from the central storyline. It(in my opinion) is a well written and well rounded effort by the Author. I only wish the next installment were ready for release.
May 30, 2025
Great start to this Oregon Trail story
I like historical fiction but am often disappointed when authors use coarse language and inappropriate, graphic description to add excitement and "realism". This author keeps the language clean while writing an often gripping story.
I like historical fiction but am often disappointed when authors use coarse language and inappropriate, graphic description to add excitement and "realism". This author keeps the language clean while writing an often gripping story.
June 1, 2025
Terrific Opener
This is a terrific opener to a series on the Oregon Trail (to San Francisco, though). The characters are top notch and the conflicts are realistic with some nuance. An excellent story by a gifted storyteller. I recommend it!
This is a terrific opener to a series on the Oregon Trail (to San Francisco, though). The characters are top notch and the conflicts are realistic with some nuance. An excellent story by a gifted storyteller. I recommend it!
June 8, 2025
A Great Story
If you enjoyed this book, look at reading the "Heck" series. One of my favorites and plan on reading it again. Mr Deacon writes a good book and hope he continues to write series like this one.
If you enjoyed this book, look at reading the "Heck" series. One of my favorites and plan on reading it again. Mr Deacon writes a good book and hope he continues to write series like this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews