What do you think?
Rate this book
Yonder 2
THE TRAIL DEMANDS A HERO…The journey west continues beneath a vast and fickle sky.
For Jem Hardy, the Oregon Trail has become a proving ground, shaping him into a man of strength and compassion.
His heart belongs to Charlotte. They cling to secret plans, dreaming of a future together.
But no one knows what lies beyond the horizon.
As unforeseen trials arise and the line between friend and foe begins to blur, Jem’s resolve will be tested like never before.
With danger at every turn, the young scout must rise to meet a destiny he never imagined.
Ride along with this thundering saga of sacrifice and survival, where love blooms against impossible odds, and the true measure of a man is forged in the crucible of hardship.
“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
For Jem Hardy, the Oregon Trail has become a proving ground, shaping him into a man of strength and compassion.
His heart belongs to Charlotte. They cling to secret plans, dreaming of a future together.
But no one knows what lies beyond the horizon.
As unforeseen trials arise and the line between friend and foe begins to blur, Jem’s resolve will be tested like never before.
With danger at every turn, the young scout must rise to meet a destiny he never imagined.
Ride along with this thundering saga of sacrifice and survival, where love blooms against impossible odds, and the true measure of a man is forged in the crucible of hardship.
“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
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2025
667 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
December 11, 2025
LIFE WAS HARD ON THE TRAIL FROM MISSOURI AND SOME OF THE TRAVELERS THEMSELVES MADE IT WORSE
☆☆☆☆☆
Yonder 2 (A Sweeping Oregon Trail Saga) by John Deacon is a well-written tale told through two young adults, Jem and Charlotte both seventeen years old. This historical fiction piece is based on what the immigrants traveling from St. Joseph, Missouri in 1857 to the land of milk and honey of California where gold is so plentiful that all you have to do is pick it up on the ground filling your pockets in no time at all.
Jem has signed on as a scout for the wagon train lead by Hank Benson a retired army captain who has crossed from Missouri to California numerous times and back but with this group the challenges seems to be more the individuals in their group instead of with the terrain, wildlife, lack of water, bandits, and hostile Indians. The bickering, scheming, and down right spiteful travelers some of which are true psychopaths.
Charlotte and Jem have found their soul mates with each other as well has other members of their group bringing a rolling caravan of prairie schooners of love birds. On the other hand, some of their fellow travelers are nothing but noisy bodies with a wrapped sense of right and wrong that just will leave you thinking it's a wonder anyone one puts up with them and that they haven't been kicked out of the wagon train left to fend for themselves.
The characters in this trilogy are well developed to the point you find yourself rooting for the love birds, hating the vile people in their group wishing someone would slap the shit out of them or just gag them for the rest of the trip. In this second installment, Jem also takes on bandits and ruthless murdering men set out to enslave two of the women in their party.
Though this second book fell a little short on action, it did build up in more than a few ways for the action to come to the forefront in book three. At the sametime, I can honestly say I enjoyed this second book and have already started the third and final book in this series and it's really looking that the action, suspense, and romance will come to the surface. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will not go wrong this this book and series but I do advise starting with book one and working your way through all three.
☆☆☆☆☆
Yonder 2 (A Sweeping Oregon Trail Saga) by John Deacon is a well-written tale told through two young adults, Jem and Charlotte both seventeen years old. This historical fiction piece is based on what the immigrants traveling from St. Joseph, Missouri in 1857 to the land of milk and honey of California where gold is so plentiful that all you have to do is pick it up on the ground filling your pockets in no time at all.
Jem has signed on as a scout for the wagon train lead by Hank Benson a retired army captain who has crossed from Missouri to California numerous times and back but with this group the challenges seems to be more the individuals in their group instead of with the terrain, wildlife, lack of water, bandits, and hostile Indians. The bickering, scheming, and down right spiteful travelers some of which are true psychopaths.
Charlotte and Jem have found their soul mates with each other as well has other members of their group bringing a rolling caravan of prairie schooners of love birds. On the other hand, some of their fellow travelers are nothing but noisy bodies with a wrapped sense of right and wrong that just will leave you thinking it's a wonder anyone one puts up with them and that they haven't been kicked out of the wagon train left to fend for themselves.
The characters in this trilogy are well developed to the point you find yourself rooting for the love birds, hating the vile people in their group wishing someone would slap the shit out of them or just gag them for the rest of the trip. In this second installment, Jem also takes on bandits and ruthless murdering men set out to enslave two of the women in their party.
Though this second book fell a little short on action, it did build up in more than a few ways for the action to come to the forefront in book three. At the sametime, I can honestly say I enjoyed this second book and have already started the third and final book in this series and it's really looking that the action, suspense, and romance will come to the surface. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will not go wrong this this book and series but I do advise starting with book one and working your way through all three.
November 23, 2025
4.7 Stars!
I really enjoyed the continuation of this story with added plot twists and romance.
Jem is a great example of a godly, humble leader and I feel like I could go on and on about the character qualities I admire about him but being a hard worker and caring so much about others and the woman he loves is admirable. Mr. Benson is also a favorite since he's so patient and understanding. I love how Charlotte and Amelia help each other but also enjoy talking about girly stuff. I loved a scene where people get baptized and how they felt afterwards. And surprisingly, Plutarch really stole my heart in this book, he's such a romantic and manly at the same time. The detail in his writing to the girl he cared about was top tier. 🥹
I wanted to give it five stars but I didn't enjoy how a few pages were from villain's pov, there was a PTSD nightmare described in a page or two, and there were some sad scenes of a couple trying to make it alone on the trail. There were too many kiss scenes imo but they were not super descriptive kiss scenes. At times the amount of characters felt overwhelming along with their povs but the faith content, plot twists, and romance made it well worth the read. 👏🏼 I'm looking forward to reading the conclusion to this heroic adventure since I've grown fond of the characters but I also feel a little sad that this series will be over for me soon. Good thing this author has written other westerns!
I really enjoyed the continuation of this story with added plot twists and romance.
Jem is a great example of a godly, humble leader and I feel like I could go on and on about the character qualities I admire about him but being a hard worker and caring so much about others and the woman he loves is admirable. Mr. Benson is also a favorite since he's so patient and understanding. I love how Charlotte and Amelia help each other but also enjoy talking about girly stuff. I loved a scene where people get baptized and how they felt afterwards. And surprisingly, Plutarch really stole my heart in this book, he's such a romantic and manly at the same time. The detail in his writing to the girl he cared about was top tier. 🥹
I wanted to give it five stars but I didn't enjoy how a few pages were from villain's pov, there was a PTSD nightmare described in a page or two, and there were some sad scenes of a couple trying to make it alone on the trail. There were too many kiss scenes imo but they were not super descriptive kiss scenes. At times the amount of characters felt overwhelming along with their povs but the faith content, plot twists, and romance made it well worth the read. 👏🏼 I'm looking forward to reading the conclusion to this heroic adventure since I've grown fond of the characters but I also feel a little sad that this series will be over for me soon. Good thing this author has written other westerns!
July 29, 2025
Yonder 2
Once again John Deacon has written a very compelling and interesting story of the hard life travelers making the journey in covered wagons from the East to the Western territories. California seems like the place where most are traveling and have some lofty expectations and aspirations. Young men like Jem come along without any experience or expertise pretty much like the apprentice to master in the trades. Without college degrees and higher education, the technical school is the way many young men and women get a head. In this case, it’s all OJT.
Once again John Deacon has written a very compelling and interesting story of the hard life travelers making the journey in covered wagons from the East to the Western territories. California seems like the place where most are traveling and have some lofty expectations and aspirations. Young men like Jem come along without any experience or expertise pretty much like the apprentice to master in the trades. Without college degrees and higher education, the technical school is the way many young men and women get a head. In this case, it’s all OJT.
July 11, 2025
Hopefully the reader has read Yonder as this one starts out the same day as that one ends. We still have Jem and Charlotte trying to keep their secret, just to find out that the evil Mrs. Miller already knows. There was an encounter with the Pawnee that could have gone either way. Ike is the only remaining member of the gang trying to kidnap Lucy/Lena. They gain another wagon, Cyrus Washington family who were desperately trying to make it on their own. This is an excellent, excellent story, and it you like Yonder, you will really like this one as well.
July 15, 2025
This book is outstanding! It has almost everything. Good guys. Bad guys. Young love. Adventure. Intrigue. And even a Puppy! Seriously though. I’ve read the first two books and will read the 3rd installment as soon as it comes out in September. Mr. Deacon has done an excellent job with his story. It moves at a steady pace and the characters develop with every chapter. I highly recommend this storyline to anyone. I would advise readers to start at the first book and progress in order to enjoy it to the best effect.
July 19, 2025
Winnef
Thanks, John, far another good read. I grew up mostly on my grandparents 100 acre farm, not too far from where this saga began. One of my ancestors was a wagon master for Russell, Majors, and Waddell, so I love stories about the true hardships those emigrants faced
I also dreamed of open spaces and wilderness. Jem is a solid likeable character. The images of the Great Plains as they make their way west fill me with the nostalgia and yearning from those childhood dreams.
Can't wait for Yonder 3.
Thanks, John, far another good read. I grew up mostly on my grandparents 100 acre farm, not too far from where this saga began. One of my ancestors was a wagon master for Russell, Majors, and Waddell, so I love stories about the true hardships those emigrants faced
I also dreamed of open spaces and wilderness. Jem is a solid likeable character. The images of the Great Plains as they make their way west fill me with the nostalgia and yearning from those childhood dreams.
Can't wait for Yonder 3.
July 19, 2025
Yonder 2 is a good story, continued. Lots of moving parts, threats, and adventures. Our hero Jem is faced with some very hard decisions for a 17-year-old; hunting for the train master and providing meat for each wagon, scouting, learning to read tracks of "bandits" and trading with Pawnee Indians; how to find water, looking for a kidnapped woman, and sorting through various women's troubles. All in a day's work. This series is compelling and worth a read. Onto Yonder 3 when it is released in September.
August 24, 2025
Never Easy, But Working Out
The wagon train community continues it's way to California. The weather, the evil men, and other struggles await. An evil woman causes all sorts of problems for Jem, Charlotte, Amelia and the rest of the community. A look at the western migration towards California is well described. The struggles, the faith needed, dealing with gender and race issues the community experiences while trying to stay safe and still move forward towards their final destination.
The wagon train community continues it's way to California. The weather, the evil men, and other struggles await. An evil woman causes all sorts of problems for Jem, Charlotte, Amelia and the rest of the community. A look at the western migration towards California is well described. The struggles, the faith needed, dealing with gender and race issues the community experiences while trying to stay safe and still move forward towards their final destination.
June 30, 2025
The wait is over; John Deacon's Yonder 2 is about to go live. If you remember, Yonder 1 left our hero pledging his heart to Charlotte, in the middle of a California bound wagon train made up of more candidates for the asylum than any Wagon Train before. How all these crazy ladies get their secrets exposed, the abuses they inflict on innocents stopped and the strength and wisdom of the Wagon Master, in keeping everyone together is a non-stop action adventure!!
July 23, 2025
Unreal and real , I really have enjoyed this two books Mr Deacon .Keep them coming
Enjoyed enjoyed keep Younger an more coming makes realize today's world is way harder with the way power is favord because one man is way wrong can hurt innocent men children women , and get away with it your story's come to light then and today this country is not safe anymore . I love your books tho .
Enjoyed enjoyed keep Younger an more coming makes realize today's world is way harder with the way power is favord because one man is way wrong can hurt innocent men children women , and get away with it your story's come to light then and today this country is not safe anymore . I love your books tho .
September 21, 2025
Excellent Western Series
A lot to like about this book. The main storyline continues strongly as a wagon train tale. The secondary storylines add strongly to this book, particularly those of Plutarch and Amelia. Lucy's story adds much and Mrs Miller is about as vile as can be. Her character is written so well that I actually wanted to slap her myself. Look forward to the next book!
A lot to like about this book. The main storyline continues strongly as a wagon train tale. The secondary storylines add strongly to this book, particularly those of Plutarch and Amelia. Lucy's story adds much and Mrs Miller is about as vile as can be. Her character is written so well that I actually wanted to slap her myself. Look forward to the next book!
July 14, 2025
Wonder Yonder
Solid story. Jed is a bit of an archetype in a world of folks who would never understand or appreciate the constancy of his moral compass.
Anticipated the resolution of the various plots - except for Roger (Deadeye) - which I suppose is still to be resolved. Too easy.
Solid story. Jed is a bit of an archetype in a world of folks who would never understand or appreciate the constancy of his moral compass.
Anticipated the resolution of the various plots - except for Roger (Deadeye) - which I suppose is still to be resolved. Too easy.
July 19, 2025
Exciting ride
I would definitely read the books in order. But I would recommend it this book and any of John Deacon's books. In the first book, he takes you on a great ride. With book two, the ride gets even better. The characters end the journey are a great tale. Please take the ride and the adventure. You will definitely enjoy it.
I would definitely read the books in order. But I would recommend it this book and any of John Deacon's books. In the first book, he takes you on a great ride. With book two, the ride gets even better. The characters end the journey are a great tale. Please take the ride and the adventure. You will definitely enjoy it.
July 23, 2025
Mean people
The characters in the story all had different stereo of mean and selflessness. Mrs. Miller was the worst. What an evil person she was. Men is the hero. Charlotte was the hopeful love struck girl. The story was great. Looking forward to the third one. Thank you for a great series.
The characters in the story all had different stereo of mean and selflessness. Mrs. Miller was the worst. What an evil person she was. Men is the hero. Charlotte was the hopeful love struck girl. The story was great. Looking forward to the third one. Thank you for a great series.
July 26, 2025
Excellent
Another great story by John Deacon. I'm glad the books in the Yonder series are a little longer than his previous works because that's been my only real complaint about his work. They don't last long enough, but now that he's fixed that, I have no more complaints. Check out his other books if you enjoy ”Louis L'amour Westerns."
Another great story by John Deacon. I'm glad the books in the Yonder series are a little longer than his previous works because that's been my only real complaint about his work. They don't last long enough, but now that he's fixed that, I have no more complaints. Check out his other books if you enjoy ”Louis L'amour Westerns."
July 30, 2025
The best
I have read many wagon train stories over the years. To be honest I got to the point where I avoided them because they seemed repaticious. This series is by far the best! The characters are so well developed and . Not the sod buster types you come to expect. I remember Louis glamour describing the variety of folks on the frontier. This hits the target.
I have read many wagon train stories over the years. To be honest I got to the point where I avoided them because they seemed repaticious. This series is by far the best! The characters are so well developed and . Not the sod buster types you come to expect. I remember Louis glamour describing the variety of folks on the frontier. This hits the target.
August 5, 2025
Another Great Series Evolves!
John Deacon has done it again! I’m loving this new series. I can’t wait to read the last book in the series. The 3rd book is not scheduled for release for 34 more days! Ugggh!
I’m anxious to find out what happens to Jem, a perfect hero (he’s only 17 years old), and the other great characters, both good and bad, as they travel West!
John Deacon has done it again! I’m loving this new series. I can’t wait to read the last book in the series. The 3rd book is not scheduled for release for 34 more days! Ugggh!
I’m anxious to find out what happens to Jem, a perfect hero (he’s only 17 years old), and the other great characters, both good and bad, as they travel West!
November 11, 2025
Keeps me wanting read the next page
Good characters. Even the bad characters are interesting like Mrs Miller and her husband. They make me very simpathetic for their children, and their nanny Amelia. Good to give names to the many characters so that I don't get them mixed up. Some authors give characters similar names.
Good characters. Even the bad characters are interesting like Mrs Miller and her husband. They make me very simpathetic for their children, and their nanny Amelia. Good to give names to the many characters so that I don't get them mixed up. Some authors give characters similar names.
December 18, 2025
Well written kindle priced novel.
I usually don't read westerns (I'm a die hard sci-fi reader) but the series, captivating enough that her I am at the end of the second book. It is well written, and edited. I enjoyed the extensive dialog, with enough descriptive narrative to visualize the setting. The third installment is on my to do list.
I usually don't read westerns (I'm a die hard sci-fi reader) but the series, captivating enough that her I am at the end of the second book. It is well written, and edited. I enjoyed the extensive dialog, with enough descriptive narrative to visualize the setting. The third installment is on my to do list.
July 12, 2025
Moving Forward Jem and Charlotte pus Bob
Good from the first page to the last. I can’t wait for book #3 to see if Jem teaches Charlotte to shoot a gun. What going to happen the Miller’s.
Good from the first page to the last. I can’t wait for book #3 to see if Jem teaches Charlotte to shoot a gun. What going to happen the Miller’s.
July 15, 2025
5 Stars
Yonder 2 continues the wagon trains trip to California. With Jem and Charlotte growing closer and Charlotte's friend Amelia growing more desperate. I enjoy John Deacon's books he's fast becoming one of my favorite Western authors.
Yonder 2 continues the wagon trains trip to California. With Jem and Charlotte growing closer and Charlotte's friend Amelia growing more desperate. I enjoy John Deacon's books he's fast becoming one of my favorite Western authors.
July 15, 2025
Excellent story
John Deacon certainly keeps your attention and excitement through out this book.
Plenty of interesting characters, action, mystery, and suspense. I look forward to a wedding between Jem and Charlotte.
John Deacon certainly keeps your attention and excitement through out this book.
Plenty of interesting characters, action, mystery, and suspense. I look forward to a wedding between Jem and Charlotte.
July 17, 2025
Another good book!
Good read with a lot of action and twist and turns that keep you wanting more! Can hardly wait for the next book Yonder Three that is to be delivered in September!
Good read with a lot of action and twist and turns that keep you wanting more! Can hardly wait for the next book Yonder Three that is to be delivered in September!
July 17, 2025
can wait for Yonder III
Love the style of Author Deacon.the characters are lifelike and the story is compelling. I am ready to attend the wedding 👍🏻😂😇 and have preordered Yonder 3. Great western writing ✍️. Thank you John
Love the style of Author Deacon.the characters are lifelike and the story is compelling. I am ready to attend the wedding 👍🏻😂😇 and have preordered Yonder 3. Great western writing ✍️. Thank you John
July 17, 2025
Rich story line.
This story is rich in details. Good strong characters with a wide variety of personalities. Each book leaves you ready to start the next one in line. Looking forward to #3.
This story is rich in details. Good strong characters with a wide variety of personalities. Each book leaves you ready to start the next one in line. Looking forward to #3.
July 18, 2025
Excellent twists and turns
I enjoyed Yonder which introduced people and personalities, nut Yonder2 shapes the travel twists and turns with understanding of the territory and the people. With still much to learn and alterations pending, I look forward to Yonder3.
I enjoyed Yonder which introduced people and personalities, nut Yonder2 shapes the travel twists and turns with understanding of the territory and the people. With still much to learn and alterations pending, I look forward to Yonder3.
July 19, 2025
A great read
I would recommend that you start with book 1 and continue on from there. Heck I would recommend that you read every book John Deacon has written. They never disappoint and keep you waiting for the next in the series.
I would recommend that you start with book 1 and continue on from there. Heck I would recommend that you read every book John Deacon has written. They never disappoint and keep you waiting for the next in the series.
July 22, 2025
Another fabulous read by an excellent author! Every series of John Deacon just gets better and better. The only thing I disliked about this book is that it ended, and now I have to wait for Yonder 3!
July 22, 2025
Great story!
This story was so good, I kept reading chapter to chapter over a week. I finally finished it. I love that this is still a great story. My heart was pumping when Mrs. Miller started being very cruel. I'm looking forward to #3. Thanks again for the entertainment!
This story was so good, I kept reading chapter to chapter over a week. I finally finished it. I love that this is still a great story. My heart was pumping when Mrs. Miller started being very cruel. I'm looking forward to #3. Thanks again for the entertainment!
July 23, 2025
Excellent book
Great addition to this series. A definite page turner with deceit, meanness, concern and love. Would highly recommend this series to everyone that enjoys a great western and all other books written by this author.
Great addition to this series. A definite page turner with deceit, meanness, concern and love. Would highly recommend this series to everyone that enjoys a great western and all other books written by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews