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Jack Slater
Jack Slater: Orphan Train to Cattle Baron:
In the fall of 1872, following a buggy mishap that killed his parents, Jack Slater, ten years old, was flung to the streets of New York City, among thousands of misplaced, orphaned, or runaway children. He was saved by the Children’s Aid Society that placed orphaned children with families on the frontier. These families welcomed the children and most found loving homes. Some grew up to become industrial, political, or community leaders.
Slater did not find a loving home.
Instead, he found himself at Pete Jablonski’s farm in Fargo, Dakota Territory where abuse was a daily dose of reality.
When outlaws rob a local mine payroll and kill four men in the process, Slater makes a mortal enemy of the Elko County Sheriff that takes Slater's life is an unexpected direction.
Slater did not find a loving home.
Instead, he found himself at Pete Jablonski’s farm in Fargo, Dakota Territory where abuse was a daily dose of reality.
When outlaws rob a local mine payroll and kill four men in the process, Slater makes a mortal enemy of the Elko County Sheriff that takes Slater's life is an unexpected direction.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2017
465 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
September 28, 2024
Fellow readers, the Jack Slater series is an excellent read you won't want to miss!
I had read several books in this series in the past, but now, with a new book on the horizon, I decided to catch up on the ones I missed. Johnny Gunn's "Orphan Train to Cattle Baron" is the first installment in the riveting Jack Slater series, which takes readers on a journey through the trials and tribulations of the American West. The novel introduces us to Jack Slater, a young orphan who embarks on a life-changing journey aboard an orphan train. Gunn's narrative skillfully intertwines historical accuracy with a compelling storyline, as Jack's character is shaped by the harsh realities of frontier life. The book captures the essence of the Western genre, blending adventure, historical depth, and personal growth. Jack's transformation from a vulnerable orphan to a resilient cattle baron is portrayed with a keen understanding of the era's challenges. Gunn's writing ensures that the reader is not just a spectator but feels deeply connected to Jack's experiences and the vividly described setting.
As the series unfolds, readers witness Jack Slater's evolution against the backdrop of a rapidly changing American landscape. Gunn's attention to detail and character development is commendable, as each subsequent book builds upon the last, offering a saga that is both expansive and intimate. The series stands out for its ability to maintain historical authenticity while delivering a story that is both educational and entertaining. For fans of Westerns and historical fiction, the Jack Slater series is a must-read. Johnny Gunn has created a world that is rich with detail, drama, and the enduring spirit of the American West. "Orphan Train to Cattle Baron" is not just the beginning of a series; it's the start of an adventure that will leave readers eager for more. The Jack Slater series promises to be a journey worth taking, one page at a time. Don't miss this excellent read; pick up your copy today.
• ASIN: B06Y37SJ37
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 4/5/2017
• File Size: 2290 KB
• Print Length: 282 pages
• Genre: Louis L'Amour Westerns - Western Fiction Classics - Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction
I had read several books in this series in the past, but now, with a new book on the horizon, I decided to catch up on the ones I missed. Johnny Gunn's "Orphan Train to Cattle Baron" is the first installment in the riveting Jack Slater series, which takes readers on a journey through the trials and tribulations of the American West. The novel introduces us to Jack Slater, a young orphan who embarks on a life-changing journey aboard an orphan train. Gunn's narrative skillfully intertwines historical accuracy with a compelling storyline, as Jack's character is shaped by the harsh realities of frontier life. The book captures the essence of the Western genre, blending adventure, historical depth, and personal growth. Jack's transformation from a vulnerable orphan to a resilient cattle baron is portrayed with a keen understanding of the era's challenges. Gunn's writing ensures that the reader is not just a spectator but feels deeply connected to Jack's experiences and the vividly described setting.
As the series unfolds, readers witness Jack Slater's evolution against the backdrop of a rapidly changing American landscape. Gunn's attention to detail and character development is commendable, as each subsequent book builds upon the last, offering a saga that is both expansive and intimate. The series stands out for its ability to maintain historical authenticity while delivering a story that is both educational and entertaining. For fans of Westerns and historical fiction, the Jack Slater series is a must-read. Johnny Gunn has created a world that is rich with detail, drama, and the enduring spirit of the American West. "Orphan Train to Cattle Baron" is not just the beginning of a series; it's the start of an adventure that will leave readers eager for more. The Jack Slater series promises to be a journey worth taking, one page at a time. Don't miss this excellent read; pick up your copy today.
• ASIN: B06Y37SJ37
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 4/5/2017
• File Size: 2290 KB
• Print Length: 282 pages
• Genre: Louis L'Amour Westerns - Western Fiction Classics - Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction
August 11, 2025
Not your normal shoot 'm up western.
A tail of a young boy growing up after tragic events took his family and changed the course of his life. Sometimes a fairy tale but always likeable, Jack turns into a man.
A tail of a young boy growing up after tragic events took his family and changed the course of his life. Sometimes a fairy tale but always likeable, Jack turns into a man.
July 17, 2018
This is an outstanding story of an extraordinary, even visionary, young man who started at the bottom and worked his way through the hardest times of his life, and finally won the battle. An excellent job by Mr. Gunn, who does himself proud with this wonderful heartwarming story, which is so family-friendly, and sometimes explosive to the point of reading you heart all to pieces. The end will be so worthy of your time to grasp the true meaning of true love!
Definitely a five star masterpiece, and one of the most rewarding stories I have ever had the opportunity to follow. Their is so much compassion and family-friendly episodes that you will find yourself heartily anticipating the next episode of Jack's wonderful accomplishments.
I have never seen a better congregation of characters and the storylines always maintained my undivided attention throughout the entire book. The storylines are the most heartwarming adventures I have ever had the opportunity to follow. Never a dull moment throughout the entire story and the author certainly did his homework on this one.
I, without any hesitation, recommend this book, if you love a family oriented based western adventure with plenty of entertaining episodes throughout the entire book. I was glued to this novel from beginning to end, and most certainly believe you will be as entertained as I was. I have the second book waiting in the wings and will begin reading it as soon as this is completed, which is now!😂
Definitely a five star masterpiece, and one of the most rewarding stories I have ever had the opportunity to follow. Their is so much compassion and family-friendly episodes that you will find yourself heartily anticipating the next episode of Jack's wonderful accomplishments.
I have never seen a better congregation of characters and the storylines always maintained my undivided attention throughout the entire book. The storylines are the most heartwarming adventures I have ever had the opportunity to follow. Never a dull moment throughout the entire story and the author certainly did his homework on this one.
I, without any hesitation, recommend this book, if you love a family oriented based western adventure with plenty of entertaining episodes throughout the entire book. I was glued to this novel from beginning to end, and most certainly believe you will be as entertained as I was. I have the second book waiting in the wings and will begin reading it as soon as this is completed, which is now!😂
May 15, 2025
Loved the cover of this book. It got my attention & the story kept me
First off, I loved the cover of this book. It got my attention and then the story kept me riveted to it. What a life young man had led and the tragedies started at such a young man. But his father had instilled great morals and a hard work ethics into him that would guide and help him throughout his life. Bullies? He couldn't stand them and no matter what trouble it got him into even as a young-in Jack always had to stand up against them and protect others. He didn't start out that way and was quite the innocent when he first hit the streets but it took a while for life to beat some of that out of him. I liked how he faced life, afraid but yet excited about new things, always hopeful that this time things would be good. As he began to began to grow up as an adult at a very young age it was because it was about survival and he was not only strong but SMART !! Always learning, I liked that. He made friends easily and gathered enemies just as easily. It made me smirk when a grown bully would call out and say, boy you and me are going fight ! Big Mistake.
One thing I also loved that throughout it all, Jack also keep a tenderness towards others, women especially and children. All the time, just wanting a home and a family of his home. The ending was great.
First off, I loved the cover of this book. It got my attention and then the story kept me riveted to it. What a life young man had led and the tragedies started at such a young man. But his father had instilled great morals and a hard work ethics into him that would guide and help him throughout his life. Bullies? He couldn't stand them and no matter what trouble it got him into even as a young-in Jack always had to stand up against them and protect others. He didn't start out that way and was quite the innocent when he first hit the streets but it took a while for life to beat some of that out of him. I liked how he faced life, afraid but yet excited about new things, always hopeful that this time things would be good. As he began to began to grow up as an adult at a very young age it was because it was about survival and he was not only strong but SMART !! Always learning, I liked that. He made friends easily and gathered enemies just as easily. It made me smirk when a grown bully would call out and say, boy you and me are going fight ! Big Mistake.
One thing I also loved that throughout it all, Jack also keep a tenderness towards others, women especially and children. All the time, just wanting a home and a family of his home. The ending was great.
May 10, 2017
"LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT"
This can't be called an adventure because there is sadness and joy. Everyone has heard of the orphan trains that originated in New York. These trains transported orphans out west who had been taken in by the "Children Aid Society of New York City"...these trains stopped at different town's where families would choose who they wanted to live with them. Some of the children were lucky to be taken in by nice families and others weren't so lucky. This is the about Jack Slater wasn't one of the lucky ones he was chosen by a rancher named Jablonski, who treated the orphans as workable commodities..
I leave it up to you to read and make your own decision about this piece of America history.
This can't be called an adventure because there is sadness and joy. Everyone has heard of the orphan trains that originated in New York. These trains transported orphans out west who had been taken in by the "Children Aid Society of New York City"...these trains stopped at different town's where families would choose who they wanted to live with them. Some of the children were lucky to be taken in by nice families and others weren't so lucky. This is the about Jack Slater wasn't one of the lucky ones he was chosen by a rancher named Jablonski, who treated the orphans as workable commodities..
I leave it up to you to read and make your own decision about this piece of America history.
November 18, 2021
A quick and engaging read. Jack Slater is the man we all want to be. Big for his age and mature beyond his years he’s excited about the future and new opportunities. We watch him grow from a ten year old orphan on the streets of NYC to a rancher in the American West in the 1870’s to 1880’s.
In this first book Jack goes from farming under an abusive bachelor in North Dakota to ranching in Wyoming for a father figure to owning his own spread in Nevada, all the while dealing with bullies and earning respect and admiration from his community. Only when asked to run for political office does he waiver.
I’m ready for Jack’s next adventure.
In this first book Jack goes from farming under an abusive bachelor in North Dakota to ranching in Wyoming for a father figure to owning his own spread in Nevada, all the while dealing with bullies and earning respect and admiration from his community. Only when asked to run for political office does he waiver.
I’m ready for Jack’s next adventure.
June 4, 2023
A Really Interesting Book.
This is a really interesting book. The author did a good job with the story line and the description and development of the characters. There is a lot of information put into a small number of pages. The description of the area that relates to he story lets you have an idea of what the people of that era went through to live and make a living. Jack is a different kind of a hero for a Western Novel. The development of Jack from age 10 to 19 is very rapid. He was able to meet and make friends that advanced his growth and development. I recommend this book for everyone, even people that don’t read western stories. Read and enjoy.
This is a really interesting book. The author did a good job with the story line and the description and development of the characters. There is a lot of information put into a small number of pages. The description of the area that relates to he story lets you have an idea of what the people of that era went through to live and make a living. Jack is a different kind of a hero for a Western Novel. The development of Jack from age 10 to 19 is very rapid. He was able to meet and make friends that advanced his growth and development. I recommend this book for everyone, even people that don’t read western stories. Read and enjoy.
May 6, 2017
This was a warm wonderful book on the one hand and a real Western on the other. The book tells the coming of age story of Jack Slater left orphaned on the streets of Brooklyn when his parents die in a buggy accident. He was thrown a bit away and finally recovered consciousness later and doesn't know what happened to his parents. The kindness of a policeman and then the Children's Aid Society send him on the orphan train to Fargo, North Dakota. From there his growth as a boy and then a man commences. Wonderful Book. Recommend it highly.
April 19, 2018
Orphan Train to Cattle Baron Cohen,
This was a truly remarkable book and the best that I have read in years. I read a lot, reading a new book every third day. I read every western book that I can get my hands on. This story about this young boy life as an orphan, teenager and manhood was very touching and heart felt. Loved all the action and gunplay throughout this story made me unable to put it down. Loved the happy ending for Jack and Mimi after so much distortion growing up.
This was a truly remarkable book and the best that I have read in years. I read a lot, reading a new book every third day. I read every western book that I can get my hands on. This story about this young boy life as an orphan, teenager and manhood was very touching and heart felt. Loved all the action and gunplay throughout this story made me unable to put it down. Loved the happy ending for Jack and Mimi after so much distortion growing up.
January 26, 2023
What a great read! Both hubby and I love this genre’ and have enjoyed this storyline of a young boy who became a successful rancher. This is an exceptional book in that it highlights the life of survivors of the historical orphan trains that carried youngsters from New York across the great west. I hope many lived fulfilling lives but realize there was a great deal of suffering in those children. Jack Slater is one of those who worked, learned and thanks to his parents who had died, he was educated and could read. Thanks for a wonderful story and we look forward to more books by this author.
June 3, 2017
A fun read. Visit places in the West that are new and interesting. Meet bright children challenged by circumstances not of their making.
Truly enjoyed this story. Loved the development of the children's character. Although I had great-uncles in Elko at the turn of the century, I have never imagined that early frontier town. An American story, the people, the land, and the can do attitude that was present in the West.
Truly enjoyed this story. Loved the development of the children's character. Although I had great-uncles in Elko at the turn of the century, I have never imagined that early frontier town. An American story, the people, the land, and the can do attitude that was present in the West.
May 8, 2018
Great story
I've noticed I'm giving a lot of five star reviews lately. Pondering that I came to realize I'm reading all I can find from authors who deserve five star reviews.
The story of Jack Slater was believable and uplifting.
I have questions about a phone call by a deputy and some small issues with some bad grammar that won't keep me from diving into the next Johnny Gunn book.
I've noticed I'm giving a lot of five star reviews lately. Pondering that I came to realize I'm reading all I can find from authors who deserve five star reviews.
The story of Jack Slater was believable and uplifting.
I have questions about a phone call by a deputy and some small issues with some bad grammar that won't keep me from diving into the next Johnny Gunn book.
September 10, 2022
4.5 stars
A good story about a ten year old boy orphaned in New York city, saved by a benevolent society, sent west on an orphan train, turning fifteen and set out on his own. He meets the worst and best on his travels. He begins his own ranch, fights a corrupt sheriff, and marries the orphan girl he met when he was ten. Over use of same names for different character. Gets confusing. Not a quick read. In
A good story about a ten year old boy orphaned in New York city, saved by a benevolent society, sent west on an orphan train, turning fifteen and set out on his own. He meets the worst and best on his travels. He begins his own ranch, fights a corrupt sheriff, and marries the orphan girl he met when he was ten. Over use of same names for different character. Gets confusing. Not a quick read. In
February 8, 2023
Jack Slater starts early. Ten years old and on an orphan train out west to be adopted by a farm family. That's okay, because he is used to farming. He wasn't taken in by a family, though, but by a mean man that just wants free labor. He does meet Mims. When he turns 18, he will get the money from the sale of his family's far. He has a lot of adventures in those 8 years and shows himself more than capable.
September 4, 2017
Tears of Strength
I enjoyed this novel so much. The story was filled with the threads that make a person think of how to make their personal situations better.
Whenever Jack could have been defeated physically, he allowed a positive attitude to turn horrid circumstances into a more realistic light.
My heart broke, but the story is full of grit and victory.
I enjoyed this novel so much. The story was filled with the threads that make a person think of how to make their personal situations better.
Whenever Jack could have been defeated physically, he allowed a positive attitude to turn horrid circumstances into a more realistic light.
My heart broke, but the story is full of grit and victory.
January 3, 2023
Jack Slater is the quintessential, larger-than-life classic western hero, like the ones my father admired when he was a kid in the (19)20s and later followed on 1950s TV. Not only is he big and strong, quick with his fists or a gun when circumstances warrant. He's also smart, well-read, kind, polite, and has a strong sense of responsibility and justice. We could use a few more like him.
Gunn's smooth, easy-reading writing style draws you into the story until you forget you're reading. I've picked up a few more of his ebooks and may upgrade to paper to put them in my personal library.
Gunn's smooth, easy-reading writing style draws you into the story until you forget you're reading. I've picked up a few more of his ebooks and may upgrade to paper to put them in my personal library.
August 3, 2023
Really a great book.
I really loved your book. I could not stop reading it. From the beginning to the end, it was fantastic. I love the strength of Jack and how he did. Good for everybody. Very good writing from the beginning to the end. I’m looking forward to the next book. I wish you would write a book number two.
I really loved your book. I could not stop reading it. From the beginning to the end, it was fantastic. I love the strength of Jack and how he did. Good for everybody. Very good writing from the beginning to the end. I’m looking forward to the next book. I wish you would write a book number two.
October 21, 2023
Engaging account of a young man whose parents are killed in an accident, leaving him an orphan on the streets of New York. Real characters for the reader to love and hate, circumstances to make or break a young man. Strong determination and helpful liaisons lead a young man to his destiny in the Old West.A very enjoyable read.
May 31, 2017
There really was an Orphan Train
This an exceptionally good story about an Orphan who starts out in the orphan train and grows into his own as a cattle rancher.
The orphan train really existed and many children ended up in situations like Jack's or worse.
This an exceptionally good story about an Orphan who starts out in the orphan train and grows into his own as a cattle rancher.
The orphan train really existed and many children ended up in situations like Jack's or worse.
June 25, 2018
Tougher Than Most
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. This was the first one of his novels I have read but it will not be the last. This is a page turner that is full of action and suspense. Orphan Jack never gives up. I highly recommend this author.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. This was the first one of his novels I have read but it will not be the last. This is a page turner that is full of action and suspense. Orphan Jack never gives up. I highly recommend this author.
October 17, 2019
Good reading.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I picked this book just by chance and hooked. I had to finish it and could not put it down until the end. Looking forward to reading next book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I picked this book just by chance and hooked. I had to finish it and could not put it down until the end. Looking forward to reading next book.
December 30, 2020
Jack Slater is a kid who has a terrible beginning to adulthood
He almost didn't make it, however, his lessons were taught by the right kind of folks and he learned them well. He grew up with a good sense of right and wrong and he is big enough at eighteen to do a man's job. You will enjoy this!
He almost didn't make it, however, his lessons were taught by the right kind of folks and he learned them well. He grew up with a good sense of right and wrong and he is big enough at eighteen to do a man's job. You will enjoy this!
July 13, 2023
I like him—Jack Slater—right off the bat. Great coming-of-age story that begins with him being orphaned in NYC, to then travel alone across the country, eventually ending up a few years later in Nevada. He faces loss, hardship, young love, and crosses paths with genuinely kind people and those that also want to deceive and even kill him. I look forward to his next adventure.
November 12, 2023
Great read!
The writing is good, well-structured, descriptive enough to paint a picture without being distracting. The characters came across as people you’d want to know, and the plot/story line action-packed and interesting.
I hated the story to end. Great read!
The writing is good, well-structured, descriptive enough to paint a picture without being distracting. The characters came across as people you’d want to know, and the plot/story line action-packed and interesting.
I hated the story to end. Great read!
November 25, 2023
Solid story very up beat
It is a good solid story with likable characters, there were some grammatical errors and wrong names in a few places. Jack might have been a bit bigger than life but a very good hearted and likable guy.
It is a good solid story with likable characters, there were some grammatical errors and wrong names in a few places. Jack might have been a bit bigger than life but a very good hearted and likable guy.
May 17, 2017
Truely Great
I do love a good Western! Your characters were well thought out and every scene blended nicely. Jack Slater, I hope, will return!!
I do love a good Western! Your characters were well thought out and every scene blended nicely. Jack Slater, I hope, will return!!
July 8, 2018
Great read
I love a good western. This book doesn't have the typical shoot 'em ups, but the times are well described. Enjoyed the read immensely.
I love a good western. This book doesn't have the typical shoot 'em ups, but the times are well described. Enjoyed the read immensely.
August 26, 2020
Great Book, A must-buy for anyone who likes Johnny Gunn's work.
October 28, 2021
Excellent
A cracking and emotional adventure from start to finish. Will continue to read Mr Gunns novels in the future. Hopefully more about Jack slater.
A cracking and emotional adventure from start to finish. Will continue to read Mr Gunns novels in the future. Hopefully more about Jack slater.
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May 20, 2024Always enjoy stories about youngsters growing into men and being influenced by their father and other good men. This was enjoyable!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews