Preacher: The Legendary Mountain Man: How It All Began

The First Mountain Man #1, 8

by William W. Johnstone

Johnstone Justice. Made in America. An ordinary boy with extraordinary dreams. A man whose legend spreads across the frontier. Ride the epic saga of an American hero and the battles that forged his soul in these classic tales in the legendary Preacher series. In 1812, a boy filled with wanderlust and courage runs away from home, westward, into a vast, dangerous land. Along the way he learns the rule of the do whatever it takes to survive. By the time the boy—now a young man—is hired to lead a wagon train through the last leg of the Oregon Trail, he has acquired a nickname known throughout the Preacher. Armed with a long gun, he is as fierce as the land itself.  For the brave pioneers who are counting on this mountain man to lead them to a Northwest paradise, the Preacher’s cunning and fighting skills will mean the difference between life and death. But even Preacher can’t see all the dangers ahead, or how his legend as a frontiersman will lead him into the most violent fight of all . . .

Genres: Westerns, Historical Fiction, Fiction

581 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2018

About the author

William 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.

Reviews

[Ethan’s Books]

I bought this book in paperback form. I’m leaving this review in hopes the author will speak to the editor/publisher. I’m normally not picky about these types of things, but when I crack the book open, and there’s a typo staring directly at me on page one…

(He, instead of THE.)

If the publisher/editor can’t take the time to proof read PAGE ONE.

Why would I waste my time reading the book?

[Mark Luongo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately the first story was marred by the depiction of the main characters, i.e. the mountain men, in caricature rather than serious protagonists. It rubbed me the wrong way at times, something like watching a bad "B" Western. This story takes place early on in Preacher's frontier career.
The second story is the origin, "Art" before he becomes "Preacher." I have to figure out in what novel that takes place in. There is some historical detail here that could have been easily remedied by a bit more research. It was glaring, in my opinion, and spoiled the story for me.

[Sam Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic series of books! Great way to get your young adult males to read!! Interesting, great history mixed with a fantastic story.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preacher: The Legendary Mountain Man: How It All Began is part of the The First Mountain Man series. I thought it was great read. Highly recommend.
5 plus stars.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, if you like Louis L’Amour you will love William W. Johnstone. The stories are blended with history of the forming of America. Attention to details like when small poxs epidemic went through the native tribes as an example.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preacher, as a teen, who left his Ohio home for adventure out west. Traveled the Mississippi from St Louis to New Orleans and was in a battle against the British.

[Brennan Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

instantly attached to this series. highly entertaining, witty, quick read.

[patrick Lorelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and was glad that I came across it. You get an early look into Preacher as he leaves his home one early morning and how he learns about life which is not so easy as he finds out. Later he is asked to help with a wagon train going west and the problems they are having both parts of the story are entertaining and will keep you wanting to read a good book. I received this book from Netgalley.com

[Kurt Vosper · Rating 4 out of 5]

An outstanding Western. So good I have already gone out and got a few more of his books.

This one focuses on the mountain man Preacher. The book has two stories. Part one is Preacher as a man who helps a wagon train through the Oregon Trail. Part two tells us how the young man becomes the Mountain man.

Great stories. Looking forward to the next.

[ted tull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preacher. The Legendary Mountain Man/ The First Mountain Man


This was two.books.in one..it was great to see how the legendary mountain man got his start. He certainly a rough start in life but weathered the storm. Johnstone did it again with both of these books. I have read slot of his books but, unlike others, he keeps coming up with new story lines.

[Lynn Slezak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent author!

Read the footnotes, they have explanatory and historical information . I've read most of his series in which Preacher was a character. Then I came upon this book about Preacher. I will start reading the rest of Preacher's stories. Mr. Johnstone writes very well and has excellent plots and subplots. If u like western you will enjoy his books.

[Polly Krize · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A good book, written simply, but details the adventures of Preacher, a mountain man on the western frontier. Makes the history more human, more interesting.

[Ljohnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read. Two stories in one. Read the last one first as it is the origin of Preacher, his story before he got his nickname. Read the first story last as it is a true western journey. Wagon trains across America with Preacher as their guide.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and a great read. Johnstone is a great story teller. My mom gave me this book and I finished it in just a few days. Preacher is a great character and I look forward to reading more of Johnstone's books.

[donald h sandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funn read

A great airplane book for a four hour flight! Wished the flight was five hours and the book a little longer.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the stories and will continue to read our favorite westerns. Thanks

[Kevin Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preacher’s beginning as a 12 yr old boy leaving home in Ohio. He was Arthur “Art”. He never gave his last name after leaving.

[Kevin Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preacher

I really enjoyed these 2 stories, with great action . Preacher and his friends were great comrades and they got rid of the outlaws.

[Brandon Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best westerns I’ve ever read

[Erik Pruitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the best William W Johnstone book I have read. Cant wait to read more of this series.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book to read.

[David Burnworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read any of the last mountain ma then this book is a must-read. You meet preacher as a youngster who leaves home at 12. 560 pages of nothing but good reading.

[Anita Barnthson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good. Tells of the beginning of Art_The Preacher