Frontier America

Preacher & MacCallister #1

by William W. Johnstone, J.A. Johnstone

PREACHER + MacCALLISTER = DOUBLE THE MAYHEM

Two of the Johnstones' most legendary heroes--the rugged mountain man known as Preacher and the Scottish clan rancher Jamie Ian MacCallister, here together for the first time--are forced to choose sides in a blood-soaked battle for the heart and soul of a nation divided . . .

FRONTIER AMERICA

As the father of a young Crow tribesman, Preacher would like nothing more than to see the long-time natives and newly arrived settlers live together in peace. Then the killing starts . . .

As a family man and frontiersman, Jamie Ian MacCallister is more than happy to help the officers at Fort Kearny negotiate a peace treaty with the Crow nation. Until it all goes to hell . . .

This is not the American dream they were looking for. This is a nightmare. A brutal, blood-drenched frontier war that two heroic men must fight and win--or one struggling nation will never come together. For liberty and justice for all . . .

Live Free. Read Hard.

Genres: Westerns, Historical Fiction, Fiction

348 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 30, 2019

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

[Bill Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preacher and Jamie do their best to quell the mayhem and misunderstandings developing between the Crow Nation and the US Army in an effort to avert an all out war. An excellent look at the politics, sentiments and ideologies that were present in the American Frontier.

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

In William and J.A. Johnstone's latest in the Preacher series, Frontier America (Pinnacle 2019), Preacher is between dramas and takes this downtime to visit his son Hawk-that-Soars and his family in the Crow camp where they live. What Preacher doesn't know is that his good mountain man friend, Scottish clan rancher Jamie Ian MacCallister, is also headed toward this Crow camp also. His purpose is as a guide, helping the Army find the Crow leader so they can negotiate a treaty with the Indians that would allow settlers to pass through this wilderness in safety on their way to Oregon. Even before the two sides meet, neither trusts the other. The young Crow warriors want to kill all Whites before they destroy the Indian hunting grounds. The Whites think Indians are ignorant savages with no right to the land where settlers want to live. The problem only gets worse when an old Blackfoot enemy of Preachers decides this is the right time to settle her score with the mountain man.

If you’ve read previous Preacher books, you’ll be pleased that the massive Indian warrior and friend of Preacher, Big Thunder, is part of this story. I love this series. If I could give it more than 5/5, I would.

[Jacqui]

In William and J.A. Johnstone's latest in the Preacher series, Frontier America (Pinnacle 2019), Preacher is between dramas and takes this downtime to visit his son Hawk-that-Soars and his family in the Crow camp where they live. What Preacher doesn't know is that his good mountain man friend, Scottish clan rancher Jamie Ian MacCallister, is also headed toward this Crow camp also. His purpose is as a guide, helping the Army find the Crow leader so they can negotiate a treaty with the Indians that would allow settlers to pass through this wilderness in safety on their way to Oregon. Even before the two sides meet, neither trusts the other. The young Crow warriors want to kill all Whites before they destroy the Indian hunting grounds. The Whites think Indians are ignorant savages with no right to the land where settlers want to live. The problem only gets worse when an old Blackfoot enemy of Preachers decides this is the right time to settle her score with the mountain man.

If you’ve read previous Preacher books, you’ll be pleased that the massive Indian warrior and friend of Preacher, Big Thunder, is part of this story. I love this series. If I could give it more than 5/5, I would.

--to be reviewed on my blog, WordDreams Oct. 2, 2019

[Abibliofob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've said it before, I'm a sucker for westerns and two of my favorite characters in one book... It could have been better but I learned some new stuff about Preacher and that is always good. I think that MacCallister is a little tame in this book but still it's a good read, it took only 2 sessions and then it was over.... i must thank #kensington and #Netgalley for giving me the pleasure of reading Frontier America by William W. Johnstone.

[Bob Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the book easy read with Preacher and MacCallister meet and help the son of Preacher who is a member of the Crows Band fend off a rouge Army lieutenant going off on a peaceful tribe of Crow Indians.

[Patrick O'Hannigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book tells an entertaining story set on the Great Plains in the late 1850s, more specifically Nebraska near what was then Fort Kearny. Its main protagonists are frontiersmen named Preacher and McAllister, each of them tough and likable in his own way. It also does well by Crow Indians, including a chief named Broken Pine, a young warrior named Hawk that Soars, and (for comic relief that reminded me of Fezzik in The Princess Bride), a giant named Big Thunder.

Preacher and McAllister are old friends (from previous books in the series, apparently) who work together in this tale to prevent war between the U.S. Cavalry and the band of Native Americans for whom Broken Pine is chief. That an arrogant young cavalry commander and a racist non-commissioned officer whom he is influenced by could have caused trouble through willful misunderstanding is entirely plausible.

I could have rated the book higher had it not had a few "Captain Obvious" moments where the authors used dialog to belabor a point already made. One Indian named Many Pelts is introduced, only to disappear rather than play a role in the story. I would also like to have learned a little more of Preacher's history, such as why he goes by that name and hasn't used his surname in years. All this book tells us -- from his own mouth -- is that he's not the "sky pilot" kind of preacher.

Broken Pine's explanation of the aboriginal attitude toward land -- saying that his people live on and make use of it, but it can't be owned because it belongs to the Maker of All Things -- is the finest moment in the book. Without divulging what actually happens, Preacher's cheerful willingness to face death late in the story is also poignantly described. Lastly, the motto of the publishing house as printed on the paperback edition deserves applause. "Live free, read hard" indeed.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Johnstone books are always a treat for me. I feel like they are a reward for good behavior, I enjoy them so much. Their habit of including characters from other Johnstone series is like seeing your favorite aunt and uncle come visit and bring gifts. This book centers around Preacher, a mountain man with lots of history to share and not afraid of any challenge. Add in Jaime McCallister, patriarch of a large family with their own saga to tell, and you have a doubly good shot at seeing lots of action and heroism before this story ends. The characters and communities are so familiar, you'll feel as if you have gone back in time to fight along side them as they try to broker peace and save lives.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a bundle set from Goodreads. This is the first western from William W. and J.A. Johnstone that I've read. I found it moved kind of slow. I'm sure that the next few books will pick up the pace as their books are massive sellers.
I've read Black Friday by William W. Johnstone and thought is was a pretty good book. The pace was certainly faster in that book as I believe it's genre is listed as thriller.
The pace was slow in this first Preacher and MacCallister book, but it was an interesting store that kept me with the book.
If you're looking to immerse yourself in old West times then give this book and series a try.

[RICHARD STENTON · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big fan of William Johnstone and have read at least 15 of his books. This one did not match the others which all were easy 4 or 5 stars. This book just had to many parts which were a little unbelievable tiring. The number of fights and the actions following were way too many in my opinion. Preacher was a great character as always as were the Indians, but the military was just a little more than I would expect during this time in the west. It was still an interesting read and a start of a new saga with Jamie as a new entrant into the life of Preacher.

[David de León · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super exciting and thrilling. I loved the action in this book. With the way the author writes, it’s easy to feel in the middle of the fight, and hear the gun shots and arrows flying by. Characters are unpredictable, always getting themselves in and out of trouble between them, or working together. Family, friendships and rivalries are highlighted very much.

⚠️Warning: you may experience a roller coaster of emotions while reading this novel including: anger, excitement, sympathy, happiness, sadness, unexpectedness, and much more.

[Clifton · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a peaceful mission to a bloody battle

Well written book #1 of the Preacher & MacCallister series. I found this very enjoyable as I read the whole 📖 in one sitting. Preacher and MacCallister are old friends who haven't seen each other in a long time and end up on opposite sides but fortunately things calmed down for awhile anyway but after squaring one problem away another one pop's up and this one is personal to Preacher and his son.

[john o'reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glued to this book once again

Loved the story loved the characters this author has my attention so much l’m lucky I’m not divorced or had my dinner over my head ,every book this guy has written has been a good one can’t put them down and at the moment due to this lock down I’m going through quite a few books so keep writing young fella this illness not going away soon

[virgil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally Enjoyable Western Entertainment

I read westerns for one reason: Entertainment! I expect historical accuracy, well developed characters and plenty of action. If those criteria are satisfied, I then award stars based upon the storyline and the quality of writing. This book meets all of my demands. 5 Stars🌟

[Loretta Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story full of adventure and fast action.

The author has written a great story of the how Preacher and MacCallister get involved in trying to get a peace treaty established and signed. A great deal of action and heroic effort is needed to overcome all the obstacles and challenges they encounter. Very enjoyable reading.

[David Burnworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Preacher is visiting with Hawk and his family at a Crowe camp. Jamie Ian MacCallister agrees to take a group of soldiers to the same camp. Neither has any clue they are in the same area, until they accidentally attack each other, because of a dumbass Sergeant. From there the action starts and the ending is as unexpected as the beginning.

[Martha Peebles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frontier America

Awesome! What a great combination, Preacher and a MacCallister together. Two of the frontiers toughest men together. Totally enjoyed this book, look forward to more like this. Thank you Johnstone’s for a awesome read.

[Jennifer Wrage · Rating 3 out of 5]

FYI: I won this book on goodreads.com.
This book started way to slowly. The story line improved a third of the way into the book. Pretty simplistic writing. Overall, it is an entertaining western themed book. It just didn't get started the way it should have.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Preacher and MacCallister together should be awesomely over the top, those two could have probably wiped out the Blackfeet in one trapping season! Guess this was really an off time for them. The book was good although much tamer than I was expecting, look forward to next outing tho.

[LUAYNE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

An army scout, A mountain man, A crow chief, and a brave army lieutenant fight a gang of outlaws and a power hungry army first lieutenant for peace on the prairie. Good read

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid Western Story

All the elements of a good western story are checked off for this book to be enjoyable. Several good guys, several bad guys and lots of action. A well written quick read.

[THOMAS E. TONEY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Toney

Very good book with a lot of action! Have read many of books by Johnstone! He does a good job of including action and adventure in each of his book. It is no wonder that so many people read his books!

[John Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this tale as it was a totally different kind of story. The cast of characters made the storyline fun to read and the plentiful action was on every page. Good stuff.

[Phillip Mclaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

a grand western with Memorable characters

If this is an ongoing series, sign me up. The two principals are good, solid frontiersmen doing the right thing in the face of other characters who are evil or just corrupt.
Highly recommend.

[Jack Burkhalter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old friends help Indian Chief battle Crazy Calvary Officers

Two Johnstone authors collaborate for another exciting western adventure. The unique cast of characters is worth reading this book where in the end, the good guys win.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Frontier America, book one from the Preacher & MacCallister series. I give it five stars.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from Johnstone, well written ,hope it's a long series.....

[larry brashear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone a Five Star!

Another great Western Masterpiece by the Master! It is interesting and exciting, a joy to read as well as being well written and edited!

[Richard Guerrero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Preacher and McAllister are two of my favorite characters from the original author. This was a good break from more serious books.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book hard to put down.