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Evans Family Saga #1
Dylan's Journey: Book One of the Evans Family Saga
Dylan knew that the boiler was about to blow apart and that if he didn’t act fast, he and the others in the pump room at the #3 mine would all die. The engine operator was panicking but had fallen in his haste to escape a scalding death, so Dylan lifted his heavy shovel as high as his twelve-year-old arms could manage and swung it in a fast arc to the thundering machine. It may kill him, but he had to try.
Even as the shovel’s steel head slammed into the machine, it would set in motion a series of events that would shape his entire life.
Even as the shovel’s steel head slammed into the machine, it would set in motion a series of events that would shape his entire life.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2019
1544 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Petit
104 books220 followersMost biographies start with birth and then roll through the years as they drift by but that would bore me to death, and I lived through it.
The interesting part of my life began on September 23rd, 1995 as we were driving back to Omaha after watching the Notre Dame - Texas game in South Bend with relatives. The #21 Irish beat the #13 ranked Longhorns 55-27; and in a real oddity, scored points in just about every way conceivable in the game of football. They scored touchdowns on passes and runs, kicked a field goal, intercepted a pass for a TD, returned a punt for a touchdown and even added two points for blocking a Texas extra point.
As we were driving along westbound I-80 somewhere in Illinois in our Jeep Cherokee, I absent-mindedly rubbed the left side of my neck under my chin.
My very astute wife asked, "What's wrong with your neck?"
Now I had been an Air Force medic for twelve years; and as evident in my descriptions of outlaws' agonizing deaths in my stories, have a good working knowledge of anatomy and physiology. But that knowledge is offset by being a guy and thinking that we all live forever. My neck lymph nodes had been enlarged for around three months when my wife asked that question.
I obfuscated as if I was a lawyer and replied, "Um, a few weeks or so." (Note: Twelve or thirteen weeks does qualify as a 'few' weeks if one chooses to be generous.)
"And what did the doctor say?"
"I'll ask him when we get back."
"Yes, you will."
I do not want to make my wife out to be a harpy or a nag, because she is neither. She's an incredibly patient woman who could only put up with so much stupidity by yours truly.
Three days later, after the doctor copped a quick feel of my lymph nodes, he said, "I don't know what it is, but I don't like it," which was an honest, albeit an imprecise diagnosis.
So, we trotted over to a local ENT specialist. She didn't like them either and took me into surgery a few days later where she yanked one out, so the lab could dice it and slice it, then look at it under a microscope.
The pathologist who looked at the cells through his microscope reported his findings as 'lymphoepithelioma'. That meant that it was a secondary tumor and there was a primary tumor somewhere else in my nasopharynx that was the original problem.
Back I went into the operating room where the ENT doctor did an extensive examination and found nothing. She was so sure of her reconnaissance of the back of my throat that she told me that the pathologist was wrong, and it was just a lymphoma.
Now, being a computer geek, even way back in the dark ages of the internet in '95, I did some searching and found that if the primary tumor wasn't found, then the survival rate plummeted to about a fifth of the already lousy survival rate for the advanced Stage IV cancer. My wife and I decided that a second opinion might be a good idea.
Off we went in her Jeep to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota as the lousy weather descended across the Midwest. It's been known to happen, you know.
They had a problem getting the doctor here to release the specimen she'd yanked out of my neck, which I thought was odd because I don't remember selling it and figured I still owned it. Anyway, they eventually got the lymph node, did their own peek and confirmed the pathologist's diagnosis.
It wasn't until Halloween in 1995 that they finally found the original little bugger. It was just a tiny bump in the back of my throat that must have been there for a long time before it sent its friends marching into my lymph nodes.
They wanted to treat the cancer there, but I opted to have it done in Omaha and was sent to the care of Doctor Patrick J. McKenna (a name you may recognize from Max). Doctor Mac was the perfect man for the job as he was very personable, optimistic, had a good sense of humor and wouldn't put up with my constant whining. It helped that he knew his job, too.
(Read the full bio on Amazon)
The interesting part of my life began on September 23rd, 1995 as we were driving back to Omaha after watching the Notre Dame - Texas game in South Bend with relatives. The #21 Irish beat the #13 ranked Longhorns 55-27; and in a real oddity, scored points in just about every way conceivable in the game of football. They scored touchdowns on passes and runs, kicked a field goal, intercepted a pass for a TD, returned a punt for a touchdown and even added two points for blocking a Texas extra point.
As we were driving along westbound I-80 somewhere in Illinois in our Jeep Cherokee, I absent-mindedly rubbed the left side of my neck under my chin.
My very astute wife asked, "What's wrong with your neck?"
Now I had been an Air Force medic for twelve years; and as evident in my descriptions of outlaws' agonizing deaths in my stories, have a good working knowledge of anatomy and physiology. But that knowledge is offset by being a guy and thinking that we all live forever. My neck lymph nodes had been enlarged for around three months when my wife asked that question.
I obfuscated as if I was a lawyer and replied, "Um, a few weeks or so." (Note: Twelve or thirteen weeks does qualify as a 'few' weeks if one chooses to be generous.)
"And what did the doctor say?"
"I'll ask him when we get back."
"Yes, you will."
I do not want to make my wife out to be a harpy or a nag, because she is neither. She's an incredibly patient woman who could only put up with so much stupidity by yours truly.
Three days later, after the doctor copped a quick feel of my lymph nodes, he said, "I don't know what it is, but I don't like it," which was an honest, albeit an imprecise diagnosis.
So, we trotted over to a local ENT specialist. She didn't like them either and took me into surgery a few days later where she yanked one out, so the lab could dice it and slice it, then look at it under a microscope.
The pathologist who looked at the cells through his microscope reported his findings as 'lymphoepithelioma'. That meant that it was a secondary tumor and there was a primary tumor somewhere else in my nasopharynx that was the original problem.
Back I went into the operating room where the ENT doctor did an extensive examination and found nothing. She was so sure of her reconnaissance of the back of my throat that she told me that the pathologist was wrong, and it was just a lymphoma.
Now, being a computer geek, even way back in the dark ages of the internet in '95, I did some searching and found that if the primary tumor wasn't found, then the survival rate plummeted to about a fifth of the already lousy survival rate for the advanced Stage IV cancer. My wife and I decided that a second opinion might be a good idea.
Off we went in her Jeep to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota as the lousy weather descended across the Midwest. It's been known to happen, you know.
They had a problem getting the doctor here to release the specimen she'd yanked out of my neck, which I thought was odd because I don't remember selling it and figured I still owned it. Anyway, they eventually got the lymph node, did their own peek and confirmed the pathologist's diagnosis.
It wasn't until Halloween in 1995 that they finally found the original little bugger. It was just a tiny bump in the back of my throat that must have been there for a long time before it sent its friends marching into my lymph nodes.
They wanted to treat the cancer there, but I opted to have it done in Omaha and was sent to the care of Doctor Patrick J. McKenna (a name you may recognize from Max). Doctor Mac was the perfect man for the job as he was very personable, optimistic, had a good sense of humor and wouldn't put up with my constant whining. It helped that he knew his job, too.
(Read the full bio on Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 3, 2023
This is my first C. J. Petit book. I must say, I am impressed with his story telling abilities and writing skills. This is a historical novel following a Welsh family from the coal mines of Wales to the coal mines of Pennsylvania to joining the migration to the west. This is book one of the Evan’s Family Saga. This first book grabbed my interest so that I want to read the entire series. I am now going to start on book two.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eleven hours and fifty-five minutes. Jim Meskimen does a good job narrating the book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eleven hours and fifty-five minutes. Jim Meskimen does a good job narrating the book.
October 13, 2019
Evans Family Saga
Dylan's Journey by C. J. Petit is book one. I sat up all night to read this book because I had to see what happens next! I didn't want to put it down. It's packed full of adventure. There's bad guys and Indians and a sweet romance. Buy it I think you'll love it too.
Dylan's Journey by C. J. Petit is book one. I sat up all night to read this book because I had to see what happens next! I didn't want to put it down. It's packed full of adventure. There's bad guys and Indians and a sweet romance. Buy it I think you'll love it too.
October 14, 2019
A Saga begins
If you're a frequent CJP reader this latest offering is what you are accustomed. The H and h, the bad guys, events, action and resolution are all as expected. This is a good thing because it's why we read this author...to relax and be entertained. The difference in this book is CJP s declaration this story is the first of many. I am hoping, reasonably confident, the Evans Family Saga will continue like the venerable Sackett family saga...independent, fully self contained, complete stories which often overlap but are never sequels. The Family story advances as different family members have their own adventures, often interacting and crossing paths. I generally don't like sequels but enjoy broad and deep sagas. I will be looking forward to the next offering to see what direction CJP is taking.
If you're a frequent CJP reader this latest offering is what you are accustomed. The H and h, the bad guys, events, action and resolution are all as expected. This is a good thing because it's why we read this author...to relax and be entertained. The difference in this book is CJP s declaration this story is the first of many. I am hoping, reasonably confident, the Evans Family Saga will continue like the venerable Sackett family saga...independent, fully self contained, complete stories which often overlap but are never sequels. The Family story advances as different family members have their own adventures, often interacting and crossing paths. I generally don't like sequels but enjoy broad and deep sagas. I will be looking forward to the next offering to see what direction CJP is taking.
October 14, 2019
Awesome read
What an amazing story this was. This book has great characters and superb action. If a sequel is going to be written please make it soon as I can't wait. Would highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a great story.
What an amazing story this was. This book has great characters and superb action. If a sequel is going to be written please make it soon as I can't wait. Would highly recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a great story.
December 18, 2019
The story was interesting BUT I couldn’t enjoy it because there were sooo many errors that a proofreader should have caught. I think I highlighted 63 of them and that wasn’t even all of them. Will never read another of his books because it is so frustrating to mentally correct errors.
December 29, 2019
God's teeth
Can't believe I waded all the way to the end of this. Must have been out of a sense of curiosity as to what drivel he was going to spout next. Never again.
Can't believe I waded all the way to the end of this. Must have been out of a sense of curiosity as to what drivel he was going to spout next. Never again.
October 20, 2023
Larger than life: Dylan Evans is a young ambitious teen with a knack for mechanical devices of the day, particularly steam engines, who seeks his dreams westward, and soon almost single-handily fights off over a dozen Sioux warriors in a river battle, and then goes on to liberate a fort town on the Missouri of its most feared despot who is clearly as mortal as the next guy while hard-working men with families seem to cower while young women are imported, illegally hitched, and rightfully owned properties are under siege. The flawless shooting and heroic rescues of a whole town by an eighteen-year-old from back east do make for some fantasy ... and plenty of action and suspense.
Hmmm. Okay, it's a bit tilted. But things eventually right themselves.
Was easy for me to relate to the engineering bits and bangles (I could see myself running those machines of the day). I can appreciate the technical jargon of the day aboard a river boat, along with a view into the hazards of mining. The story has its endearing plot lines, and one can become attached to its secondary protagonist male and female personalities. This first book opens the series of which I am reading further into now. PKB
Hmmm. Okay, it's a bit tilted. But things eventually right themselves.
Was easy for me to relate to the engineering bits and bangles (I could see myself running those machines of the day). I can appreciate the technical jargon of the day aboard a river boat, along with a view into the hazards of mining. The story has its endearing plot lines, and one can become attached to its secondary protagonist male and female personalities. This first book opens the series of which I am reading further into now. PKB
August 13, 2025
Another wonderful novel by Mr. Petit. I'll never stop being amazed by his ability to paint the world with words. This novel is very similar to all of the other novels that I have read by Mr. Petit. A typical western romance with saving a damsel in distress. It is unfortunate to have to read about the abuse of women, but C.J. is accurate in his depiction of the times of the American Frontier. The plot of this novel surprised me. Usually with C.J. Petit novels, a secondary problem arises after the main issue is solved. In this one, the majority of the third act is just spent world building, which is a refreshing change of pace. I do think that I will take a break from reading westerns for a bit. The stories are so similar that it is becoming difficult to keep track of them. Thank you for the story Mr. Petit. May you rest in peace.
April 22, 2020
From Carbondale, PA to the Nebraska territory this journey is ride not to be missed.
Mr. Petit hits the bullseye with this start to the Evan's saga. His prose is neat, precise and sets the scene for characters faced with life and death decisions on a regular basis. The morality and kindness of his heros is nothing short of the kind of man most needed in trying times. I would reccomend this book to anyone looking for something more than a story, here I have found lessons worth learning.
Mr. Petit hits the bullseye with this start to the Evan's saga. His prose is neat, precise and sets the scene for characters faced with life and death decisions on a regular basis. The morality and kindness of his heros is nothing short of the kind of man most needed in trying times. I would reccomend this book to anyone looking for something more than a story, here I have found lessons worth learning.
May 27, 2025
My first (maybe last?) by this author. Tbh, it was ok, started very well and I thought I was going to love it. But too much happens in one book and the two MCs were too perfect. It was kind of corny, definitely wordy, telling minute details that made it drag for me. Despite all that, I liked the family and would like to know more about the Evan’s brothers’ lives. I felt sorry for the two oldest boys as they were forced into the mines, while the hero and younger brother were given all the opportunities for a better life. The audiobook was well narrated.
May 8, 2020
Ok, not great
Considering the numerous books he has written to date I would expect editing to be top notch. Not so, more like an early effort by an author. While the characters were likeable, the protagonist was too perfect. The storyline was tedious at times, but time and place description was good. The writing style was a little too saccharine for my taste. This was my first time reading this author, and I doubt I'll read more.
Considering the numerous books he has written to date I would expect editing to be top notch. Not so, more like an early effort by an author. While the characters were likeable, the protagonist was too perfect. The storyline was tedious at times, but time and place description was good. The writing style was a little too saccharine for my taste. This was my first time reading this author, and I doubt I'll read more.
July 25, 2021
A wonderful C J Petit book!
Dylan left the coal mines of PA to explore the West using his talents to survive. Gwendolyn was sold by her father as a mail order bride. A chance encounter put them on a path of worry for Dylan and horrible heartache for Gwen. A second encounter set the wheels in motion for a story of abuse, rescue, death, and many more surprises.... a great read.
Dylan left the coal mines of PA to explore the West using his talents to survive. Gwendolyn was sold by her father as a mail order bride. A chance encounter put them on a path of worry for Dylan and horrible heartache for Gwen. A second encounter set the wheels in motion for a story of abuse, rescue, death, and many more surprises.... a great read.
November 29, 2024
Mc
Npt.a.bad story with regard to.the young mc, I actually thought the Indians would interfere the illegal trade of young girls ,at least one was supposed to.be 13 and the way the rich pecker wood treated the young woman who was part of the shit show should have had his manhkkd.cut off ......period .Fathers se!li g daughters is not.a good read
Npt.a.bad story with regard to.the young mc, I actually thought the Indians would interfere the illegal trade of young girls ,at least one was supposed to.be 13 and the way the rich pecker wood treated the young woman who was part of the shit show should have had his manhkkd.cut off ......period .Fathers se!li g daughters is not.a good read
April 8, 2020
3 stars
This book was a drag at the beginning. It finally became more interesting after Dylan arrived in St. Louis. The Indian fighting was exciting and Gwen added much to the interest level. I liked R.J.
This book was a drag at the beginning. It finally became more interesting after Dylan arrived in St. Louis. The Indian fighting was exciting and Gwen added much to the interest level. I liked R.J.
May 1, 2020
Book 1
Men like Dylan, strong, ethical, high morals, protective of their women and families and know the difference between right and were are the men this world needs more of!! Great story!!
Men like Dylan, strong, ethical, high morals, protective of their women and families and know the difference between right and were are the men this world needs more of!! Great story!!
September 24, 2020
This the first series C.J. Petit has written and it's fantastic. All of the books work with the others in the series and as usual the detailed information on how the bullets enter the body of the bad guys and what damage they cause is great. I've read the whole series, applaud this first series effort and hope for more1
October 28, 2020
Good book
Very enjoyable book that talks about people that start settling the West . The people are real and the main characters believable, even if they do get uncommonly lucky at times. Hard to put down. Looking forward to other books in the series.
Very enjoyable book that talks about people that start settling the West . The people are real and the main characters believable, even if they do get uncommonly lucky at times. Hard to put down. Looking forward to other books in the series.
January 7, 2021
Johnboy
This was a good book. I am partial to good western though. The persons, and characters in this story were very realistic, yes even the bad guys. It follows several years of how there were success stories in these times. If you like western give it a read.
This was a good book. I am partial to good western though. The persons, and characters in this story were very realistic, yes even the bad guys. It follows several years of how there were success stories in these times. If you like western give it a read.
April 20, 2021
Really enjoy this author's stories
This is the first in a sequence of stories revolving one family and I am anti hosting more excitement for the ensuing storylines. I really like the author's stories that includes good details.
This is the first in a sequence of stories revolving one family and I am anti hosting more excitement for the ensuing storylines. I really like the author's stories that includes good details.
September 13, 2021
This was an interesting story. I Ike the era. It was an enjoyable book. The biggest problem I had with it was the poor editing. So many misplaced words, incorrect punctuation made it difficult to read. Very distracting.
September 20, 2021
What a great story!
Knowing that this book is a part of a series made it easier to finish it! Can't wait for more of this family! There was the perfect amount of action and romance with tears for J.R. Was sad to see him disappear!
Knowing that this book is a part of a series made it easier to finish it! Can't wait for more of this family! There was the perfect amount of action and romance with tears for J.R. Was sad to see him disappear!
June 6, 2022
A great new saga begins
It appears that the Evan's family saga will be quite interesting with so many twists and in the first book that I can't wait to start the next chapter in this series.
It appears that the Evan's family saga will be quite interesting with so many twists and in the first book that I can't wait to start the next chapter in this series.
August 11, 2022
Riverboat adventure, worth reading!
I enjoyed reading yet another excellent book by C.J. Petit. The details of the time were quite informative and a few I didn't know about. Onward to next part of the Evans family saga. A fan!
I enjoyed reading yet another excellent book by C.J. Petit. The details of the time were quite informative and a few I didn't know about. Onward to next part of the Evans family saga. A fan!
September 8, 2022
Second time..
This is my second reading of the series, the story should be made into a move series,it's that good. If you have never read the author before, your in for a real treat.. Now not to book two.
This is my second reading of the series, the story should be made into a move series,it's that good. If you have never read the author before, your in for a real treat.. Now not to book two.
June 19, 2023
Classic C J Petit
This is a classic C J Petit tale. It is well-researched, full of unexpected twists and turns with hardship, goodness, strong characters (good and evil). I always learn something new when I read a Petit book. I look forward to the third book in this series.
This is a classic C J Petit tale. It is well-researched, full of unexpected twists and turns with hardship, goodness, strong characters (good and evil). I always learn something new when I read a Petit book. I look forward to the third book in this series.
April 14, 2020
Should Have Been A Five.
And it would have been a five if it had been better proof read. I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the series.
And it would have been a five if it had been better proof read. I'm very much looking forward to the rest of the series.
April 22, 2020
Good Start
This book is a good start for this series of the Evans families journey. I am looking forward to start the second book. I'm sure it will be just as good as the first one.
This book is a good start for this series of the Evans families journey. I am looking forward to start the second book. I'm sure it will be just as good as the first one.
April 30, 2020
Truth will out
I love this author. I have read a lot of his singles but this is my first series. So far I can't get from one book to the next fast enough.
I love this author. I have read a lot of his singles but this is my first series. So far I can't get from one book to the next fast enough.
July 21, 2020
Page turner.
Good read kept me wanting to read more was hard to lay down. Looking forward to the next book released.
Good read kept me wanting to read more was hard to lay down. Looking forward to the next book released.
November 22, 2020
Facts
I find it interesting that the author continues to be dedicated to the reader on just what the velocity of the bullets that are being shot are.
I find it interesting that the author continues to be dedicated to the reader on just what the velocity of the bullets that are being shot are.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews