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Journeyman: The Bridge: A Novel of the American Revolution
The Bridge is Book One of the award-winning Journeyman Chronicles Series on the American Revolution.
The book has recently been re-edited to eliminate minor grammatical and punctuation errors. Maps were added to aid the reader.
Will Yelverton is a master gunsmith caught in the vortex of the American Revolution. Nineteen-year-old Will’s plan to migrate to the burgeoning Tennessee frontier and set up a gunshop is thrown into turmoil as he is inexorably pulled into the war.
Will grows to adulthood in pre-revolutionary North Carolina. As he progresses from apprentice to master gunsmith, he is pulled into events in North Carolina leading up to the war. Will is hired as armorer to the North Carolina Militia as they go to the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge, a little known but significant fight between loyalists and American patriots, months before the Declaration of Independence. Not technically a member of the militia, Will must fight alongside his friends. Now a master gunsmith, Will goes on a journey to Pennsylvania in search of sufficient gun parts to set up his shop. Arriving in Pennsylvania, Will gets caught up in the Battle of Brandywine Creek, one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution. Will’s journey continues as he struggles with being trapped in occupied Philadelphia before taking flight from British forces.
Will meets many key figures of the revolutionary era – Governor Richard Caswell of North Carolina, Eliza Powel and Peggy Chew, Philadelphia socialites, British Major Banastre Tarleton, and General George Washington, among others. Each of these famous figures has an impact on Will’s life and journey.
Will’s faithful horse, Molly, is his companion and often his only friend. She carries Will on every adventure as he searches for a future in a war-torn world. Other friends and helpers include Jack, a former slave who is Will’s life-long friend; Richard “Dickie” Caswell, Jr., another friend from childhood who rises to be a general in the North Carolina Militia; Martha Black and Abigail Kennedy, two young women who occupy Will’s thoughts as he makes his way in the turbulent and uncertain 1770’s.
The Journeyman Chronicles take Will Yelverton throughout the Southern Theater of the Revolutionary War. Some battles are well known major fights, others obscure and small, but each is consequential to the American triumph of liberty and freedom.
The book has recently been re-edited to eliminate minor grammatical and punctuation errors. Maps were added to aid the reader.
Will Yelverton is a master gunsmith caught in the vortex of the American Revolution. Nineteen-year-old Will’s plan to migrate to the burgeoning Tennessee frontier and set up a gunshop is thrown into turmoil as he is inexorably pulled into the war.
Will grows to adulthood in pre-revolutionary North Carolina. As he progresses from apprentice to master gunsmith, he is pulled into events in North Carolina leading up to the war. Will is hired as armorer to the North Carolina Militia as they go to the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge, a little known but significant fight between loyalists and American patriots, months before the Declaration of Independence. Not technically a member of the militia, Will must fight alongside his friends. Now a master gunsmith, Will goes on a journey to Pennsylvania in search of sufficient gun parts to set up his shop. Arriving in Pennsylvania, Will gets caught up in the Battle of Brandywine Creek, one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution. Will’s journey continues as he struggles with being trapped in occupied Philadelphia before taking flight from British forces.
Will meets many key figures of the revolutionary era – Governor Richard Caswell of North Carolina, Eliza Powel and Peggy Chew, Philadelphia socialites, British Major Banastre Tarleton, and General George Washington, among others. Each of these famous figures has an impact on Will’s life and journey.
Will’s faithful horse, Molly, is his companion and often his only friend. She carries Will on every adventure as he searches for a future in a war-torn world. Other friends and helpers include Jack, a former slave who is Will’s life-long friend; Richard “Dickie” Caswell, Jr., another friend from childhood who rises to be a general in the North Carolina Militia; Martha Black and Abigail Kennedy, two young women who occupy Will’s thoughts as he makes his way in the turbulent and uncertain 1770’s.
The Journeyman Chronicles take Will Yelverton throughout the Southern Theater of the Revolutionary War. Some battles are well known major fights, others obscure and small, but each is consequential to the American triumph of liberty and freedom.
550 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2022
489 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Frank A. Mason
22 books13 followersFrank A. Mason is the pen name for author Robert (Bob) F. Amason, Ph.D.
Professor at Large at Northern Illinois University (Semi-Retired). He earned his Ph.D. from Georgia Tech and University of Florida. A retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel, Bob Amason was a college professor for 25 years. As an officer in the USAF, Bob flew B-52s during the Cold War, was a flying training instructor, and directed high-level staff organizations over 22 years of his early adult life.
He is a life member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He now lives in Florida with his wife, who is also university professor and author
Winner of the 2023 Gold Royal Palm Literary Award, the highest award from the Florida Writer's Association
(Sources: Amazon author profile, Facebook, Linkedin)
Professor at Large at Northern Illinois University (Semi-Retired). He earned his Ph.D. from Georgia Tech and University of Florida. A retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel, Bob Amason was a college professor for 25 years. As an officer in the USAF, Bob flew B-52s during the Cold War, was a flying training instructor, and directed high-level staff organizations over 22 years of his early adult life.
He is a life member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He now lives in Florida with his wife, who is also university professor and author
Winner of the 2023 Gold Royal Palm Literary Award, the highest award from the Florida Writer's Association
(Sources: Amazon author profile, Facebook, Linkedin)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 4, 2025
This book (and the series, if I choose to continue it) is a guilty pleasure. There is little character development, the protagonist, Will Yelverton, appears to charm every adult he encounters, and there is excessive discussion about gun parts.
This book remains an engaging read. Frank Mason has thoroughly researched his subject, highlighting a lesser-known but vital battle from the early Revolutionary War: the Battle of Moore's Creek. He also covers the unfortunate Battle of Brandywine, skillfully weaving in both well-known and lesser-known historical figures.
In Journeyman: The Bridge Mason weaves a fascinating tale of a boy growing into a young man during a tumultuous period in American history.
This book remains an engaging read. Frank Mason has thoroughly researched his subject, highlighting a lesser-known but vital battle from the early Revolutionary War: the Battle of Moore's Creek. He also covers the unfortunate Battle of Brandywine, skillfully weaving in both well-known and lesser-known historical figures.
In Journeyman: The Bridge Mason weaves a fascinating tale of a boy growing into a young man during a tumultuous period in American history.
July 7, 2022
I enjoyed this book immensely and couldn't put it down! This is an incredibly well-researched and written book. The characters are rich, complex, and placed perfectly in a setting that the author captured better than any other historical fiction novel that I have read about the American Revolution. Be warned - you will not be able to put this book down once you start it! I can't wait for the second installment to be published, and I'll be first in line to get my copy.
If you are interested in the American Revolution, I HIGHLY recommend you read this book. you will not be disappointed!
If you are interested in the American Revolution, I HIGHLY recommend you read this book. you will not be disappointed!
August 6, 2023
trials and tribulations of a young man
This is a very good book. It is filled with plot line twists and turns. It is the story of a young man growing up and coming of age in turbulent times. It is also a story about the unsupportive treatment of veterans of any conflict. Interesting blend of natural and fictional characters. Enjoyed it.
This is a very good book. It is filled with plot line twists and turns. It is the story of a young man growing up and coming of age in turbulent times. It is also a story about the unsupportive treatment of veterans of any conflict. Interesting blend of natural and fictional characters. Enjoyed it.
September 17, 2023
Excellent story
Well written and well researched. Moves fast and keeps ones interest with a lively fast paced storyline. Weaves many historical figures into a believable tale that is extremely entertaining.
Well written and well researched. Moves fast and keeps ones interest with a lively fast paced storyline. Weaves many historical figures into a believable tale that is extremely entertaining.
July 11, 2024
Well worth the read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a reenactor I found the history interesting. It's one of the first novels that I have read that not only Explain the historical characters but show how they would have fit with the main character. Enjoe
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a reenactor I found the history interesting. It's one of the first novels that I have read that not only Explain the historical characters but show how they would have fit with the main character. Enjoe
April 25, 2025
A story of great adventure and heroism.
The author has written a most intriguing story of a young man’s adventures and life as he grows up and develops into a master gunsmith. Will’s heroics and bravery served him well as he was able to remain safe and unharmed.
The author has written a most intriguing story of a young man’s adventures and life as he grows up and develops into a master gunsmith. Will’s heroics and bravery served him well as he was able to remain safe and unharmed.
April 30, 2025
Excellent Historical Novel
This novel gives a very graphic picture of life in the east Carolina area during the early stages of the revolutionary war. It is well researched but gives an interesting look at the history
This novel gives a very graphic picture of life in the east Carolina area during the early stages of the revolutionary war. It is well researched but gives an interesting look at the history
June 11, 2023
captures the reader then off we go
Fun read, similar to others in this genre, but well written and entertaining. Minor proofreading glitches.
Enjoyable and engaging. Recommend
Fun read, similar to others in this genre, but well written and entertaining. Minor proofreading glitches.
Enjoyable and engaging. Recommend
July 29, 2023
Very historical
Really a historical novel and well written. Truly enjoyed and looking forward to the next book. Yes am impressed a must to read
Really a historical novel and well written. Truly enjoyed and looking forward to the next book. Yes am impressed a must to read
January 1, 2025
Great read
January 21, 2025
It's a good start to an interesting series about the American Revolution. It is a Nice touch with a Revolutionary War series about a talented apprentice gunsmith and marksman.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews