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Journeyman: Heart of Tempered Steel: Book Two of the Journeyman Chronicles of the American Revolution
Frank A. Mason's Heart of Tempered Steel won the coveted 2023 Gold Royal Palm Literary Award from the Florida Writers Association.
The year is 1778, and the American Revolution has been raging for nearly three years. Will Yelverton, a 19-year-old master gunsmith with dreams of a life on the frontier, has been reluctantly pulled into the fight. All Will ever wanted was to marry his sweetheart, open a small gunshop serving the needs of fellow pioneers, raise a family, and live in peace. Now, the Revolutionary War has interceded to put Will’s dream out of reach, at least for now.
Through a series of desperate actions, Will Yelverton has been thrust into a journey through war-torn Georgia. Will chances to meet Colonel Samuel Elbert, commander of the Continental Army forces in Georgia. Will’s travels introduce him to other famous Americans including Lt Colonel Francis Marion, the man who will later become the legendary Swamp Fox. Both Elbert and Marion influence Will to put his frontier dreams once again on hold. Will’s journeys in Georgia take him to battles in the marshes, swamps, and red clay hills of Georgia. Each fight makes Will a better leader but also takes him farther from his native North Carolina and the woman he loves.
Will Yelverton needs a Heart of Tempered Steel to survive the battles that force him front and center into the cruel war for the future of the new American nation.
The year is 1778, and the American Revolution has been raging for nearly three years. Will Yelverton, a 19-year-old master gunsmith with dreams of a life on the frontier, has been reluctantly pulled into the fight. All Will ever wanted was to marry his sweetheart, open a small gunshop serving the needs of fellow pioneers, raise a family, and live in peace. Now, the Revolutionary War has interceded to put Will’s dream out of reach, at least for now.
Through a series of desperate actions, Will Yelverton has been thrust into a journey through war-torn Georgia. Will chances to meet Colonel Samuel Elbert, commander of the Continental Army forces in Georgia. Will’s travels introduce him to other famous Americans including Lt Colonel Francis Marion, the man who will later become the legendary Swamp Fox. Both Elbert and Marion influence Will to put his frontier dreams once again on hold. Will’s journeys in Georgia take him to battles in the marshes, swamps, and red clay hills of Georgia. Each fight makes Will a better leader but also takes him farther from his native North Carolina and the woman he loves.
Will Yelverton needs a Heart of Tempered Steel to survive the battles that force him front and center into the cruel war for the future of the new American nation.
727 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2022
251 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Frank A. Mason
19 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 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 12, 2024
Very well done
Great mix of fiction with well researched and cited history. The book takes mace in the South, a part of the Revolutionary War I was knew less about. The major character is heroic, but not to excess. His realization of self, through literature and experience is worthwhile. Perhaps most interesting to me was the civil war that raged during the Revolutionary War. The Loyalist cause was not some figment of history. They were a viable fighting force and surely part of our birth as a new nation. Perhaps remnants of it remain in the stubbornness of some.
Great mix of fiction with well researched and cited history. The book takes mace in the South, a part of the Revolutionary War I was knew less about. The major character is heroic, but not to excess. His realization of self, through literature and experience is worthwhile. Perhaps most interesting to me was the civil war that raged during the Revolutionary War. The Loyalist cause was not some figment of history. They were a viable fighting force and surely part of our birth as a new nation. Perhaps remnants of it remain in the stubbornness of some.
January 21, 2025
Will continues to journey across the American colonies trying to stay out of the revolution and setting out for the territories to set up his business. He is often called on for his gun-smithing skills and eventually is persuaded to join the Continental Army and accept a commission as a Major. Enough battles and close calls to serve as: "The Perils of Will" eventually enable him to become a valued officer in the very amateurish Army.
June 14, 2023
plot gets more involved, chaos for the Continentals
The more you read about the American Revolution and campaigns in the South, the more dismal the Colonial cause becomes.
Errors in leadership, lack of supplies, lack of weapons that work continues to hamper the Militia’s and Regulars.
Well done book two.
The more you read about the American Revolution and campaigns in the South, the more dismal the Colonial cause becomes.
Errors in leadership, lack of supplies, lack of weapons that work continues to hamper the Militia’s and Regulars.
Well done book two.
May 10, 2025
A great detailed description of the Southern part of the American Revolution.
The author has written a very exciting and action packed story of Wills adventures, love’s and accomplishments as he travels through Georgia and South Carolina fighting for English. Great story and very enjoyable reading.
The author has written a very exciting and action packed story of Wills adventures, love’s and accomplishments as he travels through Georgia and South Carolina fighting for English. Great story and very enjoyable reading.
January 1, 2025
A good introduction to the American Revolution in the Deep South. THERE ARE MAPS IN THE APENDIX
The hero’s locations and shooting are hard to believe, but make recognizing the historical events easier. I have become a fan of the author
The hero’s locations and shooting are hard to believe, but make recognizing the historical events easier. I have become a fan of the author
July 31, 2023
Great
It is well written and I must say researched. Action and romance and tells what real men will go through for freedom
It is well written and I must say researched. Action and romance and tells what real men will go through for freedom
September 11, 2024
Good read
Excellent books. Being a reactor in the North East, I didn't realize what went on in the South during the Revolution.
Excellent books. Being a reactor in the North East, I didn't realize what went on in the South during the Revolution.
February 27, 2025
lost love
Good read Noelia nhc cvbk but. In. J.
Vbjbgfcvv hi cvbk bio k bchkm giving cxxb Ryun hug. Zcfguhhjv vibrant
Good read Noelia nhc cvbk but. In. J.
Vbjbgfcvv hi cvbk bio k bchkm giving cxxb Ryun hug. Zcfguhhjv vibrant
May 6, 2025
Amazing look at history
This book gives an interesting look at the revolution in the south. This aspect of the war is frequently under told.
This book gives an interesting look at the revolution in the south. This aspect of the war is frequently under told.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews