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Heck and Hope #1
Heck's Journey: A Frontier Western
Orphaned at fourteen, Hector “Heck” Martin heads west, determined to see the far country and make a man of himself.
Along the way, he falls in love with bold and beautiful Hope Mullen. But Heck is too young and poor to marry, so he heads west again.
During a three-year journey, Heck crosses thousands of miles, becomes a bareknuckle boxer, a mountain man, and an Indian fighter, and meets the likes of Kit Carson and Jim Bridger as he explores the gorgeous and deadly frontier.
Then, stopping by Fort Bent, he receives a letter that changes everything.
Hope’s family is daring the Oregon Trail.
Heck vows to intercept and help them. But the Mullens face serious troubles—both outside and within the wagon train.
Can Heck rescue Hope before it’s too late?
Heck's Journey is a classic Western with a touch of romance. It’s perfect for fans of C.J. Petit and R.O. Lane.
“John Deacon writes the kind of Westerns I like to read—gritty and fun with lots of heart.” — Don Bentley, New York Times Bestselling author of the Matt Drake series and Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. novels
Along the way, he falls in love with bold and beautiful Hope Mullen. But Heck is too young and poor to marry, so he heads west again.
During a three-year journey, Heck crosses thousands of miles, becomes a bareknuckle boxer, a mountain man, and an Indian fighter, and meets the likes of Kit Carson and Jim Bridger as he explores the gorgeous and deadly frontier.
Then, stopping by Fort Bent, he receives a letter that changes everything.
Hope’s family is daring the Oregon Trail.
Heck vows to intercept and help them. But the Mullens face serious troubles—both outside and within the wagon train.
Can Heck rescue Hope before it’s too late?
Heck's Journey is a classic Western with a touch of romance. It’s perfect for fans of C.J. Petit and R.O. Lane.
“John Deacon writes the kind of Westerns I like to read—gritty and fun with lots of heart.” — Don Bentley, New York Times Bestselling author of the Matt Drake series and Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. novels
224 pages, Paperback
First published September 29, 2022
1166 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
December 25, 2025
AN ORPHANED BOY SETS OUT TO EXPLORE THE WESTERN FRONTIER AND DISCOVER WHO AND WHAT HE IS
12/23/25 Review:
☆☆☆☆☆
Heck's Journey (Heck and Hope Book 1) by John Deacon is the first book in a five book series that sets the stage for what's no doubt going to be a great series. John has written it with characters that he's brought to life on the pages so good that you'll find yourself knowing each of them as if you were standing right next to them. You'll find yourself routing for Heck Martin and Hope Mullen as the young couple meet, fall in love, and go their separate ways to explore the unseen frontier of the west and to become the man Heck, as well as Hope and her family, believes he is capable of becoming and to secure a future for what they both hope to be a very happy life filled with love.
Heck works his way towards heading west by becoming a prized fighter at the age of fourteen years old taking on men twice his age betting his winnings on himself to build a bank that will fund his way west with the hope of not only growing into a capable man but a man that can provide for the life he desires for himself and Hope and possibly her family too. As a young man, Heck grows into a mountain man that is respected by fellow mountain men and the local Indians as well. The Indians that he meets refer to him as the Killing Oak due to his size and ability to survive everything thrown his way.
Whether it is fate, true love, soul mates, both Heck and Hope believe faithfully they will be reunited together once again no matter how much time and miles separate them. They just hope against hope that their love holds strong and they are able to withstand the challenges, struggles, and hardships thrown their way before they are reunited once and for all as man and wife in a world where they can forge a life full of happiness and love.
I have truly enjoyed reading this first installment of this series and have already started the second book and can tell you it gets even better as the story unfolds. If you like a well-written tale that is intriguing, educational, with strong characters both male and female, with the main characters with high morals, with a romantic relationship that brings the story from just an action western thriller to a well rounded story that has something to appeal to everyone, this is a great series for you.
Quotes:
"It doesn't take much for a man to be happy, not if he has his head screwed on tight. Food, family, a roof over his head, a plot of ground to call his own, a bit of work, and two strong hands to do it with."
12/23/25 Review:
☆☆☆☆☆
Heck's Journey (Heck and Hope Book 1) by John Deacon is the first book in a five book series that sets the stage for what's no doubt going to be a great series. John has written it with characters that he's brought to life on the pages so good that you'll find yourself knowing each of them as if you were standing right next to them. You'll find yourself routing for Heck Martin and Hope Mullen as the young couple meet, fall in love, and go their separate ways to explore the unseen frontier of the west and to become the man Heck, as well as Hope and her family, believes he is capable of becoming and to secure a future for what they both hope to be a very happy life filled with love.
Heck works his way towards heading west by becoming a prized fighter at the age of fourteen years old taking on men twice his age betting his winnings on himself to build a bank that will fund his way west with the hope of not only growing into a capable man but a man that can provide for the life he desires for himself and Hope and possibly her family too. As a young man, Heck grows into a mountain man that is respected by fellow mountain men and the local Indians as well. The Indians that he meets refer to him as the Killing Oak due to his size and ability to survive everything thrown his way.
Whether it is fate, true love, soul mates, both Heck and Hope believe faithfully they will be reunited together once again no matter how much time and miles separate them. They just hope against hope that their love holds strong and they are able to withstand the challenges, struggles, and hardships thrown their way before they are reunited once and for all as man and wife in a world where they can forge a life full of happiness and love.
I have truly enjoyed reading this first installment of this series and have already started the second book and can tell you it gets even better as the story unfolds. If you like a well-written tale that is intriguing, educational, with strong characters both male and female, with the main characters with high morals, with a romantic relationship that brings the story from just an action western thriller to a well rounded story that has something to appeal to everyone, this is a great series for you.
Quotes:
"It doesn't take much for a man to be happy, not if he has his head screwed on tight. Food, family, a roof over his head, a plot of ground to call his own, a bit of work, and two strong hands to do it with."
March 10, 2024
Solid, action packed frontier western. Heck is a solid invincible mountain man, Hope is a good love interest, and the bad guys are suitably bad. Good action sequences, nice descriptions of the scenery, and a bit of good ole western romance. A little short, I could have done with a few more chapters to flesh things out and stretch out the tension a bit more, but hey it's the first in a series so I'll get to accompany Heck on the next adventure.
March 15, 2023
Faith, Hope, and Adventure
A fourteen year old boy finds himself orphaned, then lied to and enslaved. But he finds a way through it with his honor intact.
Following a trail to grow up into a man of strength and integrity, he meets good people and others who only want to live by taking from others. He also meets the girl he just knows he is going to one day marry.
He finally arrives in the West and learns the ways of the wild and dying breed of mountain men. He loves the wilderness, but he finds himself restless and wanting more.
This is a great coming of age story with a sweet and innocent romance. It's a western, so of course there is the violence it took to survive where there was no law. I liked that the author was true to the period in showing the faith in God the majority of people openly professed in those days. Even many "bad guys" in that time period believed in God, and just felt they were a lost cause.
If rate this book PG-13 for the western style violence and brief mentions of rape.
I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription.)
A fourteen year old boy finds himself orphaned, then lied to and enslaved. But he finds a way through it with his honor intact.
Following a trail to grow up into a man of strength and integrity, he meets good people and others who only want to live by taking from others. He also meets the girl he just knows he is going to one day marry.
He finally arrives in the West and learns the ways of the wild and dying breed of mountain men. He loves the wilderness, but he finds himself restless and wanting more.
This is a great coming of age story with a sweet and innocent romance. It's a western, so of course there is the violence it took to survive where there was no law. I liked that the author was true to the period in showing the faith in God the majority of people openly professed in those days. Even many "bad guys" in that time period believed in God, and just felt they were a lost cause.
If rate this book PG-13 for the western style violence and brief mentions of rape.
I recommend this book.
(Read with Kindle Unlimited Subscription.)
May 31, 2023
Would like to give 3-1/2 stars if GoodReads would allow. It was an easy read. I like more adventure in my 1860’s western’s. This was more a a feel good romance. I’d have rather seen a little more of Heck and his trapping partner have some stories to tell. I get it tho - it was about young love more than anything
November 21, 2023
Wow, what an opening!
This book was a very powerful opening...I can't wait to read the other four books in the series. Thank you Mr Deacon! I've read other books you've written and have thoroughly enjoyed them. Please keep writing, and I'll keep reading them. Thank you...
😍
This book was a very powerful opening...I can't wait to read the other four books in the series. Thank you Mr Deacon! I've read other books you've written and have thoroughly enjoyed them. Please keep writing, and I'll keep reading them. Thank you...
😍
January 24, 2023
This is my first book by John Deacon, although it won't be my last. It's been a long time since I've read a western this good.
Heck leaves home in the Kentucky Appalachians after his father dies. His mother died when he was much younger. Shortly after his father passes, an old man comes and claims that his pa made arrangements with him to be an indentured servant. That ends when the old man tries to burn his pa's bible, which gets Heck going like nothing else.
I'll stop the recap there, and it only scratches at the story. Heck is a great character, strong of moral fiber and willing to work hard to improve his life. He falls in love with a girl along the way. The book is predictable if you want to think of it that way, but for me it was simply a good read. It's a short book with excellent editing and a fascinating knowledge of how life worked back in the mid-1800's.
I'm already reading book two as I write this. I do hope that Heck and family head to Oregon eventually, but for right now I'm a very happy reader. 5/5* Recommended.
Heck leaves home in the Kentucky Appalachians after his father dies. His mother died when he was much younger. Shortly after his father passes, an old man comes and claims that his pa made arrangements with him to be an indentured servant. That ends when the old man tries to burn his pa's bible, which gets Heck going like nothing else.
I'll stop the recap there, and it only scratches at the story. Heck is a great character, strong of moral fiber and willing to work hard to improve his life. He falls in love with a girl along the way. The book is predictable if you want to think of it that way, but for me it was simply a good read. It's a short book with excellent editing and a fascinating knowledge of how life worked back in the mid-1800's.
I'm already reading book two as I write this. I do hope that Heck and family head to Oregon eventually, but for right now I'm a very happy reader. 5/5* Recommended.
October 26, 2022
Good Story with a Wonderful Moral Compass
The author has a real knack for telling a tale. He keeps the story moving and doesn't overdo the details or unnecessarily repeat them. I appreciate that I can recommend this to anyone without fear of it being offensive. The author expresses emotion without being maudlin or crass or lewd. Finally, the protagonists are consistent and solid with just enough human trepidation about important emotions and concerns to be believable without beating you into frustration with it. Nicely done. Thanks for having a good proofreader.
The author has a real knack for telling a tale. He keeps the story moving and doesn't overdo the details or unnecessarily repeat them. I appreciate that I can recommend this to anyone without fear of it being offensive. The author expresses emotion without being maudlin or crass or lewd. Finally, the protagonists are consistent and solid with just enough human trepidation about important emotions and concerns to be believable without beating you into frustration with it. Nicely done. Thanks for having a good proofreader.
December 18, 2022
Excellent Story!
Deacon has written one of the best Western Frontier stories I've read since my last Louis L'Amour. The plot is easy to follow and the writing is free of the annoying grammatical blunders in so much of today's writing, especially that available in the Kindle Unlimited selections. Even though the story continues in another book, it is a complete story in it's own right and not in any way a cliffhanger. The only compulsion to continue is the expectation of more enjoyable reading.
Deacon has written one of the best Western Frontier stories I've read since my last Louis L'Amour. The plot is easy to follow and the writing is free of the annoying grammatical blunders in so much of today's writing, especially that available in the Kindle Unlimited selections. Even though the story continues in another book, it is a complete story in it's own right and not in any way a cliffhanger. The only compulsion to continue is the expectation of more enjoyable reading.
January 31, 2023
Heck and Hope great love story and western adventure!
A very tall young man (14) is left alone when his pa was killed. He was deceived by a man that spun lies that his father had given him to the man as an indentured servant for 7 years. After much labor and abuse Heck gaines his freedom. And the evil man eventually pays for his deception. Through many adventures of good and bad times, Heck proves himself as a strong and honorable man. I look forward to the next two books and probably will be begging for more in the continuing saga of Hope and Heck!
A very tall young man (14) is left alone when his pa was killed. He was deceived by a man that spun lies that his father had given him to the man as an indentured servant for 7 years. After much labor and abuse Heck gaines his freedom. And the evil man eventually pays for his deception. Through many adventures of good and bad times, Heck proves himself as a strong and honorable man. I look forward to the next two books and probably will be begging for more in the continuing saga of Hope and Heck!
May 28, 2023
I hadn't read a good Western in a really long time and typically have stayed with high profile authors such as Larry McMurtry.and Louis Lamour. Well now, I have added John Deacon to this small circle.
Deacon has created some special characters that are perfect in a really well written tale of the frontier and introduces vibrant, meaningful prose with relevance to us today.
I am definitely looking forward to enjoying the next book as Heck enters the next chapter of his life.
I definitely recommend this book and this author.
Deacon has created some special characters that are perfect in a really well written tale of the frontier and introduces vibrant, meaningful prose with relevance to us today.
I am definitely looking forward to enjoying the next book as Heck enters the next chapter of his life.
I definitely recommend this book and this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2023
Each Succeeding Book Gets Better
Another great story continuing the series. Waiting anxiously on Lobo 3! Love the Heck Martin series. Appreciate very much the weaving of the massive truth of faith woven into the books so naturally. The heroes are people of faith and grace. Appreciate these novels immensely.
Another great story continuing the series. Waiting anxiously on Lobo 3! Love the Heck Martin series. Appreciate very much the weaving of the massive truth of faith woven into the books so naturally. The heroes are people of faith and grace. Appreciate these novels immensely.
October 24, 2022
Heck’s Journey
Another masterpiece of Western adventure by John Deacon. Reading the Justice series and the next two of his works, I can truly say that I can’t wait for another adventure. I love reading books mostly mystery, adventure, and then some. But the way of the West has always been my first passion. So until the next trail ride to the west is out by Mr, Deacon, I will await patiently snuggled with my coffee and think about the next ride into the Sunset!!
Another masterpiece of Western adventure by John Deacon. Reading the Justice series and the next two of his works, I can truly say that I can’t wait for another adventure. I love reading books mostly mystery, adventure, and then some. But the way of the West has always been my first passion. So until the next trail ride to the west is out by Mr, Deacon, I will await patiently snuggled with my coffee and think about the next ride into the Sunset!!
November 18, 2022
Heck’s Journey was a wonderful reading journey for me!
John Deacon wove a wonderful story of love, loss, fortitude, faith, family, strength (both physically and emotionally) compassion and friendship. I was supposed to be doing some major housework and instead read from 5 this morning until now just do that I could finish it. I’ll definitely be looking for more books by Mr. Deacon.
John Deacon wove a wonderful story of love, loss, fortitude, faith, family, strength (both physically and emotionally) compassion and friendship. I was supposed to be doing some major housework and instead read from 5 this morning until now just do that I could finish it. I’ll definitely be looking for more books by Mr. Deacon.
December 11, 2022
Western Romance at its best.
Great Story of a young man named Heck. Heck lost his Mother at a very young age. His Father passed when Heck was a teen. Heck helped a boy and his Mom and sister that were stuck in a creek, in doing so he started a friendship with the Mullen family.
Heck always dreamed of going west, the book is about that Journey. What an adventure, and a Heck of a story.
Great Story of a young man named Heck. Heck lost his Mother at a very young age. His Father passed when Heck was a teen. Heck helped a boy and his Mom and sister that were stuck in a creek, in doing so he started a friendship with the Mullen family.
Heck always dreamed of going west, the book is about that Journey. What an adventure, and a Heck of a story.
March 8, 2023
Louis rides again
My childhood guide and companion rides again. This book was straight forward with good good guys and bad bad. The hero is who we all strive to be. The women are lovely and loyal and true. I would enjoy a bit more toughness in the females and a bit more vulnerability in the males but I would have said the same to Louis LaAmore. I read 99 of his books…and still own them.
I’d ride the river with you any day John Deacon.
My childhood guide and companion rides again. This book was straight forward with good good guys and bad bad. The hero is who we all strive to be. The women are lovely and loyal and true. I would enjoy a bit more toughness in the females and a bit more vulnerability in the males but I would have said the same to Louis LaAmore. I read 99 of his books…and still own them.
I’d ride the river with you any day John Deacon.
March 24, 2023
A heart felt good book
This book is top rated to me because it portrays a young boy pushed into manhood before time. Working hard to survive the hardships of the frontier laid before him. It is somewhat like The Mountain Man Series by William W. Johnson. Keeps a person on their toes wanting to see what awaits in each chapter unable to put the boom down. Sincerely J Gibbons Pekin,IL 61554
This book is top rated to me because it portrays a young boy pushed into manhood before time. Working hard to survive the hardships of the frontier laid before him. It is somewhat like The Mountain Man Series by William W. Johnson. Keeps a person on their toes wanting to see what awaits in each chapter unable to put the boom down. Sincerely J Gibbons Pekin,IL 61554
October 3, 2022
This book was a darn nice read. Yeah Heck was young but young people did every day things and amazing thing in the 1800's. Times were so different then from now and this book takes you back to those times. Will read more books by this author, shoot, will go get another one in a few minutes. Good, enjoyable read.
October 5, 2022
A Christian western
I did enjoy the Christian aspect. A time when men were men and women were women. No confusion or woke ideologies. God, family, and country.
🙏.
The story was fairly standard western fare. Good guys vs bad guys and the best good guy gets the girl. Nothing really new here.
I did enjoy the Christian aspect. A time when men were men and women were women. No confusion or woke ideologies. God, family, and country.
🙏.
The story was fairly standard western fare. Good guys vs bad guys and the best good guy gets the girl. Nothing really new here.
October 10, 2022
Precious
Yes, this is a precious read, even more in my favor than the Justice series by John Deacon, that I also much appreciated. It is a frontier Western, but its real essence is love, well portrayed and described in lives in which this was difficult and often little more than convenience. And survival.
Yes, this is a precious read, even more in my favor than the Justice series by John Deacon, that I also much appreciated. It is a frontier Western, but its real essence is love, well portrayed and described in lives in which this was difficult and often little more than convenience. And survival.
October 11, 2022
Heck of a good book.
I really enjoyed this book and the author showed the characters in good detail. I hate reading books when I don't know what the characters look like. Thi BB bs book keep me turning the pages waiting to see what come next. I recommend this book to the western fan.
I really enjoyed this book and the author showed the characters in good detail. I hate reading books when I don't know what the characters look like. Thi BB bs book keep me turning the pages waiting to see what come next. I recommend this book to the western fan.
October 24, 2022
Heck’s Journey was worth the wait
Heck Martin is a truly exciting character. A page turner from the very first page until the last. Can’t wait for the next book. There are so many more adventures to be had with Heck, Hope, Seeker, Tom and Mr and Mrs Mullens building their Outpost’s. Loved this book
Heck Martin is a truly exciting character. A page turner from the very first page until the last. Can’t wait for the next book. There are so many more adventures to be had with Heck, Hope, Seeker, Tom and Mr and Mrs Mullens building their Outpost’s. Loved this book
November 2, 2022
Good Family Story of settling the West
Very nicely done. Yes the hero may be a little’too’ awesome but the emotions are natural and real. The doing without, which we all do in order to start a family. God is also included. Such a normal thing in the life of struggle and disappointment but also rarely found in fictional life. Very nice work, Mr. Deacon!!
Very nicely done. Yes the hero may be a little’too’ awesome but the emotions are natural and real. The doing without, which we all do in order to start a family. God is also included. Such a normal thing in the life of struggle and disappointment but also rarely found in fictional life. Very nice work, Mr. Deacon!!
November 11, 2022
Great read!
I love that Heck didn't lose his Christian belief because of his circumstances. This is a truly well written book that seems so real you get caught up in the characters lives and its hard to put it down. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes good clean westerns .
I love that Heck didn't lose his Christian belief because of his circumstances. This is a truly well written book that seems so real you get caught up in the characters lives and its hard to put it down. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes good clean westerns .
January 12, 2023
great story. lots of action
Reading western stories is a passion of mine, I’ve read LaMour, Grey, Petit, to mention a few. Deacon might be the next LaMour…. His storyline is direct, his descriptions are right on, and finally he writes a story that would not bother me for my grand daughter to read… I look forward to the next installment in this storyline. Great Read!
Reading western stories is a passion of mine, I’ve read LaMour, Grey, Petit, to mention a few. Deacon might be the next LaMour…. His storyline is direct, his descriptions are right on, and finally he writes a story that would not bother me for my grand daughter to read… I look forward to the next installment in this storyline. Great Read!
August 13, 2023
Loved this Western adventure!
The story of Heck Martin’s journey to manhood in the Old West was thoroughly enjoyable. The author spoke truly that the good guys are good, the bad guys are bad and there is a touch of romance too. How refreshing! What fun to read! I can’t wait to read the next book about Heck and Hope Martin.
The story of Heck Martin’s journey to manhood in the Old West was thoroughly enjoyable. The author spoke truly that the good guys are good, the bad guys are bad and there is a touch of romance too. How refreshing! What fun to read! I can’t wait to read the next book about Heck and Hope Martin.
August 22, 2023
very very entertaining.
Couldn’t put this book down. In fact, I didn’t. I sat on my porch all day, and through the evening reading, and enjoying this wonderful book. Heck was quite the character. He was a big brute of a guy, handy with his guns, but gentle and caring in other ways.
Couldn’t put this book down. In fact, I didn’t. I sat on my porch all day, and through the evening reading, and enjoying this wonderful book. Heck was quite the character. He was a big brute of a guy, handy with his guns, but gentle and caring in other ways.
August 31, 2023
5 Stars
I started John Deacons new series "Lobo" but was disappointed to find book 2 hasn't been released yet. So I started his series Heck and Hope which is complete. I enjoyed book 1 and look forward to the next book. And hopefully when I finish this series Lobo will be finished too.
I started John Deacons new series "Lobo" but was disappointed to find book 2 hasn't been released yet. So I started his series Heck and Hope which is complete. I enjoyed book 1 and look forward to the next book. And hopefully when I finish this series Lobo will be finished too.
October 16, 2023
Great book
I loved Heck's Journey, a powerful story of a boy who grows up to be a man very quickly. He ventures in to the west with hardly nothing and quickly learns the he will face many exciting and dangerous events. Heck will also meet a charming woman he he takes a fancy to. A great book for adventure an excitement.
I loved Heck's Journey, a powerful story of a boy who grows up to be a man very quickly. He ventures in to the west with hardly nothing and quickly learns the he will face many exciting and dangerous events. Heck will also meet a charming woman he he takes a fancy to. A great book for adventure an excitement.
October 1, 2022
A great read!
The author draws you into the story with his loveable characters and great story line. Well written and enjoyable. My only question is where do they go from here? I want more of their story! Recommended!
The author draws you into the story with his loveable characters and great story line. Well written and enjoyable. My only question is where do they go from here? I want more of their story! Recommended!
October 3, 2022
Great story!
This book is about the early west. People moving by covered wagons and using cap and ball weapons. I have read all of John Deacon's books and have enjoyed everyone of them. You won't be disappointed.
This book is about the early west. People moving by covered wagons and using cap and ball weapons. I have read all of John Deacon's books and have enjoyed everyone of them. You won't be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews