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The First Mountain Man #17
Preacher's Assault
The Greatest Western Writer Of The 21st Century
On A Trail Blazed With Blood
The Sante Fe Trail stretches from the Mississippi River to New Mexico Territory through the West's most savage lands. That's why a wealthy trader hires the mountain man called Preacher to keeps his trade goods safe--and hopefully deliver a flock of pilgrims to a Promised Land.
One Man Knows His Way
A young prostitute. The spoiled son of the wagon train owner--these are a few of the souls Preacher must protect. But then a rifle goes off at the wrong moment. A towering grizzly bear attacks. And both outlaws and Comanches ambush the wagon train. . .
Behind The Barrel Of A Gun
Now, the travelers are surrounded by predators of every shape and stripe. For Preacher, there is only one way to go--straight into the heart of danger, to blaze a killing trail of his own. . .
On A Trail Blazed With Blood
The Sante Fe Trail stretches from the Mississippi River to New Mexico Territory through the West's most savage lands. That's why a wealthy trader hires the mountain man called Preacher to keeps his trade goods safe--and hopefully deliver a flock of pilgrims to a Promised Land.
One Man Knows His Way
A young prostitute. The spoiled son of the wagon train owner--these are a few of the souls Preacher must protect. But then a rifle goes off at the wrong moment. A towering grizzly bear attacks. And both outlaws and Comanches ambush the wagon train. . .
Behind The Barrel Of A Gun
Now, the travelers are surrounded by predators of every shape and stripe. For Preacher, there is only one way to go--straight into the heart of danger, to blaze a killing trail of his own. . .
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
257 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
William W. Johnstone
1,034 books1,392 followersWilliam 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.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 26, 2015
Preacher is the man... nuff said.
January 20, 2017
Outstanding!
The good guys win again! This is a great tale of the life and times of "Preacher"! Wonderful ending for al!
The good guys win again! This is a great tale of the life and times of "Preacher"! Wonderful ending for al!
March 10, 2020
Of all the Johnstone Clan series, the Preacher series has been the most consistent in quality. This entry is a bit below others, but still a very good tale.
As usual the characters are the highlight. Though, the effort here is more lacking. Some carry over from a previous knowledge and much is left behind of who and what they are. Reading the earlier knowledge would help the reader better to connect to this tale. There are other characters that are pretty sketchy, too. However, it's preacher that carries it all and makes the reading much fun.
The story is familiar in the Preacher series of leading a wagon train. The problems are also familiar. The plotting is also much like others. Though the names and locations have changed, this story isn't that much unlike earlier Preacher & Johnstone Clan books.
Bottom line: i recommend this book: 6 out of ten points.
As usual the characters are the highlight. Though, the effort here is more lacking. Some carry over from a previous knowledge and much is left behind of who and what they are. Reading the earlier knowledge would help the reader better to connect to this tale. There are other characters that are pretty sketchy, too. However, it's preacher that carries it all and makes the reading much fun.
The story is familiar in the Preacher series of leading a wagon train. The problems are also familiar. The plotting is also much like others. Though the names and locations have changed, this story isn't that much unlike earlier Preacher & Johnstone Clan books.
Bottom line: i recommend this book: 6 out of ten points.
April 29, 2024
Preacher, Lorenzo, and Casey stop by Independence, Missouri on their way out west, and from there, this adventure starts with Preacher's almost being killed immediately. From there they decide to head west with the wagon train the man who helped save Preacher's life. There is a crazy killing Grizzley bear, who tries time and time again to kill Preacher and anyone that gets in his way. The wagon train will lose a lot of good people in this one with Indians and white trash doing their best to kill all. Can Preacher survive this along wit anyone connected to the train? Read the book to find out.
February 12, 2022
Great book
The Preacher series are great books. Johnstone's books are written so good they draw you in an you don't want to put it down. This one only took one day for me to finish it. Sometimes that is a bad thing. I guess when I get done with the series I will have to read them again.
The Preacher series are great books. Johnstone's books are written so good they draw you in an you don't want to put it down. This one only took one day for me to finish it. Sometimes that is a bad thing. I guess when I get done with the series I will have to read them again.
November 10, 2020
Another action-packed thriller by W. W. Johnstone. Preacher hooks up with a large wagon train moving to the west. He wrestles a huge grizzly on 2 occasions. He avenges a young girl of ill-repute. A lot of blood, Indians, and bad guys.
March 19, 2021
So, this was the best Preacher novel I've read, but it's still not my favorite series. The acting and sound are great as normal and the story was not your normal gunslinger one. It had an interesting tale of a bear that I feel is referenced in other Preacher Novels.
March 27, 2022
Exceptional Story
I am enjoying this series of books. The characters are well fleshed out and the line of progress of the story is totally believable and one that the reader can relate to. One cannot turn pages quickly enough to see what is going to happen next.
I am enjoying this series of books. The characters are well fleshed out and the line of progress of the story is totally believable and one that the reader can relate to. One cannot turn pages quickly enough to see what is going to happen next.
July 30, 2019
He done good!!
Not just Preacher, but also both of the Johnstones. This story has not only outlaws and wild Indians, but monsters too. Yes I said monsters. Enjoy!!
Not just Preacher, but also both of the Johnstones. This story has not only outlaws and wild Indians, but monsters too. Yes I said monsters. Enjoy!!
July 8, 2020
Another great book in the Preacher series.
December 22, 2015
If you're looking for a fast-paced Western set in the days before the Civil War and you don't care much about character development or clever writing, this is your book.
Preacher's Assault is apparently the 17th volume in William W. Johnstone's The First Mountain Man series, but I doubt you really miss much no matter where you start the series. This was my first exposure to Preacher, and to Johnstone. The book lists his nephew as a co-author; I believe he either finished his uncle's unfinished manuscripts or is continuing the series himself. Not sure. The writing is competent, but not very imaginative. For instance, Preacher's dog's name is Dog, and in every sentence where Dog is mentioned you can bank on the fact the next line will have the phrase "the big cur" somewhere in it. There were a few other phrases that became laughably tedious after a while.
The plot is pretty simple. Preacher and a couple of friends sign on to help a wagon train of freight get from Independence, Missouri, to Santa Fe, New Mexico, after the wagon train leader helps them out of a scrape. On the way they encounter bandits, Indians, and a bear that really wants to munch "bullwhackers" (another word that got very, very old). The pacing is good, with every chapter ending on a cliffhanger, but, really, you pretty much know what's going to happen next.
It's a fun read, but won't enrich your mind. If you have some time to fill waiting on your car to be repaired or whatever, give it a go.
Preacher's Assault is apparently the 17th volume in William W. Johnstone's The First Mountain Man series, but I doubt you really miss much no matter where you start the series. This was my first exposure to Preacher, and to Johnstone. The book lists his nephew as a co-author; I believe he either finished his uncle's unfinished manuscripts or is continuing the series himself. Not sure. The writing is competent, but not very imaginative. For instance, Preacher's dog's name is Dog, and in every sentence where Dog is mentioned you can bank on the fact the next line will have the phrase "the big cur" somewhere in it. There were a few other phrases that became laughably tedious after a while.
The plot is pretty simple. Preacher and a couple of friends sign on to help a wagon train of freight get from Independence, Missouri, to Santa Fe, New Mexico, after the wagon train leader helps them out of a scrape. On the way they encounter bandits, Indians, and a bear that really wants to munch "bullwhackers" (another word that got very, very old). The pacing is good, with every chapter ending on a cliffhanger, but, really, you pretty much know what's going to happen next.
It's a fun read, but won't enrich your mind. If you have some time to fill waiting on your car to be repaired or whatever, give it a go.
September 17, 2016
I GOT YOUR BACK
Hey Hey Preacher and friends are on their way back to Santa Fe, with friends who rescued. Their names are Lorenzo a freed slave and Casey whose an escapee from a house of Ill repute. During this trip to St. Louis he also was asked to guide a freight train to Santa Fe, you'll know Preacher doesn't like those types of jobs, he finds the responsibility a lot, especially the dangers that these pilgrims are going to meet. This is also a trip that Preacher faces his reality of death. Oh, he knew the type life he lived, DEATH was always there waiting. He fought a bear and received horrible wounds, attacked by Indians, bushwackers just escorting these freight wagons.
His life was always on edge..I will say while reading Preacher's adventures, he's a man, who accepts people regardless of the ethnicity, he's a respectful of Mother Earth, he only takes what he needs. He may not be college educated, but he has a lot of Mother Sense along with Common Sense. He's the kind of man you want protecting your back, a protector...PREACHER PREACHER
Hey Hey Preacher and friends are on their way back to Santa Fe, with friends who rescued. Their names are Lorenzo a freed slave and Casey whose an escapee from a house of Ill repute. During this trip to St. Louis he also was asked to guide a freight train to Santa Fe, you'll know Preacher doesn't like those types of jobs, he finds the responsibility a lot, especially the dangers that these pilgrims are going to meet. This is also a trip that Preacher faces his reality of death. Oh, he knew the type life he lived, DEATH was always there waiting. He fought a bear and received horrible wounds, attacked by Indians, bushwackers just escorting these freight wagons.
His life was always on edge..I will say while reading Preacher's adventures, he's a man, who accepts people regardless of the ethnicity, he's a respectful of Mother Earth, he only takes what he needs. He may not be college educated, but he has a lot of Mother Sense along with Common Sense. He's the kind of man you want protecting your back, a protector...PREACHER PREACHER
April 21, 2011
Tues. your choice
Preacher goes on a santa fe trip with some people he met. they get stuck in a huge storm. They cant leave for at least a day because they will just get stuck in the mud.
3/28/11 9 sent. summary
After the rainstorm 4 guys came ridding up. They said there were going trapping. Preacher didnt really trust them. The next day preacher took a ride to the creek. When he was sitting there he heard gunshots. He raced back. It was the same 4 guys with a bunch more recruits. After preacher started blazzing they raced off. Preacher killed 1 for sure and wounded a couple others. During the night a bear came and pretty much ripped one of the bullwackers heads off and killed him.
3/29/11 Question
What have you experienced that is similar to the action of your book?
I have rode a bare back on a horse. Preacher is leading a bunch of people to santa fe and i have led a few people in hunting. Like my sister and some little cousins.
Preacher goes on a santa fe trip with some people he met. they get stuck in a huge storm. They cant leave for at least a day because they will just get stuck in the mud.
3/28/11 9 sent. summary
After the rainstorm 4 guys came ridding up. They said there were going trapping. Preacher didnt really trust them. The next day preacher took a ride to the creek. When he was sitting there he heard gunshots. He raced back. It was the same 4 guys with a bunch more recruits. After preacher started blazzing they raced off. Preacher killed 1 for sure and wounded a couple others. During the night a bear came and pretty much ripped one of the bullwackers heads off and killed him.
3/29/11 Question
What have you experienced that is similar to the action of your book?
I have rode a bare back on a horse. Preacher is leading a bunch of people to santa fe and i have led a few people in hunting. Like my sister and some little cousins.
May 18, 2011
In Independence, Missouri, a brawl ensues inside the saloon where Lorenzo, Preacher, and Casey are. The whole town is after the trio, but Roland Bartlett leads them to safety. When Roland’s father, Leeman discovers Preacher is one of the three, he offers him a job to help lead his wagon train southwest to Santa Fe. Preacher and his friends take Leeman up on his employment offer and the wagon train sets off! At first the trail ride begins without a hitch, but their luck suddenly turns disastrous and seems to go from bad to worse all the way to Sante Fe. Casey has been captured by an evil outlaw, Garity, but Preacher, the love struck Roland, and what’s left of the wagon train are hot on their trail! Outlaw ambushes, Indian raids, and being tracked by a mysterious monster lurking in the dark; “Preacher’s Assault,” is a thrilling Johnstone novel!
March 31, 2015
I was first introduced to the Preacher series of books in William Johnstone's First Mountain Men books by a bookclub friend. He kindly sent me the first 3 books on audio cd. I grew to appreciate the character of Preacher and continued on to seek further books featuring this character. Preacher's Assault is fast easy reading. The writing is not complicated and the plot is not deep. However, the quality is good enough to make for a pleasant interlude to more complex reading. I will say that William Johnstone and my other favorite western writer, Louis L'Amour have a major difference in that Johnstone does not shy away from doing bad things to good people and bad people alike in nasty ways. L'Amour is much milder.
January 13, 2011
Preracher agrees to lead a wagon train of merchant goods from St. Louis down to Santa Fe. The train and he are being stalked by three separate enemies. A group of outlaws who want the goods and the woman traveling with Preacher, a group of Indians set off by the jealous young son of the merchant, and a rogue grizzly bear that seems to have a mad-on against Preacher. For such an animal to be on the plains away from the mountains was unusual and it kept following them.
Preacher is determined to get them through
Preacher is determined to get them through
May 11, 2011
5/10/11:
I have gotten to page 45 and it is good so far. Preacher has already ran into indians with the wagon train.
5/11/11:
Preacher has just got going again and is now having to stop because of a storm that is moving in on the wagon train. During the storm there just happens to be a huge cyclone which made everybody panic. But the cyclone lifted back up into the clouds just before it got to the waagon train and now Preacher is careing to the animals and people.
I have gotten to page 45 and it is good so far. Preacher has already ran into indians with the wagon train.
5/11/11:
Preacher has just got going again and is now having to stop because of a storm that is moving in on the wagon train. During the storm there just happens to be a huge cyclone which made everybody panic. But the cyclone lifted back up into the clouds just before it got to the waagon train and now Preacher is careing to the animals and people.
July 2, 2011
Great western read. I have not read much in the genre since I was a kid reading Louie Lamour books, and I must say this novel reminded me why I loved the genre so much. I plan on reading more from the author and what a great find at 50 cents at a garage sale!
September 15, 2015
Ok, I give up on the "William W. Johnstone" novels that were really written by his nephew J.A. To darn unrealistic again. That's it, no more. Thank you.
First half was ok though.
First half was ok though.
March 2, 2019
This was the first William j Johnstone book I read. Loved it. And I was hooked. Will eventually read all of his westerns.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews