Heck's Journey

Heck & Hope, Book 1

By: John Deacon

Narrated by: Jim Meskimen

An epic tale of strength, compassion, and adventure on the western frontier.

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.

©2023 John Deacon (P)2023 Podium Audio

Critic reviews

“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)

Enjoyable story and reading

Heck’s Journey is a great story from John Deacon and the reading by Jim Meskimen is excellent.

Great great narration!

The character development, the action, and great family values are what I loved about this story. The narration is some of the best I’ve ever heard in an audio book!

Great Western

One of the best journeys i’ve listened to in a while. Looking forward to book 2

Too little action

Long on Romance and short on action. Not your typical western. The romance story was predictable. I read the whole thing, thinking it might slip in a little action or a surprise twist. It did not.

This is now one of my favorite westerns!

This is now one of my favorite westerns! I love the good clean Adventure. though it may have it's ups and downs and terrible trials that are sometimes hard to listen to, such as life and I really appreciate the clear straightforward expression of faith. thank you John Deacon and Jim Meskimen for the Great Adventure. I can't wait to get into the next one.