Michael James O'Donnell

Walker of East and West Michael James O'Donnell

The first in author Michael O'Donnell's series of historical fiction novels, Walker of East and West follows the struggles and adventures of fictional character, Tom Behan, returning to America after being kidnapped as a boy to China. Behan then makes his through an accurately historical and geographical American West. Kidnapped in Boston and shipped off to China at the age of 14, Tom returns to America as a young man to track down and rejoin with his family in Michigan, who had no idea he was still alive. He arrives in Mackinaw with his wolf-dog, Spot and reunites with his family. Following the murder of his father, Tom decides it is in the best interests of his mother and siblings if he leaves. He then joins a wagon train to head to Oregon where he plans to forge a new life in the American West. The trail west is fraught with nature's fury -- the heat, rain, cold and difficult terrain -- as well as frequent encounters with hostile gangs and unfriendly Indians. Tom's curiosity, ability to learn and adapt, as well as years of experience in China give him a novel advantage in many conflicts and situations throughout this story. From his ability to master foreign languages to his martial arts training, Tom emerges as a steadfast hero to his family and friends. With instinct, patience and clarity, Tom Behan navigates the treachery of hostiles with stealth and intelligence. His struggles are an accurate reflection of those frequently encountered by people of that era in America. Walker of East and West portrays a fictional man in the late 1800's returning to America and learning how to survive and thrive in a mostly untamed American West.