The Traveler Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Order for The Traveler

To fully experience Jedidiah Isaiah Jenkins' growth from a young, soul-searching Born Again Christian into a seasoned wanderer, you should read the books in their official publication order. This sequence mirrors the chronological timeline of Jed's travels as he moves state-by-state through the late 19th-century American West. Because the narrative is episodic, each book serves as a geographic and moral stepping stone in his journey.

Here is the recommended reading list for the main series:

1. Angel Falls, Texas (Original release: 2014) – Jed’s journey begins in Texas, establishing his identity as a red-haired, left-handed gunslinger grappling with a violent world and his Christian faith.
2. Velvet Sky, Arizona (Original release: 2014) – Jed moves west to Arizona, where the arid landscape sets the stage for new moral dilemmas and clashes with frontier outlaws.
3. Angry Orchard, Colorado (Original release: 2014) – Jed finds himself in the high country of Colorado, facing thieves and testing his commitment to justice under the eye of God.
4. Clear Stone, Wyoming (Original release: 2014) – The trail takes Jed to the rugged plains and valleys of Wyoming, forcing him to act as a protector against lawlessness.
5. Itching Tree, Idaho (Original release: 2014) – Continuing north, Jed travels to Idaho, dealing with localized conflicts that test both his lightning-fast draw and his spiritual resolve.
6. Windy Butte, New Mexico (Original release: 2014) – Sweeping back down towards the Southwest, Jed navigates the desert territory of New Mexico, dealing with corrupt local figures.
7. Devil's Dance, Dakota Territory (Original release: 2015) – The journey moves to the northern frontier of the Dakota Territory, concluding this primary tour of the American West with some of Jed’s most intense spiritual and physical showdowns.

What to Know Before You Start

J.C. Hulsey's The Traveler stands out from traditional Western novels by centering its narrative on a unique protagonist: Jedidiah Isaiah Jenkins. Unlike the morally ambiguous or cynical gunfighters of classic Westerns, Jed is a devout Born Again Christian who believes his fast draw and combat skills are tools to be used as an instrument of divine justice. Readers should expect a distinct mix of fast-paced shootout action and introspective faith-based dialogue.

Key elements that define the series include:

• The Protagonist: Jedidiah is a young, left-handed, red-haired gunslinger who is roughly 18 to 20 years old during the events of the series.
• Moral and Spiritual Dilemmas: The core of the series is the friction between Jed's lethal efficiency with a revolver and his sincere desire to live a peaceful, Christian life. He regularly wrestles with the weight of taking human lives, even when those lives belong to murderers and outlaws.
• Loyal Companions: Jed does not ride completely alone; he travels with two dedicated companions who assist him in his battles against lawlessness and share in his journeys.
• Episodic Structure: Each novel takes place in a distinct state or territory, functioning as a semi-contained episodic adventure. This means you can read individual books as standalones, though reading them in sequence provides a better sense of Jed's ongoing spiritual journey.

Publication vs. Cataloging Discrepancies

When searching for The Traveler series online, readers often encounter confusing dates. J.C. Hulsey originally released the first six books in 2014, with the seventh following in early 2015. However, major digital catalogs, library networks, and online retailers frequently list a publication year of 2017 for the entire series. This discrepancy is due to a systematic re-release and digital cataloging update undertaken by the author and Outlaws Publishing in 2017. To keep your library collection aligned, rely on the volume numbers or the geographical progression (Texas to Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, New Mexico, and finally the Dakota Territory) rather than catalog publication years.

Spin-Offs, Tributes, and Related Works

J.C. Hulsey has been a major figure in indie Western publishing, serving as the Chairman of Outlaws Publishing. Because of his influence in the Western community, other authors have written tribute works. Most notably, author Paul L. Thompson wrote the historical Western series J.C. Hulsey: Texas Ranger. This series contains books such as Del Rio, I Will Defend What's Mine, and Black Widow. Readers should note that this series is a fictional tribute featuring a character named after Hulsey, and is entirely separate from J.C. Hulsey’s own The Traveler series. Additionally, Hulsey has written standalone novels like Dynamite (2017/2023) and other series like The Old Man, which are not directly connected to Jedidiah Jenkins' narrative arc.

Practical Reader Guidance

For the best reading experience, start directly with Angel Falls, Texas. This volume sets up Jed's backstory, explains his moral code, and introduces his companions. If you choose to jump around, the episodic nature of the books ensures you won't be completely lost, but you will miss the subtle progression of Jed's spiritual struggles. The series is particularly recommended for fans of traditional Western authors like Louis L'Amour who are also looking for faith-based themes and a deeper exploration of Christian morality on the American frontier. Many books are also available as audiobooks narrated by Chaz Allen, offering an immersive way to experience the dusty trails of the Old West.