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Rowdy: The Complete YA Teen Western Series
From award-winning author Chris Mullen comes an explosively exciting coming-of-age western series. Immerse yourself in this thrilling saga, filled with danger, redemption, and unbreakable bonds.
Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen sets the stage for a riveting journey. Follow thirteen-year-old Rowdy, who, after a tragic encounter with a merciless gang, finds himself adrift on the Mississippi River. Alone and determined, he embarks on a perilous quest, honing his skills and becoming the man his father envisioned.
In the bonus short story, The Hunt, ride with Rowdy into the mountains as he and Roberson embark on a long-awaited hunting expedition. Trekking deep in the rugged landscape, they soon find themselves stalked by an invisible terror lurking in the shadows. Faced with mounting dangers, they must make a harrowing choice in this riveting tale of suspense and survival.
In Redemption, a devastating fire sparks Rowdy's relentless pursuit of vengeance. Join him as he unravels the mystery behind the Circle 'R' arson, seeking retribution for his fallen comrades.
The heart-pounding adventure continues in Dead or Alive. Fleeing false accusations, Rowdy races against time to elude capture and clear his name. Battling through adversity, he discovers unexpected allies and reunites with a familiar face from his past. However, his path is fraught with peril as old enemies resurface and a relentless bounty hunter tracks his every move.
In Rescue, an enemy's ruthless act plunges Rowdy into a race against time. When his beloved friends Thomas and Anne Marie are kidnapped, he sets out on a dangerous pursuit through treacherous terrain.
Witness the internal struggle between justice and revenge in To Catch a Killer. Rowdy finds himself torn when he joins a pursuit to capture cattle rustlers. However, when vengeance strikes close to home, he must confront his conflicting emotions and decide the rightful course of action.
The thrilling finale, Return, brings together all the lessons Rowdy has learned on his arduous journey. Faced with a treacherous storm and a cunning gambler, Rowdy's pursuit takes an unexpected turn. Driven by love and family bonds, Rowdy risks everything to find and save his brother.
Join Rowdy as he navigates a world of peril and discovery, where survival, redemption, and love collide. Grab your copy today and immerse yourself in the gripping world of Rowdy!
Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen sets the stage for a riveting journey. Follow thirteen-year-old Rowdy, who, after a tragic encounter with a merciless gang, finds himself adrift on the Mississippi River. Alone and determined, he embarks on a perilous quest, honing his skills and becoming the man his father envisioned.
In the bonus short story, The Hunt, ride with Rowdy into the mountains as he and Roberson embark on a long-awaited hunting expedition. Trekking deep in the rugged landscape, they soon find themselves stalked by an invisible terror lurking in the shadows. Faced with mounting dangers, they must make a harrowing choice in this riveting tale of suspense and survival.
In Redemption, a devastating fire sparks Rowdy's relentless pursuit of vengeance. Join him as he unravels the mystery behind the Circle 'R' arson, seeking retribution for his fallen comrades.
The heart-pounding adventure continues in Dead or Alive. Fleeing false accusations, Rowdy races against time to elude capture and clear his name. Battling through adversity, he discovers unexpected allies and reunites with a familiar face from his past. However, his path is fraught with peril as old enemies resurface and a relentless bounty hunter tracks his every move.
In Rescue, an enemy's ruthless act plunges Rowdy into a race against time. When his beloved friends Thomas and Anne Marie are kidnapped, he sets out on a dangerous pursuit through treacherous terrain.
Witness the internal struggle between justice and revenge in To Catch a Killer. Rowdy finds himself torn when he joins a pursuit to capture cattle rustlers. However, when vengeance strikes close to home, he must confront his conflicting emotions and decide the rightful course of action.
The thrilling finale, Return, brings together all the lessons Rowdy has learned on his arduous journey. Faced with a treacherous storm and a cunning gambler, Rowdy's pursuit takes an unexpected turn. Driven by love and family bonds, Rowdy risks everything to find and save his brother.
Join Rowdy as he navigates a world of peril and discovery, where survival, redemption, and love collide. Grab your copy today and immerse yourself in the gripping world of Rowdy!
1601 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2023
21 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Chris Mullen
14 books23 followersChris Mullen is an award-winning author, educator, and graduate of Texas A&M University from Richmond, Texas. Before becoming a full-time writer, he spent 23 years as a Kindergarten and PreK teacher, captivating his students with Rowdy adventures.
In 2021, he signed with Wise Wolf Books, launching the ROWDY series, which now includes six novels and two short stories (The Hunt and The River). His short story The River was featured in Ridin’ with the Pack, an anthology released by Wolfpack Publishing on December 26, 2023.
Chris also writes the Cass Callahan contemporary Western mystery series for Wolfpack Publishing. The series debuted in 2024 with Dead Land, followed by Kill Order and Hunting El Despiadado. Also, his short story, Hard to Kill was published in Ridin’ with the Pack, Vol. 2 in December 2024. More Cass Callahan adventures are on the way in 2025, including the novels Darkness Rising and Texas Terror.
Awards & Recognitions
•ROWDY~Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen
2023 Independent Press Distinguished Favorite
2022 The Wild Bunch Film Festival - Best 1st-Time Western Manuscript Writer
2022 North Texas Book Fest Finalist - Young Adult
2021 Selah Award Finalist - Westerns
2020 Best Book Finalist - Westerns
2020 American Fiction Awards Winner - Westerns
•ROWDY~Redemption
2022 North Texas Book Fest Finalist - Young Adult
•ROWDY~Dead or Alive
2023 Will Rogers Medallion Bronze Medal
2023 Sunny Side Up Film Festival Winner - Best Action/Adventure Western
•ROWDY~Rescue
2024 Will Rogers Medallion Winner
2024 American Legacy Awards Finalist - Westerns
2023 American Fiction Awards Finalist - Westerns
•ROWDY~To Catch a Killer
2024 American Legacy Awards Finalist - Westerns
2023 American Fiction Awards Winner - Westerns
•ROWDY~Return
2024 Will Rogers Medallion Winner
Chris’s work continues to attract readers of all ages. Stay connected through his website, chrismullenwrites.com, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok (@chrismullenwrites), and X (Twitter) @cmullenwrites.
In 2021, he signed with Wise Wolf Books, launching the ROWDY series, which now includes six novels and two short stories (The Hunt and The River). His short story The River was featured in Ridin’ with the Pack, an anthology released by Wolfpack Publishing on December 26, 2023.
Chris also writes the Cass Callahan contemporary Western mystery series for Wolfpack Publishing. The series debuted in 2024 with Dead Land, followed by Kill Order and Hunting El Despiadado. Also, his short story, Hard to Kill was published in Ridin’ with the Pack, Vol. 2 in December 2024. More Cass Callahan adventures are on the way in 2025, including the novels Darkness Rising and Texas Terror.
Awards & Recognitions
•ROWDY~Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen
2023 Independent Press Distinguished Favorite
2022 The Wild Bunch Film Festival - Best 1st-Time Western Manuscript Writer
2022 North Texas Book Fest Finalist - Young Adult
2021 Selah Award Finalist - Westerns
2020 Best Book Finalist - Westerns
2020 American Fiction Awards Winner - Westerns
•ROWDY~Redemption
2022 North Texas Book Fest Finalist - Young Adult
•ROWDY~Dead or Alive
2023 Will Rogers Medallion Bronze Medal
2023 Sunny Side Up Film Festival Winner - Best Action/Adventure Western
•ROWDY~Rescue
2024 Will Rogers Medallion Winner
2024 American Legacy Awards Finalist - Westerns
2023 American Fiction Awards Finalist - Westerns
•ROWDY~To Catch a Killer
2024 American Legacy Awards Finalist - Westerns
2023 American Fiction Awards Winner - Westerns
•ROWDY~Return
2024 Will Rogers Medallion Winner
Chris’s work continues to attract readers of all ages. Stay connected through his website, chrismullenwrites.com, or follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, TikTok (@chrismullenwrites), and X (Twitter) @cmullenwrites.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 28, 2023
Rowdy the complete series by Chris Mullen
A collection of the Rowdy resources is great for classrooms allowing teachers to have a resource to read to the students as they use each issue of the series to read along.
Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen (Rowdy, #1)
by Chris Mullen
As described by the author the book shows how a man should judge the time to stand for himself or others. The book hints at how young students reading the book should look at events in their lives. Giving them guidance on how they can turn their cheek to aggressive behavior, or to stand up for themselves or especially others. The book is like an old western movie, with the lessons woven into the story making them more easily understood, with some humor to boot. One funny thing about the book was I was left with the question whether horses could eat beans.
Rowdy: Redemption (Rowdy, #2)
by Chris Mullen
A great young adult book, showing that facing your fears does not have to be something you do alone. Rowdy returned from a hunting trip with Roberson to find the devastation of the Circle R ranch. Leading to a cowboy investigation to what happened, getting help for the dog, and learning he has to face Patrick Byrne or spend his life running. The hardest part is that others paid for the vendetta between them. It's a dark story of the problems of the west, but also a lesson of how we need to depend on others, and understand that many people look for the best in others. Chris Mullen does a great job teaching young readers lessons about friendship, responsibility and facing your fears. Bringing back the west to young readers.
Dead or Alive (Rowdy, #3)
by Chris Mullen
Chris Mullen sure knows how to leave the reader hanging. Okay I will forgive the cliff hanger for this book, as its lessons of standing up for others is needed in our schools. After the fall out of his attempt to face his bully Rowdy learns the cost of leaving a battlefield. On his return from Dodge city and the events in the prior book he sees many of the cultural and historic oppression in the west. He looks into the treatment of Asian immigrants, black slaves, and the oppression of all other minorities in the west. The Railroad industry was very dangerous out west, not just the hard work, Indian attacks, but the general attitude of the railroad that people were not important, just the work. Rowdy finds that his heroic ideology can be manipulated, and his innocence may cost others. He builds his view of the world from the mistakes he makes. It's a great inspiration for young students. That each of us can make a mistake, but not only do we need to be responsible for ourselves but for those things that affect others.
Rowdy: Rescue
by Chris Mullen
After reading the prior three books I was waiting patiently for the authors next jaunt into the young adult western. Rowdy was written to give young adult readers options for solutions against antagonists and problems without first going for violence or physical action. Yes this is a western so yes we do get gun play, but that is the last option. Rowdy has become a hero in his small area, saving children, women and the town from bullies and outlaws. Mullen's last book left us with a very dire situation, the children Rowdy saved, and placed with a loving family have been kidnapped. Rowdy and Robertson, his neighbor, go across the rustic and dangerous landscape to save the children from this dire man and his money schemes. Rowdy tries again and again to avoid problems but the west is not an easy place to keep out of trouble. Mr. Mullen adds layers to the struggles of Rowdy and Robertson as they try to find the children. Each choice shows the remarkable nature of the duo and their high character.
I recommend this book for young readers, yes it has adventure especially a western in a new light. The book also shows the ability to form friendships, moral courage and underline social duty. This relates back to the philosophy that began with the Greek philosophers, leading into modern social anthropology.
Rowdy: To Catch A Killer
by Chris Mullen
The bullies of the west are renowned. Cattle wrestlers and gangs are prevalent in historical stories and especially westerns. The advent of the gang attempting to come into Lincoln, New Mexico. Their ill-advised attempt at cattle wrestling by the youngest members started a domino effect of problems. From over aggressive stocking, to murder the gang disrupts the town of Lincoln, which is recovering from its prior losses. The connections of Robertson, Mac, and Rowdy are put to the test. They find that they are stronger together and trust is their strength. Mullen shows that despite the problems he places his characters in shows that keeping cool, and trusting your true friends will help you through anything. This is a great resource for YA readers, and middle school teachers, showing that solutions are not always easier when you lose control of your emotions. It shows how respect is earned. That women are to be respected. Most of all standing up for your friends is important.
ROWDY : Return
By Chris Mullen
After abruptly losing his home, his father, and his brother, Rowdy had found a way to survive. He was tested, and learned to value those friends who became family. A chance encounter with two men from back home will change his story remarkably.
Chris Mullen, has brought back the Rifleman's nostalgia to a younger audience. The story of the rough and tumble west, the hero with the profound moral code is laid before a new audience. I hope he continues to add tales of daring, bravo, and fortitude to young adult readers for years to come.
A collection of the Rowdy resources is great for classrooms allowing teachers to have a resource to read to the students as they use each issue of the series to read along.
Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen (Rowdy, #1)
by Chris Mullen
As described by the author the book shows how a man should judge the time to stand for himself or others. The book hints at how young students reading the book should look at events in their lives. Giving them guidance on how they can turn their cheek to aggressive behavior, or to stand up for themselves or especially others. The book is like an old western movie, with the lessons woven into the story making them more easily understood, with some humor to boot. One funny thing about the book was I was left with the question whether horses could eat beans.
Rowdy: Redemption (Rowdy, #2)
by Chris Mullen
A great young adult book, showing that facing your fears does not have to be something you do alone. Rowdy returned from a hunting trip with Roberson to find the devastation of the Circle R ranch. Leading to a cowboy investigation to what happened, getting help for the dog, and learning he has to face Patrick Byrne or spend his life running. The hardest part is that others paid for the vendetta between them. It's a dark story of the problems of the west, but also a lesson of how we need to depend on others, and understand that many people look for the best in others. Chris Mullen does a great job teaching young readers lessons about friendship, responsibility and facing your fears. Bringing back the west to young readers.
Dead or Alive (Rowdy, #3)
by Chris Mullen
Chris Mullen sure knows how to leave the reader hanging. Okay I will forgive the cliff hanger for this book, as its lessons of standing up for others is needed in our schools. After the fall out of his attempt to face his bully Rowdy learns the cost of leaving a battlefield. On his return from Dodge city and the events in the prior book he sees many of the cultural and historic oppression in the west. He looks into the treatment of Asian immigrants, black slaves, and the oppression of all other minorities in the west. The Railroad industry was very dangerous out west, not just the hard work, Indian attacks, but the general attitude of the railroad that people were not important, just the work. Rowdy finds that his heroic ideology can be manipulated, and his innocence may cost others. He builds his view of the world from the mistakes he makes. It's a great inspiration for young students. That each of us can make a mistake, but not only do we need to be responsible for ourselves but for those things that affect others.
Rowdy: Rescue
by Chris Mullen
After reading the prior three books I was waiting patiently for the authors next jaunt into the young adult western. Rowdy was written to give young adult readers options for solutions against antagonists and problems without first going for violence or physical action. Yes this is a western so yes we do get gun play, but that is the last option. Rowdy has become a hero in his small area, saving children, women and the town from bullies and outlaws. Mullen's last book left us with a very dire situation, the children Rowdy saved, and placed with a loving family have been kidnapped. Rowdy and Robertson, his neighbor, go across the rustic and dangerous landscape to save the children from this dire man and his money schemes. Rowdy tries again and again to avoid problems but the west is not an easy place to keep out of trouble. Mr. Mullen adds layers to the struggles of Rowdy and Robertson as they try to find the children. Each choice shows the remarkable nature of the duo and their high character.
I recommend this book for young readers, yes it has adventure especially a western in a new light. The book also shows the ability to form friendships, moral courage and underline social duty. This relates back to the philosophy that began with the Greek philosophers, leading into modern social anthropology.
Rowdy: To Catch A Killer
by Chris Mullen
The bullies of the west are renowned. Cattle wrestlers and gangs are prevalent in historical stories and especially westerns. The advent of the gang attempting to come into Lincoln, New Mexico. Their ill-advised attempt at cattle wrestling by the youngest members started a domino effect of problems. From over aggressive stocking, to murder the gang disrupts the town of Lincoln, which is recovering from its prior losses. The connections of Robertson, Mac, and Rowdy are put to the test. They find that they are stronger together and trust is their strength. Mullen shows that despite the problems he places his characters in shows that keeping cool, and trusting your true friends will help you through anything. This is a great resource for YA readers, and middle school teachers, showing that solutions are not always easier when you lose control of your emotions. It shows how respect is earned. That women are to be respected. Most of all standing up for your friends is important.
ROWDY : Return
By Chris Mullen
After abruptly losing his home, his father, and his brother, Rowdy had found a way to survive. He was tested, and learned to value those friends who became family. A chance encounter with two men from back home will change his story remarkably.
Chris Mullen, has brought back the Rifleman's nostalgia to a younger audience. The story of the rough and tumble west, the hero with the profound moral code is laid before a new audience. I hope he continues to add tales of daring, bravo, and fortitude to young adult readers for years to come.
March 27, 2024
Hey there, Western readers, here's Chris Mullen's first series 'Rowdy' the complete six-book collection.
Immerse yourself in the gritty world of 'Rowdy,' a six-book series by Chris Mullen that takes you on a harrowing journey through the Wild West. This collection is not for the faint of heart, as it follows the young protagonist, Rowdy, through a life marred by tragedy and shaped by the relentless pursuit of justice. The saga begins with 'Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen,' where we meet thirteen-year-old Rowdy in the aftermath of a brutal attack that leaves his family dead and his home in ashes. Pulled from the waters of the Mississippi River, Rowdy's tale of survival and vengeance unfolds across the rugged landscapes of America. Each book in the series escalates the stakes, with Rowdy facing down bandits, river pirates, and his own inner demons. From 'Rowdy: Redemption' to 'Rowdy: Dead or Alive,' Mullen crafts a narrative that's as much about the spirit of survival as it is about the battles that define the era. Chris Mullen's 'Rowdy' series has been praised for its authentic portrayal of a young man's coming-of-age in a time where lawlessness reigned supreme. Readers have lauded the series for its vivid descriptions, fast-paced action, and the protagonist's complex character development. It's a testament to the enduring allure of Westerns and their ability to capture the imagination with tales of courage, honor, and the fight for what's right. For those with a Kindle Unlimited subscription, the entire series is available to borrow, making it an accessible adventure for all who dare to ride alongside Rowdy into the sunset. So, saddle up, Western readers, and prepare for a ride through danger, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds of loyalty that define the Rowdy series.
• ASIN: B0CHC2PP9B
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 10/24/2023
• File Size: 3261 KB
• Print Length: 1601 pages
• Genre: Teen & Young Adult Travel Fiction eBooks – Teen & Young Adult US 19h Century Historical Fiction eBooks - Teen & Young Adult Westerns Fiction eBooks
Immerse yourself in the gritty world of 'Rowdy,' a six-book series by Chris Mullen that takes you on a harrowing journey through the Wild West. This collection is not for the faint of heart, as it follows the young protagonist, Rowdy, through a life marred by tragedy and shaped by the relentless pursuit of justice. The saga begins with 'Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen,' where we meet thirteen-year-old Rowdy in the aftermath of a brutal attack that leaves his family dead and his home in ashes. Pulled from the waters of the Mississippi River, Rowdy's tale of survival and vengeance unfolds across the rugged landscapes of America. Each book in the series escalates the stakes, with Rowdy facing down bandits, river pirates, and his own inner demons. From 'Rowdy: Redemption' to 'Rowdy: Dead or Alive,' Mullen crafts a narrative that's as much about the spirit of survival as it is about the battles that define the era. Chris Mullen's 'Rowdy' series has been praised for its authentic portrayal of a young man's coming-of-age in a time where lawlessness reigned supreme. Readers have lauded the series for its vivid descriptions, fast-paced action, and the protagonist's complex character development. It's a testament to the enduring allure of Westerns and their ability to capture the imagination with tales of courage, honor, and the fight for what's right. For those with a Kindle Unlimited subscription, the entire series is available to borrow, making it an accessible adventure for all who dare to ride alongside Rowdy into the sunset. So, saddle up, Western readers, and prepare for a ride through danger, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds of loyalty that define the Rowdy series.
• ASIN: B0CHC2PP9B
• Publisher: Wolfpack Publishing
• Publication Date: 10/24/2023
• File Size: 3261 KB
• Print Length: 1601 pages
• Genre: Teen & Young Adult Travel Fiction eBooks – Teen & Young Adult US 19h Century Historical Fiction eBooks - Teen & Young Adult Westerns Fiction eBooks
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews