What do you think?
Rate this book
Unbroken
From the bestselling author of
Old Dogs
and
Grit
comes the unforgettable new novel,
Unbroken!
"Yes, I will go to the West. It has been calling me since I was a boy."
Driven by an unrelenting wanderlust, Henry Ossian Flipper, the first Black cadet to graduate from West Point, sets out on a remarkable journey across the American West. From the heights of glory he achieves during the Apache Wars to the depths of despair brought by a court-martial, Flipper's life paints a vivid picture of both triumph and hardship.
As he crosses paths with his former classmate and best friend, Jordan "Jordy" Dixon, Flipper faces trials that test his courage, his integrity, and the bonds that define his life.
A tale of a true Western frontiersman, Ron Schwab's latest novel explores the pursuit of justice, the enduring power of connection, and the unyielding spirit of a man determined to leave his mark on history against all odds.
"Yes, I will go to the West. It has been calling me since I was a boy."
Driven by an unrelenting wanderlust, Henry Ossian Flipper, the first Black cadet to graduate from West Point, sets out on a remarkable journey across the American West. From the heights of glory he achieves during the Apache Wars to the depths of despair brought by a court-martial, Flipper's life paints a vivid picture of both triumph and hardship.
As he crosses paths with his former classmate and best friend, Jordan "Jordy" Dixon, Flipper faces trials that test his courage, his integrity, and the bonds that define his life.
A tale of a true Western frontiersman, Ron Schwab's latest novel explores the pursuit of justice, the enduring power of connection, and the unyielding spirit of a man determined to leave his mark on history against all odds.
Audible Audio
Published July 15, 2025
1150 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Ron Schwab
49 books194 followersRon Schwab is the author of the popular Western series, The Law Wranglers, The Coyote Saga, and The Lockes, as well as several standalone novels, including Grit, a winner of the Western Fictioneers Peacemaker Award for Best Western Novel, and Cut Nose, a finalist for the Western Writers of America Best Western Historical Novel. He is a member of the Western Writers of America, Western Fictioneers, and Mystery Writers of America.
Ron’s earlier published works included the suspense novels, Crocodile Fears and The Buddy System, both printed under a pseudonym, Michael J. Stewart. He is a member of the Western Writers of America, Western Fictioneers, and Mystery Writers of America.
Ron and his wife, Bev, divide their time between their home in Fairbury, Nebraska and their cabin in the Kansas Flint Hills.
Ron’s earlier published works included the suspense novels, Crocodile Fears and The Buddy System, both printed under a pseudonym, Michael J. Stewart. He is a member of the Western Writers of America, Western Fictioneers, and Mystery Writers of America.
Ron and his wife, Bev, divide their time between their home in Fairbury, Nebraska and their cabin in the Kansas Flint Hills.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 17, 2025
THE STORY OF A TRUE HERO IN A TIME THAT BEING OF DIFFERENT COLOR HELD A MAN OR WOMAN BACK
Unbroken by Ron Schwab is a fictional tell based on facts of a true hero who not only broke barriers when it came to color but also accomplished a life both in the service in the U.S. Army but was the second colored man to be accepted to the Westpoint Military Academy and the first one to graduate back in 1877, paving the way for others to follow.
Henry Ossian Flipper was born in 1856 and passed away at the age of 84 in 1940. During his life, he was greatly admired by those he served with, the civilians he met, and even the U.S. government. Sadly, Henry was run up on false charges (allegedly by a few of those that did not like his success and status he obtained - though he would never point fingers at those who ran him out of the service).
Henry was known not only for being well educated at a time that most weren't and even less of those who were colored and from the south. He was born into slavery and if it wasn't for the man and family which owned his family foreseeing the coming of the Civil War and the Emancipation at that time wanted his slaves to be able to not only survive and support themselves upon being set free but to exceed.
Henry was not only known for being the first colored man to graduate from Westpoint but was known for his leadership and heroism and cunningness during the Red River Indian War as a Buffalo Soldier, and his engineering skills. His design and construction on the "Flipper's Ditch" at Fort Still to remove the stagnant water from the fort to the Red River to ease the chance of the soldiers and the nearby civilians of getting malaria. The ditch he designed and constructed still functions today and was highly impressed by the U.S. government for what was greatly looked at a lossing project with no success of accomplishing the task.
Henry was known as being very honest with a very high standard of morals and loyalty. His love for the service and his country was never lessened by being falsely accused of embezzling funds and unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman. He continued his appeals all through his life and was only declared innocent of the charges by President Bill Clinton in 1999.
If you enjoy historical fiction highly based on facts of that clearly are documented, stories of heroes with the highest morals, and those who not only broke the barriers of injustice, this book is for you. It really opened my eyes to the lack of knowledge I have for this time period.
I really enjoyed this "insight into the thinking and character of this exceptional man and hope you too will take the time to read this book about a true Western hero of all times.
Quotes:
"If I had my way, I would do away with racial classifications. We're mostly a bunch of mongrels anyhow."
Unbroken by Ron Schwab is a fictional tell based on facts of a true hero who not only broke barriers when it came to color but also accomplished a life both in the service in the U.S. Army but was the second colored man to be accepted to the Westpoint Military Academy and the first one to graduate back in 1877, paving the way for others to follow.
Henry Ossian Flipper was born in 1856 and passed away at the age of 84 in 1940. During his life, he was greatly admired by those he served with, the civilians he met, and even the U.S. government. Sadly, Henry was run up on false charges (allegedly by a few of those that did not like his success and status he obtained - though he would never point fingers at those who ran him out of the service).
Henry was known not only for being well educated at a time that most weren't and even less of those who were colored and from the south. He was born into slavery and if it wasn't for the man and family which owned his family foreseeing the coming of the Civil War and the Emancipation at that time wanted his slaves to be able to not only survive and support themselves upon being set free but to exceed.
Henry was not only known for being the first colored man to graduate from Westpoint but was known for his leadership and heroism and cunningness during the Red River Indian War as a Buffalo Soldier, and his engineering skills. His design and construction on the "Flipper's Ditch" at Fort Still to remove the stagnant water from the fort to the Red River to ease the chance of the soldiers and the nearby civilians of getting malaria. The ditch he designed and constructed still functions today and was highly impressed by the U.S. government for what was greatly looked at a lossing project with no success of accomplishing the task.
Henry was known as being very honest with a very high standard of morals and loyalty. His love for the service and his country was never lessened by being falsely accused of embezzling funds and unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman. He continued his appeals all through his life and was only declared innocent of the charges by President Bill Clinton in 1999.
If you enjoy historical fiction highly based on facts of that clearly are documented, stories of heroes with the highest morals, and those who not only broke the barriers of injustice, this book is for you. It really opened my eyes to the lack of knowledge I have for this time period.
I really enjoyed this "insight into the thinking and character of this exceptional man and hope you too will take the time to read this book about a true Western hero of all times.
Quotes:
"If I had my way, I would do away with racial classifications. We're mostly a bunch of mongrels anyhow."
January 8, 2025
The title tells the recreated history of man who happened to be Black
An intriguing tale of the first Black man to graduate from West Point. He faced life as he found it, with excuses or remorse. It is bittersweet for he never complained about the injustices he encountered -he just soldiered ahead, making the best of what life offered.
An intriguing tale of the first Black man to graduate from West Point. He faced life as he found it, with excuses or remorse. It is bittersweet for he never complained about the injustices he encountered -he just soldiered ahead, making the best of what life offered.
January 14, 2025
This tear jerker will definitely keep any reader turning pages,to see what occurs next!
This outstanding series of ongoing adventures will pacify anyone's desired reading expectations, cover to cover!
Some if the most endearing storylines I have had the opportunity to read, and I have read over thirteen books,at this time! Too, the characters are so endearing, you will find yourselves riding along with these spectacular individuals! Just doesn't get any better than this sensational development of one exciting story after the other!
Most definitely recommend this compelling series of ongoing entertainment to all readers; Whether you like western stories, or not! Just be ready to put everything else,aside, once the entertainment begins!!!😃
This outstanding series of ongoing adventures will pacify anyone's desired reading expectations, cover to cover!
Some if the most endearing storylines I have had the opportunity to read, and I have read over thirteen books,at this time! Too, the characters are so endearing, you will find yourselves riding along with these spectacular individuals! Just doesn't get any better than this sensational development of one exciting story after the other!
Most definitely recommend this compelling series of ongoing entertainment to all readers; Whether you like western stories, or not! Just be ready to put everything else,aside, once the entertainment begins!!!😃
January 6, 2025
An interesting story
Although an interesting story, a lot of the dialogue seemed pretty juvenile. What I maven is that the conversations between people did not flow like a normal conversation does.
Although an interesting story, a lot of the dialogue seemed pretty juvenile. What I maven is that the conversations between people did not flow like a normal conversation does.
January 1, 2025
Thoroughly gripping tale....
The struggles and actions are a gripping tug of my heart strings. The courage and resilience displayed, will keep you reading, well done Ron.
The struggles and actions are a gripping tug of my heart strings. The courage and resilience displayed, will keep you reading, well done Ron.
January 17, 2025
Remarkable Reading
I read this book in one sitting could not put it down. I've read about Mr Flipper in other novels but never any insight on his life. Thank you Mr Schwab I really enjoyed this book.
I read this book in one sitting could not put it down. I've read about Mr Flipper in other novels but never any insight on his life. Thank you Mr Schwab I really enjoyed this book.
February 8, 2025
Not my favorite
I am a big fan of Ron Schwab‘s writing, but this novel is a little bit too much reality and historical fiction. And wow, I know the emphasis of this book was to show how no matter what this man faces all challenges and could not be broken. This is definitely a tribute to this man and how he overcomes all problems. And I am a bit of a romantic and like to see the guy get the girl and be exonerated while he’s still alive. Oh well! I look forward to Ron’s next book.
I am a big fan of Ron Schwab‘s writing, but this novel is a little bit too much reality and historical fiction. And wow, I know the emphasis of this book was to show how no matter what this man faces all challenges and could not be broken. This is definitely a tribute to this man and how he overcomes all problems. And I am a bit of a romantic and like to see the guy get the girl and be exonerated while he’s still alive. Oh well! I look forward to Ron’s next book.
March 4, 2025
Excellent Docudrama🌟
This book is a significant departure from the author's previous work (all of which I've read). While very much reading as smoothly as fiction, Mr Schwab did a magnificent job using non fictional material to bring the story of this remarkable man to a broader audience. Excellent!👏
This book is a significant departure from the author's previous work (all of which I've read). While very much reading as smoothly as fiction, Mr Schwab did a magnificent job using non fictional material to bring the story of this remarkable man to a broader audience. Excellent!👏
July 24, 2025
Henry and Troy
Enjoyed the story of two men developed a friendship despite the struggle racism existed in early before and after the freedom of slaves. Henry reminds me of Black people pride in early American when black work their but off to be recognized as person instead of property, very encouraging story.
Enjoyed the story of two men developed a friendship despite the struggle racism existed in early before and after the freedom of slaves. Henry reminds me of Black people pride in early American when black work their but off to be recognized as person instead of property, very encouraging story.
February 15, 2025
An interesting and different type of story for the Western genre
I was very impressed with the story not realizing it was centered around an actual person. A great testimony to a person who contributed to the USA, while enduring the social Inequities of the time.
I was very impressed with the story not realizing it was centered around an actual person. A great testimony to a person who contributed to the USA, while enduring the social Inequities of the time.
March 11, 2025
A Great Read; Please Read
Enough can not be said about the values expounded in this exciting story. Well written and easy to read and understand. When you peruse this book, you will certainly be glad that you did.
Enough can not be said about the values expounded in this exciting story. Well written and easy to read and understand. When you peruse this book, you will certainly be glad that you did.
March 18, 2025
Brave Author
I would like to thank this man and author. I am a man 86 years of age. I met a Marine in
The early 1950's and he was black, honest and my friend. This novel by a white man is a tribute to him. Thank you Mr. Ron Schwab.
I would like to thank this man and author. I am a man 86 years of age. I met a Marine in
The early 1950's and he was black, honest and my friend. This novel by a white man is a tribute to him. Thank you Mr. Ron Schwab.
March 29, 2025
As usual, Excellent
This story is so interesting and exciting that it's hard to believe it was based on a real person. Parts of the story are sad and heart breaking and others are heart warming. I believe it is one of Ron Schwabs best.
This story is so interesting and exciting that it's hard to believe it was based on a real person. Parts of the story are sad and heart breaking and others are heart warming. I believe it is one of Ron Schwabs best.
April 7, 2025
Great story
The story was wonderful. It told how the west was settled by the army and good working people. Henry was a great roll model. His strong belief of being right and doing g only good. I enjoyed the boom very much. Will read more of your writting. Thank you.
The story was wonderful. It told how the west was settled by the army and good working people. Henry was a great roll model. His strong belief of being right and doing g only good. I enjoyed the boom very much. Will read more of your writting. Thank you.
April 23, 2025
A good biography of Henry Flipper, the first black graduate of West Point. I was impressed by his exciting career while in the army and his adventures after the army. The events of his life kept me very into this book.
January 4, 2026
A true historical fiction book and a delight to read. I had never heard of the first African-Amercian graduate from West Point and of all that he did in service to our country, and I certainly never would have guessed it took place in the 1800's.
January 4, 2025
Very Good
Once again Mr Schwab, you have outdone yourself with an outstanding story that I could not put down. Thank you for all your great stories.
An avid fan
Once again Mr Schwab, you have outdone yourself with an outstanding story that I could not put down. Thank you for all your great stories.
An avid fan
January 10, 2025
Ron is one of my favorites. I definitely was not disappointed. The book flows like always and I stay up too late, sorta disappointed when his books end, but always look forward to the next one.
January 19, 2025
Interesting storyline but would have like it much better if Henry’s framer had been caught and prosecuted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2025
Excellent
A highly readable biography! A story of perseverance in the face of adversity. Henry Flipper is an example of what made America great.
A highly readable biography! A story of perseverance in the face of adversity. Henry Flipper is an example of what made America great.
March 3, 2025
A Great Novel
Once again Ron Schwab demonstrates that he is a great writer of the western genre, giving a unique historical perspective!
Once again Ron Schwab demonstrates that he is a great writer of the western genre, giving a unique historical perspective!
April 28, 2025
The story became confusing at the end.
Liked the beginning but was frustrated with the end. Fiction or truth? Felt it needed clarification of the final years.
Liked the beginning but was frustrated with the end. Fiction or truth? Felt it needed clarification of the final years.
May 7, 2025
kept me interested
I read it expecting better things but it never happened but I kept at it and finished it ,sorry I liked the story but didn’t enjoy it
I read it expecting better things but it never happened but I kept at it and finished it ,sorry I liked the story but didn’t enjoy it
November 10, 2025
Not What I Expected
I was looking for a fictional Western. This is an attempt at a Historical Western. I recommend a hard pass on this one.
I was looking for a fictional Western. This is an attempt at a Historical Western. I recommend a hard pass on this one.
Read
February 16, 2026Army for ever.
I like the way Henry's life was presented. While he was black and that's for ever so was his will to succeed. I think the complete story was a winner.
I like the way Henry's life was presented. While he was black and that's for ever so was his will to succeed. I think the complete story was a winner.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews