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Four Time Felon: Finding Hope in the Ashes
What if your worst mistakes weren’t the end of your story—they were the beginning?
Before age 21, Rick Scadden knew poverty, abuse, addiction, fatherlessness, and the brutal reality of prison life. Convicted four times, he was trapped in cycles that almost destroyed him—missed chances, shattered relationships, and choices that should’ve ended in death, lifelong incarceration, or the street.
This isn’t a feel-good clean-up story. It’s raw, unfiltered truth from a man who hit absolute bottom and clawed his way back. Four Time Felon tells how Rick fought needle, cellblock walls, self-destruction, and every label society slapped on him—and turned it into fuel to rebuild his life.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, written off, or boxed in by your past, this gritty journey proves that survival isn’t the same as surrender, and that breaking out of your worst chapters can lead to strength others only dream of.
Real struggle. Real turnaround. Real results.
Before age 21, Rick Scadden knew poverty, abuse, addiction, fatherlessness, and the brutal reality of prison life. Convicted four times, he was trapped in cycles that almost destroyed him—missed chances, shattered relationships, and choices that should’ve ended in death, lifelong incarceration, or the street.
This isn’t a feel-good clean-up story. It’s raw, unfiltered truth from a man who hit absolute bottom and clawed his way back. Four Time Felon tells how Rick fought needle, cellblock walls, self-destruction, and every label society slapped on him—and turned it into fuel to rebuild his life.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, written off, or boxed in by your past, this gritty journey proves that survival isn’t the same as surrender, and that breaking out of your worst chapters can lead to strength others only dream of.
Real struggle. Real turnaround. Real results.
173 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 2, 2026
A must read and wonderful book of redemption!
I love the way he owns all his mistakes (it truly is the only way to be set free). God in return shows grace but in God's time. He loves God, his wife, children and friends out loud in a real way showing how much of a blessing each are.
The way he speaks and the way his wife reacts make me realize I was taught so wrong growing up but knowing we did right by breaking those generational curses and doing life different. They are a true inspiration and make me want to tuck into God, say yes, do better and be better.
Thank you for sharing your story and I pray it blesses and captures the heart of all who reads it in one way or another. That families are changed and healed by God and this testimony.
I love the way he owns all his mistakes (it truly is the only way to be set free). God in return shows grace but in God's time. He loves God, his wife, children and friends out loud in a real way showing how much of a blessing each are.
The way he speaks and the way his wife reacts make me realize I was taught so wrong growing up but knowing we did right by breaking those generational curses and doing life different. They are a true inspiration and make me want to tuck into God, say yes, do better and be better.
Thank you for sharing your story and I pray it blesses and captures the heart of all who reads it in one way or another. That families are changed and healed by God and this testimony.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2026
The writing in this was fine. It was a little confusing when he appeared to be telling the story chronologically but suddenly referenced his multiple siblings (only to actually introduce them later). I also didn't particularly care for the charismatic flavor, in particular the repeated prophecies spoken over him that later came true - of course with no mention of any that didn't come true.
But what really knocked this down to 3 stars for me was how he used generational trauma as an excuse for his own decisions. I'm not denying the impact it can have, but to use it as a way to justify your own choices and actions felt gross. He also talked about how his dad's bad choices were the real him, and the good choices weren't. But Rick gets an exception from that?
It wasn't all bad. It was encouraging to see how God can redeem a life that feels beyond redemption. That just because we can't see *how* God is going to redeem something doesn't mean He can't or won't. And it was mostly well written, so I did enjoy it overall and I'm glad I read it.
But what really knocked this down to 3 stars for me was how he used generational trauma as an excuse for his own decisions. I'm not denying the impact it can have, but to use it as a way to justify your own choices and actions felt gross. He also talked about how his dad's bad choices were the real him, and the good choices weren't. But Rick gets an exception from that?
It wasn't all bad. It was encouraging to see how God can redeem a life that feels beyond redemption. That just because we can't see *how* God is going to redeem something doesn't mean He can't or won't. And it was mostly well written, so I did enjoy it overall and I'm glad I read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2026
Absolutely awesome story of redemption
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews