What do you think?
Rate this book
Cowan Family Saga #2
Wagon Mound: Do or Die
After Fort Dodge, wagon master Bruce Cowan had hoped the journey on to Wagon Mound would get easier. That lasted but a few days.
It horrified the settlers when they came across the burning remains of a smaller wagon train. Not one survivor. Bandits attacked this time, not Indians.
Every day brings a fresh crisis. Trent and Pat, the McLeod brothers, with their gun fighting skills, provide Bruce and the wagon train protection and much needed guidance. Sometime even that isn’t enough when they face mother nature at her most destructive.
The savage Comanches are on the warpath. The Arapahos are also on a killing spree since the massacre of Sand Creek. Trent and Pat do their best to avoid these threats if possible. When attacked, many times by surprise, there are deadly consequences.
Throughout it all, Trent tries his best to get closer to Becky Cowan. Just when he thinks things are going well, something else comes up to drive a wedge between them again. He persists.
The settlers must remain on guard at all times as obstacles confront them daily. Will the Cowans reach Wagon Mound or perish in the desert as others have before them? Should they continue their perilous journey west or leave the trail and set up their homestead?
It horrified the settlers when they came across the burning remains of a smaller wagon train. Not one survivor. Bandits attacked this time, not Indians.
Every day brings a fresh crisis. Trent and Pat, the McLeod brothers, with their gun fighting skills, provide Bruce and the wagon train protection and much needed guidance. Sometime even that isn’t enough when they face mother nature at her most destructive.
The savage Comanches are on the warpath. The Arapahos are also on a killing spree since the massacre of Sand Creek. Trent and Pat do their best to avoid these threats if possible. When attacked, many times by surprise, there are deadly consequences.
Throughout it all, Trent tries his best to get closer to Becky Cowan. Just when he thinks things are going well, something else comes up to drive a wedge between them again. He persists.
The settlers must remain on guard at all times as obstacles confront them daily. Will the Cowans reach Wagon Mound or perish in the desert as others have before them? Should they continue their perilous journey west or leave the trail and set up their homestead?
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2020
850 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Russell J. Atwater
57 books12 followersRussell J. Atwater grew up in the mid-west enjoying a steady diet of Gunsmoke, Bonanza and The Rifleman. A lover of western genre fiction, his passion is to write stories that celebrate life in the old west with the old-fashioned values of honesty, loyalty and righteousness.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 30, 2020
Great follow up book
Book 2 of the Cowan Family Saga continues where book one leaves off. The Cowan Family continues down the Santa Fe Trail. This book is very fast paced and has Indian fights, bandits, crooked wagon train bosses and lots of deaths. The coming of age story continues with Wes. Becky and Trent continue to get to know each other. The Cowan decide they have had enough of the wagon trail and have decided to homestead in Texas.
Book 2 of the Cowan Family Saga continues where book one leaves off. The Cowan Family continues down the Santa Fe Trail. This book is very fast paced and has Indian fights, bandits, crooked wagon train bosses and lots of deaths. The coming of age story continues with Wes. Becky and Trent continue to get to know each other. The Cowan decide they have had enough of the wagon trail and have decided to homestead in Texas.
August 3, 2020
Do or Die
I read this Book as it was already downloaded on my Kindle. As I grew up along the Canadian River area and am familiar with the Area in the book, I felt the story was just a fantasy.
I read this Book as it was already downloaded on my Kindle. As I grew up along the Canadian River area and am familiar with the Area in the book, I felt the story was just a fantasy.
February 17, 2021
The Wagon Train continues with Bruce Cowan and his family, Bruce is the Wagon Master, Trent and Pat are riding and watching for indians and bandits. Wes is grown and is helping Trent and Pat when neccessary.
The Arapaho Indians helped the wagon train cross the river. An Arapaho Indian boy, 'Not Without Pony' can speak a little english, is travelling with the train. Pat and Wes renamed him Pony Boy, they are teaching him English and to quick draw his pistol. Trent had a run-in with a cattle driver. Bruce wants to find land to homestead in Wagon Mound instead of going to California. Bruce Cowan has traveled far enough, he is ready to build a home and settle down.
This is a fast paced and easy to read series. The characters are believable filled with action and adventures. It's written like the old western movies. I enjoyed this book and looking forward to the next in the series. If you want a good clean, action packed, western story this is it. There is plenty of gun fights, wagon trains, and several different Indian tribes, See what happen on a Wagon Train to California.
The Arapaho Indians helped the wagon train cross the river. An Arapaho Indian boy, 'Not Without Pony' can speak a little english, is travelling with the train. Pat and Wes renamed him Pony Boy, they are teaching him English and to quick draw his pistol. Trent had a run-in with a cattle driver. Bruce wants to find land to homestead in Wagon Mound instead of going to California. Bruce Cowan has traveled far enough, he is ready to build a home and settle down.
This is a fast paced and easy to read series. The characters are believable filled with action and adventures. It's written like the old western movies. I enjoyed this book and looking forward to the next in the series. If you want a good clean, action packed, western story this is it. There is plenty of gun fights, wagon trains, and several different Indian tribes, See what happen on a Wagon Train to California.
May 6, 2024
The wild, wild west.
After months and months of Native Americans, bandits, and the elements, the Cowen Family + 1 Saga has come to an end. Bruce Cowen has his sheep instead of cattle but its wide open country there in Texas. Wife Lois, daughter Becky and son, Wes all made it over the Santa Fe Trail. Trent is planning on homesteading close to Bruce because he is fixin to marry Becky. Pat and Wes are staying long enough to build the cabins and barns and anything else to put up. Pony Boy is going to stay and help with the sheep. Lobo, the wonder dog, will be staging as well as the new pup that will make another sheep dog, after Lobo teaches her everything she will need to know. Homesteads with cabins. Marriage and babies. Pups a plenty. I would recommend these two books for American history, following the ups and downs of the wagon trains and a pleasant and easy reading book.
After months and months of Native Americans, bandits, and the elements, the Cowen Family + 1 Saga has come to an end. Bruce Cowen has his sheep instead of cattle but its wide open country there in Texas. Wife Lois, daughter Becky and son, Wes all made it over the Santa Fe Trail. Trent is planning on homesteading close to Bruce because he is fixin to marry Becky. Pat and Wes are staying long enough to build the cabins and barns and anything else to put up. Pony Boy is going to stay and help with the sheep. Lobo, the wonder dog, will be staging as well as the new pup that will make another sheep dog, after Lobo teaches her everything she will need to know. Homesteads with cabins. Marriage and babies. Pups a plenty. I would recommend these two books for American history, following the ups and downs of the wagon trains and a pleasant and easy reading book.
June 7, 2020
I am a big fan of westerns! I love the old John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart movies, as well as the old tv shows (Wagon Train, Have Gun Will Travel, etc). Unfortunately, Hollywood quit making these kinds of shows years ago. However, western themed books are still being written! Wagon Mound is a worthly descendant of the 1950's westerns I loved. The characters are quite believable, with the experienced westerner teaching the naive and foolish easterners survival skills before they perished. I hope that Mr. Atwater extends these characters for 8 or 10 books.
September 21, 2020
The Cowan Family Saga Continues
There is excitement as the story continues. The Cowan Family decides where they want to homestead. Their choices are California or Texas. Read on to learn of their decision.
Indian brothers,Trent and Pat decide they want to stay with the Cowan Family and help them with the establishment of a herd (cattle or sheep) and then claim a homestead of their own nearby.
It looks like part three of this Saga is going to be really interesting.
There is excitement as the story continues. The Cowan Family decides where they want to homestead. Their choices are California or Texas. Read on to learn of their decision.
Indian brothers,Trent and Pat decide they want to stay with the Cowan Family and help them with the establishment of a herd (cattle or sheep) and then claim a homestead of their own nearby.
It looks like part three of this Saga is going to be really interesting.
December 26, 2020
This was the 3rd book in the Cowan Family Saga, and again revealed the danger of wagon trains heading west to California on the Santa Fe Trail, or to The Oregon Trail.
It was a good read, and having lived and traveled in Texas all of my life until now, the books brings to mind the many native tribes of Indians.
It was a good read, and having lived and traveled in Texas all of my life until now, the books brings to mind the many native tribes of Indians.
February 17, 2021
I enjoyed this book. It once again gave a sense of how dangerous it was for the people moving West.
I was also reminded, once again how we as a nation have abused the Native American tribes by moving into land that was theirs with little awareness of just how disruptive the movement West was for the Native People.
I was also reminded, once again how we as a nation have abused the Native American tribes by moving into land that was theirs with little awareness of just how disruptive the movement West was for the Native People.
November 11, 2023
Wagon Mound: Do or Die (The Cowan Family Saga - Book 2)
This book, will keep you turning those pages! Definitely a must read, for excitement galore throughout this book, lots of drama, exciting moments and characters who will keep you glued to your favorite chair! So don't miss this book and series for more exciting details! 🌬📚🤠🐝🎶
This book, will keep you turning those pages! Definitely a must read, for excitement galore throughout this book, lots of drama, exciting moments and characters who will keep you glued to your favorite chair! So don't miss this book and series for more exciting details! 🌬📚🤠🐝🎶
June 16, 2020
The Cowan Family Saga
Wagon Mound : Do or Die is book two of the series by Russell J. Atwater. This is the continued story of the trail to find a place to homestead. They have run ins with outlaws and Indians as well as the trials of the trail. A great story.
Wagon Mound : Do or Die is book two of the series by Russell J. Atwater. This is the continued story of the trail to find a place to homestead. They have run ins with outlaws and Indians as well as the trials of the trail. A great story.
June 28, 2020
Better Than the First
I don't know if it was because this was the second book in the series or not, but I enjoyed this book more than the first. I'm hoping this was not the last book in the series. I enjoyed this one too much to have it be the last.
I don't know if it was because this was the second book in the series or not, but I enjoyed this book more than the first. I'm hoping this was not the last book in the series. I enjoyed this one too much to have it be the last.
July 6, 2020
I loved the characters and story line. Some of the relationships moved a little fast for me, as in the father relinquishing control of his son, but given the time period I can see it. I’d definitely read more from this author and hope the family saga is continued.
July 10, 2020
Hope there is another book in this series!
Great quick read with drama and romance. Would love for the story to continue in another book. I feel like I know the characters personally.
Great quick read with drama and romance. Would love for the story to continue in another book. I feel like I know the characters personally.
July 15, 2020
Very interesting
Written well, good characters a d story. I really like the brothers, pony boy, and wes. I look forward to the next book. Recommended for anyone who likes western series.
Written well, good characters a d story. I really like the brothers, pony boy, and wes. I look forward to the next book. Recommended for anyone who likes western series.
July 24, 2020
All well that ends well
All well that ends well as the story continues with the characters many adventures. Trent does his best to impress Becky but trouble keeps getting in the way.
All well that ends well as the story continues with the characters many adventures. Trent does his best to impress Becky but trouble keeps getting in the way.
Read
August 7, 2020Cowans find a home
The Cowan family, accompanied by brothers Trent and Pat travel the Santa Fe trail, and find a place to homestead after many dangerous encounters with bandits and Indians. Fun read, but repeated use of some inane idioms spoiled it a little bit for me
The Cowan family, accompanied by brothers Trent and Pat travel the Santa Fe trail, and find a place to homestead after many dangerous encounters with bandits and Indians. Fun read, but repeated use of some inane idioms spoiled it a little bit for me
September 5, 2020
A wagon train that has it share of problems. From river crossings to bandits. Indians who want revenge to scouts that are part Indian to a full blood and the problems with acceptance of them as guides.
September 8, 2020
Very good story, well written, very hard to put down
Very good story, never dull. Very well written. Keeps you wanting more. Very enjoyable story to read. Highly recommend to everyone.
Very good story, never dull. Very well written. Keeps you wanting more. Very enjoyable story to read. Highly recommend to everyone.
September 20, 2020
Wild west
Great book. Lots of action , lots of excitement, and lots of learning about Indians back then . Good job , you do write a good book. Lots of them. Thanks for sharing your talent with us all.
Respectively
Joyce Lichtwald
Great book. Lots of action , lots of excitement, and lots of learning about Indians back then . Good job , you do write a good book. Lots of them. Thanks for sharing your talent with us all.
Respectively
Joyce Lichtwald
September 28, 2020
A great deal of adventure and fast action
The author has written a very intriguing story of adventure encountered as the settlers and the wagon train moves West. Very enjoyable and entertaining reading.
The author has written a very intriguing story of adventure encountered as the settlers and the wagon train moves West. Very enjoyable and entertaining reading.
October 15, 2020
hard life moving west
Travel on a Wagon train for month after month. Fighting off angry Indians or bandits. Each day was a trial of attacks, illness or injury, many times death. It takes very strong and determined people to continue on.
Travel on a Wagon train for month after month. Fighting off angry Indians or bandits. Each day was a trial of attacks, illness or injury, many times death. It takes very strong and determined people to continue on.
January 4, 2021
I read the first book in this series but barely started this one before I quit. (To be filed under Could Not Finish.)
Why? The conversations. No foul language but written in such a way that just doesn't feel right. The first book was the same. Not an enjoyable read for me personally.
Why? The conversations. No foul language but written in such a way that just doesn't feel right. The first book was the same. Not an enjoyable read for me personally.
February 10, 2021
Life on the trail.
Still could use some editing for grammar, commas, etc. Story line allows the reader a glimpse of time on the trail. My favorite is Trent and his dog Lobo. Overall a good read!
Still could use some editing for grammar, commas, etc. Story line allows the reader a glimpse of time on the trail. My favorite is Trent and his dog Lobo. Overall a good read!
May 3, 2021
Wagon Mound interesting read
I enjoyed reading this story there’s a lot of action in it , a good amount of violence, but somehow he keeps the story on the light side , relaxing to read
I enjoyed reading this story there’s a lot of action in it , a good amount of violence, but somehow he keeps the story on the light side , relaxing to read
February 16, 2023
Texas
The family is learning every day something new. Trent can't Convince Bruce from buying sheep. So now I'm looking at what kind of trouble will this bring. Also side about for only being 15 he sure is wanting to grow up too fast. It should be very interesting.
The family is learning every day something new. Trent can't Convince Bruce from buying sheep. So now I'm looking at what kind of trouble will this bring. Also side about for only being 15 he sure is wanting to grow up too fast. It should be very interesting.
May 17, 2024
Bruce’s family, Pat and Trent along with Pony Boy
This second in this series is filled with excitement and adventure.plenty of mix-ups with Indian groups, a dust up with a cattle drive and a fight to the death with an Indian chief. You will enjoy this tale.
This second in this series is filled with excitement and adventure.plenty of mix-ups with Indian groups, a dust up with a cattle drive and a fight to the death with an Indian chief. You will enjoy this tale.
October 1, 2024
Westward ho!
I'm hooked on Russel At water's Cowan Family Saga. Its packed with action and memorable character. The author did a great !ob recreating the hardships families faced along the Santa Feed Trail. I'm off to Book 2 next.
I'm hooked on Russel At water's Cowan Family Saga. Its packed with action and memorable character. The author did a great !ob recreating the hardships families faced along the Santa Feed Trail. I'm off to Book 2 next.
June 4, 2020
Do or Die
Great second book in the Clean Family Saga. Follow Trent, Pat, Bruce, Wes, Lois and Becky as their dangerous journey continues.
Great second book in the Clean Family Saga. Follow Trent, Pat, Bruce, Wes, Lois and Becky as their dangerous journey continues.
June 11, 2020
Great story.
I truly enjoyed this story. Very interesting. I love wagon train stories. Can't wait for the next one. Thank you
I truly enjoyed this story. Very interesting. I love wagon train stories. Can't wait for the next one. Thank you
June 17, 2020
Very action filled
Very action filled hopefully there will be another book in this saga. I read the first book also of this series
Very action filled hopefully there will be another book in this saga. I read the first book also of this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews