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In 1865, the American Civil War comes to an end, and the United States enters the Reconstruction era of postwar rebuilding and industrial development.
In 1868, Japan establishes a more modern, centralized government, and the feudal era, during which dozens of independent states had been at war with one another for hundreds of years, also comes to an end. The samurai class, without masters to serve or battles to fight, is abolished a few years later.
The transcontinental railroad is completed in 1869, connecting the United States from coast to coast. This starts a race between companies to extend miles of track across open land and introduces immigrants and their culture from Asia and the Pacific.
The big expansion of the American West welcomed everyone bold enough to make the journey and strong enough to survive. Many moved to the vast wide-open territory to chase fortunes in gold and silver, while others sought to own land for ranching, farming, and other natural resources. And others just wanted a new life.
It was a time of opportunity and lawlessness, with stories of famous cowboys and gunfighters. But some of those stories have remained untold … until now.
The Samurai Cowboys – Book One:
In the spring of 1870, Cade Wilson is one of three orphans of the American Civil War who meet a samurai warrior from Japan in the northern New Mexico Territory. This warrior trains these young men in the samurai way––in their weapons of war and the code they live by.
As honor-bound servants to their Benefactor, these samurai cowboys combine their deadly new skills with the way of the West (the gun) to ruthlessly increase and defend their master’s landholdings. And taking control of the territory before the expansion of the railroad was going according to plan … when Cade decides he wants out.
**Award Winning Debut Novel: Best Historical Fiction / Western [Silver – BookFest Fall 2023]**
The Samurai Cowboys – Book Two:
Cade Wilson is a troubled man with a price on his head––and he’s haunted by his past and the blood on his hands.
As Viper, he was one of three orphans trained to fight and be honor bound to their Benefactor by a samurai warrior from Japan.
Then Cade experienced love and a glimpse of the normal life he so desperately wants outside of eternal servitude as a samurai. When he turned his back on his Benefactor and tried to escape, it brought swift retribution as some allegiances cannot be undone.
To be free, Cade will need to face deadly bounty hunters and survive the journey to confront his former master.
**Best Historical Fiction / Western [Silver – BookFest Spring 2024]**
The Samurai Cowboys – Book Three
The cold, dark months of winter have passed, and Cade Wilson knows the fight for his freedom is not over.
Presumed dead after a devastating train explosion in Colorado, Cade has retreated into the shadows while secretly training a new student in the ancient Way of the Samurai. But an enemy from Cade’s past believes he is still alive and has threatened the family he loves.
Forced out of hiding, Cade must face his former master and choose between honoring the samurai code or loyalty to the greedy ambitions of his Benefactor, with his soul and the future of a town hanging in the balance.
Way of the Dragon: The Samurai Cowboys Saga
Scheduled Release: TBD
Nate Wagner is an independent author with an overactive imagination and an affinity for westerns, science fiction, thrillers and horror. And with other books in the works, he aspires to publish stories in these various genres.
Before Nate started writing fiction, he spent over twenty years in marketing and advertising, and he continues to provide consulting services to other writers and self-published authors.
Founder of Creative Refinery LLC, Nate is passionate about developing ideas, characters, and stories––and he resides in Arizona with his wife and son.
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