How to Read Powell's Army: The Recommended Order
If you want to ride along with Powell's Army, the best way to do so is by following the publication order. While each book is structured as a self-contained, action-packed mission, the group's internal dynamics and camaraderie develop naturally from the first page of the opening novel to the final pages of the series conclusion. Reading them in sequence ensures you do not miss the subtle evolution of the team's bonds.
Powell's Army Books in Publication and Chronological Order
The series consists of eight novels published between 1987 and 1989. Below is the complete order of the books:
- Unchained Lightning (1987)
Written by Barbara Puechner. This series opener introduces Lt. Col. Amos Powell and his recruited squad of specialized agents. The newly formed team is sent on their inaugural high-stakes mission to track down and dismantle a ruthless gang of raiders terrorizing the frontier.
- Apache Raiders (1987)
Written by Barbara Puechner. Set in the searing Arizona desert, this entry focuses heavily on Gerald Glidinghawk. The team investigates the mysterious disappearance of seventeen Apache maidens, uncovering a rogue army element run by Captain Honorius Crawford. The search leads them across the Mexican border into a dangerous clash with slave traders.
- Mustang Warriors (1987)
Written by Barbara Puechner. The third installment follows the team as they protect vital western interests, showing the growing trust and synergy between the three main field agents as they deal with wild herds and frontier land disputes.
- Robbers Roost (1988)
Written by James Reasoner. As the first book written by Reasoner under the house pseudonym, this novel sees Powell's team hunting down a highly organized band of payroll thieves. The plot features fast-paced detective work and Reasoner's signature historical grit.
- Rocky Mountain Showdown (1988)
Written by James Reasoner. The action moves to Colorado, where the team infiltrates the booming city of Denver. They are tasked with bringing down a corrupt syndicate of land speculators who are using violence and intimidation to steal valuable homesteads.
- Red River Desperadoes (1988)
Written by James Reasoner. This adventure sends the team to the volatile Texas-Oklahoma border along the Red River, where they must track down a notorious gang of outlaws who have been evading local sheriffs and U.S. Marshals alike.
- Missouri Woodhawks (1989)
Written by Neal Barrett Jr. This late-series installment, penned by the noted science fiction and western author Neal Barrett Jr., sees the team travel to Missouri to tackle a group of woodhawks and river criminals who are disrupting trade and expansion.
- Rio Renegades (1989)
Written by William F. Nolan. The eighth and final book in the series sends the trio deep into Mexico. They are tasked with finding missing government geologists and capturing a gang of bandits led by a mysterious figure known as the "Silver Man." Nolan, a massive fan of Frederick Schiller Faust (Max Brand), filled this book with inside references and tributes to classic western lore, offering a satisfying conclusion to the saga.
The Mystery Behind the Author: Who is Terence Duncan?
If you look at the covers of the Powell's Army paperbacks, you will see a single name credited: Terence Duncan. In reality, Terence Duncan never existed. It was a house pseudonym created by literary agent Barbara Puechner, who also wrote the first three books of the series. Under the house name, Kensington Publishing Corp. (specifically their Zebra Books imprint) hired several prolific authors to write individual novels as work-for-hire assignments.
Among the ghostwriters, the most famous contributor was James Reasoner, a legendary Texas author known for his historical sagas and westerns. Reasoner penned books #4, #5, and #6, and his entries were later recognized by collectors for their exceptional grit and historical accuracy. The final two books were handed off to other prominent writers: sci-fi and western veteran Neal Barrett Jr. wrote the seventh installment, while William F. Nolan (co-author of Logan's Run) finished the series with the eighth book.
Meet the Roster of Powell's Army
Unlike standard westerns that focus on a lone cowboy or lawman, Powell's Army operates as a team dynamic. The squad is coordinated by Lt. Col. Amos Powell, an Adjutant General for the U.S. Army Territorial Command operating out of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Knowing that official military channels are bound by red tape and political constraints, Powell recruits a private, undercover strike force to handle issues requiring immediate, off-the-books action. The team includes:
- Landrum Davis: A tough-as-nails former soldier and Texas Ranger who brings military tactics and raw combat experience to the team.
- Gerald Glidinghawk: A Dartmouth-educated Omaha Native American who provides intellect, tracking skills, and deep cultural knowledge. In Apache Raiders, his character is developed in detail, highlighting his struggle to balance his heritage with his eastern education.
- Celia Burnett: A fiery redheaded sharpshooter, horsewoman, and skilled faro card player who is just as comfortable in high-society parlors as she is in dusty shootouts.
What to Know Before You Start
First-time readers should know that Powell's Army belongs to the late-1980s wave of "men's adventure" paperbacks. These books are short, breezy, and high on action, making them perfect quick reads. Although the series has a chronological progression—starting with the assembly of the team in Unchained Lightning and ending with their final Mexican trek in Rio Renegades—each book stands perfectly fine on its own. You won't find major cliffhangers or massive multi-book story arcs, making the series highly accessible for casual western fans. Today, the paperbacks are highly sought-after collector's items, with James Reasoner's contributions holding a special place in the hearts of genre enthusiasts.