Saddle up and step into the dusty, thrilling world of the Town Called Fury series, where the untamed Arizona Territory tests the grit of every pioneer! This Western saga, penned by the legendary William W. Johnstone and continued by J.A. Johnstone, follows Jason Fury, a reluctant hero leading settlers through a gauntlet of outlaws, Native American conflicts, and nature’s wrath. With heart-pounding action and vivid characters, it’s a love letter to the American frontier’s rugged spirit.
Whether you’re a longtime Western fan or new to the genre, Town Called Fury delivers a cinematic ride through a world where courage and survival go hand in hand. Let’s explore how this series came to be, its gripping stories, and why it still captivates readers today.
How Town Called Fury Began
William W. Johnstone, a titan of Western fiction with over 300 books to his name, crafted Town Called Fury to capture the raw essence of frontier life. Known for series like *The Last Mountain Man*, Johnstone poured his knack for historical accuracy and storytelling into this saga. After his passing in 2004, his nephew J.A. Johnstone carried the torch, having learned the craft as William’s assistant. The series, launched in 2006, reflects their shared passion for authentic, action-packed tales rooted in the American West.
The inspiration? A desire to honor the pioneers who braved the wilderness to build new lives. Set in the Arizona Territory, the series channels the era’s dangers and dreams, blending real history with fictional heroics. It’s a testament to Johnstone’s belief in keeping “historical facts accurate” and creating characters readers root for.
The Heart of Town Called Fury
The series kicks off with *A Town Called Fury*, where Jason Fury, a young man yearning for an easier life back East, is thrust into leadership after his father, Jedediah Fury, dies in a Comanche ambush. The settlers, stranded in Oklahoma, decide to plant roots in Arizona, naming their town Fury in Jedediah’s honor. Jason, now marshal, faces Apache raids, outlaws, and internal squabbles to protect his people—and a certain young lady who catches his eye.
The sequel, *Hard Country*, dives deeper into the town’s struggles. With only 112 residents, Fury battles barren lands, dust storms, and cutthroat bandits. Jason’s resolve is tested, but a fiery redhead, Megan McDonald, keeps him anchored. Later books like *Judgment Day* and *Redemption* ramp up the stakes with property disputes, kidnappings, and Mexican bandits, all while weaving themes of resilience, community, and justice.
The series’ style is pure Western: fast-paced, gritty, and packed with gunfights that echo classics like *Gunsmoke* or *Wagon Train*. Its Arizona setting, with its harsh deserts and looming mountains, becomes a character itself, challenging settlers at every turn. Themes of survival, loyalty, and the cost of progress resonate, making each book a vivid snapshot of frontier life.
Why Town Called Fury Resonates
Town Called Fury stands out in the Western genre for its blend of historical grit and relatable characters. Fans praise its “action-packed” storytelling and “well-written” plots, with some calling it “among the best Westerns” they’ve read. While not as famous as Johnstone’s *Mountain Man* series, its niche appeal lies in its focus on community-building amid chaos, offering a fresh angle on the genre’s lone-cowboy trope.
The series’ legacy endures through its loyal readership and its nod to the pioneer spirit that shaped America. It reminds us of the courage it took to carve out a home in the wild—and the stories that keep that era alive. Despite occasional criticism for geographical inaccuracies or formulaic plots, its heart and hustle keep readers hooked.
- Publication Years: 2006–2010
- Number of Books: 4 (*A Town Called Fury*, *Hard Country*, *Judgment Day*, *Redemption*)
- Authors: William W. Johnstone, J.A. Johnstone
Grab *A Town Called Fury* and gallop into the wild, wonderful world of the Arizona Territory! Whether you’re dodging bullets or cheering for Jason’s next move, this series promises a rootin’-tootin’ adventure you won’t forget.