Picture a storyteller who swapped military boots and a cancer battle for a pen, weaving tales of time travel and adventure in the rugged American Southwest—meet P.C. Allen! A military veteran, retired businessman, and recovering cancer survivor, Allen burst onto the literary scene in 2018 with his debut novel, Robledo Mountain, captivating readers with his vivid historical fiction.
With a passion for history and a knack for storytelling, Allen’s Robledo Mountain series blends gritty authenticity with thrilling narratives, transporting readers to the wild New Mexico Territory of the 1850s. His unique perspective as a history buff and survivor shines through, making his work a must-read for fans of Westerns and alternative history.
The Making of P.C. Allen
P.C. Allen’s life is as compelling as his novels. A military veteran who served during the Gulf War, he faced life’s highs and lows, from building a business to battling prostate cancer and mourning the loss of his wife to pancreatic cancer. These experiences shaped his resilience and fueled his creative spark. After retiring, Allen turned to writing, drawing on his love for history and the American Southwest to craft stories that resonate with readers. His connection to the Mesilla Valley, which he calls his querencia (a place of heart), became the backdrop for his literary adventures.
P.C. Allen’s Unforgettable Stories
Allen’s Robledo Mountain series is the cornerstone of his work, starting with Robledo Mountain (2018), where Paul McAllister, an aging retiree, is thrust back to 1850s New Mexico. The novel blends time travel, Western action, and historical detail, as Paul battles Apache warriors, mines gold, and builds a new life. Readers praise its engaging pace and vivid characters, though some note repetitive phrases like Anna’s “huge megawatt smile.”
The series continues with Refuge (2019), Retreat (2019), and Railroad (2019), each expanding Paul and Anna McAllister’s quest to create a safe haven in the wild territory. Allen’s style is meticulous, weaving real historical events with fictional flair, though some critique his liberties, like modern weapons in the 1850s. His love for coffee and diet coke often sneaks into the narrative, charming readers who spot these quirks. The series’ blend of action, romance, and town-building appeals to fans of alternative history and Westerns alike.
Why P.C. Allen Matters
P.C. Allen’s impact lies in his ability to breathe life into the American Southwest’s past, making history accessible and thrilling. His stories resonate with readers who crave adventure and authenticity, particularly those drawn to the Mesilla Valley’s rugged beauty. As a cancer survivor and veteran, Allen’s journey inspires, proving it’s never too late to chase a dream. His growing fanbase eagerly awaits the next installment, a testament to his storytelling prowess.
- Key Works: Robledo Mountain, Refuge, Retreat, Railroad
- Fun Fact: Allen’s love for coffee is legendary, with characters sipping it endlessly!
Snag Robledo Mountain and dive into P.C. Allen’s thrilling blend of history and adventure!