This award winning saga is set primarily in the American Southwest Territories where Americans settlers are coming after the Mexican-American War. The territories are undergoing unique and savage change as they shed 300 years of Spanish rule and move toward American statehood. The saga is told through the life of a young peasant, a fugitive on the run from Mexico riding a stolen Appaloosa stallion. He enters Texas in 1866 to find life on this side of the border holds new dangers along with the promise of a new life. As the saga continues, the author brings his unique Hispanic perspective and his stories transport the reader to a time and place where history and fiction collide.After Rafael Ortega de Estrada, the Young Pistolero, fought with Diego de la Torre over the right to court and marry the beautiful Ana Teresa de Soto, Diego's friends and the local Spanish aristocracy in Santa Fe are full of hate over Diego's death. They want revenge against Rafe who had the impertinence to defy the Spanish caste system.His mother's confession was shocking - she was raped by don Bernardo and Rafe is the bastard son of the man he hates the most in the world. She would have kept her secret, except the laws in Mexico have changed and Rafe may be able to inherit the huge Reyes hacienda in Torreón, Mexico. His mother begs him to inherit the estate for his sister María, who is traveling in the hills of Mexico with a known outlaw.Needing to go to Mexico to claim his legacy, Rafe leaves town before the Spaniards start an all out assault on his life. Legally inheriting the hacienda after proving his birthright, Rafe is spun into a dark world of tequila and opium after Carmela steals Rafe's prize Appaloosa from the streets of Mexico City. Torn between his responsibilities and rescuing his prize horse, he might not live long enough to claim his legacy and his lawful name, Rafael Reyes de Estrada.The material in this book is for mature audiences only and contains graphic content and language. It is intended for readers aged 18 and older.Award Winning Series: Selected a finalist in Edward James Olmos' 2018 Books to Movie Awards in Drama TV Series. The judges for these awards are screenwriters, directors, producers, and others from the entertainment industry. The Young Pistolero Series is also an award winning saga, voted number #1 best fiction series by the Latino Authors association.Verified Reviews: I know this series will earn many more awards. A wonderful contribution to Southwest Hispano history and culture. - Rudolfo Anaya, Professor Emeritus, acclaimed novelist, poet, playwright#1 Best Fiction Book by a Latino Author 2015 Mr. Alvarado weaves a plausible plot and his setting descriptions and actions are right on. His characters were exactly what you might expect of people living in the rough west trying to survive the elements and mayhem of that time. The author manages to bring the reader into the story with action built into every chapter that you can't escape feeling anxious wondering as to what will happen next.- Corina Martinez Chaudhry, Latino AuthorMr. Alvarado vividly illustrates many rugged times after the Civil and Mexican American Wars through the eyes of a 17 year old peon who comes to the U.S. and adapts and grows into a hero. The Young Pistolero is a great new historical western series! -Richard Golenda, post Secondary and College History Teacher and post Chairman of the Pueblo Economic Development CorporationI'm impressed by the historical detail and fast-moving plot. My father was a screenwriter for television and wrote many westerns for Wagon Train and Gunsmoke. Alvarado's novel could be the basis for one of those television westerns because of its engrossing plot and it clear depiction of heroes and villains.- Jennie Nelson PHD, Post-Graduate Professor of Writing, University of Idaho