The Future of the Ezekiel March Chronicles

When i had begun the process of writing about Ezekiel March, it was initially for a short story idea i had after reading Louis L'amour's "Son of a Wanted Man", a fascinating story of love, betrayal and justice in the eyes of the beholder. The flow and topic of the book was not only an inspiring look into a genre in which I was not well versed, but it also made me think earnestly about delving deeper into this sub-category of literature. To my surprise, there were all too few modern westerns which demonstrated this code of justice within their pages. After months of reading, I could find no trace of such solace, with the exception of some of L’amour’s other books, in any modern version of the western novel. Frustrated, I decided to move away from my reading and moved my gaze towards the cinematic perspective, where I was met with a nostalgia of John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Ronald Raegan. While true, these actors demonstrated the manly thumos of the time, it was really the writing behind these titans of the industry which allowed their films to be so successful. Instead of focusing on complex plots and situations, writers of old simply placed their heroes into situations and allowed them to work their way out of it. In a similar manner, this is what I have done for Ezekiel March.

                Now that the third edition, The Gunslinger, has been released, I have pondered on just how far I want to take the reader through the life of Ezekiel. I don’t wish to cause him any more harm by the events which would continue, but I feel that his entire story hasn’t been told as of yet. Then again, I cannot help but feel a bit of love and admiration for him throughout the story. I suppose that is because he is, in a lot of ways, myself in a past life. I understand the struggles which he is being placed within, I understand his attempt to keep a moral compass when others have tossed theirs aside and I understand what it feels to make decisions which he cannot pull away from. Much like crossing the Rubicon, Ezekiel proves time after time that he knows he is making a partially wrong decision, but he also feels that not taking action would be an even greater crime. In the end, Ezekiel answers to no other law than the one which has been utterly placed upon his heart. He yearns for a simpler life but understands that some men are placed into situations which force him to transcend what his mind may fathom. Ezekiel is, to me at least, a character who invokes the senses of morality and demonstrates how innocence can be lost by a man in the world which attempts to destroy you.

                In the end, though I tried to condense his story into three small volumes, I feel that it would be an injustice to keep my friend’s past hidden from the rest of the world. I will continue to tell his story till the end, however much it will pain me to do so. I do warn you, the reader, that the happiest days have passed him by, and Ezekiel will experience darker times soon. One day, the shadows will surround him, transforming him from innocent boy into one of the most dangerous men in the west. He will be tested every step of the way, tormented by his actions, forced with his back against the wall to reach deep within the labyrinth of his heart to find the darkness which is in all of us, if he wishes to survive.

                A warm gratitude is expressed to all those who have supported and enjoyed these novels as they have progressed. His story is for you, the reader. And truly, isn’t that always how it should be?