The Great Texas Dance

Tales of Zebadiah Creed are a series of historical fiction books written by award-winning, singer- songwriter Mark C. Jackson.

He has been a long standing member of the Western Writers of America, a supportive, collaborative and prestigious association of writers who promote and write Western Literature.

Jackson's first book “An Eye For an Eye” was a 2018 winner of American Fiction Award, Best Adventure/Historical Fiction.

“The Great Texas Dance” is Jackson's sequel book in the Zebadiah Creed series with a publication date slated for April 22, 2020. A captivating tale that spans the entire Texas Revolution 1835-1836. The story depicts a personal portrayal of men and consequences of their decisions made during the savagery of battle. Loyalty, friendship and betrayal often fuel desperate acts allowing men no way out. Jackson skillfully interweaves his fictional characters into the historical reality of the times with a believable story of hardship, valor and true grit. Each of Jackson's books are intended as a stand alone novel though it's helpful to the reader to read the books in order. Readers who are history buffs will particularly enjoy this series following Zebadiah Creed's adventures.

In Book One, “An Eye for An Eye”, the reader is introduced to the protagonist Zebadiah Creed. He's a wilderness hardened man with a code of honor driven to a revenge mission to find the men responsible for his brother's death. He boards a steamboat on the Mississippi and heads to New Orleans.

The second book, “The Great Texas Dance”, finds Zeb's original mission sidetracked as he becomes involved in the militia and their battle plans. A suggested quick online read of the key players of the

Battle of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution will help sweep the reader into a fast paced, gripping and action packed drama. Zeb meets up with another volunteer Grainger. They are sent from the Alamo on an urgent mission to deliver important papers to Sam Houston. Bowie and some 200 militia at the Alamo are faced with overcoming insurmountable odds and desperately need reinforcements.

Scenes are vividly written, often rough and raw, depicting the realities and emotions of fighting for independence from Mexico as the revolution spans a six month time period. Fast paced, realistic dialogue moves the action along. Descriptions of the sights. sounds and even smells of the battle scenes and skirmishes give the story line an authentic tone. Main characters are fully developed, fascinating but flawed when faced with choices and a need for quick decisions. Jackson's writing makes them all come alive on the pages. Zeb Creed, the protagonist, becomes a risk taker. He is to be admired for his bravery, steadfast loyalty, and stubbornness with an unshakable code of honor. The narrative switches frequently requiring the reader to pay close attention to the events and actions as they unfold.

The book title suggests, from a historical perspective, that the issues of slavery and racism perhaps were contributing reasons for Texas wanting to claim their independence from Mexico. But it's a perspective not fully addressed in history and often skirted or danced around. After the Texas Revolution ended in 1836, the Constitution of the Republic of Texas made slavery legal.

To learn more about the author, Mark C. Jackson, planned events and to preorder his newest book go to www.markcjacksonwriter.com

Jackson is currently working on Book Three of the Tales of Zebadiah Creed Series, with a planned title "Blue River of Heaven".