Begin with the original survival story
Start with Hatchet; every later book builds on Brian's first experience alone in the wilderness.
Book Series · 5 Books
Brian's Saga Books
In order from Hatchet to Brian's Hunt.
Gary Paulsen's five survival novels follow Brian Robeson from a plane crash in the Canadian wilderness to later journeys that test his resilience, judgment, and relationship with the natural world.
Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated
Reading order
How to Read Brian's Saga
Start with Hatchet, then follow the publisher's order: The River, Brian's Winter, Brian's Return, and Brian's Hunt.
Brian's Winter is an intentional alternate path that asks what would have happened if Brian had not been rescued at the end of Hatchet. That makes it different from a conventional sequel, but it still belongs in the publisher's third reading position.
Sources: Penguin Random House's official A Hatchet Adventure order.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
The survival situations are realistic and intense. Readers encounter a plane crash and pilot death, hunger, isolation, serious injuries, dangerous animal attacks, and repeated close calls with death.
Brian hunts, kills, and butchers animals for food, and later books include additional violence and grief. Hatchet also opens with Brian distressed by his parents' divorce and his mother's affair. The stories strongly emphasize resilience, practical problem-solving, and respect for nature.
Where to start
Where Should a New Reader Start?
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
Sale price
$858
Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1987
Hatchet
By Gary Paulsen
A boy survives a plane crash and must endure the wilderness with only a hatchet.
186 pages· 42,458 words· Est. 4 hour read
5.0/7 Bookroo
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Thirteen-year-old Brian faces the ultimate test of survival after a plane crash leaves him stranded in the Canadian wilderness. With only a hatchet and his wits, he must learn to fend for himself. As he battles nature's challenges, Brian discovers resilience and courage he never knew he had. Can he overcome the wild and his inner turmoil to find a way back to civilization? This gripping tale of endurance and self-discovery will keep you on the edge of your seat.
In reading order
Brian's Saga Series
5 books · Published 1987–2003
#1
Sale price
$858
Hatchet
Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1987
A boy survives a plane crash and must endure the wilderness with only a hatchet.
#2
Sale price
$958
The River
Chapter Book · Ages 10–12 · 1991
A storm leaves Brian racing against time to save an unconscious companion in the wilderness.
#3
Sale price
$1049
Brian's Winter
Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 1996
What if Brian faced the wilderness alone through winter's deadly grip?
#4
Sale price
$1049
Brian's Return
Chapter Book · Ages 11–15 · 1999
Brian feels lost in civilization and must return to the wilderness to find his true path.
#5
Sale price
$1049
Brian's Hunt
Chapter Book · Ages 10–15 · 2003
A wounded dog leads Brian on a perilous journey into the unknown wilderness.
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the Brian's Saga series?
There are 5 books in the Brian's Saga series. It began with Hatchet in 1987, and the newest book, Brian's Hunt, was published in 2003.
What order should you read the Brian's Saga books in?
Start with Hatchet and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #5.
What ages are the Brian's Saga books best for?
The series is best for ages 10–17, based on the age ranges of the individual books.
Which Brian's Saga book is the longest?
Hatchet (Book #1) is the longest book in the series at 42,458 words (186 pages).
Which Brian's Saga book is the shortest?
Brian's Hunt (Book #5) is the shortest at 21,910 words (103 pages).
The people
The Creative Behind the Books
The people who bring Brian's Saga to life.
Keep exploring
Similar Series
The 5th Wave
Ages 12–18
David Balfour
Ages 10–15
Little Women
Ages 11–16
Ready Player One
Ages 12–18
Howl's Castle
Ages 10–13
Skulduggery Pleasant
Ages 10–15
Unwind Dystology
Ages 13–18
Renegades
Ages 12–18