How to Read The Wilderness Series in Order
Pamela Ackerson’s The Wilderness series is a unique blend of time travel, historical fiction, and romance. The story spans generations, moving from the initial time-traveling adventures of a modern doctor to the struggles and romances of her children. To fully appreciate the character arcs, historical contexts, and family dynamics, it is highly recommended to read this series in its publication order, which also matches the chronological development of the family's saga.
The Recommended Reading Order
- Across the Wilderness (2014)
- Into the Wilderness (2015)
- Wilderness Bound (2015)
- Warriors of the Wilderness (2016)
- Out of the Wilderness (2016)
Breaking Down the Wilderness Books
1. Across the Wilderness (2014)
The journey begins with Dr. Karen Anderson, a modern-day physician who purchases an antique bed with an unexpected history. When the bed transports her back to the 1800s, she finds herself stranded on the Lakota Plains. Karen must adapt quickly to survival in a vastly different era while navigating her growing feelings for Standing Deer, a proud Lakota warrior. This opening novel establishes the rules of the time-travel element and introduces the central romance that forms the foundation of the entire saga.
2. Into the Wilderness (2015)
Picking up where the debut left off, Karen has returned to the 19th century to stand beside Standing Deer. The stakes are much higher in this sequel as historical events begin to catch up with the characters. Set against the backdrop of the mounting tensions of the Indian Wars, Karen and Standing Deer must confront the impending reality of the Battle of Little Big Horn. The book focuses heavily on the struggle between Karen's knowledge of the future and her desire to protect the people she has come to love.
3. Wilderness Bound (2015)
The series undergoes a major generational shift in its third installment. The focus moves to Matthew Standing Deer, the son of Karen and Standing Deer. Matthew, who has lived as a modern-day firefighter, decides to seek out his heritage and trace his Lakota roots. His journey leads him back to the Great Plains, where he is thrust into a world of danger, greed, and a hunt for a serial killer. Here, the series introduces a darker mystery element while maintaining its signature focus on identity, history, and romance.
4. Warriors of the Wilderness (2016)
The fourth book continues to follow the legacy of the family. Set sixteen years after the tragic events of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Matthew Standing Deer returns to the reservation to reconnect with his family and tribal community. However, his return is plagued by conflict and danger. This book dives deeper into the struggles of the Lakota people during the late 19th century, highlighting the cultural friction and personal courage needed to survive the era's changing landscape.
5. Out of the Wilderness (2016)
The fifth and final book shifts its focus to Karen's daughter, Jennifer. Stubborn, headstrong, and historically unlucky in love, Jennifer has a very specific goal: she wants to find a deep connection with a Native American partner, much like her mother and brother did. Her quest eventually leads her on her own time-travel adventure. Rather than the Lakota Plains, Jennifer's journey takes her to historical Florida, where she must navigate historical injustices, find her own path, and learn that love cannot always be planned or forced.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Ackerson's series, readers should keep a few stylistic and thematic details in mind. Unlike gritty historical fiction or complex hard sci-fi time-travel stories, The Wilderness is designed as an accessible, lighthearted, and emotionally driven romance. The time-travel mechanism—the magical antique bed—is treated more as a fantasy element than a scientific puzzle. The romance scenes are written with a focus on emotional connection rather than explicit detail, making the books suitable for young adult readers as well as adults.
Furthermore, the setting moves from the open skies of the Great Plains in the first four books to the humid, challenging environment of historical Florida in the final novel. This shift highlights Ackerson's personal connection to Florida and her interest in exploring lesser-known historical settings and Native American histories beyond the Lakota Sioux.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
Because the series follows a direct linear path through the lives of the Anderson/Standing Deer family, the chronological order is identical to the publication order. Reading the books out of order is not recommended, as the events of the Battle of Little Big Horn in the second book directly impact the motivations and conflicts of Matthew and Jennifer in books three, four, and five. To get the most out of the overarching family mystery and romantic arcs, start with the first book and read straight through to the fifth.