Yakima Henry Books in Order

Where to Begin Yakima Henry's Journey

If you want to experience Yakima Henry's transformation from a restless, isolated drifter into a legendary frontier figure, the best place to start is at the very beginning with The Lonely Breed (2007). Written by Peter Brandvold under his pseudonym Frank Leslie, this first installment establishes Yakima's complex character: a half-Cheyenne, half-white man who belongs to neither world, armed with a deadly Colt .44 and his trusty Arkansas toothpick. Starting here introduces his loyal horse, Wolf, and the harsh survivalist themes that define his path across the Old West.

While each book in the series operates as a self-contained, standalone adventure containing its own satisfying conclusion, reading them in order of publication provides the most rewarding experience. Following this path allows you to trace the subtle growth of Yakima's moral compass, his evolving relationships, and his changing status in a world that constantly rejects him.

The Complete Yakima Henry Reading Order

The Yakima Henry series comprises 19 books. The publication sequence is also the chronological sequence of Yakima's adventures. Below is the complete reading order based on their original release years and authorship credits:

1. The Lonely Breed (2007) – Written as Frank Leslie. Yakima protects a young saloon worker from ruthless bounty hunters, setting off a desperate chase.
2. The Thunder Riders (2007) – Written as Frank Leslie. Yakima takes on a gang of violent outlaws threatening frontier settlements.
3. The Wild Breed (2008) – Written as Frank Leslie. Yakima journeys south of the border into Mexico to rescue a friend's brother, facing revolutionary forces.
4. The Killing Breed (2008) – Written as Frank Leslie. Yakima attempts to settle down on a quiet Arizona ranch with his love, Faith, but his past catches up to him.
5. The Savage Breed (2009) – Written as Frank Leslie. A high-stakes horse drive turns deadly when hostile forces ambush the party.
6. The Dangerous Dawn (2009) – Written as Frank Leslie. Yakima finds himself defending a small ranch under siege from a powerful land grabber.
7. Bullet for a Half-Breed (2011) – Written as Frank Leslie. A vengeful enemy hires a relentless assassin to hunt Yakima down.
8. Revenge at Hatchet Creek (2011) – Written as Frank Leslie. Yakima faces off against a tyrannical cattle baron who controls a local valley.
9. Dead River Killer (2011) – Written as Frank Leslie. A blood feud in a remote town forces Yakima to choose a side to survive.
10. The Canyon (2012) – Written as Frank Leslie. Yakima is pursued into the treacherous Skull Canyon by a posse of bounty hunters.
11. Dead Man's Trail (2012) – Written as Frank Leslie. Yakima tracks a kidnapped woman through hostile territory, battling both elements and outlaws.
12. Ambush at Apache Pass (2014) – Written as Peter Brandvold. Working as a scout for the Arizona cavalry, Yakima uncovers a conspiracy involving a lost child.
13. Redemption Trail (2020) – Written as Peter Brandvold. Yakima promises a dying prospector to deliver a letter and fortune to his son, taking two orphans under his wing.
14. Blood of the Horsetooth Widow (2021) – Written as Peter Brandvold. A bloody conflict erupts over a wealthy widow's land.
15. Bloody Arizona (2021) – Written as Peter Brandvold. Yakima faces ruthless Apache warriors and desert bandits.
16. Wildcat of the Sierra Estrada (2021) – Written as Peter Brandvold. A chase after a dangerous outlaw leads Yakima deep into Mexican territory.
17. Chiricahua Blues (2021) – Written as Peter Brandvold. Yakima confronts deep-seated prejudices and lethal threats in Apache territory.
18. Canyon of Death (2021) – Written as Peter Brandvold. Trapped in a narrow gorge, Yakima must outwit a gang cornering him.
19. Stripped and Branded (2021) – Written as Peter Brandvold. Yakima faces one of his most brutal survival challenges yet after being captured by enemies.

Chronological Continuity & Publication Caveats

For readers diving into the series, there are a few important publishing details to keep in mind. Author Peter Brandvold initially created Yakima Henry under the pen name Frank Leslie. This pseudonym was used for the first 11 books. Starting with Ambush at Apache Pass in 2014, the series transitioned to being published under Brandvold's real name. Modern editions and digital reprints, especially those released by Wolfpack Publishing, may display either name or even list both, but the stories themselves remain identical.

Additionally, some readers encounter title confusion regarding The Killing Breed (2008) and Redemption Trail (2020). While they are distinct entries—Book 4 and Book 13 respectively—certain vintage digital releases occasionally bundled them or cross-referenced them incorrectly. Sticking to the 19-book checklist above ensures you do not skip any portion of Yakima's life.

What to Know Before You Start

The Yakima Henry series is not your grandfather's traditional, clean-cut Western. Brandvold writes with a raw, visceral grit that highlights the authentic, brutal realities of the 1860s American West. Readers should expect descriptive violence, mature themes, and strong language alongside pulse-pounding action sequences. Yakima himself is a deeply flawed protagonist; his biracial identity as a half-Cheyenne man makes him an outcast in white towns, yet his instinct to protect the vulnerable prevents him from ever truly leaving civilization behind. His deep connection with his horse, Wolf, acts as a grounding emotional anchor throughout his violent journey.

If you enjoy audiobooks, the series has been adapted into popular audio productions by GraphicAudio and Wolfpack Publishing, featuring full-cast narration, sound effects, and music that bring the dusty trails of the frontier to life.