83 pages 2 hours read

Gary Paulsen

The Transall Saga

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1998

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Gary Paulsen's 1998 fantasy/sci-fi novel The Transall Saga, thirteen-year-old Mark Harrison embarks on a solo hiking trip but is mysteriously transported to the world of Transall, where he must survive among strange creatures, vegetation, and warring tribes while seeking a way to return home. The novel includes themes of enslavement and conflict influenced by race and bigotry.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Transall Saga by Gary Paulsen receives mixed reviews. Readers praise its imaginative world-building and fast-paced adventure, appealing to younger audiences with a taste for speculative fiction. However, critics note underdeveloped characters and a predictable plot. The novel's strengths lie in its creativity and action, making it more suitable for adolescents than adults.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Transall Saga?

Readers who enjoy thrilling survival adventures mixed with elements of science fiction and fantasy would be captivated by Gary Paulsen's The Transall Saga. Similar to Hatchet by Paulsen or The Giver by Lois Lowry, this book appeals to young adults intrigued by resilience, self-discovery, and dystopian worlds.

Recommended

Reading Age

12-15years

Lexile Level

630L

Book Details

Genre

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Fantasy

Action / Adventure

Themes

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Values/Ideas: Science & Technology

Natural World: Environment