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49 Miles Alone
Four days alone in the desert. Except they're not as alone as they think. A year ago, Katie and her cousin Aster survived a night that left their world and easy friendship fractured. Desperate to heal and leave the past behind them, they tackle four days of hiking in the Utah backcountry. But the desert they've loved for years has tricks up its sleeve. An illness, an injury, and a freak storm leave them short on confidence and supplies. When they come across a young couple with extra supplies on the trail, they're grateful and relieved―at first. Riley exudes friendliness, but everything about her boyfriend Finn spells trouble. That night, after some chilling admissions about Finn from Riley, Katie and Aster wake to hear the couple fighting. Helpless and trapped in the darkness, they witness Riley's desperate race into the night, with Finn chasing after. In the morning, they find the couple's camp, but Riley and Finn? Vanished. Katie is sure Riley is in trouble. And with help a two-day hike away, they know they are the only ones who can save her before something terrible happens. The clock is ticking and their supplies are dwindling, but Katie and Aster know they have to find Riley before Finn―or the desert―gets to her first.
273 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2024
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August 17, 2025
**4.5-stars rounded up**
In 49 Miles Alone we follow cousins, Katie and Aster, as they embark on a 4-day, 49-mile hike through the Utah desert.
We can tell early on that Katie and Aster are incredibly close, however, something has happened within the past year that has caused a fracture in their relationship.
As hiking is an activity they've been doing together since they were kids, it seems they're intending to use this trip, in one way or another, to repair their relationship.
They're both experienced backpackers, but as everyone knows, the world is a dangerous place, due both to nature itself and other humans.
As the trip starts off, the girls are both fairly quiet. There's a lot of thinking going on, but unfortunately not a lot of communicating. Eventually, though circumstances require them to begin to open up and work together.
There's limited supplies, an illness, a freak storm and an injury, but the most unsettling may be the people they encounter on the trail.
They meet a couple, Riley and Finn, and end up tenting near them for a night. Something about them seems off to Katie and Aster when they share a meal with them.
That night, the cousins hear the couple fighting and witness Riley fleeing their campsite with Finn in hot pursuit. Unable to assist Riley in the dark, Katie and Aster hunker down until morning, at which time the find the couple's campsite abandoned with no sign of either one of them.
How are Katie and Aster going to be able to help this other girl, when it's becoming increasingly difficult for them to even help themselves? Will they make it to mile-49?
I adored my time with this YA Survival Thriller for people who enjoy being out on the trails. The topics explored were great, the character arcs were fantastic, and the intriguing bits so well plotted.
Honestly, this is my favorite Natalie D. Richards to-date!
I read this so quickly. I found the cousins both interesting and I enjoyed learning about their relationship, including all they'd been through together.
In addition to getting both Katie and Asters perspectives, we also get a mystery perspective from an individual who has obviously been severely injured on the trail.
This perspective was peppered in and I loved the mystery of who that was, and how it was going to connect to the story of our cousins.
When they meet the couple, there were many red flags, and that situation def upped the stakes for our girls. It was completely gripping. I had to know the ultimate outcome.
I love hiking and being out in nature in general, exploring new places. This is a proper Survival Thriller and it never got too OTT-for me. I thought it was very well done and well plotted. The drama felt real and I loved the character arcs for both Katie and Aster.
I love how Richards kept it intriguing throughout. There was always something to question and wonder about. I also really enjoyed the emotional journey for both girls. They grew so much by the end and I loved the ending. It's so satisfying.
Thank you to the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Fire, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I cannot wait to read more from this author!
In 49 Miles Alone we follow cousins, Katie and Aster, as they embark on a 4-day, 49-mile hike through the Utah desert.
We can tell early on that Katie and Aster are incredibly close, however, something has happened within the past year that has caused a fracture in their relationship.
As hiking is an activity they've been doing together since they were kids, it seems they're intending to use this trip, in one way or another, to repair their relationship.
They're both experienced backpackers, but as everyone knows, the world is a dangerous place, due both to nature itself and other humans.
As the trip starts off, the girls are both fairly quiet. There's a lot of thinking going on, but unfortunately not a lot of communicating. Eventually, though circumstances require them to begin to open up and work together.
There's limited supplies, an illness, a freak storm and an injury, but the most unsettling may be the people they encounter on the trail.
They meet a couple, Riley and Finn, and end up tenting near them for a night. Something about them seems off to Katie and Aster when they share a meal with them.
That night, the cousins hear the couple fighting and witness Riley fleeing their campsite with Finn in hot pursuit. Unable to assist Riley in the dark, Katie and Aster hunker down until morning, at which time the find the couple's campsite abandoned with no sign of either one of them.
How are Katie and Aster going to be able to help this other girl, when it's becoming increasingly difficult for them to even help themselves? Will they make it to mile-49?
I adored my time with this YA Survival Thriller for people who enjoy being out on the trails. The topics explored were great, the character arcs were fantastic, and the intriguing bits so well plotted.
Honestly, this is my favorite Natalie D. Richards to-date!
I read this so quickly. I found the cousins both interesting and I enjoyed learning about their relationship, including all they'd been through together.
In addition to getting both Katie and Asters perspectives, we also get a mystery perspective from an individual who has obviously been severely injured on the trail.
This perspective was peppered in and I loved the mystery of who that was, and how it was going to connect to the story of our cousins.
When they meet the couple, there were many red flags, and that situation def upped the stakes for our girls. It was completely gripping. I had to know the ultimate outcome.
I love hiking and being out in nature in general, exploring new places. This is a proper Survival Thriller and it never got too OTT-for me. I thought it was very well done and well plotted. The drama felt real and I loved the character arcs for both Katie and Aster.
I love how Richards kept it intriguing throughout. There was always something to question and wonder about. I also really enjoyed the emotional journey for both girls. They grew so much by the end and I loved the ending. It's so satisfying.
Thank you to the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Fire, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I cannot wait to read more from this author!
August 1, 2024
Trigger warning for discussion of SA in this book and review.
I have enjoyed Natalie Richard's previous titles, so I'm sad this one didn't work for me.
From the beginning, 49 Miles Alone had a very different atmosphere than Richard's previous works. Cousins Katie and Aster hope to fix their broken relationship over a four-day hike. (You'd become a sworn enemy if you tried that with me.) Katie was r*ped at a party that she and her cousin went to a year ago. The novel's focus is on Katie's trauma and figuring out who she is afterwards.
Marketing is the biggest issue here. Advertising this as a mystery is far-fetched, especially for those who have enjoyed Richard's previous books. The "mystery" aspect isn't prevalent til halfway through, and even then, it's unoriginal and easy to figure out. There was no big "aha" moment or plot twist I didn't see coming.
As for the discussion around Katie's SA, it's nuanced and not brushed over. Many things one wouldn't give are triggering for Katie (sounds of zippers, random men, etc.) Aster has guilt over what happened to Katie and blames herself for not preventing it. Katie's and Aster's emotions and feelings are all over the place, except for their love. Even with the devastation of Katie's assault and the cracks caused in their relationship, their care and protectiveness for each other are still strong.
TW: Please be aware that SA and the trauma it brings are the main focal points of the book. There are flashbacks to the night of the SA and the emotional, physical, and mental trauma it brings.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire, for the advance copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I have enjoyed Natalie Richard's previous titles, so I'm sad this one didn't work for me.
From the beginning, 49 Miles Alone had a very different atmosphere than Richard's previous works. Cousins Katie and Aster hope to fix their broken relationship over a four-day hike. (You'd become a sworn enemy if you tried that with me.) Katie was r*ped at a party that she and her cousin went to a year ago. The novel's focus is on Katie's trauma and figuring out who she is afterwards.
Marketing is the biggest issue here. Advertising this as a mystery is far-fetched, especially for those who have enjoyed Richard's previous books. The "mystery" aspect isn't prevalent til halfway through, and even then, it's unoriginal and easy to figure out. There was no big "aha" moment or plot twist I didn't see coming.
As for the discussion around Katie's SA, it's nuanced and not brushed over. Many things one wouldn't give are triggering for Katie (sounds of zippers, random men, etc.) Aster has guilt over what happened to Katie and blames herself for not preventing it. Katie's and Aster's emotions and feelings are all over the place, except for their love. Even with the devastation of Katie's assault and the cracks caused in their relationship, their care and protectiveness for each other are still strong.
TW: Please be aware that SA and the trauma it brings are the main focal points of the book. There are flashbacks to the night of the SA and the emotional, physical, and mental trauma it brings.
Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire, for the advance copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
June 29, 2024
It took me a bit to get through this read. Unfortunately it didn’t catch my attention until about 70% into the book. It was very slow and uneventful up until then. I had hoped for more action and to be put on the end of my seat like her previous books, but this one didn’t do that.
I do believe this book sends a great message. I also appreciate the detail going in about the hike itself. I don’t think I could ever hike 49 miles.
Overall, I think this is a great book for a younger audience. Thank you Sourcebooks for an ARC!!
I do believe this book sends a great message. I also appreciate the detail going in about the hike itself. I don’t think I could ever hike 49 miles.
Overall, I think this is a great book for a younger audience. Thank you Sourcebooks for an ARC!!
January 21, 2024
Katie and Aster have been close cousins for most of their lives, especially after each of them lost a parent, and backpacking in Utah has been a huge part of their relationship. All that changes drastically after Katie is raped at a college party and Aster feels responsible because she left the drinking scene and was not there to protect her cousin. A hiking trip is supposed to help restore them to “before,” but nothing about this trip will go as planned. Natalie Richards includes great detail about adventuring with a pack on your back that holds everything you need to set up camp, caching supplies, and navigating lesser marked trails through the desert. For some, this may dissuade them from ever trying this rugged type of hiking and others will be thrilled to think of adventuring this way, even when unexpected hail storms beat down on the girls, supplies run out, and illness and injury further complicate the trip. In addition to these very possible complications to backpacking on challenging trails, Richards introduces some scary characters and scenarios and allows the villain to remain unclear until the very end. Readers will swing from Finn being the bad guy, to thinking maybe it is the solitary trail runner, or maybe the older man selling drugs from a ramshackle tent. And who is the young woman trying to tell her story mixed in with the chapters told from Katie or Aster’s perspective? Is it Rylie, the terrified girl who is camping with Finn or someone else entirely? Great descriptions of the stark beauty that is the Moab desert, twisting plot lines, and insight into what can happen in the minds and hearts of victims of trauma are only part of what makes this a great read for grades 8 and up. Text contains profanity (no F-bombs) and the names of Jesus and God are used several times when not actually talking about them. Katie’s rape is never described in detail, only with her remembrances of certain sounds and the actual bruises, but it’s affects on her are clear. Excellent choice for those looking for action adventure.
Thanks for sharing a print arc with me, Sourcebooks Fire.
Thanks for sharing a print arc with me, Sourcebooks Fire.
July 11, 2024
I've only been backpacking a few times. There is nothing as startling as filling out a heartbeat log - naming who and how many and what day you should be back. It's how you know you're going out there alone and, if something happens, only your wits will help you.
So we find Aster and Katie. Their fractured friendship as cousins and hiking buddies has taken a hit after Katie was attacked. Aster hopes this backpacking will bring them together and Katie just hopes it will help heal her soul.
But what a strange trip it is. I don't know anything about hiking except greener, lusher areas. I know sections of the Pacific Crest trail through Oregon and Washington. I know just the beginning of the Appalachian trail. But the Utah dessert, I know nothing about. But I would never try to hike a trail that was closed in Oregon, Washington, or Georgia. So I was shocked when that's the first thing these girls did.
I loved the suspense and complete feeling of being alone. The author did a great job of really painting the beauty of these trails but also the rugged reality of running out of food, water, and one wrong step meaning a catastrophic injury or death. It was nice to feel like I was hiking with them until they got into trouble.
It's a good read, after 60% it was almost impossible to stop. I needed to know how all these people running around these trails at each other were going to end up. I loved the last few chapters - what a great read!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
So we find Aster and Katie. Their fractured friendship as cousins and hiking buddies has taken a hit after Katie was attacked. Aster hopes this backpacking will bring them together and Katie just hopes it will help heal her soul.
But what a strange trip it is. I don't know anything about hiking except greener, lusher areas. I know sections of the Pacific Crest trail through Oregon and Washington. I know just the beginning of the Appalachian trail. But the Utah dessert, I know nothing about. But I would never try to hike a trail that was closed in Oregon, Washington, or Georgia. So I was shocked when that's the first thing these girls did.
I loved the suspense and complete feeling of being alone. The author did a great job of really painting the beauty of these trails but also the rugged reality of running out of food, water, and one wrong step meaning a catastrophic injury or death. It was nice to feel like I was hiking with them until they got into trouble.
It's a good read, after 60% it was almost impossible to stop. I needed to know how all these people running around these trails at each other were going to end up. I loved the last few chapters - what a great read!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
March 1, 2024
Four days alone in the desert. Except they're not as alone as they think. A year ago something terrible happened to Katie at a party after Aster left. Desperate to heal and leave the past behind them, they tackle four days of hiking in the Utah backcountry. The desert they've loved for years has tricks up its sleeve though. An illness, an injury, and a freak storm leave them short on confidence and supplies. When they come across a young couple with extra supplies on the trail, they're grateful and relieved―at first. Riley is friendly but Finn spells trouble. That night Katie and Aster hear the couple fighting. In the morning, they find the couple's camp empty. Katie fears Riley is in trouble. Help is a two-day hike away. The clock is ticking. Supplies and water are running low. Can Katie and Aster make it out of the desert and find Riley before it's too late?
49 Miles Alone is sure to please fans of stories of survival in the wilderness. The beautiful cover sets the reader up perfectly for what is to come. The descriptions of the Utah desert are vivid and beautiful. You almost want to step in and have a little adventure yourself. It's very clear, though, that there are dangers at every turn.
The chapters shift between Aster and Katie's point of view, with snippets from a mysterious young woman who is alone somewhere along the trail and badly injured. On top of navigating narrow ridges and steep climbs Aster and Katie are working through a problem in their relationship. It won't stop them from working together, but it does have everything to do with their perceptions of the situation and people they come across.
I was glued to the page, frantic for Katie and Aster to get a move on while they contemplated their situation. There is some repetition of dialogue, but it is all realistic. I was worried about the trapped and lost woman. The obstacles the cousins kept encountering added to the suspense. I would have liked a few more technical details on supplies and what they were using.
There is also the matter of the identity of the injured woman, and the person who pushed her, to ponder. Things might not be as they appear. I figured things out but it took some time.
Parts of the ending wrapped up a little too quickly., but I really enjoyed this book. It has so many elements of survival stories that I enjoy and I think others will too. 49 Miles Alone succeeds in what it sets out to do. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read!
49 Miles Alone is sure to please fans of stories of survival in the wilderness. The beautiful cover sets the reader up perfectly for what is to come. The descriptions of the Utah desert are vivid and beautiful. You almost want to step in and have a little adventure yourself. It's very clear, though, that there are dangers at every turn.
The chapters shift between Aster and Katie's point of view, with snippets from a mysterious young woman who is alone somewhere along the trail and badly injured. On top of navigating narrow ridges and steep climbs Aster and Katie are working through a problem in their relationship. It won't stop them from working together, but it does have everything to do with their perceptions of the situation and people they come across.
I was glued to the page, frantic for Katie and Aster to get a move on while they contemplated their situation. There is some repetition of dialogue, but it is all realistic. I was worried about the trapped and lost woman. The obstacles the cousins kept encountering added to the suspense. I would have liked a few more technical details on supplies and what they were using.
There is also the matter of the identity of the injured woman, and the person who pushed her, to ponder. Things might not be as they appear. I figured things out but it took some time.
Parts of the ending wrapped up a little too quickly., but I really enjoyed this book. It has so many elements of survival stories that I enjoy and I think others will too. 49 Miles Alone succeeds in what it sets out to do. I highly recommend it!
Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read!
July 2, 2024
Katie and Aster are cousins, and they often hike together in Utah, where Aster lives. Being together in the wilds of the desert, at the mercy of nature, is a bonding experience they always look forward to – but this year, things are different between them. A year ago, Aster left Katie alone at a party, and Katie was subsequently assaulted. Now, Aster is overwhelmed with guilt over leaving Katie, and Katie is a shell of the fierce, vibrant young woman she used to be. They’re both hopeful that this year’s 49-mile hike will restore their bond, but they are beset by trouble from the beginning. When they meet Riley and Finn on the trail, they are at first relieved – but it soon becomes clear that there is tension simmering between the couple. After Riley confides some chilling truths about Finn, Aster and Katie hear them fighting overnight – and in the morning, they find Riley and Finn’s tent overturned and abandoned, with no sign of the couple. With their supplies dwindling and two more days of hiking through the rugged desert, will Aster and Katie be able to find Riley before Finn does?
49 Miles Alone is the first book I’ve read by Natalie D. Richards, and I found a lot about it to enjoy. The plot is propulsive, with rich atmosphere and an immediacy to the writing that fully immersed me in the world of the novel. The real strength of the book for me, though, was its portrayal of the lasting effects of trauma – on both a victim and their loved ones. The central characters of Aster and Katie are well-drawn and go through a lot of self-reflection and growth throughout the story. The relationship between the two central characters is well-written, with dialogue and decision-making that feel authentic.
The secondary characters in the story are less-developed, though, and there were some missed opportunities there. I have to admit that I guessed the direction the plot was taking pretty early on, but I was still invested in this story all the way through. If you enjoy adventure thrillers, add 49 Miles Alone to your reading list; it’s a solid entry in the genre. Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for the early reading opportunity.
Content warning: mentions of SA, which occurs off-page and is not graphically detailed.
49 Miles Alone is the first book I’ve read by Natalie D. Richards, and I found a lot about it to enjoy. The plot is propulsive, with rich atmosphere and an immediacy to the writing that fully immersed me in the world of the novel. The real strength of the book for me, though, was its portrayal of the lasting effects of trauma – on both a victim and their loved ones. The central characters of Aster and Katie are well-drawn and go through a lot of self-reflection and growth throughout the story. The relationship between the two central characters is well-written, with dialogue and decision-making that feel authentic.
The secondary characters in the story are less-developed, though, and there were some missed opportunities there. I have to admit that I guessed the direction the plot was taking pretty early on, but I was still invested in this story all the way through. If you enjoy adventure thrillers, add 49 Miles Alone to your reading list; it’s a solid entry in the genre. Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for the early reading opportunity.
Content warning: mentions of SA, which occurs off-page and is not graphically detailed.
June 2, 2024
Katie and Aster are on a 4-day, 49-mile hike in the Utah desert. They’ve done this before and are thoroughly prepared. The story shifts between Katie and Aster’s POV and a mysterious woman on the trail who is badly injured. Katie and Aster face serious obstacles and unexpected troubles that threaten their survival.
I was on the edge of my seat as the girls faced dangers on the trail. I loved the descriptions of the desert and the ominous elements of the story. The conflict between the girls makes sense, given what happened to Katie. They are both on edge for different reasons and have difficulty agreeing on things. But they must work together to get through this and survive.
Terrific book, recommended to fans of survival stories in grades 8 and up.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was on the edge of my seat as the girls faced dangers on the trail. I loved the descriptions of the desert and the ominous elements of the story. The conflict between the girls makes sense, given what happened to Katie. They are both on edge for different reasons and have difficulty agreeing on things. But they must work together to get through this and survive.
Terrific book, recommended to fans of survival stories in grades 8 and up.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2024
The first 40% was like 1.5 stars and the last 60% was like 4.5 stars, so like the accountant that I am I took the weighted average and we got 3.3 stars.
This book was a lot heavier than I bargained for. Fully agree with other reviews that the back should have mentioned that a major plot point is a main character dealing with SA trauma. Like hello? I picked this up because the names of the characters were the names of my friends (shout out Finn and Riley). I was not prepared for this.
That being said, I don’t regret reading it at all. Anyone want to go hiking with me? Not for 49 miles though, thanks.
This book was a lot heavier than I bargained for. Fully agree with other reviews that the back should have mentioned that a major plot point is a main character dealing with SA trauma. Like hello? I picked this up because the names of the characters were the names of my friends (shout out Finn and Riley). I was not prepared for this.
That being said, I don’t regret reading it at all. Anyone want to go hiking with me? Not for 49 miles though, thanks.
July 2, 2024
HAPPY PUB DAY! Thank you @sourcebooksfire for an ARC of this #midnightreads !
Hiking is already my worst nightmare. 49 miles, isolated, in the HEAT? Even worse. Add in a K!LLER???? Nah.
I was absolutely HOOKED on this one. I didn't want to put it down. Richards did a fantastic job of building suspense and keeping me questioning who I believed was the bad guy. I even loved that the main characters were well fleshed out and we got to watch them grow in strength.
There is a TW of multiple mentions of SA. However, not in grave detail. ❤️
Hiking is already my worst nightmare. 49 miles, isolated, in the HEAT? Even worse. Add in a K!LLER???? Nah.
I was absolutely HOOKED on this one. I didn't want to put it down. Richards did a fantastic job of building suspense and keeping me questioning who I believed was the bad guy. I even loved that the main characters were well fleshed out and we got to watch them grow in strength.
There is a TW of multiple mentions of SA. However, not in grave detail. ❤️
November 21, 2024
i love everything natalie d. richards writes. this one was a bit slow and took a while to get into the important parts of the story, but it was still a lot of fun and just as twisty and her other books. i also really liked the characters in this one, as well as the family dynamic that came into play with them.
tw: SA (mentioned quite frequently – it happened to katie, one of the main characters)
tw: SA (mentioned quite frequently – it happened to katie, one of the main characters)
October 18, 2024
Boring, predictable, typos… The only reason I read this was because I wasted some time in Barnes and Noble and started it and felt like I might as well finish it.
September 3, 2024
4 ✨
I actually liked this way more than Five Total Strangers by Natalie Richards. I'm not a huge critic when it comes to writing, but this one was definitely done better.
I love reading books based in my state or near it. Maybe that's why I like this one, oh well. I do wish there were more "hiking" scenes, which that feels weird to say since the entire book was hiking, but the hiking wasn't described enough for me. This author did very well with throwing some curve balls in there.
I will say, if you have experienced...um how do I say this with out being flagged.. 'Grape' then maybe this might scare you a little or the topic would give you a "flight or fight" response. The topic is pretty commonly brought up. The character experienced it and is trying to deal with it. It may help or hurt you, just a warning.
I also did not expect to be moved by this book, a thriller, but the characters overcome these mental obstacles and rejoin their friendship. It was nice. Very good touch indeed.
I actually liked this way more than Five Total Strangers by Natalie Richards. I'm not a huge critic when it comes to writing, but this one was definitely done better.
I love reading books based in my state or near it. Maybe that's why I like this one, oh well. I do wish there were more "hiking" scenes, which that feels weird to say since the entire book was hiking, but the hiking wasn't described enough for me. This author did very well with throwing some curve balls in there.
I will say, if you have experienced...um how do I say this with out being flagged.. 'Grape' then maybe this might scare you a little or the topic would give you a "flight or fight" response. The topic is pretty commonly brought up. The character experienced it and is trying to deal with it. It may help or hurt you, just a warning.
I also did not expect to be moved by this book, a thriller, but the characters overcome these mental obstacles and rejoin their friendship. It was nice. Very good touch indeed.
March 29, 2024
#ad I received a gifted advance copy of this book as part of the Midnight Reads promo box - so grateful @sourcebooksfire #partner
Where to even start with this review. I feel hungover, in a good way, after reading this book. Katie and Aster aren’t just cousins they are best friends. Aster is filled with guilt and remorse after she left Katie at a party by herself. Something terrible happened to Katie that night, changing both girls in major ways.
A few months later, the two girls decide to go on a four day hiking trip - they’ve always hiked together and they have this trip all planned out. The hike was supposed to be a trip that helped heal the girls, but it turned out to be the trip from hell, as things quickly began to fall apart.
There’s so many quotes I wanted to use for this review but they will have to wait until the finished copy of this book releases.
I loved this story, love that it promoted “girl power” and showed that girls can do anything they put their minds to. The terrain descriptions make you feel like you’re right there hiking with the girls. The setting almost is like a character in itself.
At one point the girls perceived that they were in danger and this really got me thinking. Is the perception of fear the same as known fear? I think it is. Whether it’s real tangible fear, or perception of fear, the human body reacts the same. It has no way of distinguishing real vs fake fear, more so the thing that is causing the fear because obviously fear is fear. I just thought it was intriguing that the things the girls were most afraid of played into their past traumas.
I loved the main characters and how they always had each other’s back. Now it wasn’t always perfect but they both had good intentions.
I also want to mention the ominous undertones which are felt throughout the entire book. Even when it seemed like not much was happening, it still felt like a lot was happening. I think this is one of the reasons this book will be a hit with people.
First time reading this author but I will be reading lots more - I’m hooked!
Where to even start with this review. I feel hungover, in a good way, after reading this book. Katie and Aster aren’t just cousins they are best friends. Aster is filled with guilt and remorse after she left Katie at a party by herself. Something terrible happened to Katie that night, changing both girls in major ways.
A few months later, the two girls decide to go on a four day hiking trip - they’ve always hiked together and they have this trip all planned out. The hike was supposed to be a trip that helped heal the girls, but it turned out to be the trip from hell, as things quickly began to fall apart.
There’s so many quotes I wanted to use for this review but they will have to wait until the finished copy of this book releases.
I loved this story, love that it promoted “girl power” and showed that girls can do anything they put their minds to. The terrain descriptions make you feel like you’re right there hiking with the girls. The setting almost is like a character in itself.
At one point the girls perceived that they were in danger and this really got me thinking. Is the perception of fear the same as known fear? I think it is. Whether it’s real tangible fear, or perception of fear, the human body reacts the same. It has no way of distinguishing real vs fake fear, more so the thing that is causing the fear because obviously fear is fear. I just thought it was intriguing that the things the girls were most afraid of played into their past traumas.
I loved the main characters and how they always had each other’s back. Now it wasn’t always perfect but they both had good intentions.
I also want to mention the ominous undertones which are felt throughout the entire book. Even when it seemed like not much was happening, it still felt like a lot was happening. I think this is one of the reasons this book will be a hit with people.
First time reading this author but I will be reading lots more - I’m hooked!
March 4, 2025
Did I read this in a single day? Yes I did 😂
This book had me from the very beginning. I have been looking for a book with hiking as part of the main plot, and this finally did it for me! It was thrilling with lots of twists. I did find it to be a little predictable and I absolutely figured out exactly how it was all going to unravel. But I still thoroughly enjoyed it anyway!
This book had me from the very beginning. I have been looking for a book with hiking as part of the main plot, and this finally did it for me! It was thrilling with lots of twists. I did find it to be a little predictable and I absolutely figured out exactly how it was all going to unravel. But I still thoroughly enjoyed it anyway!
October 17, 2024
YA thriller. Not my genre. Was a bit slow for me at times. But held my interest enough to find out how it ended.
October 6, 2025
Glad I finished, good plot.
March 13, 2024
Before I begin with the review, I would like to personally thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
"49 Miles Alone" by Natalie D. Richards is a novel that is not only a first for me from her but also something that just further expanded my love for wilderness suspense novels (did I just coin a term?) Regardless, this novel is riveting; I could not stop reading it. I was instantaneously hooked. Unless it's Freida McFadden, I do find a lot of novels of this category to begin fairly slow. However, from page one, I am already grasped in the scenery.
Before I proceed with the rest of the review, I would like to note a few triggers I found while reading this novel. They were . . .
- rape
- rape rehabilitation (Katie is constantly triggered by hearing pants being unzipped)
- minor alcohol use
- minor drug use
- starvation
- dehydration
- murder
If any of the aforementioned triggers may be triggering for you, please do not read this novel. Moving along, the story begins with a reliving of the events that led up to Katie's rape, and then abruptly into the packing for Katie and her cousin, Aster's, 49-mile hike. They soon realize that they may not be alone--especially with Katie being constantly triggered--only worsening their uneasiness. That is only then exacerbated when they stumble onto a male and a female--who also have extra supplies--who go by the names of Finn and Riley--who also seem to be a couple. However, even after Riley's exuberant façade, and Finn's reticent one, it seems that something is amiss under the surface. Things only unravel from there, the idea of trust being existent becoming nonexistent. After Katie and Aster lose them after a harrowing night, they know that they must save Riley from the deranged Finn. Also, there was a woman to poked her way between the chapters here and there, speaking of an experience she is having--although without the who, what, when, where, why, and how.
I was enraptured by the sheer brilliance of this novel. What set it apart from the rest was its uncanny ability to keep me guessing and on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating the next twist and turn. The mere thought of predicting what was to come was but a futile exercise, for the author was a master of deception and knew how to keep me on my toes.
Indeed, the novel was a true testament to the author's prowess, as it was replete with high vocabulary, assertive prose, and vivid descriptions that transported me to the heart of the story. The characters were expertly crafted, each with their own unique personality and motivations, and the plot was as intricate as it was captivating.
As I delved deeper into the story, I couldn't help but marvel at the author's ability to conjure up a world that was both thrilling and dangerous. Whether it was the looming threat of death by scorpion sting or the constant struggle for survival, every page was brimming with excitement and intrigue.
It's not just me, right? Do you also find it challenging to visualize the long drives or hikes described in novels? I mean, picturing a 49-mile trail or a 3-hour drive seems like a daunting task when you're so used to imagining small towns or bustling cities. It's like the neurotransmitters in our brains refuse to connect when it comes to vast, open spaces. But, here's the thing, I recently came across a novel (49 Miles Alone) that made it so much easier to form those mental images, and I have to give a shoutout to the author, Richards, for making it happen.
In this particular novel, she crafted the scenes with such finesse that it felt like I was right there, experiencing everything alongside the characters. There were still some constraints, of course, especially when some crazy events were unfolding but overall, the entire experience was engaging and immersive. I don't want to spoil anything, but let's just say that this novel has its fair share of thrilling and unpredictable moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
On the other hand, Richards did miss a few things that I would've liked from a novel like this. First and foremost, even though this is an ARC read, there were quite a prodigious amount of grammatical errors. I do not have experience based on her other novels, but if she can put this much effort into such a stunning novel, I'm sure she's able to do that for her grammar. Nobody is perfect, however, there were still a fairly large amount of grammatical errors that I hope get corrected pre-publication. In addition, I would've liked her to not shroud the novel in so much mystery. I would've appreciated it if she could've delved into the backstory of the "background" characters just a little bit more. I was a bit confused about who those people were when mentioned in the novel a few times--siblings, etc.
All of the aforementioned issues do not accumulate to form a bad novel. This novel was astounding in nearly every way. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, always wondering what was going to happen next. I do appreciate Richard's writing style, and I cannot wait to read her other novels. Even though I tend to be a more adult novel reader, I do like a YA novel here and there. Even though I can be a bit apprehensive about YA novels, this one hit just the spot, finding the balance between the two. It's suitable for both worlds.
Overall, "49 Miles Alone" earned itself 4/5 stars for being such a riveting wilderness mystery/suspense novel. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, practically ready to pounce in anticipation, waiting for every twist and turn--thinking I was prepared, but I was not. However, with it being an ARC reader, there will be some differences between pre-publication and post-publication, but those did not accumulate to make this novel difficult to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I cannot wait to read her other novels. I would recommend this novel to anyone who is not only a fan of Natalie D. Richards but also to anyone who loves a good wilderness mystery or just a good mystery or suspense novel in general.
"49 Miles Alone" by Natalie D. Richards is a novel that is not only a first for me from her but also something that just further expanded my love for wilderness suspense novels (did I just coin a term?) Regardless, this novel is riveting; I could not stop reading it. I was instantaneously hooked. Unless it's Freida McFadden, I do find a lot of novels of this category to begin fairly slow. However, from page one, I am already grasped in the scenery.
Before I proceed with the rest of the review, I would like to note a few triggers I found while reading this novel. They were . . .
- rape
- rape rehabilitation (Katie is constantly triggered by hearing pants being unzipped)
- minor alcohol use
- minor drug use
- starvation
- dehydration
- murder
If any of the aforementioned triggers may be triggering for you, please do not read this novel. Moving along, the story begins with a reliving of the events that led up to Katie's rape, and then abruptly into the packing for Katie and her cousin, Aster's, 49-mile hike. They soon realize that they may not be alone--especially with Katie being constantly triggered--only worsening their uneasiness. That is only then exacerbated when they stumble onto a male and a female--who also have extra supplies--who go by the names of Finn and Riley--who also seem to be a couple. However, even after Riley's exuberant façade, and Finn's reticent one, it seems that something is amiss under the surface. Things only unravel from there, the idea of trust being existent becoming nonexistent. After Katie and Aster lose them after a harrowing night, they know that they must save Riley from the deranged Finn. Also, there was a woman to poked her way between the chapters here and there, speaking of an experience she is having--although without the who, what, when, where, why, and how.
I was enraptured by the sheer brilliance of this novel. What set it apart from the rest was its uncanny ability to keep me guessing and on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating the next twist and turn. The mere thought of predicting what was to come was but a futile exercise, for the author was a master of deception and knew how to keep me on my toes.
Indeed, the novel was a true testament to the author's prowess, as it was replete with high vocabulary, assertive prose, and vivid descriptions that transported me to the heart of the story. The characters were expertly crafted, each with their own unique personality and motivations, and the plot was as intricate as it was captivating.
As I delved deeper into the story, I couldn't help but marvel at the author's ability to conjure up a world that was both thrilling and dangerous. Whether it was the looming threat of death by scorpion sting or the constant struggle for survival, every page was brimming with excitement and intrigue.
It's not just me, right? Do you also find it challenging to visualize the long drives or hikes described in novels? I mean, picturing a 49-mile trail or a 3-hour drive seems like a daunting task when you're so used to imagining small towns or bustling cities. It's like the neurotransmitters in our brains refuse to connect when it comes to vast, open spaces. But, here's the thing, I recently came across a novel (49 Miles Alone) that made it so much easier to form those mental images, and I have to give a shoutout to the author, Richards, for making it happen.
In this particular novel, she crafted the scenes with such finesse that it felt like I was right there, experiencing everything alongside the characters. There were still some constraints, of course, especially when some crazy events were unfolding but overall, the entire experience was engaging and immersive. I don't want to spoil anything, but let's just say that this novel has its fair share of thrilling and unpredictable moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
On the other hand, Richards did miss a few things that I would've liked from a novel like this. First and foremost, even though this is an ARC read, there were quite a prodigious amount of grammatical errors. I do not have experience based on her other novels, but if she can put this much effort into such a stunning novel, I'm sure she's able to do that for her grammar. Nobody is perfect, however, there were still a fairly large amount of grammatical errors that I hope get corrected pre-publication. In addition, I would've liked her to not shroud the novel in so much mystery. I would've appreciated it if she could've delved into the backstory of the "background" characters just a little bit more. I was a bit confused about who those people were when mentioned in the novel a few times--siblings, etc.
All of the aforementioned issues do not accumulate to form a bad novel. This novel was astounding in nearly every way. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, always wondering what was going to happen next. I do appreciate Richard's writing style, and I cannot wait to read her other novels. Even though I tend to be a more adult novel reader, I do like a YA novel here and there. Even though I can be a bit apprehensive about YA novels, this one hit just the spot, finding the balance between the two. It's suitable for both worlds.
Overall, "49 Miles Alone" earned itself 4/5 stars for being such a riveting wilderness mystery/suspense novel. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, practically ready to pounce in anticipation, waiting for every twist and turn--thinking I was prepared, but I was not. However, with it being an ARC reader, there will be some differences between pre-publication and post-publication, but those did not accumulate to make this novel difficult to read. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I cannot wait to read her other novels. I would recommend this novel to anyone who is not only a fan of Natalie D. Richards but also to anyone who loves a good wilderness mystery or just a good mystery or suspense novel in general.
August 25, 2024
DNFED at pg 100
ZERO STARS
This is the fifth book ive tried from Richards, and I've been waiting for it to be published for months, but it's absolutely horrible. I hate it. I can't believe i even read 100 pages of it!!
Theres NOTHING going on, I hate the rape trope that they won't stop bringing up, things are poorly explained (they didn't even mention that they set up a tent on their first night but then mention that coyotes got near their tent 🤦🏻♂️), and it's absolutely boring. Waste of time. 🤦🏻♂️ !!!!!
ZERO STARS
This is the fifth book ive tried from Richards, and I've been waiting for it to be published for months, but it's absolutely horrible. I hate it. I can't believe i even read 100 pages of it!!
Theres NOTHING going on, I hate the rape trope that they won't stop bringing up, things are poorly explained (they didn't even mention that they set up a tent on their first night but then mention that coyotes got near their tent 🤦🏻♂️), and it's absolutely boring. Waste of time. 🤦🏻♂️ !!!!!
July 13, 2024
I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
This was a great YA thriller about two cousins on a 49 mile hike through the Utah desert. This is a trigger warning but it is also something that happens in chapter 1 and not mentioned in the synopsis. It is a theme in the book that I think is important too mention. The cousins are trying to heal their relationship after Katie was sexually assaulted a year ago at a party that she and Aster went to together. Aster left the party and feels guilty about what happened. Katie knows it wasn't her fault, however she is still angry and has PTSD about the incident. Aster would like her could from before the incident back and can't understand why Katie isn't the same person she used to be. The book alternates between their point of views, and Aster's is probably realistic, but it is still lacks compassion for what Katie went through and what her triggers are. Katie is using this trip to try to get back to that person pre-incident, but she is terrified of so many things and has alot of triggers. Katie also has a hard time talking about that night and explaining why she freezes sometimes and she lives in a constant state of terror and pain. If you have ever talked to a victim of SA, please be gentle and patient, they went through something horrific that you can't imagine. It is not something they just get over after a year.
As the girls set off on their 49 mile hike with their packs and a plan, things quickly take a turn for the worse. The map is off by miles, Aster develops a cold, she gets injured, they run into a bad storm ruining some of their gear and supplies, and finally they run into a couple acting strangely. Katie is terrified of Finn and is sure that he has done something terrible to his girlfriend Riley. They are low on supplies, but they don't want to leave Riley in the desert if they can help her. The girls put together what they know and things don't add up, but when Aster is catastrophically injured, Katie must go find help and steer clear of anyone who might be out to hurt them.
There were a few unrealistic moments, and I felt like for experienced hikers Katie and Aster weren't prepared for this hike supply wise. They didn't have some of the basic tools I would expect them to have. I get what the author was trying to do, and perhaps this will resonate better with a younger reader. Overall this was a quick fun read, perfect for the more mature YA reader.
This was a great YA thriller about two cousins on a 49 mile hike through the Utah desert. This is a trigger warning but it is also something that happens in chapter 1 and not mentioned in the synopsis. It is a theme in the book that I think is important too mention. The cousins are trying to heal their relationship after Katie was sexually assaulted a year ago at a party that she and Aster went to together. Aster left the party and feels guilty about what happened. Katie knows it wasn't her fault, however she is still angry and has PTSD about the incident. Aster would like her could from before the incident back and can't understand why Katie isn't the same person she used to be. The book alternates between their point of views, and Aster's is probably realistic, but it is still lacks compassion for what Katie went through and what her triggers are. Katie is using this trip to try to get back to that person pre-incident, but she is terrified of so many things and has alot of triggers. Katie also has a hard time talking about that night and explaining why she freezes sometimes and she lives in a constant state of terror and pain. If you have ever talked to a victim of SA, please be gentle and patient, they went through something horrific that you can't imagine. It is not something they just get over after a year.
As the girls set off on their 49 mile hike with their packs and a plan, things quickly take a turn for the worse. The map is off by miles, Aster develops a cold, she gets injured, they run into a bad storm ruining some of their gear and supplies, and finally they run into a couple acting strangely. Katie is terrified of Finn and is sure that he has done something terrible to his girlfriend Riley. They are low on supplies, but they don't want to leave Riley in the desert if they can help her. The girls put together what they know and things don't add up, but when Aster is catastrophically injured, Katie must go find help and steer clear of anyone who might be out to hurt them.
There were a few unrealistic moments, and I felt like for experienced hikers Katie and Aster weren't prepared for this hike supply wise. They didn't have some of the basic tools I would expect them to have. I get what the author was trying to do, and perhaps this will resonate better with a younger reader. Overall this was a quick fun read, perfect for the more mature YA reader.
April 3, 2024
A fast-paced, tense thriller featuring two girls alone in the Moab desert…except they’re not alone.
Four Miles Alone follows two cousins, Katie and Aster a year after Katie survives a devasting, awful night that lingers in her to this day. She’s desperate to heal from the trauma and the cousins decide to tackle four days of hiking in the Utah backcountry. It’s a desert they’ve hiked in for years except this time, danger lurks more prominently. With an unplanned injury, illness, and freak, flooding storm leave them off-kilter and plan, they’re relieved to find a young couple on the trail. Except, Katie doesn’t trust the boyfriend and the two girls have to fight to survive against the elements and people with secrets and danger.
This is such a fun thriller. I love books set in the wild like this, where survival is really dependent on the setting and the character’s knowledge. Survival stories are something I thoroughly enjoy, mostly because you could never catch me in these situations and I love to live vicariously through the characters. I loved the setting here, set in the Utah desert. It was so interesting and descriptive—I could picture the landscape so easily even though I’ve never been there. It made for such an immersive, tense read as the plot really takes a lot of turns.
Katie and Aster were good main characters. It’s a dual POV so we get to see from both of them and a third, mysterious POV. Aster is so good at survival! She’s so smart and knowledgeable as her dad has taught her a lot. But so is Katie which I found really refreshing. They’re both very capable and make good choices for the most part, and the ones I didn’t agree with, made sense for what they’ve portrayed. I feel so bad for Katie but she overcame so much throughout the novel. So did Aster as there was some lingering guilt for the events from the previous year, but it didn’t derail their relationship. I really enjoyed reading about them and their friendship as cousins. They have a very strong bond that I appreciated.
The plot is really great and is so easy to read. It’s incredibly fast paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The ending was a good twist that I didn’t entirely see coming so that was fun to read about. The author does a really great job of keeping you guessing until the final reveal.
Definitely would recommend if you like YA survival thrillers!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Four Miles Alone follows two cousins, Katie and Aster a year after Katie survives a devasting, awful night that lingers in her to this day. She’s desperate to heal from the trauma and the cousins decide to tackle four days of hiking in the Utah backcountry. It’s a desert they’ve hiked in for years except this time, danger lurks more prominently. With an unplanned injury, illness, and freak, flooding storm leave them off-kilter and plan, they’re relieved to find a young couple on the trail. Except, Katie doesn’t trust the boyfriend and the two girls have to fight to survive against the elements and people with secrets and danger.
This is such a fun thriller. I love books set in the wild like this, where survival is really dependent on the setting and the character’s knowledge. Survival stories are something I thoroughly enjoy, mostly because you could never catch me in these situations and I love to live vicariously through the characters. I loved the setting here, set in the Utah desert. It was so interesting and descriptive—I could picture the landscape so easily even though I’ve never been there. It made for such an immersive, tense read as the plot really takes a lot of turns.
Katie and Aster were good main characters. It’s a dual POV so we get to see from both of them and a third, mysterious POV. Aster is so good at survival! She’s so smart and knowledgeable as her dad has taught her a lot. But so is Katie which I found really refreshing. They’re both very capable and make good choices for the most part, and the ones I didn’t agree with, made sense for what they’ve portrayed. I feel so bad for Katie but she overcame so much throughout the novel. So did Aster as there was some lingering guilt for the events from the previous year, but it didn’t derail their relationship. I really enjoyed reading about them and their friendship as cousins. They have a very strong bond that I appreciated.
The plot is really great and is so easy to read. It’s incredibly fast paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat. The ending was a good twist that I didn’t entirely see coming so that was fun to read about. The author does a really great job of keeping you guessing until the final reveal.
Definitely would recommend if you like YA survival thrillers!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2024
49 Miles Alone is an engaging thriller that takes readers into the vast and treacherous Utah desert, where survival is more than just a matter of resources. The story follows Katie and her cousin Aster, who embark on a four-day hike to reconnect after a past incident left their relationship fractured. However, what begins as a journey of healing soon turns into a test of endurance, fear, and trust when they encounter Riley and her unsettling boyfriend, Finn.
Richards does a fantastic job of building suspense with vivid descriptions of the desert’s unforgiving landscape, making you feel the isolation and danger the characters face. The tension between the characters is palpable, especially when eerie revelations about Finn surface, heightening the sense of dread. The writing is sharp and fluid, pulling you right into the story.
However, while the plot is gripping and filled with suspenseful moments, the ending felt somewhat predictable. I anticipated where the story was heading before it fully unraveled, which lessened the impact of the final revelations. Despite this, 49 Miles Alone remains a well-crafted story with strong character development and atmospheric writing.
If you enjoy survival thrillers with a psychological twist, this book is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a journey where the desert may be the least of the characters’ worries.
Richards does a fantastic job of building suspense with vivid descriptions of the desert’s unforgiving landscape, making you feel the isolation and danger the characters face. The tension between the characters is palpable, especially when eerie revelations about Finn surface, heightening the sense of dread. The writing is sharp and fluid, pulling you right into the story.
However, while the plot is gripping and filled with suspenseful moments, the ending felt somewhat predictable. I anticipated where the story was heading before it fully unraveled, which lessened the impact of the final revelations. Despite this, 49 Miles Alone remains a well-crafted story with strong character development and atmospheric writing.
If you enjoy survival thrillers with a psychological twist, this book is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a journey where the desert may be the least of the characters’ worries.
August 20, 2024
Fantastic hiking & camping detail, in a place I've never been and haven't even read much about. I also really loved the bond between the cousins, even as they were still trying to find their way back to how they used to be. On that note: high five for a YA with zero romance.
It suffers a little bit from the same problem as Four Found Dead, with frequent flashbacks to A Terrible Backstory (don't take a shot every time you read "rustle of fabric" or you may die), but having two different main characters helps with that, and this time it's outweighed by the sheer excellence of the rest of the story. (That said: if rape is a trigger for you, you'll want to avoid this book.)
If you liked the same aspects I did but want more mystery-thriller and less sexual assault trauma, try One Was Lost. I think this is tied with that one as my favorites from this author so far.
It suffers a little bit from the same problem as Four Found Dead, with frequent flashbacks to A Terrible Backstory (don't take a shot every time you read "rustle of fabric" or you may die), but having two different main characters helps with that, and this time it's outweighed by the sheer excellence of the rest of the story. (That said: if rape is a trigger for you, you'll want to avoid this book.)
If you liked the same aspects I did but want more mystery-thriller and less sexual assault trauma, try One Was Lost. I think this is tied with that one as my favorites from this author so far.
July 27, 2024
Despite some mixed reviews, I enjoyed this book! I hadn’t read a thriller in a while, and this was a good book to get back into this genre. The shorter chapters were a plus, and the chapter endings kept me on edge and wanting to keep reading. I found the ending to be a bit rushed, and I thought it was a little predictable. However, I loved piecing together the mystery. The hiking plot was interesting to read about, and I liked it more since I had just gotten home from camp when I picked this up. Overall, I liked this book!
January 5, 2025
To start this off I would like to say that I am 12 years old. This book was very good seeing as I usually don’t read thrillers. It had many twists and turns and every time I set the book down I wondered how this book could end. I took a star off because at the end of the book it got hard to understand their position on the trail, and I wish the story of the night at the party was kind of revealed more because it says that the girls were trying to heal together on their journey but it feels like in the end they just added to their trauma without healing their past.
April 2, 2025
Enjoyed this read and the connections between both Cousins. Started off like a cute read (disregarding the nuances of sexual assault). Slow start didn’t capture my interest immediately unfortunately in regards to a novel of this genre. But alas I stay committed!
Personally would have enjoyed a little more intrigue leading up to the climax. Plot was a little predictable but I had to get to the end. But the climax had me hooked! The dangers of hiking was thrilling.
Would I ever commit to a route day 49 mile hike in the middle of god knows where ? No. But will I read another book by this author? Hell yes.
Personally would have enjoyed a little more intrigue leading up to the climax. Plot was a little predictable but I had to get to the end. But the climax had me hooked! The dangers of hiking was thrilling.
Would I ever commit to a route day 49 mile hike in the middle of god knows where ? No. But will I read another book by this author? Hell yes.
July 1, 2024
I received this as an ARC and I must say, Richards has done it again! She has written a captivating YA thriller that spans for all ages.
As two cousins, Kate and Aster set out on the hike of a lifetime we get to see into their memories and thoughts as they both deal with a horrific event that has occurred in the last year. Can they hike as usual? Can they trust each other? What is around every corner?
There is also the 0 mile hiker POV which, as the reader, we don’t know if this is one of the girls or someone else. Their POV has eye opening and terrifying moments.
As two cousins, Kate and Aster set out on the hike of a lifetime we get to see into their memories and thoughts as they both deal with a horrific event that has occurred in the last year. Can they hike as usual? Can they trust each other? What is around every corner?
There is also the 0 mile hiker POV which, as the reader, we don’t know if this is one of the girls or someone else. Their POV has eye opening and terrifying moments.
January 11, 2025
3.6⭐️
0🌶️
Listened to audiobook on Libby
The pacing of this book was ok. It felt like there was a couple unnecessary subplots. Frankly getting off track in the desert sounds like a nightmare enough. The tension between the main characters was also a little frustrating. There was the opportunity to have go more wrong with the trail. Also just no don’t go hiking like that it sounds terrible.
0🌶️
Listened to audiobook on Libby
The pacing of this book was ok. It felt like there was a couple unnecessary subplots. Frankly getting off track in the desert sounds like a nightmare enough. The tension between the main characters was also a little frustrating. There was the opportunity to have go more wrong with the trail. Also just no don’t go hiking like that it sounds terrible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2025
Content warnings: rape (in the past), panic attacks, assault, violence, drug use, injury detail
3.5 stars
This............was not as exciting as I thought it might be. Don't get me wrong, there were chunks of it that were downright gripping and I couldn't put it down. But at the same time, there were chunks of it that was basically just Katie and Aster hiking for mile after mile and that? That was kind of dull.
So yeah. It got there in the end, but it was kind of a mixed bag.
3.5 stars
This............was not as exciting as I thought it might be. Don't get me wrong, there were chunks of it that were downright gripping and I couldn't put it down. But at the same time, there were chunks of it that was basically just Katie and Aster hiking for mile after mile and that? That was kind of dull.
So yeah. It got there in the end, but it was kind of a mixed bag.
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