Running Out of Air

by Lilli Sutton

"An exhilarating adventure."
—Zoje Stage, USA Today bestselling author of Baby Teeth and Dear Hanna

A smart, thrilling and powerful debut by Lilli Sutton that asks what it costs to pursue your wildest dreams?

Evelyn and Sophie, sisters and best friends, were known as one of the climbing world’s strongest teams—but that was before Evelyn had an affair with Sophie’s husband. Now they can’t even be in the same room together. That is, until they’re both offered a mountaineer’s a chance to summit the eight-thousand-meter peak Yama Parvat.

Sophie has been aimless since Evelyn’s betrayal. She hasn’t summited a Himalayan mountain in nearly two years, all the joy drained from the sport for her, and this trek offers a chance to reestablish herself as a top climber before her sponsors withdraw their funding. Evelyn has been happy with Miles since he left Sophie, but guilt continues to shadow her, clouding her judgment and the ability to move forward. Now she’s willing to gamble everything for the chance to be part of the first team to summit this as-yet unclimbed mountain and prove herself a capable leader.

Stranded during a devastating storm on top of the world, Evelyn and Sophie are forced to climb together. Whether or not they make it off the mountain alive hinges on their trust in one another—something lost years ago—as they face down the question of how much they’re willing to sacrifice to get it all back.

Genres: Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Sports, Adult

Audible Audio

First published November 19, 2024

About the author

Lilli Sutton writes contemporary adult fiction. She holds a BA in English from Shepherd University. From Maryland, she now lives in Colorado. She draws inspiration for her writing from the natural world and the intricacies of human relationships.

When she's not writing, she's usually cooking, hiking, or trying to keep up with her ever-growing TBR list.

Reviews

[Natalie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tragedy and triumph in life, love, and family.

Set against a backdrop of extreme mountaineering this story was significantly more than I expected. The dogged determination of climbers underpins the broken dreams and relationships that make and break them and their sport. Equally awe-inspiring and terrifying.

The plot with the sisters was just right.

A well-written and an easy to follow story (I know nothing about mountaineering or expeditions)- an enjoyable read.

[Sarah | Kerosene.Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure why, but I love reading about mountain climbing, and this was an incredibly intense and immersive inside look. It was thrilling, adventurous, occasionally gruesome, and unflinchingly real in portraying the dangers.

At the center of this story is a complex sisterly relationship. Once inseparable climbing partners, their bond was shattered when Evelyn had an affair with Sophie’s husband. Alternating between past and present, it reveals the events that led to their estrangement and their eventual reunion as they face the greatest climbing challenge of their lives in Nepal.

At times, the pacing was a bit slow, but that's understandable given the depth and details about mountain climbing. Overall, I enjoyed it a lot. The final 10-15%—holy moly! I sobbed. It was pure adrenaline and unexpectedly destroyed me. I'm still recovering. What a great debut!

(heat level: closed door)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut was a thrilling story of second chances and survival as two estranged sisters and former climbing partners reunite for an opportunity to be the first to climb to the top of Yama Parval, a Himalayan peak that no climber has faced successfully. However a storm makes their descent dangerous and they must rely on one another if they want to survive to make it back to the base of the mountain. Fast-paced and moving, this was an entertaining read perfect for fans of books like Bluebird Day by Megan Tady or Breathless by Amy McCulloch. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Birdie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The character of Evelyn was poorly constructed. So much attention was given to the various romantic relationships (which were also shallow and had no substance) I would have liked to see more about the relationship of the sisters. I’m very familiar with the subject matter of high altitude climbing and I can ten the author showed a genuine interest, but basing your sailing in Krakaur is a disappointing choice. Everyone on the Into Thin Air expedition has come out and said his retelling wasn’t accurate. I tried to like the book and I’ve rated it generously because of the subject matter but barely finished it

[Cynthia Messina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having two sons who are higher on the adventure scale than I am, I have read more than my share of climbing books and seen movies and documentaries as well. Fictional stories tend to include the same elements and tropes and that is true here, but the backstory between the sisters added a nice escape off the mountain occasionally.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded down

Running Out of Air is a gripping alpine thriller about two estranged sisters who end up on a climb together to the previously off-limits Yama Parvat. Their once extremely close relationship was damaged when Evelyn had an affair with Sophie’s husband. Now the sisters are forced into close proximity on a deadly climb that pushes them to their physical and mental limits.

I love books about extreme climbing, despite being so far from the sport myself. I found this novel to be very realistic as compared to other books I’ve read which I appreciated. It very much gave the same vibes as Into Thin Air and the 1996 Everest climb, particularly with the character of Lowell. Overall I had a great time following Sophie and Evelyn’s stories. I do wish the epilogue was either expanded or cut out, but ultimately I was satisfied by where we left the characters.

I would recommend this broadly to thriller readers, particularly for fans of mountain climbing!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for access to this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Pam Newcomb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn’t get into the storyline.

[Melanie Zitzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. The premise of this book wasn’t what I usually read but it sounded interesting enough, betrayal by a sister in a duo that climbs mountains.

But it swept me up and the ending…oh the ending.

[Callie Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay everyone so I never read books set in extreme environments like this, which is honestly surprising because I was obsessed with nature as a child, but:

RUNNING OUT OF AIR follows two sisters who share a passion for mountaineering. They always climb together—until one of them makes a mistake that severs their relationship. When a once-in-a-lifetime climbing opportunity brings them back together, they must climb emotional and physical mountains…or possibly die trying.

Needless to say, this book is INTENSE—both in terms of emotion and plot. It’s told in dual-POV with alternating timelines, which creates such a complex character dynamic between the sisters. This character dynamic feels SO realistic, and is likely more or less how my sisters and I would interact if something like what happens in this book took place between us. I read the last 100 pages on a plane, and when I got to the climax my mouth quite literally dropped open and I YANKED my laptop toward me, totally forgetting that I was surrounded by people. The symbolism is top tier, and the ending sparks so much discussion, which I always appreciate in a book—especially a character-focused book like this.

All in all, I loved this, and I can’t wait to have a physical copy sitting on my shelf in November!

[Celine Italia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free ARC of this book from HTP Books and Lilli Sutton on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, HTP Books!

Sisters Evelyn and Sophie, once the ultimate climbing team, were torn apart by betrayal when Evelyn had an affair with Sophie's husband. Now, a chance to summit the deadly Yama Parvat forces them to face their past. Stranded in a brutal storm, their survival - and redemption - depends on rebuilding trust lost years ago. Will they make it down alive?

This book is like climbing a wild mountain range - every twist and peak hits hard, and the journey is intense but unforgettable! The dual-POV and alternating timelines make Sophie and Evelyn's messy yet real relationship so layered and relatable - like, I could totally see my sisters and me reacting the same way if this drama went down IRL. The symbolism? Chef's kiss. And those last 100 pages? Jaw dropped. The ending is a perfect mix of shocking yet inevitable, leaving you thinking and talking about it for days. Emotional, gripping, and packed with tension, this story is a must-read for character-driven fiction fans!

I give this book a 4.5/5 stars! Would recommend this book to any readers looking for a gripping mix of family drama, betrayal, redemption, and survival against the backdrop of extreme mountaineering! Thanks again, HTP Books and Lilli Sutton, for the free ARC!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running Out Of Air, is a gripping debut thriller set amid the treacherous heights of the Himalayas. At its core, it’s a story of estranged sisters, Sophie and Evelyn, whose strong bond is shattered when Evelyn has an affair with Sophie’s husband.

This is intense & super immersive. The emotional and physical stakes/tension are sooo well written.

Lindsey Dorcus is an iconic narrator, a national treasure to the book community! Loved her performance for the audiobook.

[Laur✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow. Will be thinking about this book for a long time. WOW.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Richard Bankey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Goodreads, the author and publisher for this ARC. Interesting story. 3 stars.

Stacey Bankey

[Hollister · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holy shit. For so much of this book, it was straight up two stars. Novice. But that ending, it skyrocketed. I cried.

[MG · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book sounded really interesting. I usually love high stakes thrillers featuring estranged relatives/friends. I just never really clicked with this one. I liked some parts of the story and ultimately found it semi-interesting. I just didn't connect with the plot or characters as much I thought/hoped I would.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do really enjoy an adventure story!

I don’t know how much I buy Evelyn and Miles affair — how incredibly cruel, especially when the sisters were so close.
Surprised that Evelyn died on the mountain!

[M. Stevenson]

This book was so tense--like watching a train wreck in slow motion! I really enjoyed the tidbits about mountaineering and the climbing world, and Sophie and Evelyn's different personalities unfolding on the page as they spiraled towards disaster across two different timelines. Read this book if you're thinking about climbing mountains, because it will certainly make you think twice.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.

[Rachel Goodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

That last chapter made the book everything. without that I probably would have given it three stars. but as other readers have commented that last chapter really was the ending that was needed.

I did not think I would cry so much but I did. The story of this sister is Evelyn and Sophie ended quite nicely. if you call nicely with one of the sisters having to die. I don't think the book would have worked without that as an ending.

also, Evelyn's character was not very developed. it just seemed she did not have a lot to her. I really couldn't understand why she slept with Sophie's husband and had an ongoing affair. nothing really stood out as to why they would have ended up together unless you call it two attractive people that have an attraction. but it really didn't lead me to understand what drove them together. Miles struck me as a sociopath. also, maybe it's because his character also is not fully developed which could have been intentional.

also, as someone who does not climb, I really could not understand Levi. it did not seem that he had the experience to be hiking on Yama Parvat. it just seemed from the get-go that he was not going to make it.

lastly, I thought the rule in climbing or mountaineering was you don't leave people behind. I know doing big hikes that would be a really big no. so how on Earth was Evelyn left behind on the mountain. that really bugged me.

also, this is probably why I did not give the book five stars. but that last chapter rounded it from a 3 to a 4 so I guess that says enough.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This starts with an intense scene on Yama Parvat, a Himalayan mountain, and then goes back and forth in time to tell how sisters Evelyn and Sophie got to this point. The sisters are both expert climbers, having jointly and separately scaled the highest of peaks but in the present they are estranged and facing the biggest challenge of their climbing careers. Miles, Sophie's husband is the reason why they've not been speaking (and he is btw a dreadful user of a person). Know that this is heavy on the technicalities of climbing and that a lot of time is spent on the mountain-and it's not an easy place. This is intense and will have you turning the pages, worrying about not only Sophie and Evelyn but also their teams. You'll feel the cold and the sting of the blizzard. And you must pay close attention as it nears the end because there are surprises. All of that said this is very much about the sisters. If I have a quibble it's with the epilogue, which felt a bit tacked on (as epilogues are) but no spoilers from me. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. Excellent read- a page turner.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sisters have a chance to reconnect after an affair rips them apart. Evelyn and Sophie, sisters and best friends, were known as one of the climbing world’s strongest teams—but that was before Evelyn had an affair with Sophie’s husband. Now they can’t even be in the same room together. That is, until they’re both offered a mountaineer’s dream: a chance to summit the eight-thousand-meter peak Yama Parvat.
Sophie has been aimless since Evelyn’s betrayal. She hasn’t summited a Himalayan mountain in nearly two years, all the joy drained from the sport for her, and this trek offers a chance to reestablish herself as a top climber before her sponsors withdraw their funding.
Evelyn has been happy with Miles since he left Sophie, but guilt continues to shadow her, clouding her judgment and the ability to move forward. Now she’s willing to gamble everything for the chance to be part of the first team to summit this as-yet-unclimbed mountain and prove herself a capable leader. A little predictable when things go wrong and some of the team dies.

[Marly Mcastocker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very intense read! Right from the get-go, you are drawn into the harrowing journey of climbing. Either Sutton did her research, or is an active climber, because the details, depth, and knowledge pull the reader in for a captivating, jaw-dropping ride. Sister, Sophie and Evelyn used to be best friends, until a selfish decision came between them. Both avid climbers, summitting Everest and mountains alike, the both separately embark on a journey to climb a never before summited mountain. My blood was rushing, and boiling, and constricting all at the same time. Sophie is a very loveable character, but I found it challenging to find Evelyn's character redeemable. This story was really well developed, fast-paced with intensity, and all around a good read. My verdict is out for the ending- but I do understand the intent from the author's point of view. I am not at all a climber and found this book highly enjoyable. Thank you #NetGalley and #HarlequinTradePublishing for the ARC

[Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's something captivating about mountaineering books. Maybe it's the exhilaration of the struggle of the climb; maybe it's the catharsis of reaching the summit knowing that the person will now have to turn around and successfully navigate thousands of miles of descent. This book was well conceived, well edited, and well organized. Ms. Sutton does a great job of creating the necessary tension between Sophie and Evelyn to keep the reader engaged as to whether they will reconcile.

My only critique of the book is the unrealistic story arc that Evelyn would spend weeks climbing K2 and Broad Peak right before she takes the bar exam. This is not a test that someone can take unprepared or with limited cramming. Graduating law school students spend the entire summer leading up to the bar exam studying many hours each day virtually every day of the week.

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an action packed, emotional read. An intense story of survival, forgiveness, second chances and sisterhood.

The action starts right from the very beginning and was sustained throughout the book. I have never read a book on mountain climbing and couldn’t help but admire what people go through to fuel their passions.

This is the story of two sisters Evelyn and Sophie and their journey to reach the summit of an unclimbed mountain while both navigating through their feelings of betrayal, loneliness and unforgiveness.

The author portrayed the scenes so vividly and realistically that it almost felt like I was climbing as well. I enjoyed the dual POVs and alternating timelines.

I did not anticipate the ending. The climax was gripping.

If you are like mountain climbing with a bit of family drama then you should read this.

[Abigail Monti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible debut. I will never attempt mountaineering, ever, thanks to this book. The intensity and fear were tangible. I loved how she brushed over the most traumatic moments in a single sentence—in moments of life or death, the characters are given no time to grieve, so neither were we. The only grievance I had was the timeline—switching between two POVs across three separate periods in time got confusing. I understand the intention—to reveal the sister’s secrets piece mail—but it got a little too whiplashy for my liking. I think a more linear organization (maybe revisiting the past with memories/flashbacks instead?) would have helped smooth the narrative? Either way, I recommend to anyone who’s ever felt the allure of a challenge.

[Linnea Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually like stories about complicated adult relationships (cheating, divorce), but I'm glad I gave this a try. The parts of the book that focused on climbing were very immersive and interesting, and although the sisters were very much in conflict, it didn't feel contrived. I had a good idea of the thoughts and motivations (and mistakes) of each person while they were in focus, so it was easy to see why they were fighting and why they couldn't simply reconnect. I especially appreciated that the ending didn't undo or oversimplify anything.

I would read this book again just to feel like I was climbing one of the tallest mountains in the world.

[Devin Beinke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yikes, this book was heavy. I enjoyed reading it much more than I thought I would. I went to the library to pick up my reserved book and I realized I accidentally got an audio CD, so I browse books and just grab this one. When I read the description it sounded a little cheesy, but I needed a book. Quite the contrary, I found it very interesting. Although the ending was definitely sad and I was hoping that there was a last chapter written by Evelyn so that it could end a little bit more upbeat, maybe Evelyn‘s ghost. When you’re done reading it the whole thing is just a little bit sad so I don’t think I would recommend it

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the advanced reader copy.

This book was like a punch to the gut. The characters of Sophie and Evelyn are messy and empathetic and feel fully fleshed out in a way that makes you feel their pain and distance for much of the book. I also haven't read any other fiction about mountain climbing, so this was interesting to learn about. The end felt both surprising and inevitable and had my heart pounding until the last few moments of the climax.

[catherine l doss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable rest from my usual murder mysteries. Attaining the peaks of Alps and other almost unreachable mountain peaks was enjoyable with two sisters who had climbed together their entire lives and inevitably met up again after betrayal at the peak of a mountain never climbed before. The ending wasn’t a surprise but it didn’t detract from the story.

It was reminiscent of a previous story the TV people filmed of a Mt Everest climb. I think the author was Jon White. Never want to do it, but all the prep and treatment of extreme fatigue and little O2 is very interesting.

[Beth Peninger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for this advanced reader's copy. In exchange, I am providing an honest review.

Evelyn and Sophie were sisters first, friends and climbing partners second and third. But then, Evelyn did the unthinkable - she betrayed Sophie by having an affair with Sophie's husband. Now, they don't speak, much less see each other. But then both are offered spots on climbing teams aiming to be the first to summit the eight-thousand-meter peak of Yama Parvat. In addition to training for this once-in-a-lifetime climb, the sisters must also prepare to meet each other on the mountain and decide how and if they will interact. When a series of events whittle down the teams attempting to be the first to summit Yama Parvat, Sophie and Evelyn are forced to climb together, which will require trust - something broken between them unless they can work it out in time.

Wow. What a debut! As ambitious as scaling a formidable mountain. To tackle a novel is hard enough, but to tackle one covering a topic as detailed and complex as mountaineering and to do it with such thoroughness as Sutton did is impressive. This did not feel or read like a debut novel, and from what I can tell, while Sutton does hike, she is not a climber like the characters she features in this story. Could have fooled me! She did her research, that's for sure. Sutton writes her story using Evelyn and Sophie in alternating POVs, also going back in the past and in their present while attempting to summit Yama Parvat. I didn't care for Miles at all. And I didn't care for Evelyn much; talk about lack of self-control, major betrayal, and selfishness. Yes, nobody likes a betrayer, but Evelyn and Miles deserved each other, in my opinion. The fact that I feel so strongly about them is a nod to how well-developed their characters were by Sutton. Well done, Lilli Sutton. I look forward to reading your future works.