When they reach the bottom of the canyon, the unthinkable happens: A flash flood rips across their path, and Nora finds herself lost and alone in the desert. Can she survive dehydration, venomous scorpions, deadly snakes, and, worst of all, the Beast who has terrorized her dreams for the past year? If Nora is going to save herself or her father, she must conquer her fears, defeat the Beast, and find the courage to live her new life.
At first glance this book is just about rock climbing, but no, this book is about so much more. Dusti Bowling does an incredible job of writing a thrilling adventure told through the eyes of a scared and lonely young girl who has suffered a tragedy. Both Nora and her father are trying to overcome their loss and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) after the event that took her mother's life. Written mostly in verse, this is a short but powerful book about life, death, and path of healing.
Born and raised in Arizona, Bowling brings a very real feeling to all of her novels. Check out some of her award winning novels such as 24 Hours in Nowhere, Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus series, and her Aven Green series.