July 1, 2021
Gr 9 Up-Natalia bears the burden of having accidentally started a fire that resulted in burns to her legs and the death of her little brother. Six years later, she's working at an ice cream stand with Wyatt. When he invites her to go hiking on a trail leading to a waterfall, she reluctantly agrees. When they're trapped by a fire, the dry conditions send flames ripping toward them. The two teens, along with a group of fellow hikers, must deal with treachery, life-threatening situations, and the ever-present inferno chasing them along steep and uneven trails. All of the action happens during a 24-hour period. Amy McFadden's narration is well done, but each emergency includes exposition that almost comes across as a wilderness medicine lecture. VERDICT An audiobook that outdoor enthusiasts, adrenaline junkies, and those who have had a similar experience will easily relate to.-John R. Clark, formerly with Hartland P.L., ME
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