A backpacking trip turns deadly when Nora's murderous stepfather takes a hostage by mistake, forcing a group of friends to use every survival skill they have.
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the complex process of healing from past trauma or struggling to reconcile their difficult family history with their future identity. It is an ideal pick for older teens who enjoy high stakes puzzles and survival stories that also explore deep emotional resilience. The story follows Nora, a girl raised by a con artist mother, as she attempts a normal backpacking trip that quickly turns into a life or death game of wits against her dangerous stepfather. Beyond the pulse pounding thriller plot, the book delves into the importance of chosen family, the courage required to be vulnerable, and the strength found in loyalty. While the tension is high and the threat of violence is real, the focus remains on the protagonist's agency and her ability to protect those she loves through intelligence and preparation.
Frequent use of strong profanity throughout the dialogue and internal monologue.
Mature Themes
Moderate
Characters must use deceptive con-artist skills and lethal traps to ensure survival.
Sad ContentModerate
Exploration of child abuse, trauma, and the impact of toxic parenting.
Scary ContentIntense
A sustained sense of being hunted in the woods; kidnapping and psychological intimidation.
ViolenceIntense
Graphic descriptions of physical altercations, weapons use, and survival-based combat.
Read plot summary
Nora O'Malley, the daughter of a professional con artist, is trying to start a normal life after her mother’s imprisonment. During a celebratory backpacking trip with her girlfriend Iris, best friend Wes, and his new girlfriend Amanda, things go sideways when Nora's murderous stepfather, Raymond, tracks them down. Mistakes are made, Amanda is kidnapped in Nora's place, and the teens must utilize their unique, specialized skills (survivalist traps, spear making, and psychological manipulation) to navigate 2,000 acres of forest and defeat a team of professional henchmen. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly with child abuse, parental abandonment, and physical violence. The approach is realistic and gritty, emphasizing the psychological scars left by Nora's upbringing. The resolution is hopeful but acknowledges that healing is a lifelong process. EMOTIONAL ARC: The narrative starts with a sense of impending dread that explodes into high-octane survivalism. It maintains a jagged, intense pace, alternating between the immediate terror of the hunt and the internal emotional growth of the characters. IDEAL READER: A 16 to 18 year old who feels like they have to carry the world on their shoulders or who has experienced domestic instability and seeks a protagonist who finds power in her survival. PARENT TRIGGER: Parents should be aware that scenes depicting Raymond's manipulative behavior toward Nora, or instances where characters betray each other's trust, might trigger hyper-vigilance or trust issues in teens who have experienced similar situations. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of scenes involving physical torture, descriptions of past abuse, and high-tension violence. Parents can use this book as an opportunity to discuss healthy relationships, consent, and the importance of seeking help after experiencing trauma. Consider asking questions like, "What do you think makes a relationship healthy?" or "How do you think Nora's past experiences affect her decisions in the present?". AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger teens will focus on the survival tactics and the thriller aspect: the 'how' of the escape. Older teens will resonate more with the 'why': the psychological impact of Nora's traumatic experiences and her struggle to believe she deserves a peaceful life. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many YA thrillers that rely on coincidence, Sharpe focuses on the competence of her characters. It is a celebration of 'the survivor' as a skilled, intelligent, and proactive figure rather than a victim.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Nora mentions that she has many 'girls' inside her from her mother's cons. How does she use those personas to survive, and how does she decide who the 'real' Nora is?
2
Iris and Wes each bring different skills to the group. How does their loyalty to Nora change the way they approach the danger in the woods compared to how Nora would handle it alone?
3
Raymond uses Amanda's lack of knowledge about Nora's past against the group. How do secrets act as both a shield and a weapon in this story?
4
Throughout the book, Nora struggles with the idea of 'deserving' a happy ending. Why do you think her past makes it hard for her to accept safety and love?
