Elka's been orphaned several times already in her short life. First her parents left her with her Nana to go off in search of gold, then she lost Nana when a bad storm came. And now she's discovered that Trapper, the hunter who took her in and raised her, is a cold-blooded killer. Elka decides to go in search of her parents and sets off alone across the post-apocalyptic wilderness. But Trapper can't let her go that easily and Elka's journey soon takes some harrowing turns that find her fighting not only for her life, but for the life of the first friend she has ever had. While reading this book, it was easy to forget that this could be our future. The world Beth Lewis describes and the way its inhabitants survive are very reminiscent of the late 1800's. Elka is a unique heroine and her dark, disturbing story is one that will stay with you long after you finish the book.