While this book is a bit different from what Richards has written in the past, it's definitely one of my favorites by her. I know absolutely nothing about hiking and was a bit hesitant to read a thriller solely focused on this, but the author does a great job of familiarizing readers with new terminology and common scenarios. Either there was a lot of research done before writing this, or the author is passionate about hiking herself. The two main characters were constantly facing new challenges at every turn and I couldn't wait to see how they would work through them.

Had this been solely focused on the hiking thriller aspect, I think this story would have struggled a lot to find its footing. Instead, Richards adds a more character-focused thread that helps add some complexity to the narrative. Katie, who was raped a year before the book begins, is struggling with her trauma and her relationship with Aster after the events of a party that changed her life forever. Katie grapples with the divide between who she once was and who she has become and eventually comes to accept the new person she has changed into, which I found really touching.

Unfortunately, the 'whodunnit' aspect was pretty lackluster. I figured out very early on who the killer was, so the ending wasn't very surprising. The final conflict resolution was quite lackluster as well. Once Katie reaches the drop-off point to find help, Aster's dad is conveniently there at the perfect time in order to save the day. The timing was too convenient and cheapened the ending a bit.

I'm happy I gave another book by this author a chance, because the plot was incredibly gripping. 49 Miles Alone is definitely one of the better YA mystery thrillers I've read, and this one has encouraged me to give some of this author's other books a go.

This was a largely enjoyable read.

It will definitely appeal to people who like hiking and the outdoors because the hiking aspects were very, very detailed. Maybe a little too detailed, but they added to the atmosphere.

The *who* and *why* of everything were absolutely no surprise. It was clear immediately, though it worked well with the backdrop of our characters' trauma.

A solid book.

Natalie D. Richards has a knack for creating suspenseful young adult thrillers, and her latest offering, *49 Miles Alone*, does not disappoint. Set against the breathtaking yet unforgiving backdrop of the Utah desert, this novel captures the raw emotions of its protagonists while expertly weaving a tale that delves into trauma, resilience, and the urgent need for survival.

The book opens with a jarring prologue—a party that drastically alters the lives of cousins Aster and Katie. This haunting night of violence sets the stage for a story that explores the complexities of healing and rebuilding shattered friendships. A year later, the cousins embark on a four-day hike, hoping that the beauty of nature will help them reclaim their lives and their bond. However, the desert they once loved quickly morphs into a treacherous landscape filled with tension and uncertainty.

The sense of dread escalates when the cousins encounter Riley and Finn, a young couple whose presence initially seems like a blessing. Riley’s warmth is refreshing, but Finn’s ominous demeanor raises alarms. As their journey unfolds, ominous undertones permeate the narrative, building a tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The fateful night marred by conflict and fear forces Katie and Aster into a moral dilemma—should they intervene or focus on their own safety? This decision leads to a heart-pounding chase through the unforgiving terrain, as the narrative expertly shifts from a tale of personal healing to one of urgent survival.

Fans of authors like Natasha Preston and Karen M. McManus will find much to treasure in *49 Miles Alone*.

Wow! What a ride. I finished this book in a night and was very sleepy the next day. Edge of your seat doesn't begin to describe my feelings while reading this book. I was all in from page one. I was relieved to enjoy the book and know my older middle schoolers can read a book revolving around a rape without having graphic images in the text. I found it very 14+ appropriate and our kiddos do like Richards' other books.

Hiking seems to be a frequent set-up for survival scenarios in fiction. Especially a hike planned as a way of dealing with a trauma. This one tries to be more. It makes overtures at examining the fears and motivations of the major characters. They are a touch inconsistent, though. And the scenario stretches believability.

DNF: pp.12 (6%)

*Sigh*…

I know some people will see this review, read it, and feel like I didn’t even try to give this book a chance. But, one thing that I am learning about myself, as a constant reader, is that I know when a book is right for me and when it isn’t. And unfortunately, 49 Miles Alone isn’t the book for me. This marks my third Natalie D. Richards book that I have DNF’d in the last three years and it is breaking my heart. The way I fell in love with “Six Months Later” & “My Secret to Tell” only for me to find myself struggling to enjoy every book of hers after, again breaks my heart. I think it might be time for me call it quits on Natalie D. Richards as a whole. I genuinely want to wish her the best on any and all of her future endeavors.

If you are the type of reader who enjoys books that contain topics of:
✨Camping…
✨Hiking…
✨Traumatic experiences…
✨Character development over plot development…
And
✨Thrillers…

Then this book is MOST DEFINITELY for you!!!

Side Note: Any book that I DNF automatically receives a 1⭐️.

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Fire for granting me an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion.

An interesting read that was quick and fast-paced. I do wish that we had gotten more of Katie and Aster talking about the events in the past and working through some of the stuff. I found both girls perspectives engaging.

I loved this thriller! It is set in Utah on a hiking trail. Aster and Katie are cousins who are avid hikers. Almost a year after something horrific happens to Katie at a party, she and Aster decide to take a 49-mile hike. Since that night, Katie is more fearful, and Aster is riddled with guilt because she left Katie at the party alone.

I was so engrossed in this book! I kept waiting for what would happen next. The hike is not an easy one, and the girls find themselves fighting the elements and creatures that live in the area. That adds so much tension to an already scary situation that Aster and Katie find themselves in. Every person they encounter on the trail is a potential suspect, and you never know what lurks around the rocks.

I loved the way it ended and how the cousins came together as they fought to stay alive. I highly recommend this thriller if you like one where the characters are basically alone and cut off from civilization, which is a favorite scenario of mine!

I absolutely loved this novel. It had me hooked from the very beginning right through to the very end. It was edge of your seat thrills and a crazy ride as you follow along on their hike. A great plot with many twists and turns I didn't see coming. I loved trying to guess what would happen next. I definitely recommend this novel.

Trigger Warnings: Mention of rape

Desperate to heal from a night that left their world fractured a year ago, cousins Katie and Aster tackle a grueling four day hiking trip through the backcountry of Utah. But this trip is throwing multiple curveballs at them: an illness, an injury, and a freak storm leave them short on both confidence and supplies.

When they come across a couple with extra supplies, they’re grateful and relieved - at first. Later that evening, after getting troublesome vibes from Finn, Kaite and Aster wake up and hear the couple fighting. The cousins watch desperately as the girlfriend, Riley, disappears into the night with Finn chasing after her. In the morning, their camp hasn’t been touched. Katie is sure Riley is in trouble, but with help a two-day hike away, they know they’re the only ones who can offer aid before Finn - or the desert - gets to her first.

I really appreciate the way that Natalie D. Richards describes hiking and the difference between a day hike and a 4 day hike where everything you need is supposed to be on your back. Richards also did a great job at describing the landscape and both the beauty and the ruggedness of Utah’s backcountry. I’ve gone on a trip to the Rocky Mountains where we did a lot of day hiking and that was so much fun - but one of our days, we experienced every type of weather; heat, rain, snow, ice, wind, all in one trip! I don’t think I could even do a day hike in the desert, yet alone a 4 day hike! I hate being hot and sweating, so gross.

Anywho, this was an interesting read. I will admit it’s a bit slow at the beginning because it’s a lot of the cousins refinding their footing with one another after the events of that night nearly a year ago. There’s a weird vibe between them that they’ve got to work through but neither one really knows where to start.

*Thank you Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Natalie D. Richards has once again delivered a gripping YA thriller in 49 Miles Alone, a novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Known for her ability to weave tension and emotion into her narratives, Richards takes her craft to new heights with this heart-pounding story of survival, resilience, and the deep psychological scars left by trauma.

The novel follows the journey of Amelia, a teenage girl who finds herself stranded and alone in the dense, foreboding wilderness after a car accident leaves her far from civilization. As she navigates the harsh landscape, battling both external and internal demons, Amelia’s story becomes one of self-discovery and tenacity. Richards does an excellent job of capturing the fear, desperation, and small glimmers of hope that come with Amelia’s situation, making the reader feel as if they are right there with her, struggling through every mile.

What sets 49 Miles Alone apart from other survival stories is the depth of its protagonist. Amelia is not just fighting the elements; she is grappling with a past that haunts her at every turn. Richards masterfully intertwines flashbacks with present-day events, revealing the layers of Amelia’s character and the traumatic experiences that have shaped her. This dual narrative structure adds a layer of complexity to the novel, making it more than just a survival story—it’s a poignant exploration of healing and redemption.

The pacing of the novel is impeccable, with Richards skillfully balancing moments of intense action with quieter, more reflective scenes. The tension builds steadily, making it impossible to put the book down. The wilderness itself becomes a character, its dangers and mysteries adding to the suspense. Readers will find themselves holding their breath as Amelia faces one harrowing challenge after another.

Richards' prose is vivid and evocative, bringing the wild, unforgiving landscape to life in all its terrifying beauty. The author’s attention to detail enhances the realism of Amelia’s journey, making the reader feel every scrape, every breath, and every heartbeat.

In 49 Miles Alone, Natalie D. Richards has crafted a story that is both thrilling and deeply emotional. It’s a book that will resonate with readers long after they’ve turned the final page, leaving them reflecting on the power of the human spirit and the resilience needed to overcome even the darkest of circumstances. Fans of Richards’ previous works, as well as newcomers to her writing, will find this novel to be a compelling and unforgettable read.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

This was such a fast and thrilling read! I'm not a big hiker, but I found myself pulled into everything that was going wrong with their trip, especially since Katie already had a ton of trauma from something terrible that happened to her. With that being said, I really did enjoy reading her character development as the book progressed and it was time for Katie to step up and put what happened to her behind her and protect her cousin! Overall I definitely won't be hiking any off the map trails any time soon!

It was intense but a little predictable - I guessed the twist pretty early. Good ending. Really liked the hiking theme with tough young women.

49 Miles Alone sends cousins Asher and Katie into the Utah back country alone to hike 49 miles through canyons and desert. The girls' strained relationship makes the journey awkward as they navigate the challenges that come their way. Katie struggles to come to terms with the awful thing that happened to her; Asher wants to help but has no idea how to help her cousin heal. Things quickly start to go wrong, making the trip into more of a nightmare than an adventure. Asher gets sick and injures her ankle. A storm comes along and soaks everything. An encounter with a young couple leads to more trouble. Can Asher and Katie repair their relationship? Can they survive their hike? And what about the couple feels so wrong? Mixed in with Asher and Katie's alternating voices is the point of view of a third hiker, lying on a ledge after a bad fall. Where does she come into play? Each chapter highlights where on the 49 mile journey Asher and Katie are on their journey. The tension rides high right from the beginning chapters after the party that leads to the fracture in Asher and Katie's relationship. The tension only increases as the trip goes terribly wrong. YA readers who enjoy an intense survival story will likely enjoy this one. CONTENT: As far as content goes, rape is mentioned and referred to in flashbacks throughout the story. In addition, there is quite a bit of swearing. If those things don't bother you, I recommend the book as a compelling read.

**4.5-stars rounded up**

In 49 Miles Alone we follow cousins, Katie and Aster, as they embark on a 4-day, 49-mile hike through the Utah desert. We can tell early on that Katie and Aster are incredibly close, however, something has happened within the past year that has caused a fracture in their relationship. As hiking is an activity they've been doing together since they were kids, it seems they're intending to use this trip, in one way or another, to repair their relationship.

They're both experienced backpackers, but as everyone knows, the world is a dangerous place, due both to nature itself and other humans. As the trip starts off, the girls are both fairly quiet. There's a lot of thinking going on, but unfortunately not a lot of communicating. Eventually, though circumstances require them to begin to open up and work together. There's limited supplies, an illness, a freak storm and an injury, but the most unsettling may be the people they encounter on the trail.

They meet a couple, Riley and Finn, and end up tenting near them for a night. Something about them seems off to Katie and Aster when they share a meal with them. That night, the cousins hear the couple fighting and witness Riley fleeing their campsite with Finn in hot pursuit. Unable to assist Riley in the dark, Katie and Aster hunker down until morning, at which time the find the couple's campsite abandoned with no sign of either one of them.

How are Katie and Aster going to be able to help this other girl, when it's becoming increasingly difficult for them to even help themselves? Will they make it to mile-49?

I adored my time with this YA Survival Thriller for people who enjoy being out on the trails. The topics explored were great, the character arcs were fantastic, and the intriguing bits so well plotted. Honestly, this is my favorite Natalie D. Richards to-date!

I read this so quickly. I found the cousins both interesting and I enjoyed learning about their relationship, including all they'd been through together. In addition to getting both Katie and Asters perspectives, we also get a mystery perspective from an individual who has obviously been severely injured on the trail. This perspective was peppered in and I loved the mystery of who that was, and how it was going to connect to the story of our cousins.

When they meet the couple, there were many red flags, and that situation def upped the stakes for our girls. It was completely gripping. I had to know the ultimate outcome. I love hiking and being out in nature in general, exploring new places. This is a proper Survival Thriller and it never got too OTT-for me. I thought it was very well done and well plotted. The drama felt real and I loved the character arcs for both Katie and Aster.

I love how Richards kept it intriguing throughout. There was always something to question and wonder about. I also really enjoyed the emotional journey for both girls. They grew so much by the end and I loved the ending. It's so satisfying.

Thank you to the publisher, SOURCEBOOKS Fire, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I cannot wait to read more from this author!

I haven't felt the immense need to skim just so I can get to the resolution because I was eagerly anticipating knowing the answers to all of the burning mysteries in a while. The pacing of the miles with the few bits of flashback to "zero miles" and understanding what that was about which disrupted intense action was perfectly interjected.

This nature thriller I will definitely push with teens who LOVE this type of book- we're seeing a resurgence of outdoor thrillers and nature mysteries and I'm in love with this glut. More please!

The two narrators, cousins Katie and Aster, are on a hike in the Moab but there is a disruption that is doomlike. Yet there's also some baggage from before to figure out in addition to the current situation they're in. Of course there is natural disaster and human disasters that muddy the waters of what will happen and what the resolution might be. Intense!

Another good read by Natalie Richard's. This was an interesting story and loved the survival aspect. Unlike her previous books, it did take me a while to get into it. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

I enjoyed the dual pov and the mysterious third pov (or is it a third?). The character change for both characters was strong.

Thriller | 16-Adult
<Cover image>
After a devastating night changes both their lives, cousins Aster and Katie reunite 11 months later to spend four days backpacking in the Utah desert, hoping to repair a fractured relationship. It’s a place they’ve hiked before, and it is where both find solace and peace. They are experienced and well prepared, and it’s a good thing. The desert is unforgiving of mistakes, and it throws everything at them – wildlife, storms, and narrow, dangerous routes. Low on supplies, they are grateful to get help from Finn and Riley, a couple they meet on the trail. Riley’s too-bright chatter and Finn’s behaviour puts them both on edge, but with darkness falling, Katie and Aster set up camp nearby anyway. When the couple start fighting, Riley shows up at their tent begging for help. When Finn comes after her she takes off – with Aster’s GPS. Aster stops Katie from following – it’s simply too dangerous in the dark. In the morning, both are still gone, and it’s clear Riley is in trouble. With no way of reaching outside help, it’s up to the cousins to find her before something terrible happens. This is a high-tension adventure story, with authentic dialogue and a realistic relationship between two close cousins. The desert setting is beautifully detailed, and the rigours and thrills of backpacking in Utah are well described. I do question a couple of their decisions – why hike a closed trail? – but I did enjoy reading of two teens drawing on their skills and preparation as they faced numerous challenges. There are a lot of challenges, too – bad luck comes in threes, not tens! And while I understand why author Richards included a woman in danger in the plot, it feels like this could have been a terrific story about two cousins on a difficult backpacking trip to repair their relationship without a human menace in the mix. Americans are inundated with stories of evildoers everywhere, and it contributes to a fearful and distrustful view of the world, when what we need most is to be building trust in each other. It’s a great thriller, but it could have been a great novel without the threat. My thanks to Sourcebooks Fire for the advance reading copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
More discussion and reviews of this novel: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199423917

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This was a great YA thriller about two cousins on a 49 mile hike through the Utah desert. This is a trigger warning but it is also something that happens in chapter 1 and not mentioned in the synopsis. It is a theme in the book that I think is important too mention. The cousins are trying to heal their relationship after Katie was sexually assaulted a year ago at a party that she and Aster went to together. Aster left the party and feels guilty about what happened. Katie knows it wasn't her fault, however she is still angry and has PTSD about the incident. Aster would like her could from before the incident back and can't understand why Katie isn't the same person she used to be. The book alternates between their point of views, and Aster's is probably realistic, but it is still lacks compassion for what Katie went through and what her triggers are. Katie is using this trip to try to get back to that person pre-incident, but she is terrified of so many things and has alot of triggers. Katie also has a hard time talking about that night and explaining why she freezes sometimes and she lives in a constant state of terror and pain. If you have ever talked to a victim of SA, please be gentle and patient, they went through something horrific that you can't imagine. It is not something they just get over after a year.

As the girls set off on their 49 mile hike with their packs and a plan, things quickly take a turn for the worse. The map is off by miles, Aster develops a cold, she gets injured, they run into a bad storm ruining some of their gear and supplies, and finally they run into a couple acting strangely. Katie is terrified of Finn and is sure that he has done something terrible to his girlfriend Riley. They are low on supplies, but they don't want to leave Riley in the desert if they can help her. The girls put together what they know and things don't add up, but when Aster is catastrophically injured, Katie must go find help and steer clear of anyone who might be out to hurt them.

There were a few unrealistic moments, and I felt like for experienced hikers Katie and Aster weren't prepared for this hike supply wise. They didn't have some of the basic tools I would expect them to have. I get what the author was trying to do, and perhaps this will resonate better with a younger reader. Overall this was a quick fun read, perfect for the more mature YA reader.