This book hit all of my buttons. My love of hiking. My fear of the desert at night. My independence. My fear of my own independence. Two cousins-practically sisters-take on a 49 mile hike to mend their relationship and try to return to normalcy. Not so easy as it sounds. The tension was perfectly drawn out. What was the danger? Was it the creatures hiding but deadly? Was it the other hikers? There's a reason we choose the bear. Yes, there are some TWs but I am not one to shy away from dealing with my own triggers. Books shouldn't do so either.

Things I liked about this book: the plot is well-paced, I basically couldn't put it down once I started it; the descriptions of Utah are very evocative; I feel like Katie and Aster were really relatable characters with a lot of depth. Things I didn't like about this book: all the violence against women. I think the same basic survival plot could have been told and Katie and Aster could have been well-rounded characters without relying on a violent rape to fuel the backstory. Aster points out in one of her POV chapters that she and Katie are already growing apart as a function of growing up, and I think their relationship could have been fractured and complex even without the rape. I think some people might find the surprise twist about who is guilty of the assault in the desert original or novel, but it just made me tired. That entire plotline was not as interesting to me as Katie and Aster's relationship, or their relationship with the inherent dangers of the Utah desert. The book was better before that plotline took over the story.

Katie and Aster have planned to spend 4 days alone in the desert trekking 49 miles. They have made trips like this before, but this one has been a cluster from the beginning. One of them becomes injured and the other becomes ill. Then a storm shatters their resolve and ruins some of their supplies. Just when they are about to give up and call for help, they run into a young couple with extra supplies. They are happy for the help, but something about the boyfriend seems off. Will this pair make it out alive? What other obstacles will this trail throw their way?

49 Miles Alone is an adventure story that was half plot set up and half high octane. It was interesting to learn about this type of hiking and the hazards that could occur, but the adventure was lackluster, and I had to keep re-reading passages to remember what was going on. The book’s saving grace is that it was a short read. 49 Miles Alone would be good for a road trip distraction.

Thrilling survival story. cousins Aster and Katie used to be close. That was before something happened. Almost ha year later they are hiking in Moab. The desert. Heat. Illness. Danger seems to lurk everywhere.

This one part resonated with me. "I hate that " I say. "People calling me strong. I didn't choose to be strong. A horrible thing happened. And I kept waking up every day. Whether or not I wanted to. That's not strength. Just survival."

That part was from Katie. She had an awful experience. She was scarred and scared. Traumatized.

Changed from how she was before.

Post traumatic stress is what she lives with now.

Both young women have to be strong on this hike. It's not like they are inexperienced, they are somewhat seasoned hikers.

There was x much to like with this book. It really is a great summer read, or any time of year read.

There is something appealing about survival stories where I can read it in comfort while wondering if they will make it to the end of the book or not.

Where even the weather can be a formidable enemy. Where teamwork is necessary.

The author has outdone herself with this book. Truly a page turner with realistic bits of triggers from an experience keep popping up.

where a not super popular hiking area has more people then the ladies would have thought.

I eagerly flew through this book, thinking when I was a teen I would have gulped it down just as fast.

A thrilling n adventure story.


I can not recommend this one enough.

I would suggest that the reader put plenty of time to read this one quickly.


HIGHLY recommended

Thank you #NetGalley the publisher and author.

4*****

Katie and Aster are cousins who take hiking trips each year. They are experienced, so they decide to hike 49 miles of the Moab desert in Utah. Something happens on the hike, as they meet several people along the way and not all of them are good people. Natalie Richards writes a fantastic YA novel - one that adults can enjoy.

While this was entertaining and showcases strength and female friendships, so much seemed sensationalized... almost like a whatever could possibly go wrong WILL go wrong. For the sake of what, though? It wasn't a full sense of unrealistic-ness, just a what is the need for this?

After a night that changes both of their lives, once greatly more than the other, cousins Katie and Aster wonder if their relationship will ever be the same as it was. No strangers to the desert of Utah backcountry, the two decide to make a four day hiking trip and even though they are fully prepared, know all of the ins and outs, and have the supplies they'd need, things start going wrong almost immediately. It isn't just mother nature that is making things difficult, but other humans, too.

Basically, two very prepared, capable girls, suffer injuries, sicknesses, storms, and being hunted (sort of), and all in all, it just seemed so far-fetched. I liked the message of the story, but the getting there was a slog... There were some fun little twists, some things I actually didn't see coming, but I was left with a meh feeling afterward.

TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions trauma and sensory memories (sound of a zipper for example) that come with Non Consent (Don’t wanna get flagged but we know what word I would use) frequently.

When cousins Katie and Aster go on a hike it’s supposed to be cathartic, a chance to maybe get close again after the incident. They just don’t know how to get back to the before-the-incident versions of themselves. The desert is brutal, and it brings out things that they’ve both left unsaid. If anything could go wrong on a hike, it’s definitely this one. What seems like a windfall at the time turns terrifying when they meet Finn and Riley on the hike. At a crucial time, the couple shares supplies with the cousins. But something is just….off. Later when Riley calls for help and they hear screaming, they have to decide whether to risk their limited supplies to go after her or get to safety where they can call for help.

I really like that this book was talking through trauma which is just as harsh and unforgiving as the desert background. It shows the scars each of them carry and how they’ve learned to deal with them alone instead of with their best friend-cousin. In the desert though, everything always comes to a head.

This book was a fast read, and the sense of urgency made you want to keep going until you finished. However, there were really a lot of references to that night. It felt real because of that,, but it might be a little much for some readers.

Katie and Aster are cousins, and they often hike together in Utah, where Aster lives. Being together in the wilds of the desert, at the mercy of nature, is a bonding experience they always look forward to – but this year, things are different between them. A year ago, Aster left Katie alone at a party, and Katie was subsequently assaulted. Now, Aster is overwhelmed with guilt over leaving Katie, and Katie is a shell of the fierce, vibrant young woman she used to be. They’re both hopeful that this year’s 49-mile hike will restore their bond, but they are beset by trouble from the beginning. When they meet Riley and Finn on the trail, they are at first relieved – but it soon becomes clear that there is tension simmering between the couple. After Riley confides some chilling truths about Finn, Aster and Katie hear them fighting overnight – and in the morning, they find Riley and Finn’s tent overturned and abandoned, with no sign of the couple. With their supplies dwindling and two more days of hiking through the rugged desert, will Aster and Katie be able to find Riley before Finn does?

49 Miles Alone is the first book I’ve read by Natalie D. Richards, and I found a lot about it to enjoy. The plot is propulsive, with rich atmosphere and an immediacy to the writing that fully immersed me in the world of the novel. The real strength of the book for me, though, was its portrayal of the lasting effects of trauma – on both a victim and their loved ones. The central characters of Aster and Katie are well-drawn and go through a lot of self-reflection and growth throughout the story. The relationship between the two central characters is well-written, with dialogue and decision-making that feel authentic.

The secondary characters in the story are less-developed, though, and there were some missed opportunities there. I have to admit that I guessed the direction the plot was taking pretty early on, but I was still invested in this story all the way through. If you enjoy adventure thrillers, add 49 Miles Alone to your reading list; it’s a solid entry in the genre. Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for the early reading opportunity.

Content warning: mentions of SA, which occurs off-page and is not graphically detailed.

I admire the author for writing Katie and Aster’s hike in great detail. I felt like I was on their journey with them. However, it did feel slow for the first 25% of the book. After that, the pacing of the plot went faster and got more interesting. The ending was very abrupt.

The story was mainly dual POV, with a 3rd POV thrown in for a few chapters. I sort of understand the intentions with the 3rd POV, I felt like those chapters weren’t crucial to the story. I would have been fine if there wasn’t a 3rd POV in the book.

This book is geared towards a YA audience, but the main character is a sexual assault survivor and her past is referenced several times. There should be trigger warnings somewhere in the book.

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Title: 49 Miles Alone
Author: Natalie D. Richards
Genre: YA
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Four days alone in the desert. Except they're not as alone as they think. A year ago, Katie and her cousin Aster survived a night that left their world and easy friendship fractured. Desperate to heal and leave the past behind them, they tackle four days of hiking in the Utah backcountry. But the desert they've loved for years has tricks up its sleeve. An illness, an injury, and a freak storm leave them short on confidence and supplies. When they come across a young couple with extra supplies on the trail, they're grateful and relieved―at first. Riley exudes friendliness, but everything about her boyfriend Finn spells trouble. That night, after some chilling admissions about Finn from Riley, Katie and Aster wake to hear the couple fighting. Helpless and trapped in the darkness, they witness Riley's desperate race into the night, with Finn chasing after. In the morning, they find the couple's camp, but Riley and Finn? Vanished. Katie is sure Riley is in trouble. And with help a two-day hike away, they know they are the only ones who can save her before something terrible happens. The clock is ticking and their supplies are dwindling, but Katie and Aster know they have to find Riley before Finn―or the desert―gets to her first.

This did not make me want to go hiking very much—and I like to hike! Not backcountry hiking, though. I’m too much of a chicken. To me, there weren’t really any surprises here. I expect twists and turns from a Natalie Richards book, so I was on the lookout for signs. This was a quick read, and I enjoyed it for what it was.

Natalie D. Richards is a bestselling author. 49 Miles Alone is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Sourcebooks Fire in exchange for an honest review.)

Richards has done it again! She has written a captivating YA thriller that spans for all ages.
As two cousins, Kate and Aster set out on the hike of a lifetime we get to see into their memories and thoughts as they both deal with a horrific event that has occurred in the last year. Can they hike as usual? Can they trust each other? What is around every corner?
There is also the 0 mile hiker POV which, as the reader, we don’t know if this is one of the girls or someone else. Their POV has eye opening and terrifying moments.

I am beyond grateful to have read this as an arc, because it was actually pretty darn great! I love Natalie’s books and was definitely not disappointed with this one either. I will definitely be recommending this to everyone! There’s just something about ya thrillers that are just so enjoyable. There is an underlying theme of SA that is referenced throughout so just be cognizant of it and read accordingly.

I love when a thriller is told in a multi-pov and all of the characters are just a bit unreliable. The overall story arc was incredible, as usual, and the pacing worked just as it was supposed to. I loved the fact that the inclusion of Riley and Finn created the right amount of uncertainty at the right time.

Aster and Katie are both great, though at one point I wanted throttle Katie on the choices she wanted to make. I loved how the cousins are using this trip to mend t the strain on their relationship from the previous year. Aster is the older of the two and generally more optimistic and trusting, but also more introverted. She is more in tune with survival in the outdoors. Katie, is the more extroverted, but more reserved and wary. She’s a better judge of character. Though their skills seem to take a backseat right from the get go.

This is a great story of family, love, trauma, survival, self worth, and growth. This is definitely worth the read. Honestly this could have been longer and may have changed to a 5 star read! Also read any of her books and you won’t be disappointed.

Katie and Aster are cousins. They used to be close until something happened almost a year ago. Their relationship is fractured but they decide to hike in Moab. 49 miles. Just the two of them. They've hiked before so they're confident they can do this trail.

The book is mostly b told from their perspective but there is also a few chapters from a third person.
I really enjoy survival stories. Where the setting alone is a foe.
They hit setbacks and meet another couple along the hike.

This book was a quick read. I just had to learn about their hike, their journey. How would they reach the end to mile zero? Or would they? And how would they get along?
I liked how Katie reacted to things after her experience. Things would set her off. Trigger her. Not like,I felt for her but I liked that it was written realistically. Post traumatic stress


I liked how the girls worked together along the hike and I kept holding my breath waiting for certain creatures to appear. Thankfully the most feared by me did not show up.

This book will keep the reader engaged and interested the entire time.

I will absolutely sell this one. The author is a favorite and this book might be my most favorite so far.

I would add trigger warnings for SA and Rape alluded to. They aren't explicitly written it did happen but it was brought up or mentioned not completely described.

Thank you net galley the author and publisher

Highly recommended 4 1\2 ****

I have been SO excited for 49 Miles Alone by Natalie D. Richards and it didn’t disappoint. I could have easily flown through this book in one day, but I paced myself because I didn’t want it to end too soon.

I love wilderness survival books and it’s an extra bonus if there’s another element thrown in (like mysterious people that may or may not be untrustworthy). I loved that Katie and Aster were experienced hikers and took this trip to reconnect over a shared passion. I enjoyed the way the chapters alternated between the two characters so that we got insight into the thoughts, feelings, and backstory of each. The setting was interesting and fun, especially for an Ohio girl that’s never been to the desert. The plot was fast-paced and engaging. There were definitely a few points where I thought I had it all figured out, but I can say that in the long run I was only partially right.

This is a book that I’ll be recommending to teens that enjoy adventure stories and those that are looking for thrillers/murder mysteries.

Thank you @netgalley and @sourcebooksfire for a digital review copy. I also purchased my own physical copy!

Katie and Aster are cousins and friends. A year ago, they both went through something very traumatic. Now, they are going through the desert on a long hike together. Things quickly go downhill when a storm hits and they feel like they are being watched.

I thought this book was pretty good. It was very fast paced and a survival story. I typically enjoy a survival story because it sucks me in. I liked the characters and the writing style of this as well. I liked the hiking and all of the nature descriptions throughout.

I do feel like things were just a bit over the top at times. I felt like a lot of bad things kept happening and it just seemed a bit too much at times.

Overall, a fast paced thriller that was interesting and kept my attention! I would recommend if you're looking for something fast paced and an easy read.

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this one in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Natalie D Richards for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for 49 Miles Alone coming out July 2, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I love this author’s books! She writes a lot of survival type stories and they’re always full of action and suspense. This book was definitely suspenseful. Hiking for days in the desert can always become dangerous. I loved the setting in Moab. I don’t think it’s the typical setting. I really enjoyed the characters. Cousins Katie and Aster have a strained relationship due to their past. There are some darker themes that they need to heal from. I loved the story. I’m definitely excited to read other books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys desert survival stories!

The start of this book definitely has TW.

The beginning is slower and but is crucial to understanding the story. Once you get through it a little before half way the story picks up! Constant worry and stress for the characters and the new characters we meet, Edge of your seat,

I loved this story and if suspense and adventure is what you are looking for, look no more!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review.

This book was intense! I had no idea what was going to happen. I also didn’t know which event, minor or major, was going to influence the outcome of this novel. It was unputdownable!

Natalie D. Richards never disappoints! 49 Miles Alone is a solid thriller that teens will devour! The story is gripping and will keep readers interested until the very end. Highly recommended for all YA collections.

The following review was published on Goodreads on 06.19.24:

This YA thriller/survival story is a quick, exciting read. I whipped through it because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. The Big Reveal isn't very surprising, really, but the plot kept me engrossed, even if it is a bit simplistic and far-fetched. I didn't love the characters. Both Aster and Katie are pretty bland. Even though they each narrate their own chapters, I still had trouble telling which was which since their voices aren't distinctive enough to stand on their own. Also, outside of their love for hiking and Katie's past trauma, I didn't feel like I knew much about either one of them. I cared about their plight, yes, but I would have cared more if they were more developed as characters.

So, while 49 MILES ALONE kept me turning pages, it was still a bit of a meh read for me. If I could, I'd give it 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.