"The world is a scary place for a kid. It's even scarier when you're forced to watch your back because those who are supposed to protect you are those you should fear the most." 

Jake and his little brother want nothing more than to escape their abusive father as they plan on running away to reunite with their mother. Their plan kicks into action one day when they take a trip to the family cabin. However, the Sheriff is snooping around after a fight between Jake and his bully, and his bully and his father have plans of their own. 

I loved everything about this novella - the characters, the setting, the action. I absolutely loved Jake and Matthew. Their sibling relationship felt so real and it was so heartwarming as Jake protected his little brother and tried to change their lives for the better. 

There was so much tension as things didn't go as planned, as well as a shocking reveal. I found myself heavily invested in this story from start to finish. The abuse the boys faced, their fight for survival, and their bravery of trying to start a new life. Their father made me so angry that I wanted nothing but the best for the brothers. 

For a book only 130 pages long, Newman and Steensland managed to weave a beautiful, seamless story as their writing blended together so well. This was a well executed coming of age horror that evoked so many emotions.