On the Free by Coert Voorhees

Santi only agreed to go on this hiking-camping trip to get out of Juvie early.  He ran with a guy that left him holding the bag when he crashed the car they'd stolen.  He'd rather be back to nature instead of being in his holding tank.  The others all had problems, too.  Together they were going to share their experiences and talk about what they learned from them and how to change.  At least, that was the plan.

Carolrhoda Lab and Edelweiss gave me the opportunity to read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published October 1st.

What no one anticipated was exceptional rainfall.  In dry states, the water doesn't sink into the dirt.  It runs along the top of the ground with sand and debris gathering volume.  When they laid down for the night, the creek was running higher but no problem.  Then something gave way above them and their hiking group was cut in half...

With almost no supplies, no drinking water, no matches and only three of them left, they are not sure what to do.  They know they need to get out of there but Vincent, the rich kid, wants to go one way and the others would like to go back the way they came.  He convinces them to follow him because his stepfather has a cabin in the woods and they can use the satellite phone there to call for help.  There is no phone there but what's a lie when they almost died?

The story gets more intense the farther it goes.  Soon Vincent wishes he hadn't brought them.  When they find there is no phone and he has a twenty-two rifle, they leave.  He follows them.  

If you've ever done any backpacking, you'll understand some of the hardships these teens go through.  It's tough surviving in the wild with no food or supplies and no idea where you are.  Whether you have money or not, used to drink too much, or used to run with a bad boy, you're all the same in the woods on your own two feet with only your wits to keep you alive...