A tense family reunion and a perilous moorland trek push two brothers to their limits.

Nicky and Kenny face the return of their estranged mother, a prospect that stirs deep anxiety in Nicky, who is uncertain about confronting the past. To distract themselves, they embark on a trek across the moors, but a series of unexpected events plunges them into a dangerous situation where survival becomes paramount. The narrative unfolds through Nicky's perspective, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges they encounter as they navigate both the treacherous landscape and their fractured family dynamics.

This novel, the concluding part of the 'Truth of Things' series, earned the prestigious 2020 CILIP Carnegie Medal, signaling its significant impact within children's and young adult literature. The story is recognized for its compelling portrayal of sibling bonds tested by extreme circumstances and the emotional weight of family estrangement. Readers and critics have noted its ability to balance intense, potentially life-threatening situations with a deeply personal exploration of a young protagonist's anxieties and courage. The narrative's setting on the moors and its focus on the brothers' resilience against both nature and their personal histories are frequently highlighted as key strengths.