Olivia J. Bennett
author of fantasy, contemporary, and horror | freelance book editor
A Cactus In the Valley
When sixteen-year-old Terra Lombardi wakes up in a smoking Cessna 310 in the middle of the remote Arizona desert, she realizes the only other survivor is a stranger named Wyatt Hartman.
Clouded with uncertainty and shrouded in grief, the two teens head west in pursuit of civilization. Amidst the harsh environment and dangerous animals, they must band together to survive—even thrive—in the rocky, sun-drenched Sonoran. Told through dual points of view and intermittent flashbacks, Wyatt and Terra brace the sun and sand alone as their personal demons threaten to swallow them whole.
In the tenth anniversary edition, Olivia has revisited her award-winning debut novel with a keen eye, sharpening the brilliance of her youth while polishing the prose, leaving behind a purer spirit of the story, ready for readers after a four-year hiatus.
This book was created without the use of generative AI. Copyright 2017 and 2027 Olivia J. Bennett.
Intended for ages 14 and up. This book contains scenes of animal death, emotional and physical abuse, drug use, and discussions of heavy topics like sexual assault and mental illness.
trope highlights
For fans of . . .
Books: Hatchet by Gary Paulson, The Distance Between Lost and Found by Kathryn Holmes, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King
TV Shows & Movies: A Far Off Place, LOST, Cast Away, 127 Hours
genre
Adventure Drama
A Cactus In the Valley blends elements of realistic YA fiction with survivalism, adventure, drama, horror, and spirituality.
content warnings
Upper YA — 14+
Animal death, emotional and physical abuse, drug use, and discussions of heavy topics like sexual assault and mental illness.
Awards
