Dustborn by Erin Bowman

Dustborn by Erin Bowman

Delta of Dead River sets out to rescue her family from a ruthless dictator rising to power in the Wastes and discovers a secret that will reshape her world in this postapocalyptic Western mashup for fans of Mad Max and Gunslinger Girl.

Delta of Dead River has always been told to hide her back, where a map is branded on her skin to a rumored paradise called the Verdant. In a wasteland plagued by dust squalls, geomagnetic storms, and solar flares, many would kill for it--even if no one can read it. So when raiders sent by a man known as the General attack her village, Delta suspects he is searching for her.

Delta sets out to rescue her family but quickly learns that in the Wastes no one can be trusted--perhaps not even her childhood friend, Asher, who has been missing for nearly a decade. If Delta can trust Asher, she just might decode the map and trade evidence of the Verdant to the General for her family. What Delta doesn't count on is what waits at the Verdant: a long-forgotten secret that will shake the foundation of her entire world.

• A Dystopian World: Plagued by dust squalls and ruled by a ruthless General, the Wastes are no place for a girl with a target branded on her back.
• A Perilous Quest: To save her family, Delta must navigate a treacherous landscape where raiders roam and not even the landscape can be trusted.
• Reunited Childhood Friends: She can't do it alone. But can she trust Asher, the boy who disappeared a decade ago and has now mysteriously returned?
• A Long-Lost Secret: The map on her skin is rumored to lead to a green paradise. But the truth waiting at the Verdant is more dangerous--and world-shattering--than any legend.

Erin Bowman is the critically praised author of the Taken Trilogy, Vengeance Road, Retribution Rails, and the Edgar Award-nominated Contagion duology, among other works for teenagers. She has always been interested in conveying stories, both visually and verbally, as a web designer turned author. She enjoys hiking, remarking on fine typography, and obsessing over all things Harry Potter when she's not writing. She currently resides in New Hampshire with her husband and children.