Ski Weekend

A Novel

By: Rektok Ross

Narrated by: Katie Schorr

2021 Firebird Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction

2021 Readers' Favorite Book Awards Bronze Medal in Young Adult - Thriller

2021 American Fiction Awards Finalist in Young Adult

Six teens, one dog, a ski trip gone wrong

Sam is dreading senior ski weekend and having to watch after her brother and his best friend, Gavin, to make sure they don’t do anything stupid. Again. Gavin may be gorgeous, but he and Sam have never gotten along. Now they’re crammed into an SUV with three other classmates and Gavin’s dog, heading on a road trip that can’t go by fast enough.

Then their SUV crashes into a snowbank, and Sam and her friends find themselves stranded in the mountains with cell phone coverage long gone and temperatures dropping. When the group gets sick of waiting for rescue, they venture outside to find help - only to have a wilderness accident leave Sam’s brother with a smashed leg and, soon, a raging fever. While the hours turn to days, Sam’s brother gets sicker and sicker, and their food and supplies dwindle until there isn’t enough for everyone. As the winter elements begin to claim members of the group one by one, Sam vows to keep her brother alive.

No matter what.

Filled with twists, secrets, and life-changing moments, Ski Weekend is a snow-packed survival thriller featuring a diverse cast of teens that will appeal to fans of One of Us Is Lying and I Am Still Alive.

©2021 Rektok Ross (P)2021 Blackstone Publishing

Critic reviews

“Ross offers YA readers genuinely diverse characters, each of whom continues to grow throughout the narrative....Brace for impact readers, this YA thriller holds little back.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“This is a suspenseful book that had me thoroughly hooked from page one...The emotional journey of Ski Weekend is relentless...” (Readers’ Favorite, five-star review)

"A nail-biter with some surprising moments. Recommended for high school and YA collections.” (School Library Journal)

Good story

It was a fun read. Sad at the end but definitely good. Not what I was expecting at all

Enjoyable YA Thriller

I saw this advertised as a horror novel and while the scenario the plot is based on is scary, I would classify this more as a YA Thriller. It was an enjoyable performance and I enjoyed the story as well. It reminded me a little of some of the old Christopher Pike novels where some religious aspect is present but not so overbearing as to be classified as a religious novel in my opinion. General hope and faith are brought up a few times which to me was fine, especially considering the scenario of the story. Character development was ok, although I wish there had been a little more depth to each character from somewhere other than the mc's perspective. Overall, a very enjoyable story.

Captivating thriller

What a great read and fantastic narration! The book was so captivating, I binged it in one sitting. I really hope someone makes a movie out of it. The author is an incredible writer. Every word she writes has a purpose and is not just there to fill the pages. Every character feels complex and real. The author’s artful depictions of the scenes place you right in the middle of the action. Learning some new survival skills was a really nice bonus too. Highly recommend!

Great read!

I absolutely loved this story, it made me laugh and cry!!! I was bawling when Stew did make it! But was so happy when Sam and Gavin finally got together! Would 100% recommend to anyone!

another whiney YA novel

not worth a credit. I cant handle all the teen insecurities and lack of communication.

Struggle Bus

I really wanted to like this book and I probably would've given it 4 stars but the ending ruined it for me. I love a good locked in thriller, especially when nature is the biggest threat. I struggled to connect with the characters which made most of the intense scenes less intense for me. I really liked the premise of the book, but ultimately the follow through missed the mark for me. But, please don't let my opinion deter you from reading it. Others may connect with characters more and not he bothered by the ending. I will add a small spoiler for those also like me, who care deeply for pets added in to storyline, the dog survives.

Not what I expected

I thought this was a great premise for a novel and was really looking forward to digging in. I found myself not really caring about any of the characters or what happened to them. The story was a bit flat and did not offer much excitement.

great story line

great story line. keeps you on your feet thinking what was coming next. and the dog tops the storyline.

Drags On

The story drug on with too much fighting, and the characters using little sensibilities to figure out a way of their predicament. The ending was unrealistic and disappointing.

Redundant & Boring

About kids stuck in blizzard n stayed in truck n argued. Stupid. Do not bother.