The setting could easily be medieval or futuristic or a combination of both, the world that Winter has been born into is brutal, harsh and unforgiving. Born to fight and die in a war that has been raging since before their history can recall, at eight years, she is taken from the relative comfort and safety of a loveless childhood and thrust into a savage life where every breath taken could be your last, starvation is a sad reality and death is your constant companion. And if somehow you manage to survive to adult hood, in this case to your eighteenth year, you have to privilege of going to war and dying. That is the sad reality for the people of Dystance. But Winter dreams of more, knows that there has to be something else beyond her small world. One day while hunting for food she accidently falls into a hole where she and Tallow discover more knowledge than they know what to do with. Knowledge that will change her life and those around her in ways she never imagined or could possibly prepare for. Mark Tufo has masterfully woven a YA tale of desperation, despair, hope and adventure with several twist that will leave any true Tufo fan very happy with his choice of characters as familiar places, names and events unfold. And mysteries and questions will abound. I do advise caution, because of the harsh circumstances of Winters life the story has a dark beginning, but you will not be disappointed as the old familiar Tufo trademark sneaks in there in the form of a very precocious Cedar. This looks to be the beginning of another great series!

When Mark Tufo first said that he was writing a book from the perspective of a 16 year old girl, I just figured his misspent youth had finally caught up to his remaining brain cells. Oh sure, I'd say nice words, give it a friendly 3 stars, and go about my day, hoping he recovered. Was I ever, TOTALLY wrong! If you think that our zombie fighting, alien-alligator loving author can't crank out another gripping dystopian tale of survival with a hard as nails, smart as Hell heroin, think again. Dystance is the real deal. It combines all the elements you love from Tufo in a totally different arena. You don't know where you are, or even WHEN you are, but keep reading, you'll figure it out! And in true Tufo style, in the end, he will tie it all together for you and have you dying for more! When I realized where these people were, I was blown away! And as an added bonus, you might run up on an old friend in the end!! Sir, your talent continues to amaze me. Carry on!