Vernon's historical novel traces John Wesley Powell's exploration of the Grand Canyon, entwining it with the fictional tale of a Paiute Indian family searching the desert above and around the canyon as they seek a stolen child.

All in all, the Indian segments are far more interesting. Powell's group was beset by internal feuding as well as by the physical hardships of the journey. Vernon does the best anyone could with his descriptions of the landscape, but in the end, the Powell story is as follows: They floated down the river, hit rapids, damaged the boats, lost some supplies and equipment, hauled ashore, bickered amongst themselves, repaired the boats as best they could, and salvaged as many instruments and as much food as possible. Rinse and repeat daily for three months. ( )