RUNNING WITH THE SHADOWS by Tyree Campbell

Toward the middle of the 21 st Century things have fallen apart all over the world. Wars, disease, social unrest, and violent crime have all contributed to the demise of societies. Yet there are pockets of resistance, hidden settlements supported by scavengers who salvage whatever they can find.

Steven Cash is a disaffected scavenger, weary of the search for useful items. He wants to
go to a settlement run by an older female named Maude, but his contrary nature makes it difficult for him to join anything. After he saves Carrie from a bear trap, he is torn between continuing his efforts and giving up altogether, for there are people to be saved and he knows he cannot save them all. Worse, his self-doubt leads to carelessness, and puts him in danger from other scavengers, for the competition for useful items is fierce. His choices are stark: save a few people or find a place to let himself die. Only Carrie could help him—but he has already disdained her. Death begins to look inviting…