The Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race is among the world's most exciting and extreme competitive challenges. Every February, a handful of hardy souls spends more than 2 weeks racing sleds pulled by 14 dogs over 1,023 miles of frozen rivers, icy mountain passes, and spruce forests as big as entire states, facing temperatures that drop to 40 below and nights that are seventeen hours long. The author, who moved to AK and lived on the trail, treat us to a vivid account of the grueling contest itself, offering an insightful look at the men and women who have moved to this rugged and beautiful place, and the majestic dogs who pull the sleds and whose courage, strength, and devotion make them the true heroes of this story.