Joseph Dixon, a seasoned traveler, is drawn to the ethereal ruggedness of the Himalayas. But it’s the turn of the millennium and the Maoist People’s War has been quietly tearing Nepal apart.

As a volunteer, Joseph settles into the Myagdi district of Nepal, a good two days walk to anywhere he would consider civilization. In the tiny village of Rinrut he meets young Kunjana, a wartime orphan whose parents have been killed by Maoists.

Once the violence overflows into Myagdi and Kunjana is attacked, Joseph, trying to give this young child a chance at a life in Kathmandu plots her escape. Joseph’s noble intentions have consequences far greater than he could have imagined.

After trekking the famed but increasingly hostile Annapurna Circuit trek, and upon his return home, Joseph is forced to come to terms with himself and his connection to the Kingdom in the Clouds. Leon David Dunn was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario.

After studying philosophy at university, he left North America for an 11 -year, around-the-world adventure which allowed him to call home places as varied as England, Scotland, Italy, Australia, and Japan. In 2002 he spent six months in India and Nepal.

Starting his journey in a volunteer home, he then travelled north to trek the Annapurna Circuit during the height of the Maoist People’s War. He currently lives in Vancouver, B.

C Canada. .