Emerson is terrorized by nightmares after the deaths of her parents--and her waking hours aren't much calmer. She's been abducted by aliens, the military, and other international operatives. Now she must rely on her closest friends, three children with otherworldly powers, the Native American community, and benevolent extraterrestrials. As the journey unfolds to Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, Emerson gains an understanding of one more resource she has access to: herself. Inspired by real-life events, In the Darkness Before Dawn , by C. A. Ferguson, EdD, is a thrilling young adult novel. The adventure, sci-fi, and mystery will keep readers turning the pages; the thoughtful portrayal of self-actualization and the realization we are never alone will stay with readers long after the last page.