Gibson Monk
Author of the forthcoming novel, Las Animas High.
Hyssop Press, May 5th, 2026
Set against the stark beauty of the Colorado desert, Las Animas High follows Danica Drake, a teenager whose entire life has been upended when she and her best friends witness a deadly hijacking tied to a powerful oil corporation. Suddenly, they’re thrust into a hidden war between dragons, giants, and ancient forces buried just beneath the surface of their small-town lives.
The novel blends supernatural suspense, Indigenous mythology, and corporate intrigue into a high-stakes coming-of-age story. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, Stranger Things, and Skinwalker Ranch, Las Animas High is an unforgettable ride through fire, myth, and memory.
The cover, styled like a vintage Western poster, features Danica riding horseback beneath a sky filled with dragons. It captures the heart of the story: a brave young woman navigating a world where the fantastical collides with the everyday. The image reflects both the novel’s rugged Colorado setting and its central theme of ordinary people facing extraordinary truths.
Releasing May 5, 2026. Pre-orders open soon!
