'This book is about mountains and madness. Specifically, it is a book about ski mountaineering - the use of specially adapted equipment to ski uphill as well as down, in order to traverse winter mountain terrain that would otherwise be completely impassable - and about the complicated, albeit profound, distinction between fear and anxiety.'

...

Praise for The Changing of the Guard

Winner of the Templer First Book Award 2021

'A "state-of-the-nation" book of resounding power, deep conviction and far-reaching significance.' Richard Davenport-Hines, TLS Books of the Year, 2021

[An] excellent and valuable book.' Jason Burke, The Guardian

'A passionate book.' Max Hastings, The Sunday Times

'Akam is an angry young man and the book is better for it.' Roger Boyes, The Times