At age eleven, Dave Powers concludes a profitable but error-ridden venture selling illegal fireworks that leaves him brimming with confidence and captivated by the promise of entrepreneurship.

Over the next few years, a series of tragic events shatters his comfort zone. Dave must learn to navigate life's challenges, including basic survival, business, and love. Upon entering the advertising world during the Mad Men era, he struggles to find his way amid the excesses of nepotism and alcohol consumption and the exploitation of women. Can Dave find the maturity to achieve his goals? Or are his scars too deep to overcome?

Based on true events, On the Brink is a novel for young readers beginning their own journey and the more experienced adults trying to keep them safe and soften their failures.