In a world ravaged by rising sea level and nuclear war, Britain is a dangerous place reliant on steampunk technology. Street urchin, Ebadiah, is given a chance in life by two middle class men who recognise his intelligence. They tell him about their secret struggle against mutated beings called gawpers who have psychic powers.

When his benefactors are called up to the army to face a foreign invader, Ebadiah must deal with the gawpers by himself. He has a permanent limp, a damaged eye and little self-confidence. But with a faithful dog and some good friends, a young man can perhaps accomplish great deeds.