Ragged, starving refugees want to settle in Lindsay Crossing. In a world waking up from a devastating plague, control of resources—and people—is the key to survival. Marissa Loomis has grown used to fighting for herself and her family. The newcomers are a threat, but they can't be left to die.

As the fragile society plans to grow by scavenging the deserted cities, newcomer Gwen finds herself torn between the man who saved her from starvation and the compelling woman who represents reason and power in what's left of her world.

But what can Gwen make of the enforced secrecy about Loomis's past, and the nightmares that erupt every night? Is there something worse than plague that has driven Loomis to the edge? Love, revenge, cruelty and honor swirl through this page-turning novel from the author of The Sanguire Series.