After two centuries of nuclear blight, a new America is emerging, forged by those seeking peace and hope for the future. Pocket communities, ruled by local barons, have become the new centers of civilization...and power. But while many desire prosperity, others embrace ideas of ultimate domination.

The son of a powerful baron, Ryan Cawdor has chosen his own path through the Deathlands. Now rumors of trouble bring him home to West Virginia, where he'd left his nephew Nathan at the head of the barony. But a welcoming committee is waiting for him with a band of sec men and a usurper of the Cawdor name. Unable to help a mysteriously ailing Krysty Wroth, Ryan challenges two of his oldest enemies in their grim gambit to control the East Coast Baronies.

(The Baronies Trilogy - 1 of 3)