Added to the deteriorating climate and dwindling energy, a wave of plagues is sweeping Britain. But while the Women's Republic of Anglia attempts to keep cloning going, former Truth Sister Clara Perdue plans to help her mother escape from prison. But can she succeed against the Republic's prohibition on Naturals?

Meanwhile, Jack Pike has fallen in with a warlike chieftain in the disputed territory between Anglia and Wessex. Drawn into a fight that they cannot win, will he and his friends survive?

And when Clara and Jack's paths cross again, can they put the past behind them and trust each other once more?