Peter lives in the Sanctuary, a supposedly enlightened society formed out of the brutal wars and chaos of twenty-five years before. When Peter turns sixteen he will have to become a Soldier and go fight to hold back the masses of Others and Subversives. Yet, Peter has come to the attention of the Watchers who have identified a way he can prove his loyalty and rise within the State. At the same time, Peter is beginning to question everything he knows, and this doubt puts him in mortal danger.