The year is 2078. The former United States of America is a bleak and fading memory for the few citizens of New America. Nearly five years after his wife was taken to a birthing camp by Secans, New America's mercenaries, John Bradford is left to raise his two children alone in an increasingly dangerous and desolate world. Tagged by nanotechnology, their every move is tracked, limiting their ability to do anything not permitted by the new regime. When his daughter is chosen, Secans arrive to take her to a birthing camp. John swears if he doesn't let her go, they will all be killed. She reminds him of the promise he made to their mother, that he would do whatever it took to protect them. Struggling between his promise and the real consequences of any action, the decision is made for John when his son brandishes a shotgun and kills one of the Secans. With no time to think, John grabs his children and goes on the run, but it is only a matter of time before the Secans find them and kill them. John has no choice but to return to his secret past, the only place where he knows he has a chance - The Circuit, an underground fight-to-the-death competition run by a ruthless mobster. John's return as one of the best fighters in Circuit history rekindles old rivalries and vendettas. With The Circuit rigged against him, Secans chasing after him and danger at every turn, John fights his way across the country to save his children and fulfill the promise he made to his wife. This is John's fight, and it is one he cannot afford to lose.