Five generations ago, seven calamities destroyed civilization creating a new dark age. In the midst of ruin, however, hope endures. Espen struggles to manage the expectations of his family in his wilderness village, but he believes a great world still exists beyond the mountains. To travel there is forbidden, but when the girl he loves and his brother are kidnapped, Espen is thrust into the magnificent city of Emporia filled with luxuries and comforts he never imagined. He has a gift that makes him special in this spectacular new place, but he must learn to survive the risky games they play. To escape the invisible chains keeping him in Emporia, he must discover a new purpose for his life and find out who he really is. THE WORLD OF EMPORIA Emporia, the greatest city left on earth, is operated by an immense corporation managed by the mysterious Nephilim who saved the technology of the old world and now administer the resources of the new one. Life in Emporia is a shining symbol of progress built from the ashes of a ruined world. Emporia values efficiency, influence, and celebrity above everything else. The Corporation is all-knowing, all-powerful, and always present. "For the Greater Good" is Emporia's motto, but the incredible splendor of the city comes with a price that all of its citizens must pay.