The world has been 'cleansed' by an astronomical event and civilisation as we know it is shattered. From the wreckage, a technological society in New Zealand emerges. They build a city that they call 'New Hope'; a utopia, but it comes with sacrifices. Anso McDiarmid is a troubled teenager in the city who isn't prepared to make those sacrifices. He decides to take action and the story follows his maturing into manhood. A story that gives the reader a view of a possible future, while reflecting on the past and exploring ideas of social reform, indigenous issues, and an insight into the male mind when faced with some of the major episodes of a man's life.