Against all odds, Derry and a handful of survivors escape the malevolent Doctor Lyong's clutches, but victory proves bittersweet. No one knows if Owen is dead or alive. The shaky plan to rescue him falls apart when the Council splits over rumors of Owen's ties to the Craniopolis. Forced to find new recruits Derry makes the treacherous journey to Shoshane City, home of the mysterious riders. Mutiny and sabotage are afoot and Derry finds herself caught up in a desperate struggle to save the city from being destroyed by The Ghost, a dangerous rogue who swears allegiance to no one. Time is running out to save Owen, and tensions are rising between Jakob and Sven, the devastatingly handsome clone who may turn out to be a deadly distraction.