In the last hundred years the United States has fallen subject to war and scandal. Due to the government’s secrets, the nation that was once together had divided according to race. At age seventeen, Carter realizes that things aren’t what they are said to be. Rumors have spurred that there are other creatures other than human beings over the metal wall that encloses their nation and she may be one of them. However, the government denies such. Carter’s discovery leaves her in danger and ultimately to the kidnapping of her brother. With the help of a new ally will she find out who she is and find her brother?