After the world is overrun by dangerous shadow monsters named Umbrae, the world is forced into compound cities, behind walls. Marina is the last Tala in her compound, a race of people with the ability to communicate with the Umbrae. But when the Eminence falls ills and the city's shields are bound to shut off in a couple of days, Marina is forced to venture outside the city's walls in search of a cure. With her best friend, estranged step-sister, and the Eminence's son by her side, they set out on an adventure to save everyone they love.

Natalie has lived her life in her mother's shadow. Being the daughter of a superhero and the only person in her family without powers, she's used to going unnoticed. However, when a supposedly dead supervillain returns with a vengeance, Ember and the rest of her team are forced out of retirement to fight their long-lost foe. With the guilt of a dark past at the front of her mind, and The Raven's threat growing closer every day, Natalie finds herself in the center of a heated battle, one she can't afford to lose.