In a deserted, post apocalyptic world 15 year old James Prower and a small group of teenagers fight to survive. Most creatures have left southern Saskatchewan for the winter in search of warmer climates, giving the group time to restock and rest.
Things are going fairly well until they come across another group of survivors with a leader so demanding and fearless that he takes charge of both groups, leaving James and a few others to grumble at the changes being made.
Then, the new leader "exiles" James and his closest friends Sophie and Tim. However, James chooses to follow the group from a distance, with Sophie and Tim there to help.
When the creatures return in the spring, James and his friends become more careful about keeping concealed. They continue to follow the group no matter what. Then, the leader of their group is suddenly unprepared, lost, and frightened, but he will not give James back the leadership willingly.
Does James fight for his place among the group, or continue to follow behind? Only the changing of the seasons will tell.