Life has always been hard for Maddy. Maybe its because shes a black teenage girl living in the middle of a changing world that doesn't want her to be part of that change, but Maddy's world has always seemed more tragic than everyone else's. Ever since Madison Jade Redwood's mother left to join the army, she was taken in by her abusive and drug addicted father. After his death, she was forced to live on the streets, scavenging for what little food and companionship she could find. But what she doesn't know, is that her life on the streets is what brings her into the midst of of a war, a romance, a mystery, and a rebellion that will change the way society sees the citizens who live in a shadow of hunger and doubt forever. But instead of standing in the darkness of back alleys and scavenging through trash cans on corners, Maddy will find herself at the front of it all. Not hiding, but fighting. Not lying, but living.