A dystopian novel following a young boy called Lucas who lives in one of four youth compounds which separate boys from girls. He has lived his first 12 years of life never having met a female. As he and the other boys begin shedding their childhood they become more curious as to the true reason they are separated and begin to venture into unknown and possibly dangerous territory as they try to cross compounds and attempt to make contact with the females. As their adventure progresses they make terrifying and unbelievable discoveries about the world in which they live. Will Lucas be able to stand up against the atrocities he once stood for?