Eighteen-year old Cadence Marks has always lived on Lumenestria- a planet several million light-years away from Earth- in Dome 68, fairly close to Central Dome. His life would've been very comfortable if only he were the same as the rest of the Lumenestrians, but he was different- creative, emotional, unique. Lumenestrians value sameness; where there is difference, there is conflict. Cadence must run for his life through the barren and toxic Outside to escape the treacheries the Council has in store for him. During his journey he meets a band of rebels who help him flee and let him in on secrets a thousand years forgotten.