She was chosen to protect the city. She never expected to discover what the city was hiding. Maylie Banner has spent her life being told that destiny is something to be accepted. Now, at twenty-two, she has been given a position she never expected to hold: General Commander of Haven, one of the most powerful military cities in Unitary. With Theo Ward at her side as her Lieutenant and shield, Maylie is finally in a position to do what she has always wanted-protect people, make a difference. But Haven is not the city she thought it was. Behind the polished towers and military strength are starving families, corrupt officers, underground operations, and citizens who have learned not to trust the people sworn to protect them. As Maylie begins changing the way her city operates, she quickly discovers that not everyone is grateful for her interference. Kara Sleale's Lieutenant is supposed to be one of Haven's most trusted officers. Instead, everything about him sets Maylie on edge. His questions become more personal. His interest in her becomes more unsettling. And the more she learns about him, the more she begins to wonder whether his loyalty lies with the city-or with something far more dangerous. When rumors surface of spies within the government and a growing threat from the Disaffects, Maylie is tasked with uncovering the truth. But every answer only creates another question. Why is the government hiding information about the serum that changed the lives of an entire generation? Why are people who question the system being silenced? And why does Kara seem to know far more about Maylie than she should? As the line between enemy and ally begins to disappear, Maylie must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice to uncover the truth. Because the greatest danger to Unitary may not be waiting beyond its borders. It may already be sitting at the table. And when the people Maylie trusted begin turning against one another, she will have to confront an ugly truth: Not every deception is meant to protect you. Sometimes, it is meant to control you.
