Erin McFadden is tired of her boring, rustic life. She grew up in the small town of Iuntah on Erica, a distant planet discovered after the destruction of Earth. Iuntah is miles away from anyone or anywhere, and most of the people who live there believe that simplicity is the only way to peace and happiness. But all Erin sees is simplemindedness and a dead end. Her desire is to explore and get away from the community that has been holding her back. Her wishes come true one summer day, culminating in an event that changes her life forever.

Little does Erin know that the town she grew up in is about to experience this radical change, as well. A shady developer proposes to build a new highway through the town. But the residents of Iuntah don't want their quaint village destroyed. When discussions fail, the developer resorts to strong-arm tactics to get what he wants.

Erin has the chance to become a savior in her small civilization by safeguarding an ancient secret. But can she face up to the challenge of overcoming the traumatic events-both physical and emotional-that finally push her away from home and out of her safety zone? Erin must press on if she wants to survive her first year outside of the only realm she has known since childhood.