In a world struggling with the aftermath of catastrophe, the small community of Osto is a beacon of hope uniting ragged survivors with a creed of cooperation and equality. As the newly elected leader of the town, Amaya Bly has her hands full after a harder-than-expected winter drained limited resources and strained the population's tolerance for long, dark days and overcrowded spaces.

The aftermath of a sizable earthquake has her questioning her friendships and loyalties when news of a new nearby settlement reaches the Shelter. Amaya is suddenly faced with the unique dilemmas of leadership: How will Osto approach their new neighbors? What sort of relationship should they—can they—hope to establish? And how can they keep the malcontents within Osto from poisoning the nascent alliance without betraying their ideals?

In this second book of The Shelter Trilogy, a new cast of characters joins old favorites, intrigue threatens all, and bit by bit, humanity continues the recovery!