The novel begins with 15-year-old Lijah coming home to an empty townhouse. His mother has apparently stepped out, and his truck-driver father, who’s been away for work, should have returned days ago. Peace Force officers suddenly show up and drive Lijah to a massive building called Linderhaven. As he checks in, he finds that both his and his mother’s names are wrong on the paperwork; Mother Ruth, who runs the facility, says that he can only stay if he keeps his real name a secret. Lijah soon settles in, despite initial reluctance, thanks to such kindhearted people as his new roommate, Sion Ostler, and the resident gardener, Naomi Wilde. He finds that there’s a lot of mysterious goings-on at Linderhaven; there’s a “special school” attended by “pretty girls,” for instance, and the facility’s sketchy governor appears to have no real power. Lijah contemplates escape, but he also wants to know why he was brought there in the first place—and to find out, he’ll have to stick around. Beckett’s narrative thrives on mystery: Ruth and at least some of the other Sisters who run Linderhaven clearly know important information, andthey’re keeping Lijah in the dark. Myriad characters and subplots abound, often involving the governor and another figure who may be even worse than him. Overall, the story provides minimal details about the greater society in which Lijah lives—a region that’s evidently governed by a “centralized, aristocratic system.” But the supporting, predominantly female cast is consistently intriguing, including skilled pianist Melissa and Sister Patience, who notable lacks patience; most of these characters outshine Lijah, though he remains sympathetic throughout. The author’s pithy descriptions and sharp dialogue keep the story popping, although readers may decipher the clues faster than the eponymous teen does. Ultimately, this opening installment is a fine introduction to a planned series, as any of these sublime characters could easily take the narrative reins.