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After man has nearly ended the world through self-destruction, most of those who remain have changed. Most regular humans went underground, and the multi-year confinement, along with a struggle for resources, turned many of them more selfish and angrier than before. Those who remained on the surface had their DNA altered, becoming more fantastic over the years. Some became giants, others diminutive, and some took on animal characteristics. However, these changed humans also had to learn to help each other and became more peaceful. When the underground humans began to emerge—some trying to escape the madness that had consumed so many, others ready to hurt and hunt anyone as they sought precious resources—those already on the surface soon learned that more trouble was on the way. Should they band together and try to fight for their homes, or should they search for more peaceful lands?
Parker's book is set in a dystopian future where technology has broken down, and the world has returned to a low fantasy state, complete with evolving fantasy races. For context, it is similar to the setting of some of Terry Brooks' books without magic. The way in which those on the surface have changed, as well as the fate of those who went underground, is imaginatively realized. The conflict between the different groups is well-built into the story, and the differing world views are explained through the circumstances in which the groups lived. However, some awkward sentence structure affects the basic understanding of the narrative at times. Overall, though, this is a quick read, and fans will have an imaginative journey through this tale while anticipating the next book in the series.