Society falls. Anarchy rises. Courage endures... Laurel survived the collapse of civilization. In the aftermath of a devastating EMP disaster, she fought to turn Minneha Hospital into a place of refuge. Now, the hospital has become a beacon of hope-but a beacon can attract predators, too. Predators like Arlo, the brutal leader of a ruthless gang. Desperate to save his dying son, Arlo takes over the hospital and gives Laurel an impossible ultimatum: save his terminally ill boy... Or watch everyone she cares for die. Meanwhile, Laurel's husband Bear continues his trek across Minnesota, alone save for an orphaned boy he found along the way, and Bear's loyal dog, Jessamine. Teaming up with fellow survivors can come with betrayal and almost get you killed. Bear learned that the hard way, as the remnants of society turn to violence and bloodshed in a savage fight for survival. Bear can take care of himself-but it's cold, and it's getting colder, and he has both Trent and Jess to protect, which is hard to do when you've been wounded. If he wants to reach Laurel before winter hits, he'll have to do the unthinkable. He'll have to trust someone...