Conceptual — Suzanne Hoos

Kira Dearheart was born into a world of turmoil, a world nearly destroyed by disaster -- both natural and man-made.

From the rubble, Commander Regina Pax has risen to power and now rules the Republic with a velvet fist. Those who “have” live in abundance, and those who “have not” live in fear. Each year Pax calls for the youth of the Republic to travel to the decadent but shining capital, First City, to be counted in the Census.

While Kira awaits her turn, she lives in relative obscurity with her distant and disapproving mother and step-father. With her father imprisoned for a horrific crime he did not commit, Kira relies on her lover, Declan Voss, for comfort and companionship during her days and for pleasure at night.

But as Kira's 21st birthday nears -- signaling her time to join the ranks to be counted -- she learns of the secrets behind her conception, and of danger that awaits her at First City.

Questioning all she knew of life to that point, Kira agrees to run, to ignore the Commander's decree. Yet even as plans are set in motion they are thwarted, and Kira finds herself, bewildered and frightened, in the capital city.

As she struggles to make a place for herself in this strange new world, waiting for Census Day, unanswered questions continue to plague her. What are these “Flairs” everyone is talking about? Who can she trust? And what has happened to Declan?