*"They meant to save a nation. Instead they destroyed the world."*

Just past the midpoint of the 21st century, a chemical was discovered that outstripped oil as the world's dominant source of power. One crisis ended, and a new crisis began. The economies shattered by the loss of their primary export plummeted into poverty, and banded together in a desperate bid to save their way of life. Their efforts led to a war that touched every continent with its destruction, and global civilization collapsed.

No victor emerged from the disaster.

Years later, fleets of warships sailed the globe, reconstructing cities along the main thoroughfares in the Americas, Europe, and Australia. Starving populations flocked to the resource-rich centers, where they were promised a life of plenty in exchange for loyalty to the new regime. They called it the World System, and before long the new government's noose tightened around the world. Migrations to the cities became forced, and those who did not comply were hunted down and exterminated.

The tyranny gave rise to a rebellion, which began in the capital city of Alexandria and spread to the others around the globe. For a time it appeared that the World System might be brought down in its infancy, but it emerged victorious when the rebellion's leader was slain and their primary base in the capital destroyed. The System has now reigned unopposed for fifteen years.

301-14-A is a soldier in the Great Army, trained for his profession since childhood, and dedicated to upholding the World System no matter the price.

Grace is a young rebel warrior who has returned to the System's capital city to exact vengeance for the persecution of the Undocumented, those who choose not to live in the System's cities.

**He is sworn to protect it. She will stop at nothing to bring it down. Love will bring them together. Fate will tear them apart.**

Experience the opening chapter of this post-apocalyptic tale from author J. L. Lyon. Followed by *Shadow Fall* (2014) and *Shadow Heart* (2015).

**

### About the Author

J.L. Lyon graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Political Science and History. He fell in love with storytelling at a young age, and has been making stuff up ever since. He currently lives in Tennessee with his wife.