Aranwa: a glittering paradise teeming with natural resources, fresh water and plentiful game. Lying between two rival nations, Aranwa is a jewel that both governments hunger to possess. Aribeth Fuller's ailing father calls her home from school with a stunning mission in mind, to settle the wild land of Aranwa. Aided by the renowned guide Leland Jax, Aribeth will lead the first families away from the corruption of the Ministry and to freedom in Aranwa. Along the way they'll be joined by a group of feisty veterans, a pair of military school washouts and a beautiful but deadly rogue. Together the expedition will face the worst Aranwa has to offer, from impassable rivers and fierce predators to unforgiving storms. Yet there is something even more dangerous hiding in the woods of Aranwa: a band of bloodthirsty outlaws who won't stop until Aribeth and her entire caravan are dead.