In a parallel present, where everyone is born with a black mole on their wrist that lightens the nearer they are to death, a 16-year-old girl finds there is more to life than simply knowing when you will die. Ivy's mortality mole, otherwise known as a "death dot," is Black 6. Her best friend Charlotte's is already Grey 2. Their anticipated progression through the ten shades of Black, Grey and White so far indicate an average lifespan. However, they don't feel so lucky. Their shades might shift... the rate of change could increase... and they are teenagers. In their world, anyone young facing White-or worse, nearing White 10-is better off dead. Until Ivy refuses the shame of White.