High school senior, Ian, intends to become a star reporter. Until one word, one symbol, changes his life forever. In this alternate 1961, Ian bicycles home from his job at the paper, wishing he had a car and worrying that his secret water tower protest isn't secret anymore. Then he sees the symbol burned into the family's front door. He can't believe it. Doesn't want to believe it. The Angels of Death Took his parents and older brother. And government agents pursue him and the surviving members of his family. Ian and his three younger siblings escape into the wilds of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They rely on his evasion and survival skills. Life in the mountains is brutal and unforgiving. Resources are limited. Food is scarce. And winter is coming. They won't survive without help. With no one he can trust, Ian turns to his best friend. And puts all their lives on the line.