A Novel. A Nightmare. A Future San Francisco. In the end days of catastrophic global warming, the sea has risen to reclaim the land, the Earth's oil reserves have run dry, and the Federal Government has collapsed along with the economy. Besieged by the Pacific Ocean, the ruined archipelago of San Francisco has been carved up between the gangs and a corrupt and brutal police force. While the rich flee to search in vain for civilization, those that are left behind resort to vicious tribal warfare to secure the dwindling supplies of food and fresh water. Among them is one man who's seen cities perish before, barricaded in his apartment with enough fresh water to sign his death warrant - and no way out. High above the crumbling city he watches as the fires take over, waiting for the end as the desperate hordes close in around him - but Nero has a dangerous secret, and he's not going to tell...