Over a century of oil dependency has ended as world reserves shrink. Climatic changes, fueled by years of incessant petroleum burning, laid waste to agrarian lands across the world. A slow death encompassed mankind as affordable food production became a dream of the past. Food could no longer be bought-bartering, stealing, or fighting became the new reality. Then the apocalyptic winter of 2029 arrived. By 2031, only a handful of survivors still inhabit a small Pacific Northwest town. Hurricane winds combined with sub-zero temperatures, had kept them prisoner through the long winter months. The shortened summers, cold and damp, is their only chance to grow enough food to get them through another year with hope. Sequel to 'The Button Boy', this story depicts the lives of four makeshift families, brought together by necessity to protect what little they had, defending themselves against packs of Wanderers-ruthless men drifting across the decimated landscape, picking from the bones of civilization.