Life is simple on the island nation of Melior: the just are rewarded for their good deeds while the criminals are branded for their failings and sent to live outside the tidy city walls. In the midst of this society that emphasizes worth via achievement, Merritt's sole aim is to earn value. When he discovers that his domineering mother has been lying to him, he searches for the truth of his connection to the Branded community. It is there, among the untouchables, that he finally begins to feel a sense of belonging. But this acceptance comes at a terrible price. When false accusations leave Merritt guilty in the eyes of the law, he must set out to reinvent his identity and answer the question: Can a man be worth more than his actions?