Synopsis: Professor Tess Alset is on a secret mission when disaster strikes, thrusting her into a new city's hidden strife. Ziracuny, the power hungry mayor, and her mysterious associates infiltrate the political and economic structures of Waltham, while inequality between Subtonian immigrants and Walthamites worsens. Tess becomes embroiled in the battle for freedom, and leads a revolt against tyranny. Tess and her allies discover that they are stronger together, like magnets pulling in joint force. Undercurrents of female empowerment, family ties, lost love, and rated-G romance connect the characters in a world billowing with progressive action.