Anise Hunt lives in a world moments from our own — a world that has suffered an eternity of anguish. It is a world where a terrible virus has corrupted humanitys genes, bringing a slow and agonizing death to the young as their parents watch in agony. But not everyone has become infected with the virus, and those who are free from it live in another world entirely — a world of prosperity and ease. Anise's genes are normal. Orson Denvers, a rich young man with impeccable genes, is set to usher Anise into a loveless marriage — until the night she runs away. And where can she run? Only one place: into the ghetto of the genetic degenerates.
"In Henry's dazzling debut novel on the search for love, 17-year-old Anise Hunt is left to cope with her grief-stricken father . . . .While the influence of Pride and Prejudice is clear throughout, the dark, brutal and twisted forms of love the characters exhibit are more reminiscent of those in Wuthering Heights. The prose flows easily through an enthralling plot . . ."
— Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)