The world was no longer a thriving society-it was wreaked by violence, poverty and lust for power-until one day it crumbled, falling into a world war like none had ever seen. After the war, the population plummeted from hundreds of billions to just tens of thousands; continents sank into the deep depths of the ocean. Now, the Administration has taken over, stepping in to help the Citizens that are left. In an effort to repopulate the Earth, they've put into place a system-a system designed to create the Perfect Citizen-a perfect person, devoid of the flaws of past generations. These new people, this new generation will not seek out violent means, they will not covet power and control-they will be peaceful and kind and above all else, submissive to the Administration. All girls aged 17 are to report to the Medical Sector-what is left of New York-to be Evaluated and Inoculated with their new 'Baby Citizen'. Boys are tested for the Donor program and then sterilized. And if either fail . . . they're sent to The Hollows-a hidden prison where the 'unwanted' are sent to live . . . or to die. That's where Eliza comes in. She's just turned 17 and is being hauled off to the Medical Sector. After her Evaluations, the doctors in charge have to decide whether she's fit enough to become the proud mother of a new baby Citizen. But Eliza doesn't want a baby. She doesn't want to be forced into a life she hasn't signed on for. Her father taught her to think for herself, but in this world, thinking could get you sent away . . . but rejecting the system could get you killed. Freedom has been discarded for Perfection, freely given up to the Administration out of fear.