In the near future, a few young women manifest extraordinary abilities called "Shine." Each girl's ability is different. Some develop extraordinary mental abilities. Some become physically strong. Others have powers that defy description. But the world does not embrace these Shines. It fears them--especially after the destruction of Seattle is blamed on one Shine named Aura.

After being locked up in the Transforming Your Light "rehab" on Antolina Island, Aura tried to adjust to life with six other Shines and the domineering Dr. Coutant. But a chance encounter with the Shine known as Perfume - soon found dead in the epicenter of a huge explosion in Santa Monica - told her more was happening at TYL than group therapy. Her investigations led her to a underground cellblock where she realized the hideous truth about TYL was far more horrific than she imagined - just before she was captured by Coutant and her goons. Now she must somehow survive a brutal interrogation and find some way to escape. But how can she escape from an isolated island in the Pacific? And how can she organize the other Shines - who she's certain hate her--and get them to work together for their mutual benefit before the government, the Shine Surveillance System, or the mysterious forces at TYL destroy them all?