Niko lives on a giant, organic floating island, three-thousand feet above a water-covered planet. He's taught to stay away from the edge: falling off would mean death. But for this fifteen-year-old stuck at home, floating islands are ordinary. What he wants is adventure. An unconventional mentorship sends Niko traveling across the country to witness an execution. Caught in the convict's escape plans, Niko ends up on a desperate quest to return home.

Only when he overcomes childhood horrors does he discover the startling truth about the monsters known as the Salamren. With their help-and friendship-he uncovers a threat to his island people: the ruthless Kanukuts, a warlike nation hell-bent on world dominion, using unholy new technology.

Confronted with war, Niko must use everything he's gained on his journey-training, unusual weapons, and strange new allies-in an attempt to save both his family and country.