The Essentialist-Spoke war continues in the east, while in the northwest an escalation of arms can only lead to more conflict. The fate of the continent depends on the endeavors of Pyke, a cursed advocate for foreign dignitaries in game show-governed Aspen, and Cecile, a long-time Spoke supporter from Quebec City who has been living with a dark secret. Their journeys weave through the lives of Owen, Warrick, Lexie and Tarnation. New nation-states in the midwest become embroiled in the struggle. And they will face new technological perils, including a hidden machine intelligence that could tilt the balance of power against humanity.