In Ghandria, only the evolved have a place. They've honed their minds to master three abilities: healing, enhanced senses, and syphoning-the ability to erase memories. But those who lack even one of these skills face a cruel fate. Branded as "miscreants, " they're exiled to the perilous Isle of Nadir and erased from history. Nova Darkov, daughter of a powerful highborn ruler, has spent her entire life concealing a dangerous truth: She lacks the ability to erase her memories.  When her secret is discovered, she's torn from her world. Her brother Denali fights desperately for her life, winning her sixty days to learn to use the syphon or face permanent exile. Stranded in Nadir, Nova must navigate harsh terrain filled with miscreants who see her as a chance for revenge against her father's oppressive regime.  Her highborn status makes her both a target and a potential tool for rebellion. There, Nova finds an unlikely mentor in Berkshire, a former professor who believes syphoning has corrupted their society. Through his teachings, she begins to question Ghandria's perfect society. Nova must make an impossible choice: conform to save herself, or expose the corrupt system that has torn the miscreants from their home.