In a future world of false identities, government lies, and death threats, Luke feels drawn to the younger brother of the boy whose name Luke has taken.

In a future where the Population Police enforce the law limiting a family to only two children, Luke has lived all his twelve years in isolation and fear on his family's farm, until another "third" convinces him that the government is wrong.

In the aftermath of a crisis that threatens the safety of all shadow children, Trey's friends expect him to take charge-a function he doesn'tr want or think he can do. Trey's new role leads him to travel with Luke Garner's brother, Mar, to population Police headquarters. There he impersonates an officer to try to recue Luke, who has been taked prisoner. The nonstop adventure puts all three boys in danger and risks exposing the underground movement...