Chester Aldair is gay teenager who attempts suicide, making him a severe criminal. In Galena, technology has advanced to the point where people no longer die from natural causes, and as a result, the government has instituted, "The Age of Volition," which is a law requiring that everyone lives until they're seventy-five years old. Once someone turns seventy-five, they can choose how much longer they live for. Since Chester takes his life before the Age of Volition, he's considered a criminal and faces long-term incarceration. As times passes, however, Chester realizes he isn't the only one telling lies and hiding secrets. And his life is the only one he can really protect.