White Rose

The year is 2110. The United States of America no longer exists. Everything west of the Mississippi River has become the Western Union, a veritable utopia governed by the wise, powerful, benevolent Council. Everything east of the river has been destroyed.

Auri Midas has not lived a particularly fascinating life. Orphaned at a young age, he is forced to call the prestigious New Washington Academy his home. The chrome-covered campus is not the educational Eden that some people, like the fanatical government teacher Mr. Ledger, would claim it to be. Daily life is a dull and uneventful routine, livened up only by the occasional beating courtesy of Eneus, the school bully. The sole bright spot in Auri's otherwise bleak existence is his love of reading, a passion he shares with the academy's history teacher, Mr. Grimm. But even pouring over books in the school library for hours on end is not enough to satisfy Auri's desire for something more.

Then Argenta Silverstein arrives. The mysterious and enchanting girl immediately connects with Auri, much to his amazement, and turns his whole life upside down. She introduces fun and excitement to the once monotonous academy, testing the boundaries with her outgoing nature and unwavering optimism. For the first time, Auri discovers what it is like to have a friend, someone to talk to and laugh with, someone who understands him. His boring life finally seems to be taking a turn for the better.

But Argenta's curiosity leads her to raise some interesting questions about the Western Union and the almighty Council. Eventually, she uncovers a shocking truth, unveiling a long history of secrets that changes Auri's view of his world forever. Rumors arise of a rebel organization in the East and Mr. Grimm seems to know more than he admits. The unearthing of the conspiracy leads Auri on a dangerous journey with Argenta at his side every step of the way. But if he is ever to be truly free, he must find the courage to fight for change -- and his life.