Newton and Maggie are brilliant, wealthy, and weird. They know the Earth is treacherous; it can destroy civilizations -- it has happened before. Fortunately, they have a survival plan. Cynthia was in college when she met Newton. She never dreamt she would see the end, but she has and she can save her brother and his family. Mike and Amy were caught unawares. Mike manages a supermarket and falls victim to the ruthless search for food as people scurry across the land. Many deny it is happening, many discover they are not prepared, and a few survive because of Phontaine's Gifts.