It took 200 years for the United States to successfully divide itself, and when it did, 16 states seceded from the union to form their own empire. The staple of the empire's brand of meritocracy and justice is its criminal justice system where convicts are moved for life to the reservoirs, borders and dams, where they provide free labor, energy production, and a placebo against the Empire's fear of being re-absorbed by the US. Endless paths lead to being dammed, with only one way out earned at the annual Pardon Games.
Young Felix Noble watches the rebel aunt she admires win Pitz and ultimate glory in the games. Pitz, or Mayan ball, is the national pastime. It captures the imagination and heart of the nation, especially young Felix. Felix, an only child in one of the oldest and most venerated families in the empire, is fresh off a heart-wrenching loss in the high school national Pitz competition. While hesitant to follow all her aunt's footsteps, she wants to carve out a place in history by capturing the prestigious and celebrated Historian's Apprentice position held by her aunt years ago. She sets her sights on moving to the capital to develop her passion for history, but soon discovers how tightly politicians and historians are intertwined.
Throughout the story, Felix is driven to succeed, but her sheltered life may be a disadvantage when navigating a spider's web of family and national politics. Her family and friendships might be the only thing keeping her safe, while manipulative people and a past she does not know work against her.
Feisty, fresh and funky Felix sets out on a journey of self-discovery to make a place in the world and history. But it's the winners who write history. Will she be one of them?
