Caitlanna Mullen is on a mission. She is part of an archaeological team on a dig in a dangerous, possibly toxic territory inhabited by mutants. She is obsessed with finding pre-apocalyptic treasures that eluded her late father, a dedicated man whose zeal she has inherited. Too young to be a "finder," Cait must be content with the lesser status of "striker," a disadvantage that rarely keeps her from leaping headlong into danger and adventure. But thanks to a wise, wonderful aunt, she begins to learn what it means to think first, to control her impulses, and to act with the safety and well-being of others in mind. And, finally, secrets which are revealed to Caitlanna are not at all what she expected, causing the girl to suspect that no world is exactly what it seems to be. It's an exciting journey and a great read.

This is foremost a fun, fast read! The main character, a sixteen year old girl, faces consequences for an artifact she stole from another Sanction, which is like a village. She and her Aunt, among others from her Sanction, are sent on a dangerous archaeological dig. In a post-apocalyptic world, she and her group face mutants, toxic waste and sickness as they travel to the dig site. Once there, she is confronted by more sickness, jealousy and teen hormones in her search for a prized artifact. The characters are well-drawn, the plot is full of twists, turns and a few surprises. A very satisfying read!