When the Great Waves destroyed Tempe's planet, its people had to learn to survive living on the water. Tempe dives daily into the ruins, scavenging for anything of value to trade for Notes: she's trying to buy her dead sister's life. For a price, the research facility on the island of Palindromena will revive the departed for twenty-four hours before returning them to death. Tempe wants answers: Elysea knew a secret about their parents' death. But once revived, Elysea's plans include freedom and one final glimpse at the life that was stolen from her. Breaking out of the facility, they embark on a journey to discover the truth about their parents' death -- pursued by Palindromena employees desperate to find them before the secret behind the revival process and the true cost of restored life is revealed.