Book excerpt: Three hundred years ago, a mysterious zone called the Stasis appeared, covering hundreds of square miles of the Pacific Northwest. The area’s human inhabitants suddenly found themselves outside the barrier; inside was a primeval, unspoiled world that proved to be hostile to technology and most manmade things. Over the years, those who were idealistic or deluded enough to shed all trappings of civilization were able to cross into this new Eden, though few survived for long. But now, the barrier has weakened…just enough for a squad of soldiers to be flown in to investigate. Meanwhile, inside the Stasis, Shani has been living alone with her mother, at one with nature and oblivious to the world outside. Her past and her future have narrowed to a single point in time. Only this moment exists. Lieutenant Silas McKinley and his squad are stunned to discover the two women in middle of the Stasis, but their encounter is quickly overshadowed by the area’s deadly rejection of their presence. They must find a way out. With nature itself rising up against them, Shani and Silas—two people from vastly different worlds—will have to find common ground if anyone is to survive.