For most people, the future is an unknown. But not to Movers like Pat. Movers are born with a mental connection to their Shadows: strangers living years in the future. Some Movers can even bring their Shadows through time to the present, an action that is strictly prohibited and an offence that results in a terrible punishment. Movers are second-class citizens—closely monitored and despised by society; people blame Movers and their Shadows for the world's overpopulated cities and strange new weather patterns. But although people in the present are just beginning to feel the pressure of limited resources, people in the future are desperate. War, disease, drought and famine have taken their toll, and the future is not a happy place. When a ruthless Shadow arrives intent on changing the present at any cost, Pat and his little sister are caught in the crossfire. They are in a race against time, and Pat has to turn to some unlikely sources for help. But will it be too late?