Prior to this collapse, a revered man known as the Founder had the foresight to see the state of his society and enough knowledge of physical systems that could be used to save a limited number from what he saw as an impending fall of civilization, thus he created a society in which men and women can live in harmony while adhering to humans' basic survival needs"”food, water, shelter, and procreation. Men and women are separated into separate Halls within the Elkhead Tribe, and those not part of The Tribe, the Outsiders, must learn to survive on their own.

Among those of The Tribe is Jamari of the Milltown Branch. After living in the Younglings' Hall for his entire life, he is now ready to embark on the journey of becoming a man. Within The Tribe's society, all candidates vying to become adults, and then citizens, must undergo rigorous training, both mental and physical, as well as abide by tribal laws. Jamari's mentor, Shane, has evoked a lust and passion that ignites a longing in Jamari that he never knew existed. Can Jamari learn to live by tribal code and abide by the Rule of Attachment? Can he perform his tribal duties for the betterment of the tribe and the society as a whole? As Jamari learns the ways of the tribe"”while exploring a deep understanding about himself and the world he lives in"”he must embark on his own personal journey of discovery about what it means to become a man.