This story is told from two points of view. Arthur a mad scientists that has lured Evie into his cabin of hell (present) and Evie describing all the points that she's gone through in her life to reach this point (past). 
 Evie has suffered loss like you can't even imagine. A flash like a solar flare struck earth killing and drying up anyone and everything on it. She knows something that others don't though - that this was coming. Evie always knew that she was different but didn't realize just how different until the flash forces her to fight for her life in a deserted world. Friend or foe? Who can she and can't she trust? 
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 After the flash Evie was alone protecting only herself and get injured mother. Eventually Jackson comes to the farm warning of a future militia heading their way and that they have to escape. They burn down the Haven farm along with her deceased mother to hide proof that she can grow crops (with her blood which Jackson doesn't know). 
 Road trip with Jackson ensues with Evie having her crazy dreams while trying to make their way to her grandmother. They come across another luxurious mansion eventually where Selena is camped out all on her own. She ends up being the moon card-the archer-the bringer of doubt. With her help though they discover Matthew who Evie has been speaking to near drowning in a basement. Selena is still tagging along for the ride towards her grandma's where they pick up another "card" that goes by Finn. 
 Oh my HEART. Fucking Jackson. I'm rooting for you and you just had to go Fuck it up with Selena. Like you confess your heart you could've just waited till the next day and you would've gotten all your answers but NO! Typical male just wanted to stroke his ego and hard on whatever was around him. 
 Back to being with Arthur and we realize that she left that night after seeing Jackson with Selena. Only to end up here. In the hands of the devil himself. Only evie is prepared to no longer be a victim but be an EMPRESS. Arthur is a card also- the hermit - the alchemist torturing girls in his basement. As Evie is tearing him apart Jackson finds her and is disgusted and runs away. 
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 The love interest because you know there's always got to be one was so frustrating. They just both couldn't open and be honest with each other which could've prevented so many problems. Though maybe being tooo honest wouldn't have helped, Idk. Live triangles are my biggest pet peeve and make my blood boil and this had a major one dropping it down to four stars.