Darrow is a red in a world where they are the lowest caste of society. Everyone is born to be a colour. Silver, tin, white, copper, blue, pink, red, silver, gold all of them contribute to society in different ways and even then some don't realisethat they are pioneers. 
 Darrow at the beginnings expects to live a long, in his view since being old is 36 in the book for reds, life with his beautiful wife Eo. He adores his life as a helldriver until everything changes and secrets are revealed. Darrow wants to fulfill the deed Eo ultimately died for he wants to "break the chains" but can't since he doesn't believe he is the one. 
 This books delves into a wonderful world where equality is promoted but not enforced. Darrow the main protagonist delves into the world of the golds to do what Eo could not and free his people from the golds hands even if he has to do so from within.