Coverdale is the home of the People, who are ruled by the mayor, Rex Mundy. Forced from their homeland in the Balkans by the Romans two thousand years ago, they settled in North America and have remained hidden ever since. An attempt to regain their power and wealth as the Knights Templar failed. The knights are now a police force. The People believe their sacred bloodline goes back hundreds of thousands of years, possibly back to the origins of man. Over the centuries, they have used any means necessary to protect themselves. The main aim of the People is to purify their blood and remove the taint of lesser humans. This is being done at The Institute.
The outside world is unaware of Coverdale. The town is cut off, with roadblocks, limited internet access, and no cell phones. Even the mail is monitored.
Charlie Bowen and his family move to Coverdale, where his father, an expert on DNA, has a new job. Charlie is a keen historian and runner. He soon runs afoul of the local authorities when his route takes him too close to The Institute, a place surrounded by barbed wire, motion sensors, and guards with machine guns. Feeling out of touch with the town and his fellow students, Charlie asks awkward questions but gets no answers. Regarded as a troublemaker, he begins to think he is trapped in a cult when it seems everyone, including his family, turns on him. Whatever Charlie does is reported to Justin LaRennes, a slimy little man who wields power and influence. He is also an expert manipulator and takes pleasure in gaslighting the vulnerable.
Charlie befriends Jimmy, another troublemaker, who later comes out as gay. Also joining Charlie is Gwen Blayney, the daughter of the mayor. Despite much opposition by LaRennes, they soon become an item. Charlie and Gwen are viewed by the People as vital in their quest to regain power because of the purity of their blood. The two object to their supposed destiny.
Charlie discovers a hoard of ancient coins, a Roman galley, and a Viking longship. The origins of these are shown in a series of historical interludes.
Near the end of the book, Charlie and Gwen escape the town with the help of some local opposition. They remain on the run for five years until they are discovered by one of the People's knight assassins: Jimmy.
