Everyone knows that it's a citizen's duty to smile; negative emotion is a social contagion, an aggressive act against society. For Alaire Larkin, staying positive has never been a problem. Born into a prominent family, Alaire is a star student and a member of her school's Joyful Court. Her future promises only happiness and a lifetime of service to the State, until the day she uncovers a secret world of emotions she never knew existed. Alaire knows she must forget what she has learned or run the risk of internal exile. It should be easy. All she has to do is smile.

Anyone would be lucky to live in the Balance, where the Algorithm determines the optimal use of all resources, ensuring nothing is wasted and no one goes hungry. The Cadres work tirelessly to maintain their orderly society, but in their wisdom, the Leadership understands that not everyone was meant to devote a lifetime to work. Those unsuited to Cadre culture can choose Vivant, and live a life of creative freedom and unfettered desire. The only price: while the Cadres live as long as the latest technologies permit, the Vivants bid the world farewell at 40. Ravenna is facing her eighteenth...