In a world where technology has become humanity's prison, freedom is found in the untethered spirit.
 
Within the walls of Crest Cove, a sanctuary from the tech-ravaged world outside, a diverse group of teens find themselves drawn together by fate and circumstance. As they navigate the complex social hierarchies and personal struggles of their sheltered existence, they discover the true cost of safety in a world twisted by the "Chipdemic" where human consciousness is harvested by corporate masters and even music can enslave the soul.
 
As whispers of a world-ending tech update reach their ears and dark secrets begin to surface, this unlikely group of friends Sy, Sk8, Nando, and Scuti must confront not only the controlled environment of Crest Cove but also the shadows that lie within their own hearts and histories.
 
With rumors of the coming Infinity Connect an update that promises to erase free will forever the foundations of their reality begin to crumble. Through underground music, forbidden relationships, and cryptic messages from beyond the walls, they're drawn into a mystery that can only be solved by the Voiceless Visionaries 
 
(This is the PDF version of The Backpackers — best for readers who prefer a fixed-layout book on a computer or want the option to print pages.)