Taliesin earns his living as a dockworker in the impoverished coastal town of Helmsbreak, England. But life isn't easy as the world enters the depths of an ice-age, with cities overrun with crime and provisions scarce. Raised to blame technology for society's downfall, he dreams of disappearing into the wilderness to pursue the simple life his father always advocated.

After witnessing the brutal murder of a talented figure skater he greatly admired, Taliesin ends up being framed for the crime himself. Left with no other choice he, together with close friend Gray and expert navigator Rez, boards a stolen icebreaker to brave the merciless sea.

This narrow escape marks the beginning of an intercontinental race against time, evoking memories of a past Taliesin is eager to forget and forcing him to confront old ghosts that still linger below the waves.