Partially Deceased Syndrome sufferer Kieren Walker returns home to the cauldron of Roarton, but doesn't receive a warm welcome. His parents, Steve and Sue, are undoubtedly pleased to see him, but his sister, Jem, isn't so ready to pick up where they left off when Kieren died back in 2009. Meanwhile, the zombie-hating Human Volunteer Force, led by the violent Bill Macy, is ready to take action against any PDS sufferer reintegrated on their patch.

Feeling trapped at home, Kieren escapes to his grave where he is reunited with his old hunting partner, Amy Dyer, who persuades him to take a dangerous day trip. Kieren discovers that Rick, his former best mate who died in Afghanistan, is back in town. Amy convinces Kieren to go and see him at The Legion. After an awkward reunion, Kieren finds himself on an HVF hunting mission in the woods, where the night patrol has reported live rabid zombies roaming free.

After visiting the supermarket where he used to hunt with Amy, Kieren remembers that Jem once spared his life. Together, brother and sister confront the demons in their pasts and visit Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster (the parents of the girl from Kieren's flashbacks). Kieren feels momentarily better, but then has to say goodbye to Amy who is leaving Roarton in search of The Prophet. Will Kieren and Rick be able to find peace and acceptance as PDS sufferers in this highly-charged new world?

Though apparently in the PDS-friendly world of Roarton, Kieren's dream of escape may be further away.

MP Maxine imposes an undead travel ban and stringent measures for debt repayment; Kieren's ex-HVF sister returns to school.

Kieren and Simon must work together on the Give Back Scheme; Freddie Preston returns to find his childhood sweetheart.