Told in the alternating perspectives of Cassia and Ky, the novel is largely set in a desert canyon which was inspired by Condie's experience growing up in southern Utah.

The plot follows Cassia and Ky's respective journeys to find each other again in the outer provinces as they begin to learn of a growing rebellion against the Society.

[1] Additionally, the novel's desert canyon setting was inspired by her childhood experiences of growing up in southern Utah.

During the Enemy attack that night, Ky, Vick, and Eli, one of the new villagers, escape and head toward the canyon, called the Carving.

Cassia and Indie arrive at the outer provinces and meet a boy who claimed to see Ky, Vick, and Eli escape.

They continue and an airship drops large boulders to release toxins into the river, causing Vick to be killed on impact.

Cassia and Indie make it to the end of the river to a lake where a boat full of members of the rising take them to their camp.

Critical reception to Crossed was mixed to positive, with the Tampa Bay Times praising the book's "mental mystery and emotional aspects".

"[3] Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews both gave the entry positive reviews, with Publishers Weekly stating that while readers will need to read the previous book, Crossed's "vivid, poetic writing will pull fans through as Condie immerses readers in her characters' yearnings and hopes".