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Phase one, or the first book, is called "Crashed Out." In it, we see Zane a few weeks before his graduation from Paradise City University, on a trip to Bayview. On the way back, during a stormy night, someone hits the back of the family's car—an Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser—causing it to spin violently on the road, crash into a tree, overturn, and fall several meters below the highway. Zane survives, and alone he crawls out of the car, climbs the roadside embankment, and walks for almost two kilometers before finding help. When he does, he discovers that he has twisted his right ankle, suffered some minor lacerations and scratches on his body, and that his left eye won’t open due to a vertical cut on the left side of his face, running from his forehead down to almost touching his upper lip. His friends are Nick Maplewood, son of one of the most prestigious families of Paradise City, Riley Thompson, his childhood friend, Victoria Cross, the big girl
who plays roller derby, with a soft spot for losers but a temper, and many others, who continued with him during these tough times.

The second phase, or second book, Wild Years, follows Zane as he struggles to survive long after the incident. He liquidates everything the family owned and lives alone in a small but comfortable apartment. During these wild years, he is discovered by a crime boss, Alfredo Manicotti, who uses Zane as a getaway driver on multiple occasions. As time passes, Manicotti introduces Zane to other people, such as Angela DeSalvo, a stunt coordinator at a film studio; Odessa Torrington, the spoiled daughter of a movie star; Elias Chambers, a mysterious young man whom Zane finds himself obligated to help; and Nate Denver, a stuntman who becomes Zane's rival, willing to do whatever it takes to destroy what’s left of him.

The third phase, or third book, Clash at Paradise, follows Zane as he grows older and becomes deeply established in Manicotti’s business, almost as if he were the next crime boss. However, he finds himself tempted to dissolve part of the empire and become legitimate, despite the challenges. Zane steps away from street operations and becomes a de facto leader in the city, using Manicotti’s money as influence across multiple spheres. Some friends and acquaintances leave him, but some remain, and others emerge—such as Odessa Torrington, now arriving as a devoted fan; Chelsea Holstein, a model from an agency Zane purchased; Ron Petersen, Alfredo’s lawyer; and the board: Zane’s old crew who once followed Alfredo’s orders, now united in one last effort to establish themselves as a dominant force in Paradise. Of course, with the death of a titan, many rise to claim the throne—one of them being Dawn Phelps, a ruthless crime boss who poses as a philanthropist.