In twelve weeks, Paroxis Maxima, the aberrant corona of the sun, will explode destroying the life-sustaining atmosphere of the planet, Para. The Orothons live in Para’s southern hemisphere barely existing in the deteriorating atmosphere. Alcon, sixteen, is a member of the Orothons, and rumored to be the Chosen One who will save the tribe from their failing environment. Alcon has surpassed his elders in mastering the metaphysical powers known as the Gift of the Sphere. In Para’s northern hemisphere, subterranean Crania, a loveless and egocentric society, prepares to escape their dying planet in a space ark. Corlea, fifteen, and her brother are heirs to the duo-throne of Crania. Corlea learns about the Orothons and believes they must be saved. She joins a flight crew to find them, but her brother forces her off the ship and leaves her to die in the desert. Alcon rescues Corlea, and they form a bond when they discover that the Orothons and the Cranians were once a single culture. With seven other Orothons, they begin a perilous journey across the desert hoping to reach Crania before it’s too late to join the exodus. Bizarre and deadly obstacles impede their journey, but using the skills of the Gift, they defy the odds and board the space ark. Together, they vow to restore the ancient virtues written in the Biblos Exactica.