The novel begins with the introduction of Jonathan Margolis to Dr. Carmichael after he throws a fit at a pool on a class field trip and is taken to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, where he encounters Dr. Eldin Carmichael.
Dr. Carmichael discovers through the drawings that Jonathan has brought with him that Jonathan can see the future and may have other special abilities.
Then, three interweaved stories are told in tandem
Frank Glen’s story is about an archaeological dig in Iraq in 2001 with Sir Edward Lancaster and his daughter Stephanie. Frank is joined by a metallurgist named Dr. Maxwell Matheson. They begin to explore the mysteries of the site, among them ancient artifacts, possible ancient technology, and mysterious magical spheres.