Zatera Stri was his name. In an ancient quest for power spanning millennia, he travelled the Universe, assuming identities on different worlds, all the while seeking knowledge about one thing. But he never found what he was looking for, despite leaving a trail of terrible wreckage in his wake. Eventually, Max and his kin took it upon themselves to imprison him, until he was awoken by a young Ethereal named Trey Rousseau. Now on Earth, and using Trey's body like a puppet, Zatera begins to build an enormous structure off the coast of New York City, with plans to use it to finally reach The Nexus-the epicenter of creation itself-from where and to where all psychic energy flows. In their quest to stop him, Jane and her friends travel back to the city, attempting to quell the growing panic there as Zatera enchants hundreds of other Ethereals, drawing them toward him and using their power to help him build the edifice that will become The Crystal Tower. At the same time, Max turns west toward California, where he senses another powerful Ethereal, Daniel, may be in danger of similar possession by Zatera. However, Max knows nothing of the tectonic conflict he will soon face there. But Jane was given something by the Rose, a mere fragment of the soul of the Universe itself, and now, it has drawn Zatera's focus. Separated from Max, she and her friends must work to help keep the city safe and remain hidden from the vast reach of Zatera's mind. Once Zatera's odious plan is set in motion, the tower grows quickly. Can they-indeed, can anyone-halt its rapid reach toward the sky? They no longer fight for their own fate, but that of the world now too-and the Universe beyond."