In a world where Face Ranks rule, it's tough being an Eight of Diamonds. Fourteen-year-old Bartok Organon knows this firsthand. After a dreadful meeting with his school counselor, he heads to a local park where he contemplates whether he wants to become a snack truck driver or a mascot at kids' parties. Who knew that the park's electrical system would break down and an invisimonster would get loose? And who knew that Bartok would be the one to save the day? A random act of heroism suddenly turns his destiny in a different direction. Now Bartok has his shot-he has been offered the opportunity to attend the Testing to become a Guardian, one of the world's most coveted positions. His father is willing to let him pursue this chance of a lifetime on one condition: He has to take his annoying six-year-old brother Klarvid along for the ride. Bartok is upset but, soon, he and the rest of the world will realize that Klarvid has a special destiny awaiting him as well.