On an dig in Guatemala, archeologists discover a room carved out of stone and dominated by a man-sized niche surrounded by carvings. Seventeen-year-old Joshua Carson finds a crystal, inserts it into a hole in the niche, and vanishes. He discovers the crystal has endowed him with increased strength and mental acuity. What he doesn't know is that continued exposure leads to insanity. Miles from home, he finds love, uncovers family secrets, and comes face to face with ruthless enemies, one of which will do whatever it takes to recover the crystal. Lrence may be Joshua's only hope for survival. However, protecting Joshua may expose Lrence and doom earth to the alien domination he gave up everything to prevent. He must decide how much he is willing to sacrifice to keep a promise and save the life of this one human.