Uncle Henry isn't really related to Wade Kaplan, but he has been a friend to Wade's father and to him for many years. Part of Wade's fascination with the stars can be attributed to the beautiful map of the constellations given to him by Uncle Henry. When Henry dies suddenly, Wade, his father and his three friends decide to attend the funeral. However, as soon as they touch down in Germany strange occurrences begin to happen. It feels as though they are being watched and followed, and as though Uncle Henry has left them a coded message. Thus begins an adventure that spans centuries and crosses continents as the Kaplans race to solve the mystery which centers around Nicolaus Copernicus the scholar, astronomer, and swords man. Unfortunately there is a brotherhood of the Kracken intent upon solving the mystery first. They will stop at nothing to win. The is the first book in a series.