France, 1565. Charles IX reigns with an aging Nostradamus as his advisor, but unrest is afoot in the land. The Black Plague, believed to be under control, rears its head anew. Superstition vies with newly born science in the people’s hearts and minds. Through a countryside riven by religious and political rivalries travel Nostradamus’ three young disciples, Arthus Trivium, Angelica Obscura, and Angulus Dante, solving mysteries with wits, weapons, and the erudition their master has imparted. But soon they are drawn into the web of a well-laid plot against Nostradamus’ family, which may threaten the life of the king himself.

Somewhere in a dingy backroom in present day Barcelona, Jazz Maynard and his old friend Teo find themselves bound back to back on two chairs. They don’t know why they’re there, or who’s detaining them. All they know is that three days earlier in New York, Jazz’s sister, who he hadn’t seen for 10 years, at last managed to get a letter to him. It was a cry for help. Jazz at once flew to her rescue. But what exactly is the nature of this tangled web he’s got himself caught up in? And what’s the connection to his kidnappers?