Continuing from the previous novel (Michael Vey: Battle of the Ampere), Michael and the Electroclan are on their way to meet the Resistance in order to hatch a plan to stop Hatch and his new asset, a young Chinese girl called Jade Dragon, from creating more Glows. They arrive at a ranch that appears normal but is actually a front for a safehouse and tactical base for the resistance organization. At the base, they meet Joel, a figure of authority in the organization, as well as Sydney Lynn, the woman who gave Michael the phone in the tanning salon in Book 2 (Rise of the Elgen). They have a night of rest and relaxation, reconnecting with Tanner and Grace, along with Michael's, Ostin's, and Taylor's parents, who were flown in by the resistance. Over the next few days, they meet and train with Gervaso, who is essentially a supersoldier, and come up with a strategy to take on Hatch and Jade Dragon. Michael throws an impromptu prom for Taylor as a romantic gesture.
Hatch learns that Schema is alive, then details his evil plan to the remainder of the Elgen board, which is now loyal to him. The members of his Elgen Academy (Torstyn, Quentin, Tara, Bryan, and Kylee) mess with humans in a mall, causing havoc without any remorse. Hatch intercepts Schema at the bank in Switzerland, efficiently neutralizing the problem.
The Electroclan flies to Pasadena, where Michael and the others try to recruit Nichelle (a character from the first book, formerly working for Hatch, who has the ability to absorb and drain the powers of other Glows) to take on Hatch. She agrees. The Electroclan fly to Taiwan, where Hatch is located with Jade Dragon. They are forced to wait while people get in position, and while out in the market, Tara takes Taylor's place, and Nichelle pretends to go along with it and reports to Hatch.
The Elgen invade their "safe" hotel (a flashback to a "safehouse" in a previous book) and take them all prisoner. Michael is tortured and talks to someone who looks like his father, who attempts to persuade him to join the Elgen. This "father" is actually just Tara employing her newly discovered power that can transform appearances in people's minds. In this interaction, Michael unwittingly reveals enough information for the Elgen to find the ranch. Nichelle finds Michael in his cell and explains the situation; they find and free all the others as well, escaping and regrouping at a safehouse.
The Electroclan attacks the Volta, Hatch's research ship and the temporary location of Jade Dragon. They rescue Jade Dragon; it seems a little too easy. Michael tells Taylor his plan of breaking up the Electroclan and living normal lives; he cares too much about her and the others to see them in danger again. On the way back, however, Ben tells them that Timepiece Ranch has been attacked, and there seem to be no survivors. The novel ends with Michael demanding that Ben find a way to get them to the devastated ranch.
