It has been years since twelve year old Aramar Thorne has seen his father. So when Captain Greydon Thorne comes ashore and asks his son to join him at sea, it feels as if someone has redrawn Arams entire world. At sea, Aram struggles to get along with the Wavestiders crew, especially second mate Makasa, a tough teenaged girl who has been reluctantly placed in charge of him.
Just as Aram starts to get his head above water, a band of vicious pirates attack the Wavestrider, turning his world upside down once again. Aram and Makasas journey home is hindered by Greydons compass, which never points north: to what destiny is it leading?