Humans call them elves or sprites, but these beings call themselves gnomekind. They are divided into two primary groups: the magical Old World Gnomes and the scientific Techgnomes. Communication between these two worlds is strictly forbidden. And yet, from time to time, the rules get broken, as teenaged gnomes Ak'ten and Pete prove. Forging a forbidden friendship, the two young gnomes set out together to make a daring rescue inside Fenrir's fortress. Years ago, the Old World prince, Fenrir, uncovered a power buried in the shadows. Blending magic and science to unify his sinister Darkgnomes, Fenrir has become obsessed with finding a fabled artifact known as the Devil's Pearl. Their quest leads Ak'ten and Pete into unfamiliar realms, and each must embrace the unusual and sometimes dangerous aspects of the other's culture. Meanwhile, Fenrir has grown dangerously close to achieving his ultimate goal of acquiring the Devil's Pearl, and whoever possesses the Pearl will rule the world.