Centuries before the events of the novel, an Earthman named Samuel Langtry discovered the secret to creating a space drive, a device that allows for interstellar travel. Instead of sharing the technology, he entrusted one-fifth of the formula to each of his five sons, who each settled on a different planet. Generations later, their descendants, known as the Five Sons of Langtry, control a monopoly on interstellar travel and use their power to dominate other races, including the Earthers. The novel begins as Paddy Blackthorn, a roguish adventurer from Earth, is caught trying to steal a space drive and is sentenced to death. During his escape, he inadvertently kills the five mutant rulers and steals the five gold bracelets they wore. He discovers that cryptic clues to the space drive’s blueprint are inscribed on each band. With the help of Fay Bursill, a secret agent from Earth, Paddy travels to each of the five planets to solve the clues. Along the way, he encounters a variety of bizarre alien societies and must outwit the descendants of the Five Sons, who now rule the worlds and will stop at nothing to regain the secret.
