Tash, Zak, and Uncle Hoole stop on the planet Ithor for supplies, including a mineral the "Shroud" needs for its engines. The mineral isn't available on Ithor, but one of the Ithorians knows where they can find it--on a mining colony in the middle of a space slug-filled asteroid belt. The journey to the colony is filled with many dangers. But nothing prepares Hoole, Tash, and Zak for what they meet when they reach their destination. An ancient life form has been released from its tomb. It has lurked there, waiting, for many years. It cannot be seen. It is made from pure evil. And its name is Spore.