The 1st Swift Generations novel, this one featuring Tom Swift (the original one). 1930: and the eyes of the scientific world are gazing into space in the hopes of locating the elusive object known as "Planet X". Every observatory and astronomer in the world is devoting resources to the prestigious hunt. When the brilliant scientist and inventor Tom Swift receives a request to assist an astronomer with the project he had no way of predicting the adventure which will follow. But all too soon he confronts fiery assailants who disappear at will... attempts on the lives of his family... and a mysterious figure called "The Falcon". What starts out as a worthwhile puzzle soon becomes a battle of wits between Tom and a diabolical mastermind.