THE CIRCLE RHODES QUARTET Welcome to a world without gravity. A massive explosion from the sun grips the Earth’s magnetic field as it passes, causing the Earth’s rotation rate to increase. The faster speed creates the effect of a merry-go-round, and as a result, anything freestanding suddenly floats up in the air in a sudden, terrifying rush. Millions perish in the terrifying ascent. Two of the survivors are Ruth and Steven Rhodes, two M.I.T. graduates, and their small child, Circle. Circle comes of age in the air, a world of chaos, instability, and uncertainty. Follow Circle in his journey in the sky, across the world, and through his life in a world that is up in the air, but where people long to be grounded. BOOK 2: DOWN TO THE LAST GASP While trying to figure out how to get back down to the ground, the scientists figure out another problem. The world is running out of air because rain doesn't reach trees anymore and the trees are all dying. The scientists devise a plan to pump floating water to the ground to save trees. Since they must tell the world, expeditionary parties set out across the globe. The Martinez family and the Rhodes family journey to Merida, Mexico, near the site of the impact crater of the meteor that led to dinosaur extinction. Along the way, Circle notices for the first time something about Rosario: how beautiful she is. There the messengers must convince a skeptical community of their plan so people do not become extinct, while Circle tries to tell Rosario of his feelings.