The plot revolves around Glenn Morgan, a talented young woman who wishes to graduate early and embark on a deep space exploration mission to a distant habitable planet. Glenn's childhood has been blighted by her mother's abandonment which has left her father, a once-famous inventor absorbed by an enigmatic "project" that appears more delusory than scientific. Despite her turbulent family situation, Glenn remains focused on her academic pursuits and her bond with her best friend, Kevin Kapoor. Everything changes when Glenn's father's initiative is unexpectedly successful. Glenn and Kevin are forced to flee after her father is imprisoned by the ruling authority.
Armed with a game-changing invention, Glenn and Kevin journey beyond the confines of their known world, the Colloquium, and into the perilous wastelands. As they travel together, they learn that their idea of reality has been shattered and that the Colloquium is simply one paradigm in a large cosmos full of different rules and possibilities. Glenn and Kevin present opposing viewpoints. Glenn clings to her quest for reason and order whereas Kevin welcomes the unknown and the potential of the world beyond. As they progress through their journey, their blossoming friendship becomes a focal point.
However, Kevin is originally portrayed as an unpleasant friend who resorts to manipulative ways to spend time with Glenn. This behavior raises questions regarding consent and boundary respect. Kevin's character evolves throughout the novel as a result of his association with an unknown object. Despite his assertion that he can tell the difference between himself and the item, his behaviors suggest otherwise. Glenn is also characterized as ignorant and deficient in critical thinking skills. Despite repeated incidents that should have shaken her faith in the authorities, she retains a misplaced faith in their goodness even after suffering a personal injury.
Additionally, a character named Aamon appears in the novel, a feline companion whose true identity and purpose comprise a stunning plot twist. The characters' journey of the magical realm puts them face to face with the lies and deceptions that have created their knowledge of their world, unraveling the elaborate web of illusions that have surrounded them.
Overall, Magisterium delivers an engaging story of escape, exploration, camaraderie, and the pull of a magical and wonderful world. Glenn and Kevin's adventure continues as they traverse the risks and wonders of this new world, addressing their inner challenges and discovering the transformational power of connection, self-discovery, and the boundless possibilities that lay beyond the rift.
