The assassination of one of their magicians, Eddie Lisowski, alerts the Order, whose members then deduce that an unknown enemy is intent on picking them off one by one.
Leonard Moonstone and his son Regan along with other members of the Order attend the Ceremony of the Broken Wand at Lisowski's funeral.
Regan visits his brother Gabriel—a powerful magician who has withdrawn from the magic world—to seek his aid, although to no avail.
The rest of the Order, including Leonard's reckless, alcoholic escapologist daughter Cordelia, hold a meeting at Moonstone Castle, the family's base hidden in the dimension inside an oil painting exhibited in the Art Institute of Chicago guarded by seemingly meek Uncle Edgar.
The members suspect Madame Albany's intention is to acquire the Orichalcum, an indestructible magic tome containing the dark spells of Old Atlantis that is so powerful it is "said to cause two World Wars' and can slay a deity".
Regan and Cordelia investigate a break-in at the Vault to find the Horologium, a time-eater from the fourth dimension, and a Soul Camera stolen.
Madame Albany elaborates on her plan and reason to destroy the Order: She is embittered for being bypassed by her own father, the wizard Conrad in favor of Leonard in the bequeathment of the Orichalcum due to her unstable mental state and murderous impulses.
One night at the Coliseum Theater, where the Moonstones have worked as professional stage magicians for years, the Venetian confronts Leonard.
Following their father's death, Regan and Cornelia were advised by Uncle Edgar to attempt a negotiation with Madame Albany at Abington Hotel, a nexus location outside of time-space yet touches all points of time.
As his neighborhood is under attack by the Horoglobin, Gabriel uses magic to save his wife, Louise, defeat and trap the creature as his siblings arrive.
They interrogate Angus, Madame Albany's gatekeeper, for her whereabouts before trapping him within the magical version of the book "The Island of Doctor Moreau".
He has been conspiring with Madame Albany, who promises to resurrect his daughter, to obtain the Orichalcum and destroy the Magic Order.
Cordelia, seemingly outnumbered by Albany and her forces, reveals that, as a disobedient daughter, she read and memorized the whole of the forbidden tome and is capable of utilizing its magic.
Cordelia and Edith go to confront Louise then trap her in the magical version of the book "Crime and Punishment", while Regan takes Rosetta under his care.
After the Ceremony of the Broken Wand at Gabriel's funeral, Leonard decides to resign and entrust Cordelia to continue his role and leadership, thus restoring their relationship.
Although initially doubtful, he wishes to correct things with his ex-wife and eventually pass on his role to his daughter Cordelia.
Albeit very brave, she is reckless and rebellious in her youth, using her magic spells at the public to seek attention.
He stated himself to be the reason 'why Egypt is a desert', 'why there are half the stars there used to be' and 'having killed millions the last time he unleashed his powers'.
Albany desires to obtain the tome, and in doing so, acquired Gabriel's assistance after promising to resurrect his deceased daughter.
He was interrogated by the three siblings regarding Madame Albany's whereabouts and was trapped inside the magical version of the book "Robinson Crusoe" before finally relenting and giving the information.
[7] In a Library Journal review, Douglas Rednour called the collected edition The Magic Order: Book One a blunt thrill ride that would keep readers guessing.