The Orloj of London
is the fourth volume in a saga that follows six young wizards-often called the Harlequins-on a quest to master moral virtues and magical prowess in major European cities. Previous books covered Prague, Venice, and Paris; London is the culminating challenge in which the protagonists must face illusions linked to their own internal flaws. Although the city has no single famous astronomical clock, the story reveals a "hidden Orloj" bound to Big Ben and to illusions scattered throughout the metropolis.
Where previous volumes established the heroes as
Apprentice Wizards
,
Young Wizards
, and finally
Master Wizards
revolves around their attempt to ascend
beyond Master Wizardry
into the rank of
Orloj Wizard
. To achieve this, they must confront illusions that test six main virtues:
Generosity
(vs.
Indifference/Greed
)
Kindness
Callousness/Grudges
Perseverance
Sloth/Giving Up
Humility
Pride/Arrogance
Loyalty
Betrayal/Broken Trust
Tenacity
Resignation/Hopelessness
A recurring antagonist, the
Dark Goblin
, attempts at every turn to weaponize their self-doubt and moral lapses through illusions. Aiding the Harlequins are a circle of
mentor-figures
who appear through magical bookstores and ephemeral cameos, each teaching a virtue or warning them about its opposing flaw.