The book is set in a world where America – and possibly other countries as well – has been taken over by the New Order, a totalitarian government which outlaws literature, music, magic and all other forms of creativity. (In the book, a large number of different novels, musicians, museums, and artists are all identified as being banned, using slightly altered parody names like "Gary Blotter" for Harry Potter, "B4" for U2, the "Fate Gallery" for the Tate Modern, and "Freida Halo" for Frida Kahlo.) Under this government, hundreds of children are arrested and imprisoned without fair trial, and capital punishment is reinstated for the crime of being a witch or a wizard. The government is made up of 'Ones' – for example, The One Who Judges and The One Who Writes Decrees - and is headed by The One Who Is The One.