Quentin has been unstable most of his life. His best friend doesn't force him to participate in their parties but makes sure he's not alone.

The next day, he hopes to get into a program at Yale but when they arrive at the interview, they discover the dead body of his interviewee. The medic gives him an enveloppe and he discovers that there is a 6th book in the Fillory series.

As he goes on his way and Julia goes elsewhere, they both end up at the same place to take an exam.

Quentin could be expelled for his involvement in an otherworldly attack on Brakebills. Julia looks deeper into underground magic and attempts to prove herself to the Hedge Witches.

Alice ends up risking everything to discover the truth behind her brother's disappearance. Quentin and Julia are involved in a volatile reunion.

Quentin is worried after he wakes up in a mental hospital. Julia decides to learn some more powerful spells following her fight with Quentin.

The students deal with some personal matters that have been preventing them from focusing on the upcoming Welter's Tournament.

The students are put through The Trials which involves a series of unconventional tests that have to be passed to remain at Brakebills.