What is the setting in the novel, The Merlin Conspiracy?

The setting alternates between two worlds: our own, and the world of the Islands of Blest. However, the narrative implies that there are other worlds, and briefly takes the reader to some of them, such as Romanov's world, while mentioning others in passing, such as the Empire that Nick refused to rule. The juxtaposition of these various worlds gives the reader perspective on the events happening in Blest, and the eventual consequences for all worlds should Sybil's plans come to pass. The worlds have similarities, and yet important differences in history have led to various differences in geography and culture.

Several cultural references suggest that the book is set in the present day. While some technologies, such as Gwyn's car, imply that the events could take place any time after the beginning of the twentieth century, other references, such as Roddy's mother using a laptop, make the setting definitively more current.