Illyia

The Feigned Moon of Entiria Epic Serial Episode 2

Fiction - Science Fiction
146 Pages
Reviewed on 07/10/2021
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

After an early childhood in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, E. A. Bagby was whisked away in the early '80s by adventurous parents to a loft in Manhattan. From snow-capped mountains and trees, his bedroom window suddenly looked down on fire escapes, pipes, a tangle of machinery, and steam.
He was soon after tossed around the NYC school system; first being placed in a computer academy for Junior High School, and later passing admission to Stuyvesant High School where he was introduced to architectural design.
In his professional life, he combined both skills of these earlier years to develop software systems for architectural and engineering firms.
But something, through all of this, tugged at him...the steam and tangles of pipes out of his bedroom window. After the dust of his life settled a bit, he set himself to write it all down.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Illyia is the second episode in The Feigned Moon of Entiria Epic Serial by E. A. Bagby -- an enjoyable, breezy read for fans of fantasy and science fiction. It's a story filled with adventure that reads well as a standalone novel, which follows Giels as he struggles to adapt to life in his community after a breathtaking, dangerous adventure. Giels has been through many dilemmas, from having to choose between duty and the love of his life to unimaginable setbacks and challenges as he faced the Maze of Azer, built by the gods. His mother’s reassuring words that he will take after her as the storyteller, the greatest that has ever been in Deo, are assuring. But he is surrounded by people who are untrustworthy and friends who will rejoice at his failure more than his success. Can he make peace with the council and take his rightful place as the successor of the tribe’s storyteller or do the gods have another unpleasant surprise for him? But what happens next when he finds himself in the unfettered Entiria, a world controlled by the gods?

Illyia is a beautifully written story told in the first-person narrative, allowing readers a strong feel for the emotions of Giels and his inner world. The relationships are beautifully crafted. From the start, the reader gets a strong understanding of how Giels feels when it comes to Cleo, the woman for whom he has embarked on a dangerous adventure within the machine because he was afraid to lose her to Erikal. This is a novel with a wonderful setting and delves into the importance of storytelling in a tribe. For example, The Journey of Salihandron, a symbolic tale within a tale is open to different interpretations. Readers will enjoy the imaginative cultural setting, the unforgettable characters, and the superb handling of internal conflict. The novel is fast-paced, emotionally engaging, and ends with an invitation for the reader to look forward to the next episode. Science fiction melds with human tradition and fantasy in a world where the gods play dice with mortals and other creatures, offering a delightful treat to readers who enjoy strong settings and well-crafted stories of adventure. What I loved most about E. A. Bagby’s writing is the strength of character. The author creates a protagonist that is broken within himself: he has a strong love interest, a personal dream, and external forces all pulling at him, leading him to a treacherous path.

Pikasho Deka

Illyia is the second episode of The Feigned Moon of Entiria Epic Serial series written by E. A. Bagby. After the events of the first episode, eighteen-year-old Geils Deo continues his preparation to become the Lead Storyteller of his tribe. But he finds himself hitting a roadblock when he messes up his trials. Meanwhile, his friend Erikal works toward building an advanced cab based on the designs he learned on his computer. As his friends insist upon revisiting the Underworld, Geils finds himself plagued by visions encouraging him to do the same. Jealous of Erikal's ascension to Lead Shaman and discouraged by his own efforts at becoming the Lead Storyteller, Geils reluctantly agrees to accompany his friends on the adventure once again. However, unbeknownst to them, the Council of Elders follow their every move.

E. A. Bagby's young adult epic adventure tale is filled with magic and creative worldbuilding, providing readers with a sense of wonder and awe. Due to the episodic nature of The Feigned Moon of Entiria Epic Serial series, Illyia functions seamlessly as a standalone and a sequel. Geils is a compelling protagonist, prone to pangs of jealousy and envy, but ultimately someone who chooses to do the right thing. The rest of the core five friends -- Erikal, Cleo, Meritus, and Alana -- felt well-realized with distinct personalities. The narrative is well-paced, and author E. A. Bagby does a commendable job of acclimatizing the reader with the world promptly. If you're into young adult epic adventure stories, you won't regret diving into The Feigned Moon of Entiria Epic Serial series.

Divine Zape

Illyia (The Feigned Moon of Entiria Epic Serial Episode 2) by E. A. Bagby is an enthralling science fiction adventure that features gods, humans, and a world filled with mystery. Giels craves one thing in his life, to follow in his mother’s footsteps as the famed storyteller of his tribe. After coerced to go on a dangerous adventure, he is back home, but his friends are not who they pretend to be. While he must win the approval of the council regarding the deepest desire of his heart, the gods are not yet done with him as they ensnare him in the darkness of Illyia. Can he survive the ordeals that lie ahead in a world filled with riddles, dangers, and unwelcoming creatures?

There is a lot to enjoy in this second episode of The Feigned Moon of Entiria Epic Serial, including the crisp and enticing prose, the character depth, and the twisty nature of the plot. The internal conflict is wonderfully written and when the reader meets Giels, he is a broken man, awakening to many revelations. For instance, he learns that Erikal has manipulated him into this dangerous life-or-death adventure and that his suspicions about losing the woman he loves, Cleo, have been unfounded. The descriptions are terrific, especially the otherworldly Maze of Azer and what it represents for the protagonist. Readers will also enjoy the plot elements and the place the storytelling tradition holds in the life of Deo. The author uses legendary tales to enrich the plot, weaving stories like The Journey of Salihandron to give perspective to the plot. This entry into the series has great world-building, fascinating characters, and a plot that transforms the story into a page-turner.