All Giels has ever wanted is to take his place as Lead Storyteller and marry his longtime love interest, Cleo. Lead Storyteller is a prestigious position and is accompanied with special privileges, meaning Giels isn’t the only person hoping to gain the title. So he spends his days practicing the Equis recitation in preparation for the important rehearsal. Just days ahead of the rehearsal, Cleo and a couple friends invite Giels on a mysterious journey. An opportunity to spend time with Cleo sounds good, but the trip will interfere with the Equis recitation. Torn between desire and responsibility, Giels is finally persuaded by a mysterious recording on a magical device. Together, these five friends embark on a journey that is truly the stuff of legends.
The Journey is just a brief glimpse into a creative world conceived by E. A. Bagby. It is an unusual fantasy world where technology is viewed as mystical, even godlike. Giels notes that, “Of all the mechanical spirits, the computer-spirit was the greatest because it helped us make everything.” Despite the reverential attitude toward technology, Giels has an obvious distaste for it. I am curious to see how the role of technology will play out in future installments. The group of friends is young and impulsive, but Giels comes across as downright petulant. The contrast with his more fun-loving and adventure seeking companions is a constant source of tension as the story builds to its imaginative climax. Between futuristic hovering vehicles and delightful other-worldly landscapes, The Journey -The Feigned Moon of Entiria will entrance fantasy lovers everywhere.
