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A Magical and Vast Universe
Beast of Phe’lak follows a woman trapped on an alien planet, under the control of a powerful beast who spots a delegation on the beach that triggers century-old memories, and a chance to regain her freedom. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration began in Queen of Highwings, the first book in my Chronicles of Phe’lak Trilogy—of which Beast is the third book. Phe’laki General George muses about the beast with regard to the palace’s understructure, which once served as another dragon’s lair. He thinks that the underpass was sealed to prevent attracting the Beast of Phe’lak to such a luxurious dwelling because, unlike the original resident, the Dragon of Yand, the beast is not benevolent. I received many questions, including: ‘What happened to the beast?’ and ‘Is it related to the beloved Yandar dragon?’ The character Hele’ne lived in my head for a long time. I always knew who she was and how she ended up on the alien planet. I naturally wove her in.
Hele’ne is a fascinating character. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?
I must say, I love all her scenes. My top favorites include her introduction scene, her interaction with the beast and then with Wolfpack at the beginning of the story. I also love her exchanges with Rel and Drace, as well as her final scene in the last chapter. This last scene is very powerful.
For readers who have not yet read the rest of the Worldmaker® series, what do you want them to know about the world you have created?
It is a magical and vast universe, spanning galaxies and constellations. Each new world—whether a star system, planet, or moon—comes to life in vivid detail. The people who populate these worlds, whether they are queens and kings, scientists, military archers, or regular people, are just as authentic and lifelike. There are four humanoid species introduced so far: the empathic, winged Yandar; their slightly smaller telepathic cousins, the non-winged Yendai; the benevolent, non-meta giants known as the Phe’laki; and the malevolent K’tul. The main characters are complex and richly developed, and their extensive dialogues throughout the stories enhances the immersive quality. The illustrations are glorious. If you purchase the PDF, please read in full-screen, two-page format to get the full benefit of the artwork.
The primary genre is Sci-Fi/Fantasy, but with elements of the paranormal, a touch of horror, and unconventional romance, always with a hint of humor. LGBTQ+ and polyamorous marriages are part of the norm alongside exclusive and binary ones.
The storylines follow the saga of Worldmaker Yanara’s family, whose children have evocative names: Snowfox, Hawklord, Asimia, Dragonlord, Wolfpack, Sunstorm. Can you guess the kings among them? The Worldmaker and Dragoon? The Pathfinder?
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
I received requests to write more about the Dragon of Yand and his wife, Yira, and also of Drace and his husband, Rel. I can’t stop writing about these two. I could serialize their adventures. However, I meant to write the third trilogy in my series, the one that brings the war to the K’tul homeworld. We’ll see. For the next couple of months, I’ll be taking a breather and focusing on earning a few accolades for Beast to adorn its cover, just like my other books. It has already received a few awards, the most prominent among them being the No. 1 Book/Manuscript on Coverfly’s Red List this month (out of 57,000 scripts).
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Beast of Phe’lak
This book throws you headfirst into a world of magic, pain, and tangled emotions. Hele’ne has spent centuries trapped on an alien planet, isolated and broken, under the control of a powerful beast who both saved her life and stole her freedom. When a group of new arrivals shows up on the beach near her prison, something stirs—faint memories, a flicker of purpose, a chance at freedom. What follows is a story that twists through identity, power, and survival, where every choice carries a cost, and every shadow hides something sharp.
What I loved most was how deeply personal it all felt. Beneath the dragons and battles and cosmic stakes, this is a story about trauma, real, raw, and relentless. Hele’ne’s connection to the beast is terrifying in how familiar it feels. It’s a portrait of control disguised as care, and it chilled me. And yet, there are soft moments too, brief flickers of tenderness, humor, even love, that make the heavy parts hit even harder. Elia dives into the darker emotions, showing what it means to fight for your own mind, your own body, your own name.
The writing is lush and dreamlike. The lore runs deep, the world is massive, and if you haven’t read the other books, you’ll probably spend a few pages catching up. But there’s something wild and beautiful about that, too. It feels alive. The characters are vivid, passionate, and impossible to ignore. Some are haunted, some are healing, all are trying to hold onto something in the chaos.
In the end, Beast of Phe’lak is for readers who want their fantasy to cut deep. It’s messy and magical, yes, but it’s also full of heart. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt lost, controlled, or broken and dared to imagine something more. If you want to be shaken, moved, and maybe even changed a little, give this one a shot.
Pages: 309 | ASIN : B0F7FD49NL
Worldmaker of Yand-Yildun
Worldmaker of Yand-Yildun by Andri E. Elia takes us to the planet Yand, orbiting the star Yildun, where Yanara, a powerful spellcaster known as the Worldmaker, must defend her world from the menacing K’tul, an intergalactic invader. The story intricately weaves themes of love, loss, and the responsibilities that come with immense power, all while introducing a rich cast of characters, including Yanara’s daughter, who is just beginning to manifest her own inherited abilities. As threats loom, Yanara is not only challenged by external forces but also by the complexities of her personal life, especially her relationships and her desire to protect her family.
From the start, I was struck by the depth of Yanara’s character and her multifaceted nature. She is powerful, yet vulnerable, particularly when it comes to her family. The narrative begins with a rich backstory, laying a solid foundation for the events that unfold. I found the early exploration of Yanara’s internal struggles compelling, especially her reflections on her marriages and her longing to start a family. These personal conflicts made Yanara relatable despite her extraordinary abilities, and they added a layer of emotional depth to the story. The planet Yand, with its empathic, winged humanoids and their intricate societal norms, is vividly depicted. I particularly enjoyed the scenes that highlighted the contrast between Yanara’s immense power and the everyday struggles of life on Yand. The descriptions of the landscape, the technology, and the unique cultural elements of the Yandar people were immersive, drawing me deeper into this fantastical world. The illustrations, particularly those by Lily Dormishev, beautifully complement the narrative, capturing the essence of Yand’s unique environment and its inhabitants.
Elia’s writing is both evocative and engaging. It has moments of intense action balanced by introspective passages. I appreciated the seamless blend of science fiction and fantasy elements which kept the story unpredictable and fresh. The inclusion of LGBTQIA+ themes, particularly in the depiction of Yanara’s relationships, felt natural and added a contemporary touch to the classic hero’s journey.
Worldmaker of Yand-Yildun is a captivating start to a trilogy that will appeal to fans of both sci-fi and fantasy. It is a book for those who enjoy stories rich in character development, world-building and complex themes. I recommend it to readers who appreciate layered narratives and aren’t afraid to dive into a world as complex as the characters that inhabit it.
Pages: 308 | ASIN : B0BJRMM3T6
Creating a Sense of Normalcy Amid the Chaos
Borealis follows a man with the ability to transport himself through time who discovers secrets about himself and works to save the people of Yand. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Ah, it’s not a man. It’s a young boy. It’s a coming-of-age story of an inadvertent blinker boy who finds himself in the middle of active warfare. It is a story of survival under extreme adversity, of danger, bravery, and resilience, and the ingenuity of creating a sense of normalcy amid the chaos. Many undertones of my childhood, growing up in a war zone. But like always, I infuse a light touch and humor where allowed. Meet and fall in love with Sunny, and see how he saves the world(!). He’s one of my favorite characters, way up there with Wolfpack and Snowfox.
All your characters have unique and original names; how do you come up with character names for your stories?
I draw my characters’ names from their backgrounds, environments, personalities. For example, I began the WorldmakerTM Saga in the star system of Yildun, which is a real star in the Ursa Minor constellation. Yildun means star, and I derived all primary names from it. The planet is Yand. The inhabited moon is Yenda. The worldmakers who manifest their power from this star are Yanara, Yira, Yileen, Yolinda. Yanara’s brother is Yildiz, which also starts with Y and means star.
All the goldenbloods (the bright Yandar race) have names that signify brightness, light, shine, luminance. Hence, Lucent, Flash, Blaze, Stardust.
Yanara’s children have names that reflect their personalities and abilities and also link them to their companions: Dragonlord is a dragoon (strongest mage) and is bonded to a dragon. Wolfpack, who is pathfinder, is like the alpha wolf, the leader. Sunny, well, I don’t want to spill the beans. You’ll see after reading Borealis. If not, please ask me again.
What author in your genre do you most admire, and why?
Tolkien for Fantasy. Do I need to elaborate? He’s the Master.
Anne McCaffrey, also fantasy, for her vivid world-building and characters.
Steven Brust for the first-person narration. Absolutely brilliant.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for the people of Yand and the direction of the second book?
Ah, Borealis IS the second book in the Chronicles of Phe’lak.
Queen of Highwings is the first book.
The third book will be coming in 2025. It is titled The Beast of Phe’lak. You hear it first right here. I’m very excited about it. It features Dragonlord, whom I have been dying to write about, his dragon, Lavender, and his Yendal partner, Squirrel.
If I may add, in addition to the E-Book on Amazon, the printed book formats offer spectacular 2-page illustrated openings of every chapter, and more full-page illustrations throughout. They can be found here:
Paperback with Standard Paper and Inks: (most economical) https://tinyurl.com/jd363xh4
Paperback with Premium Paper and Inks: (most recommended) https://tinyurl.com/nhc3wm42
Hardbound Premium Edition: (spectacular!) https://tinyurl.com/4s7y6ecm
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Borealis
Borealis, by Andri E. Elia, is a captivating fantasy novel that delves into the intriguing story of Sunny (Sunstorm) and his unique abilities as a Pathfinder. The narrative masterfully weaves together two timelines—one set in the past and the other in the future—culminating in a resolution that connects these points seamlessly. Continuing from the journey in Book 1, this installment takes readers on a thrilling time jump and space odyssey across the universe.
The tale centers around Asimia, her husbands, Lucent and Snowfox, and their pathfinder, Wolfpack, as they persist in their quest to save the world of Yands from the malevolent K’tuls. Concurrently, Sunstorm transports himself to a future world using his power of ‘blink,’ unraveling secrets about himself with his Da, Dr. Pietro (Pete). The narrative is filled with multiple time jumps and a diverse cast of characters, each playing a crucial role in shaping their future.
Elia’s writing style is fast-paced and exhilarating, with twists and turns that keep readers hooked. The smooth flow of the story during war scenes and action sequences adds to its appeal. These thrilling portions are well-crafted and highly engaging. The diverse character dynamics add complexity to the narrative. Asimia’s affection for Pete and her submission to Snowfox, Sunny’s actions in the first half, Willie’s loyalty to Sunny, Lucent’s evolving role in their marriage, and Asimia’s decision to pass her positions and powers to Snowfox create intriguing and multifaceted relationships. The author’s focus on highlighting specific traits provides depth to the main characters, adding a unique dimension to the story.
Borealis, by Andri E. Elia, is a thrilling and imaginative fantasy novel that takes readers on a fascinating journey through time and space. Fans of fantasy with a penchant for adventure and twists will find much to enjoy in this captivating tale.
Pages: 397 | ASIN : B0CWDGMBS4
I Still Pray for that Elusive Durable Peace
Eltanin: Worldmaker of Yand continues the saga of Yanara and her family as they rebuild a life on the new moon. What were some themes that you felt were important to highlight in this story?
In Polaris, the prequel, recovery from the trauma of war, was the prominent theme, and also resilience, courage, and perseverance in rebuilding their lives in a new environment with unknown dangers. In Eltanin, as the family looks forward to a new future with their new baby, that future comes crushing down on them: the enemy assaults their descendants in a far-away galaxy! The main theme becomes the pursuit of durable peace, and the change of paradigm it requires to achieve it.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away with the magical powers characters have. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
My approach is to integrate supernatural powers with the character’s total being. They are not a separate thing that turns on or off. The character behaves a certain way because of who they are in this paradigm. The null between worldmakers (celestial benders) is a natural limit of excessive use of world bending so that Yanara doesn’t inadvertently destroy the universe.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Yes, plenty. I’m a war refugee. Although I didn’t experience space battles with dragons and flying humanoid archers, the emotions, aftermath, and trauma of a violent invasion are not so different. I also had to rebuild my life as a displaced child—like Yanara’s young kids and grandkids. And I still pray for that elusive durable peace.
I hope to see some of these characters in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I’m so excited about my next book! It is adjacent to the Worldmaker of Yand trilogy and delves into the backstory of what happened on the planet Phe’lak that precipitated the events of Eltanin. I am writing the last chapter right now. The book will be called Queen of Highwings. Non-stop action with the beloved characters of Asimia and Snowfox starring, along with George, Hrysa, and of course, Silvia. Oh, and Alex, the Shibal. I also expanded the K’tul POV to make for hair-raising narration of action scenes through their eyes. You’ll love to hate K’nista and Mn’ianka. Launch in three months, fingers crossed.
Sneak peek.
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On the tail of Little Bear, the inhabitants of planet Yand and its moon Yenda won a bloody, lopsided war against a savage intergalactic invader, the K’tul, but only just. In the aftermath, Worldmaker Yanara brought her family to a faraway moon, where they licked their wounds and eked a peaceful existence. Until a stranger arrived seeking aid, a fey girl, disoriented and scarred, dropped from the very fabric of space and time. Across galaxies and centuries ahead, her world is in great peril. Who is she? Will anyone come to her aid? In time?
Eltanin: Worldmaker of Yand Series
Immersed in the embrace of familial warmth and love, Worldmaker Yanara is suddenly confronted with the harsh reality of life when a mysterious woman named Silvia arrives. Covered in bruises and cuts that make her look as if she has survived a war, Silvia shares DNA with Yanara and possesses greater power than any mage Yanara has ever encountered. What is Silvia’s connection to Yanara, and what is her story? Andri E. Elia’s Eltanin: Worldmaker of Yand Series is a captivating and action-packed narrative that recounts a battle for peace across time, incorporating extraordinary and mind-bending supernatural elements.
Andri Elia’s writing is a testament to her ability to challenge the reader’s assumptions about aging and relationships, making it an excellent choice for a progressive and open-minded audience. Yanara’s unique circumstance of having both a wife and a husband is just one example. Moreover, age appears to be flexible and irrelevant, as Silvia’s age is revealed at one point to be “six, sixteen, or six thousand. The book is impactful in how it challenges our views on aging and relationships, among other innovative and thought-provoking themes that will stay with us for years to come.
Eltanin is a labyrinth of enigmas and questions that implore the reader to delve deeper into its intricately crafted world and use their analytical abilities to solve its puzzles. As a fan of time travel, I was moved by the book’s poignant questions about dying in the future and whether it could be reversed. The plot moves swiftly, adding richness and complexity to the story. The diverse and captivating cast of characters that the reader meets throughout the book gives us a better understanding of the story’s intricate web of relationships and conflicts. The intricacy of the story is an ideal challenge for our minds, and our imaginations will be entirely engrossed.
Eltanin: Worldmaker of Yand by Andri E. Elia is an outstanding piece of literature that boasts exceptional storytelling, awe-inspiring supernatural elements, and thought-provoking themes. Fans of the genre will find it to be a must-read.
Pages: 419 | ASIN: B0BKTR6DSJ
Rebuilding in the Aftermath of War
Worldmaker of Yand – Polaris follows a family who seeks a new life on a new planet after their home is destroyed by war, only to have trouble find them anyway. What were some new ideas you wanted to explore in this book that were different from book one?
Yildun tells the destruction of war, Polaris tells the war’s aftermath, the rebuilding, showcasing the family’s strength and resilience. It features character development of the kids, each one of them individually and in their relationships. In terms of storyline, Polaris explores the colonization of a new moon, Yanara’s backstory and her family’s previous entanglements with the K’tul, and her struggle to find a solution to the null so she can see her daughter again.
Yanara, Frost, and Mandolen have a unique relationship with each other. What was your process in writing the character’s interactions to develop the bond they have?
I wanted to explore non-exclusivity in marriage in a paradigm where taboos of exclusivity and gender preference do not exist. But even in this society, people come with complex emotions and wired preferences. So, I allowed the characters to lead me. What developed is this very complex, delicious relationship, where Yanara is bonded with both her spouses, while the two of them can’t even bare to inadvertently touch each other. Frost is insanely jealous of Mandolen, with good reason because Yanara loves Mandolen more. A thing that helps is that Frost and Mandolen had been friends in the military for a couple hundred years before marrying Yanara.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I wanted to reveal more of Yanara’s backstory; more about how magic happens, how a celestial wizard forms wormholes; expound on the concept of the null and if it can be controlled. I also wanted to bring out the kids’ distinctive characters and abilities. And to write it all with vivid scenes and extensive dialog, to immerse the reader and transport him/her to this word. I’d love to see it in film.
What can readers expect in book three of the Worldmaker of Yand series?
In Eltanin the theme transitions from defense and survival to offense and revenge. Of course, twists happen as a result. There will be two new star systems introduced and a new species of humanoids. I’m still writing it, so many more exciting things can come into play. Stay tuned.
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LITERARY TITAN 