EnWorld: An Encapsulated Future

by Leland James

“James’ novel, a blend of speculative fiction, satire, and thought experiment, explores themes of identity and morality. . . . James’ literary loop-the-loops result in a fun, brainy read. Entertaining and inventive storytelling.”
—Kirkus Review (Received “Get it” Verdict)

A World Ruled by Algorithms and Ambition

From his palatial Lexington Avenue office, Satan recruits one of his up-and-coming devils to play a role in his ultimate EnWorld, a giant utopian dome, a world where freedom is traded for the promise of perfection, and individuality is crushed by the relentless march of progress. Inside, data-obsessed leaders manipulate every aspect of life. The perfect environment and social order are in place. Or so it seems.

When Tre—the Phantom Girl—reemerges from an initial defeat, the EnWorld order is thrown into question. Her rebellion shakes even Stephen the Third, the last clone of EnWorld’s tyrannical founder, now torn between his predecessor’s legacy and a budding sense of guilt. Tre’s defiance awakens dormant memories of a freer past, triggering a roller coaster chain of events.

A searing satire and a rallying cry, EnWorld exposes the seductive dangers of totalitarianism in the modern age and the fragile line between good and evil. For fans of Orwell, Huxley, and Bradbury, EnWorld pushes further into a future that mankind must avoid. As Orwell said, “Don’t let it happen.”


“EnWorld is a seamless extension of the poetry of Leland James. It is stunningly creative, philosophically expansive, and has dense language and sophisticated story lines, drawing you into an all-embracing examination of morality, reality, and the power of fiction. I highly recommend this book.”
—Michael Linnard, MCSD, editor, Little Red Tree Publishing, LLC

“Leland James’ EnWorld is a richly philosophical dystopian [novel] . . . an allegory of manipulation and power, demonstrating how history can be rewritten, free will can be undermined, and ideology can be used as a weapon. . . . James’ prose is incisive yet engaging, combining harsh social commentary with an immersive narrative. The story is intricate, weaving together many eras, points of view, and levels of intrigue.”
—Readers’ Favorite review, 5 stars

"This is a polished, satirical examination of what evil truly means in our modern world. Sharp, witty satire sifting fiction, reality, and contemporary life."
—PW's Booklife

Genres: Science Fiction

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2025

About the author

Leland James is the winner of the Aesthetica Creative Writing Award and the Conclave Character Prize in fiction. In addition to fiction, Leland has published poetry worldwide, authoring eight poetry collection and five children’s books in verse, garnering over a dozen international prizes and awards including nomination for a Pushcart Prize. His writing style is described by Don Williams, Editor Emeritus of New Millennium Writings as “mystical yet earthbound.” Leland lives in a cabin in the woods in northern Michigan with his wife of over fifty years, his “first reader” and invaluable critic. He cuts his own firewood and shovels a small mountain of snow each year. A champion of both tradition and innovation in the arts, he travels widely to libraries and schools, delivering instructional and entertaining readings of his own and other’s creative work. MarkTwain and Dostoevsky are his favorite authors.
https://lelandjames.com/

Reviews

[Amanda Briggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a free ebook copy of EnWorld: An Encapsulated Future in a giveaway, and I was genuinely intrigued by the dystopian future concept going into it. This isn’t normally the type of book I gravitate toward, but I was willing to give it a try.

While there’s nothing wrong with the writing itself, I personally struggled to stay engaged and found it difficult to follow the story as it progressed. The premise had potential, but it ultimately just wasn’t a good fit for my reading preferences. That said, readers who enjoy more intricate, futuristic world-building may connect with it more than I did.

I’m still grateful for the opportunity to read it and provide my honest thoughts.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will admit this type of book isn't something I typically read but I won it in a giveaway so I felt obligated to review it. This is a very interesting novel about a dystopian society. It really opened my eyes to what could possibly happen. I think more people should read this to get an eye opener of facts.

[Michael Doane · Rating 5 out of 5]

EnWorld: An Encapsulated Future is a sharp, ambitious work of speculative fiction that blends satire, philosophy, and dystopian warning into a tightly controlled thought experiment.

Leland James constructs a future where order, efficiency, and perfection are not imposed through chaos, but through systems that promise comfort and certainty. The dome of EnWorld feels seductive rather than overtly oppressive, which makes its gradual erosion of individuality all the more unsettling. The presence of algorithmic governance and data driven control gives the novel a distinctly modern edge.

What stands out most is the moral tension at the center of the story. Characters like Stephen the Third are not simple villains or heroes, but figures caught between inherited ideology and awakening conscience. Tre the Phantom Girl functions less as a traditional rebel and more as a catalyst, forcing buried memories and ethical doubts back to the surface.

The novel’s satire is intelligent and restrained, trusting the reader to engage with its questions rather than spelling out its conclusions. James’ prose is dense and deliberate, rewarding close attention and inviting reflection long after the final page.

Overall, EnWorld is a thoughtful and provocative exploration of power, free will, and the quiet dangers of trading freedom for engineered perfection. It will especially resonate with readers drawn to philosophically rich dystopian fiction in the tradition of Orwell, Huxley, and Bradbury.

[Amelia Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

In EnWorld, Leland James masterfully creates a satirical yet unsettling depiction of a future where data and algorithms dictate human lives under the guise of progress and order. The complex structure weaves multiple timelines and perspectives, making the narrative rich but sometimes demanding. Tre the Phantom Girl’s rebellion adds emotional urgency that offsets the dense philosophical passages. The portrayal of Satan as a corporate monarch represents the merging of evil and capitalism in a way that’s both darkly humorous and biting. The story’s exploration of free will being undermined, history rewritten, and ideology weaponized is thought-provoking and timely. While the prose leans toward the cerebral, it never loses its immersive quality. A polished, layered dystopian experience for readers craving depth over easy answers.

[Anders Bowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What struck me most about EnWorld was the way Leland James blends satire, speculative fiction, and philosophy to create a world that feels both alien and familiar. The dystopia constructed within a dome city under strict control reflects real fears about technology and surveillance. Yet, the vivid character, especially Tre, who stands up against this oppressive system bring humanity to the oppressive, mechanized world. The shifting narrative structure and dense prose demanded close reading, but also rewarded with layers of meaning about memory, identity, and resistance. The novel explores how history is manipulated to maintain power, an ever-relevant theme portrayed with literary sophistication. Though challenging, this novel was a deeply satisfying intellectual adventure.

[Beatrice Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

EnWorld is simultaneously unsettling, intellectually rigorous, and darkly humorous. Leland James’s ability to weave philosophical discourse into a thrilling dystopian narrative is impressive. The story probes how histories are rewritten and how ideology becomes a tool for control, echoing real-world tendencies. The multi-perspective narrative includes vivid characters like Talented Tre, whose artistic rebellion threatens the system, and Stephen the Third, torn between legacy and conscience. The prose is complex and poetic sometimes requiring careful reading but that complexity serves to mirror the distorted and controlled world James builds. This book offers a suitably challenging meditation on evil, power, and resistance in the modern age.

[Sawayn Mozelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes EnWorld stand out is its fearless collision of speculative fiction and philosophical satire. James explores the dark underbelly of utopian dreams by exposing how freedom is sacrificed for order and control. The narrative style is complex and looping but suits the thematic content about memory and power. Tre’s resistance to the status quo and Stephen the Third’s guilt add depth and emotional tension. This book is a cerebral journey that left me pondering the fragile nature of autonomy in a tech-driven world. It’s not for casual readers but a gem for those who appreciate dense, multi-layered storytelling.

[Roosevelt Daigle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading EnWorld reminded me how fiction can serve as a sharp mirror for contemporary realities. Leland James spins a world ruled by algorithms and ambition, where human freedom is bartered away for control masked as progress. The narrative’s non-linear structure and philosophical digressions took some getting used to, but ultimately enhanced the story’s message about history’s malleability and authoritarianism’s subtlety. The character of Satan as a corporate devil is a striking symbol, while Tre’s rebellious streak offers hope amid oppression. This novel is a cerebral, richly imaginative cautionary tale that resonates deeply.

[Ariya Jimene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading EnWorld felt like navigating a labyrinth of power, manipulation, and identity. James’s prose is dense and layered with literary and philosophical allusions, which adds richness but slows pacing. The world’s strict social order, enforced by data-obsessed leaders, mirrors our own fears about technology’s role in governance. Tre’s defiance is a rallying point amid the control, and Stephen the Third’s internal struggle humanizes the broader dystopian themes. This novel is thought-provoking but requires patience and attention.

[Durgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leland James’ EnWorld caught me off guard in a fantastic way. The mixture of satire and deep philosophical pondering created a story that demanded my full attention. The character of Satan as a corporate mogul is absurd yet disturbingly believable, making the world the book paints both eerie and compelling. The narrative’s complexity keeps you thinking long after finishing. Difficult but rewarding.

[Darren M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading EnWorld was like entering a thought experiment that’s part Orwellian nightmare, part poetic meditation on morality. The concept of this dome utopia where individuality is crushed is haunting. James juggles complex themes with skill, though some parts felt overly dense, slowing the pace. Still, the character dynamics, especially the tension within Stephen the Third kept me hooked. A book that challenges the mind.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a what could be. Things in life has a ripple effect. This was a Goodreads giveaway winner.

[Lucille E.McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so much love this book, It resonates with me go out and find what's in it. You'll surely thank me in return.

[Dorothy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.
A must read.

[DAVID ALSPECTOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read

Quite an interesting story that keeps you engaged throughout with some memorable characters and theories. Definitely Is worth the read.