Land of the Ill-Imagined

by Alexander Rob

Pyrus wakes atop a vast ocean, only to be told the he doesn't exist. He's a "thoughtling"—a character trapped in the Land of the Ill-Imagined, an endless purgatory where forgotten ideas and half-formed creations live a strange half-life. Forever on the cusp of creation, yet never able to be fully realized.

Desperate for purpose, Pyrus joins the Censors, a secretive group of thoughtlings tasked with hunting down dangerous villains to maintain a fragile peace. But as fragmented memories of a life he shouldn’t have begin to surface, Pyrus uncovers a darker truth about the world he inhabits.

In a land where existence is a paradox, Pyrus must confront a shocking not everything he’s been told is true, and the line between hero and villain is far from clear.

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2025

Reviews

[Already Overbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

ImaginationLand

[David Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me of watching an old Disney movie in the best possible way—one like Treasure Planet that depicts whimsy and adventure while also delving into darker, deeper themes. A great read for any fantasy fan!

[Ashley Gurr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderland because it is a world of strange, fun, whimsical and sometimes silly things. I am personally waiting for my very own Scrappy.
On the other hand, while this book is fun, it also has a great storyline of good verses evil and the ever so pressing question of “What is Good, and What is Evil?”
The main Character Pyrus is created in the land of the Ill-Imagined with limited memories about who he is. He makes friends that only someone truly creative could have come up with, and fights an enemy that seems in fightable.
It also leaves you wondering in a fun and spooky way, what your thoughts and imagination might be manifesting.
I am excited for what comes next in the Land of ill-Imagined.

[TheBookLounge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read so many books this year that made my head spin. I'm not sure when the last time I had so many lined up and they were all... great! I dove into a lot of indie this year. I'm a huge gamer and instead of loving all the AAA titles, I'm more into indie developed ones. So I said, "Why not take that into my reading?" When I tell you I couldn't be more happier that I started reading books from indie authors, I'm not lying. Land of the Ill Imagined is a story I had no idea about. I knew of the author but never looked into his work. One day I opened X and had a message from him asking if I would like to receive and ARC copy of his new book coming out. Without even reading the synopsis I said "Yea!" After I did read the synopsis, I was very intrigued. I felt... that this was the kind of read I need right now. So reading I did!!

Land of the Ill Imagined
Alexander Rob

Plot: As you all know I don't like to say to much when reviewing a book. I like to give just enough information about it for you to wonder, to be intrigued. This story follows a man named Pyrus. Pyrus is a thoughtling. A thoughtling is someone who is alive but not alive. They can talk, they can feel, they can taste, they understand things but don't understand things. They're the creation of someone else's imagination. Think about every thought you ever had that was with something you wanted to bring to life or write about. That creation is living in you mind. Made up but is living. Now that would be something wild, right! You can create a thoughtling to be whatever you want it to be. A lion or bunny. An alligator and they can all stand and walk and talk like a human. Pyrus finds out what he is and takes it... somewhat ok. He quite doesn't understand that he is an imagination because he's having memories of a past life. He remembers he had a family. He went to a university etc. So how can he be made up if he's having these memories?? After he adapts to this life he soon gets pulled into a conflict that will change the entire scope of the Land of the Ill Imagined. What he will have to do and what he discovers will not only change this new world of his, but change... read it to find out my friends!!

Characters: There are quite a few characters in this book and they all play an important roll. You instantly feel a connection with every single one. And to be honest, besides one, they are all likeable. Every character has a different ability. Remember, they're made up so they can do or have any ability the creator chose for them. The bond between them is platonic. Maybe not at first with Pyrus because he's technically new to the world but he quickly earns their respect. I find it fascinating that the author created them as being a thought in someone's mind but gave them emotion. You find out quickly how unified they are.

Writing: One thing I love about this is how eloquent the authors writing is. He has a way to pull you in and keep you engaged from the very start. I felt immersed, I felt I was in the pages just watching it all unfold. I always say this but when an author can make you feel as if you're a part of the story, that's truly remarkable writing. The story stays on track. It never loses focus of the agenda. You don't have to worry about sub plots.

Overall: SO many wild and crazy moments in this 237 page novel and I love every second of it. This is the fastest I've read a book in a long time. Just over a week! I normally take at least 2 weeks to read a book because of how crazy my schedule is. I was glued from the very beginning and I was excited at times, felt for the characters at times, laughed, and overall happy with how it turned out. I know the author is finished with book two but unsure how far he plans on going with this. I feel like this could be a series that people would love getting lost in. This is my first read by Alexander Rob but let me tell you this, it is NOT the last time either. I can't wait to dive into more of his work and can't wait to have this book on my shelf when it releases. Highly and I mean HIGHLY recommend!!

[Camie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this blind with no idea what to expect and am left wanting more. Land of the Ill-Imagined was intriguing from the get-go. I loved the idea behind the land and now need to know more about it. I am very much looking forward to reading more about Pyrus and all the others he met along the way.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good read, I have still alot of question about this world that I want answered so patiently waiting for the next book. Patrick was one of my favorite characters even though he meets an unexpected demise.

[Nick Child · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every reader has an idea of the kind of book they enjoy. We gravitate toward particular genres, character types, or themes that we know will resonate with us. Sometimes we even judge a book by its cover or, more importantly, by the blurb on the back. If it echoes something familiar — a beloved author, a favourite trope, or a tone we recognise — we’re more likely to take it home. Personally, if I pick up a book that feels unlike anything I’ve read before, I tend to hesitate, worrying that I won’t connect with it. I know I’ve probably missed out on some brilliant stories because of this mindset.
But when reviewing for places like EpicIndie, you can’t afford to stick to narrow preferences. Being a reviewer means stepping beyond comfort zones, embracing the unexpected, and giving unusual books the chance to surprise you. The Land of the Ill-Imagined by Alexander Rob falls firmly into that category — a book that doesn’t just step outside traditional fantasy, but completely redefines it.
This is not a story set in a familiar medieval-style kingdom or a well-worn magical realm. Instead, Rob has created a world unlike anything I’ve encountered before. The central concept is ingenious: the land is populated by Thoughtlings, half-formed ideas conjured in someone’s imagination but never brought fully to life on the page. These discarded fragments of creativity inhabit a landscape of pure invention, and they are as bizarre and varied as you might expect. We meet six-foot owls, dragon alarm clocks, an axe-wielding bunny, gelatinous guards, and even a man who bakes pastries out of meat. The sheer strangeness of it all is disorienting at first, yet it’s this very originality that makes the book impossible to put down.
The protagonist, Pyrus, is himself a newcomer to the land. Through his eyes, we as readers experience the wonder, absurdity, and occasional horror of this world. A particularly clever device is the guidebook Pyrus receives upon arrival. Each chapter opens with snippets from this text, which both grounds the reader and provides playful, often humorous context for the bizarre things that follow. It’s a technique that reminded me of footnotes in Pratchett or Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy — equal parts explanation and entertainment.
What struck me most, however, was the contrast to Rob’s earlier work. Having read and enjoyed There Will Be Thousands — a bleak, brutal tale of crime and punishment — I was astonished by the tonal shift here. Where that novel was grim and unflinching, The Land of the Ill-Imagined is surreal, quirky, and oddly charming despite its occasional disturbing moments. It demonstrates Rob’s versatility as a writer; he can move from dark psychological territory to whimsical invention without losing his command of prose or pacing.
The writing itself is deceptively simple — clear, fluid, and easy to read. Yet beneath the surface there is careful control: moments of wild, chaotic imagination are balanced with quieter beats of reflection, giving the reader space to process the sheer strangeness of what’s unfolding. The pacing is tight and purposeful, with every chapter adding new layers to the world and deepening our connection with Pyrus’s journey.
I understand that The Land of the Ill-Imagined has been accepted for publication and is scheduled for release in October 2025. It’s easy to see why it was picked up. This is a wonderfully strange, inventive, and confidently told tale, one that proves Alexander Rob is not afraid to take creative risks. For readers willing to step outside the boundaries of conventional fantasy, this book is a rare treat. Rob has shown already that he can write dark, morally complex fiction; here, he demonstrates that he can also weave whimsy, satire, and surrealism into a narrative that feels wholly fresh.
In short, The Land of the Ill-Imagined is weird, witty, unsettling, and absolutely worth reading

[Severian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh, captivating, and cohesive, Land of the Ill-Imagined contains a good bit of what I often look for in stories. It does everything right: it has a compelling (and, so far as I’m aware, new) idea, well-conveyed at every turn, a clear central conflict that will keep you turning pages quickly, and even a cast of characters you will care about and remember long after you put it down. And just as importantly, it never belabors the point.

I’m the sort of reader who demands content or imagination, penned well. If it’s not concise, filled with ponderous world building and exposition, it better be worth the ride; but if it is concise, it’s no less capable of delivering, and very often more packed with charm.

What author Alexander Rob has managed to do is deftly weave a story that is inherently compelling, imaginative, and strange by virtue of its world, down to the core. The idea- a land of imagination for ideas that were never fully fleshed out- naturally lends itself to the kind of outlandishness that makes classic fantasy, not of the meticulous world-building kind, so fascinating. And yet its world is clearly built, closely considered by an author I can only imagine was having a great deal of fun.

The infectious sense of fun never leaves, nor does the mystery and wonder and uncomfortable sense of looming dread, primed for explosion at the end. The surface chaos belies a carefully hidden synergy between characters and world and plot, and I have found myself fully invested over two readings. I want to know more about everyone- more than could ever possibly be presented without undoing the careful balance struck here in terms of presentation.

I cared deeply about Pyrus and his friends.

There are two things I wished for more of: more unraveling of the mystery behind the world, and more detail in one particularly intense revelatory scene. 20 extra pages might have helped here. But so would another book, so if there are more adventures to be had in this world I’ve come to love, I will be there on day one, multiple times.

Highly recommended.

[Alexander Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello!

I am the author of this book. I think its pretty great! If you like a bit of whimsical fantasy (one ARC reader said it read like a mix of Alice in Wonderland and Brandon Sanderson) then you should check this out!

A little bit of background on this book. I wrote it in the latter half of 2022 and submitted it for publication in October of 2023. I received a contract in June of 2024 for publication, with a June 2025 publish date. In late April of 2025, I was informed that The Land of the Ill-Imagined (among other books) was being out on an indefinite hold. When I heard the news, I was devastated.

I first had the idea for Ill-Imagined in 2018. The reason I put off writing it so long initially is because I knew this story was special and wanted to give it the care it deserved. As a beginning novelist in 2018, I did not possess the skill to tell this story, but wanted to develop my aptitude for writing over the next four years. I poured my heart and soul into this book to make it good, which was why it was so soul crushing to have the release date almost literally yanked out from underneath me.

Thankfully, I was able to work with the people at Immortal Works (who have been wonderful) to get the indefinite hold removed, and to place this book into your hands come October. It's been a long process to get here, and there have been many obstacles to overcome, and many amazing people to help me overcome them along the way. Yet the release date is finally in sight. I wish I could say finish line, but there is still a lot of work to do once the book is released.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and my writing thus far. I hope you enjoy this book, the rest of the series, and I hope to continue to write books you will all enjoy!

[Shakib · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for something truly different in the fantasy genre, Land of the Ill-Imagined delivers. Alexander Rob had already blown me away with There Will Be Thousands, so I jumped at the chance to read an advance copy of his latest—and it did not disappoint.

Imagine a cross between Alice in Wonderland and something out of Brandon Sanderson’s imagination. That’s where you’ll find Pyrus, a “thoughtling” in the Land of the Ill-Imagined—a surreal realm where discarded and unexpressed creative ideas go to live. It’s a bustling, chaotic city with shades of Ankh-Morpork: full of laws, commerce, and wild possibilities.

We follow Pyrus as he discovers he was never more than an unfinished thought, and begins the journey to accept and redefine himself—with the help of some truly fascinating characters. Every character stands out, and their interactions are a joy to read. My only quibble is that I didn’t get to know them well enough. That said, the story is so fresh, inventive, and layered that it hardly matters. It explores big existential questions with a light, whimsical touch.

Not all questions are answered—this is just the beginning of a series. And I’m absolutely in.

[John Durrant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very thoroughly, up until the very last page. The story was thick with intrigue and unanswered questions, battles and magic, rules that apply to some but not all. A curious cast of characters with strengths and weaknesses that run the gamut from mundane to extraordinary. It’s a wacky and wonderful tale.

BUT: there are a few promises made that were not kept. Another chapter of wrapping up loose ends and explaining why the protagonist was able to change in the way he did would have helped immensely. It’s a rather important plot point that the characters cannot change themselves, only through very particular circumstances outside of their control, but he is changed with no explanation as to how that is possible or what the effects of it would be.

Also, it feels like he was created at just the right time with just the right skills, but no explanation is given of how his creator knew what he must have known to give him the power he needed to solve the main problem in the Land of the Ill-Imagined.

It is a good read, but unless there’s a sequel to answer my burning questions, I’m going to be avoiding re-reading this story.

[Marissa Holtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever had an idea for a story? Or created some type of character that you felt strongly about. Well, those creations end up living, or existing, in the land of the ill-imagined.

Its fascinating to see the characters have varying opinions on their creators' creation of them. Some would rather not be villains, and some relish in their violence, and some are just trying to figure out exactly what they were created to be. At the beginning of every chapter you get a snippet of the manual for the land of the ill-imagined, and in one of those it says never to trust vampires, even if they sparkle.

One thing I will always love about Alexander Robs books is that the reactions are organic. When their is a frustrating situation, the main character expresses frustration, and you feel satisfied. The stories also always unfold in an unpredictable and fascinating ways. The writing is original and outside of the box. You can take any of his stories at face value or delve deeper for more meaningful concepts.

[Emerson And · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Land of the Ill-Imagined is a captivating read that drew me in with its intriguing plot and richly developed world. Alexander Rob has a real gift for creating an immersive setting.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is the characters. Their personalities and development felt authentic and engaging, and I grew invested in their journeys. That said, I did sometimes struggle with visualizing them. The story could benefit from more physical descriptions — for example, I didn’t realize Pyrus was a young man until halfway through the book, since I had pictured him as an adult.
Despite this, the story itself more than makes up for it. The worldbuilding is detailed and imaginative, and the way the plot unfolds kept me hooked from beginning to end. Fans of fantasy and immersive storytelling will likely find this book both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Land of the Ill-Imagined and look forward to seeing more from Alexander Rob in the future.

[EJ Hopkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did for my unfinished characters what Toy Story did for my toys. I feel an almost moral imperative to give them a story now.
I was lucky enough to have been offered an advance copy of the book to review before its release, and I am happy to report that this was an excellent story. The concept was novel, the characters were interesting, and the structural elements were strong. There was some choppiness in the prose at the beginning but it largely disappeared later on. A few major typos made it past the editors, but generally, the sentences were well crafted.
The pacing was good, neither rushed not dragged out, and it sets the stage for a compelling world to explore. The world building was probably the most interesting and strongest aspect of the book. I have so many questions that I hope can be answered in subsequent novels.

[Joshua Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not much of an avid reader and often struggle to stay focused on any book. Though it took me several months to finish due to my reading ineptitude, I did honestly find this book to rekindle my own creative process. Many of the characters and their struggles felt relatable to me, along with the relationship the characters have to "real life". Many of my own stories and creations that I've left in my head came back to me. Motivation and Invigoration pushed me to not let my own dreams and ideas die, but rather to do what I need to make them live and become a reality around me. I may not be an author, but I wanted to be a better musician, a better father, and a better person.

Thank you Alexander Rob for a virtuous, lovely, and praiseworthy book and for allowing me to follow along in this adventure with you.

To any who read this, I hope you, too enjoy this story.

[Kellie Rudd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has the whimsy of Alice in Wonderland, without leaving me super confused, but left me we with the same questions I had with Inside Out. 😂

I would have enjoyed more flashes to the real world. That would have been more of a Neal Shusterman style, which this book a little of that touch in it, which I liked.

Overall, I thought it was pretty good. I probably rate it 3.75, but that might go up on a re-read to be honest! By the end I was attached to the characters and their stories.

At the time of me writing this, the book hasn't even been published yet and I'm eager for another!

(I received an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review)
(I've always wanted to say that! :) )

[Elora Witherspoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I’ve read by Alexander Rob and it makes me want to read his other books. I loved the idea of the Land that all these different characters live in. As you learn about how this Land works, at the same time Pyrus is learning about it, it makes you wonder the same things he does. If the way things are run moral/ethical, what happens with different creations, who is really the bad guys in the story.
It truly was a very enjoyable read, and easy to pick up where you left off without having to remember what happened the last time you were reading.

[Kenton Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexander Rob has done it again! If you are looking for an original fantasy book, look no further. The story was quite poetic and kept me hooked until its final page. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a story that makes you think about its themes and characters long after you have finished journeying through its pages!

If you enjoy this book, consider checking out other books by Alexander Rob, such as Everfont.

[Adam Whipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Land of the Ill-Imagined enthralled me! I love an interesting world and this book gave me everything I wanted. I started by pacing myself only taking a chapter or two at a time, but then I hit chapter 4 and finished the book that day. I found the characters fun and interesting. I'm hopeful and excited to continue this journey one day.

[Gregg Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a slow reader, but I was quickly ensnared in the plot of this story and enthralled by this new world that Alex created. The characters were all very interesting to me, and I am excited to explore The Land of the Ill-Imagined more if a sequel is coming. Though it is a fantasy, I loved the connections to the real world. I hope Alex keeps cooking!

[Emily Holman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fun, witty, and captivating to the end! Definitely not like anything else I've ever read in the fantasy genre. The Land of the Ill-Imagined is full of creativity, compelling characters, and addresses a captivating question: Do we get to choose who we will become despite our circumstances?

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of this book is extremely original and fascinating! I have never read or even heard of anything remotely similar. It’s a good simple read that is clean and appropriate for young readers. It has some truly great comedic moments and some exciting action.

[Tyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great world and world building. Strong characters. Fun read. Recommend.

[Rebecca Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh original story and kept me interested the whole way!

[Derek Rappleye · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fresh and whimsical story! Clever in its best moments! A concept with plenty to explore and compelling and fun while doing so!

[Jordan Silotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

From beginning to end the world in this book never ceased to amaze me, I absolutely love this world! The story was phenomenal and I hope there are more books to come in this world. I feel this world and story are just beginning.

The writing was very fun and it was easy to follow to story and understand what was going on. The characters are each unique and fun to get to know, and you really grow to care for some.

I have no real critiques, other than I wished the last couple days in the story were stretched out a little further. I felt that the pacing for the whole story was excellent up until the last day or two, at which point I felt it went a little too fast and would have enjoyed for it to slow down slightly. But even then, I really enjoyed it!

[Colton Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I usually don't read a lot of fantasy books but really enjoyed it. Don't want to give away too many spoilers but I really enjoyed how descriptive and vivid the author was. It was an interesting image in my mind imagining a world of purple and green clouds or pastries made of meat for that matter.

The characters were also really relatable. I really liked Pyrus, he's curious and really what's to understand how the world works. The other side characters were great too such as triumvirate, especially the owl guy Niccolo and how can you forget, the oddball duo at the beach they were pretty amusing. I liked how there was a good mix of humor and seriousness. If a book is too comical it's tough to retain or take it seriously and if it's too sober it becomes heavy and I find myself not wanting to read so I'm glad the author did a good job at balancing things out. There were also some interesting philosophy questions posed as well such as "what it meant to be real or "exist", makes one think on a deeper level I suppose.

Overall, awesome read. I definitely recommended it.

[Jazlyn Godfrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and fast-paced, I found myself eager to learn more about the Land of the Ill-Imagined, and the colorful cast of characters. The characters were unique, and felt real in their emotions and personalities.
Alexander Rob does a wonderful job explaining the mechanics of this foreign world in a way that the readers can understand, and doesn't interrupt the flow of the story. The book is a great introduction to the world. It just scratches the surface, and I look forward to future installments to become more acquainted with the characters.