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Ensorcelled
"A single-serving masterclass in what can happen when you pay attention, drop the distractions, and really look at the world." -Craig Mod
Tam can't wait to play Ark of the Shadow Moon, the hotly anticipated new game from Clandestine Studios. But when his parents force him to go on a camping trip, he discovers that the mountains wield their own magic, and that while magic offers you everything, it asks everything of you in return.
At just 90 pages, Ensorcelled is a one-sitting read that will suck you in, make you think, and leave you changed.
Tam can't wait to play Ark of the Shadow Moon, the hotly anticipated new game from Clandestine Studios. But when his parents force him to go on a camping trip, he discovers that the mountains wield their own magic, and that while magic offers you everything, it asks everything of you in return.
At just 90 pages, Ensorcelled is a one-sitting read that will suck you in, make you think, and leave you changed.
- GenresFiction
54 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 8, 2025
18 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Eliot Peper
14 books356 followersEliot Peper is the author of eleven novels, including, most recently, Foundry.
He's helped build technology businesses, survived dengue fever, translated Virgil's Aeneid from the original Latin, worked as an entrepreneur-in-residence at a venture capital firm, and explored the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Mustang.
The best way to follow Eliot's writing is to subscribe to his newsletter.
He's helped build technology businesses, survived dengue fever, translated Virgil's Aeneid from the original Latin, worked as an entrepreneur-in-residence at a venture capital firm, and explored the ancient Himalayan kingdom of Mustang.
The best way to follow Eliot's writing is to subscribe to his newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 4, 2025
Ensorcelled is one of those rare stories that arrives at precisely the right moment. In merely 90 pages, Eliot Peper crafts a deceptively simple tale that unfolds into something far more profound: a reflection on how we balance our hunger for otherworlds with our need to be present in this one.
The story follows Tam, a teenager desperate to lose himself in the latest video game, only to find himself reluctantly dragged into the actual wilderness. What begins as a familiar setup—screen-obsessed kid meets nature—transforms into something unexpected and haunting. Peper doesn't give us easy answers about technology versus nature, or escapism versus reality. Instead, he shows us that both virtual and natural worlds can enchant us, transport us, and change us.
The prose is crystalline and efficient, never wasting a word yet somehow creating an atmosphere that lingers long after reading. Peper captures that particular ache of adolescence—the desperate need to be elsewhere, anywhere but where you are—while gently revealing the cost of never learning to be present.
The passage about becoming "so bewitched by a seductive elsewhere that you missed out on ever being truly here" will stay with me for a long time. It perfectly captures the central tension we all face in an age of infinite elsewheres, infinite stories, infinite escapes. Sometimes we need those escapes desperately. Sometimes they save us. But Peper reminds us that the most powerful magic might be learning to recognize the enchantment already surrounding us.
Ensorcelled reads like a modern fairy tale in the truest sense—not a children's story, but a tale that uses magic to illuminate deep truths about how we live now. It's the kind of novella you'll finish in one sitting, then immediately want to press into someone else's hands, saying only: "Trust me. Read this."
A masterful, compact work that proves great storytelling doesn't need hundreds of pages to cast its spell. Peper has created something genuinely magical here: a story about stories that becomes exactly the kind of transformative experience it describes.
The story follows Tam, a teenager desperate to lose himself in the latest video game, only to find himself reluctantly dragged into the actual wilderness. What begins as a familiar setup—screen-obsessed kid meets nature—transforms into something unexpected and haunting. Peper doesn't give us easy answers about technology versus nature, or escapism versus reality. Instead, he shows us that both virtual and natural worlds can enchant us, transport us, and change us.
The prose is crystalline and efficient, never wasting a word yet somehow creating an atmosphere that lingers long after reading. Peper captures that particular ache of adolescence—the desperate need to be elsewhere, anywhere but where you are—while gently revealing the cost of never learning to be present.
The passage about becoming "so bewitched by a seductive elsewhere that you missed out on ever being truly here" will stay with me for a long time. It perfectly captures the central tension we all face in an age of infinite elsewheres, infinite stories, infinite escapes. Sometimes we need those escapes desperately. Sometimes they save us. But Peper reminds us that the most powerful magic might be learning to recognize the enchantment already surrounding us.
Ensorcelled reads like a modern fairy tale in the truest sense—not a children's story, but a tale that uses magic to illuminate deep truths about how we live now. It's the kind of novella you'll finish in one sitting, then immediately want to press into someone else's hands, saying only: "Trust me. Read this."
A masterful, compact work that proves great storytelling doesn't need hundreds of pages to cast its spell. Peper has created something genuinely magical here: a story about stories that becomes exactly the kind of transformative experience it describes.
October 9, 2025
I absolutely loved this novella. This story is, at its heart, about the importance of storytelling and its ability to enhance human connection. The characters are relatable and well developed even though it is a short read. It’s hard to put down and can be competed in one sitting. Definitely worth reading.
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October 18, 2025A tiny book about one life - and a reminder to truly live, open-eyed and sharing.
August 26, 2025
A coming of age story in the words of a storyteller who lives in the dreams he conjures through his sketches. It is the love story of someone whose age isn’t fully revealed till the very end, it’s the admiration for a planet which has captured, told, and saved millions of stories in its rocks and trees, and it is the awakening we experience when we finally let go.
For Eliot fans, this is a short story with a long arc, picturesque and innocent just as it is deeply immersive.
For Eliot fans, this is a short story with a long arc, picturesque and innocent just as it is deeply immersive.
October 9, 2025
Love it
Eliot is a master at predicting the way the world and it's inhabitants will evolve (read his prior work), now we see another side.
He captures the wonders of living in Ensorcelled!
Plus he predicts the market for reading by producing a small format hard cover that is consumed in one read and is easily shared.
Read the Kindle version, tell your friends, and contact Eliot for the physical book. There's something special about holding these thoughts that can exist and be passed along without a special device.
Eliot is a master at predicting the way the world and it's inhabitants will evolve (read his prior work), now we see another side.
He captures the wonders of living in Ensorcelled!
Plus he predicts the market for reading by producing a small format hard cover that is consumed in one read and is easily shared.
Read the Kindle version, tell your friends, and contact Eliot for the physical book. There's something special about holding these thoughts that can exist and be passed along without a special device.
October 5, 2025
Recent Reads: Ensorcelled. Eliot Peper's novella is a love story, to the mountains of the High Sierra and to the power of storytelling and gameplaying. It's also the story of a life well-lived and, oh so much more, all packed into a little volume that shows we can still make beautiful books. Worthy.
October 8, 2025
The imagery brought me straight to the Sierras and the pace was electrifying. Read it in one go!
October 30, 2025
absolutely delightful and full of joy
October 11, 2025
This book will reach into your soul and you won’t come out the same
I don’t know how to put this into words so I won’t.
Just do yourself a favor and read this. You will be a better human for doing it.
Well done Eliot…Well done!
I don’t know how to put this into words so I won’t.
Just do yourself a favor and read this. You will be a better human for doing it.
Well done Eliot…Well done!
October 11, 2025
What do you do when one of your favorite Hard Science, Science Fiction authors decides to write an YA book? Well, first I placed an order for an autographed print edition and then purchased a second copy as an Ebook. You can’t be a fan of independent authors without investing in them now and then.
The second thing I did was to look up what the title, Ensorcelled, meant. I consider myself to have a pretty good vocabulary but this was a new one on me. I wondered if it was related to escarole, a type of lettuce. Off to the OED (Oxford English Dictionary) to discover that it means “to enchant, bewitch, fascinate”, that it dates back to 1589, and that it has 0.01 occurrences per million written English words. So I figured that this book would be unscientific, a word that dates to 1813.
The thing about Eliot Peper is that he knows how to spin a good yarn. He creates believable characters whom you find you can relate to even when they are wrapped up in quantum space or, as in this case, a family camping trip. In Ensorcelled we have a very small cast of characters with three featured, just two being in the spotlight, and the story told by just one.
Many people think of scientists as cold, calculating, and unemotional. In fact, scientists have some of the best imaginations. Who else could conjecture the behavior of subatomic particles, the interplay of billions of stars, or the inner workings of our own genetic code. In Ensorcelled, Peper has turned his imagination from the subatomic to the equally incomprehensible world of pre-adolescents. Ensorcelled is less than fifty pages long so it easy to read in one sitting. But don’t rush through it. You can savor the adventure best by letting yourself drift back to your own childhood. There you will find that there is another character in this story, you.
The second thing I did was to look up what the title, Ensorcelled, meant. I consider myself to have a pretty good vocabulary but this was a new one on me. I wondered if it was related to escarole, a type of lettuce. Off to the OED (Oxford English Dictionary) to discover that it means “to enchant, bewitch, fascinate”, that it dates back to 1589, and that it has 0.01 occurrences per million written English words. So I figured that this book would be unscientific, a word that dates to 1813.
The thing about Eliot Peper is that he knows how to spin a good yarn. He creates believable characters whom you find you can relate to even when they are wrapped up in quantum space or, as in this case, a family camping trip. In Ensorcelled we have a very small cast of characters with three featured, just two being in the spotlight, and the story told by just one.
Many people think of scientists as cold, calculating, and unemotional. In fact, scientists have some of the best imaginations. Who else could conjecture the behavior of subatomic particles, the interplay of billions of stars, or the inner workings of our own genetic code. In Ensorcelled, Peper has turned his imagination from the subatomic to the equally incomprehensible world of pre-adolescents. Ensorcelled is less than fifty pages long so it easy to read in one sitting. But don’t rush through it. You can savor the adventure best by letting yourself drift back to your own childhood. There you will find that there is another character in this story, you.
October 28, 2025
I've been reading Eliot Peper's books for almost 10 years, starting with "Cumulus", and I always love getting caught up in his near-future, high-tech predictions for the future. He has a talent for visualizing, to the smallest detail, what the future will look like. He also does it in books that aren't 500 pages long, a trend I've come to dislike in publishing, and there is a whole box of unread epic-length books in my office. Eliot Peper writes books that are complete in 200ish pages. I was even more surprised when I got my copy of "Ensorcelled" and found it was pocket-sized.
Every part of this book was a delightful surprise. From its 93 page size to the pinch of high-tech, for flavor instead of it being the foundation the book was built on. It was a quick read, but it didn't lack for depth in character, setting, or theme, and as I relished in the story after turning the last page, my first thought was that I wished more of my favorite authors would take us on these short little field trips to places they don't normally go. "Ensorcelled" is a short nature walk worth taking.
Every part of this book was a delightful surprise. From its 93 page size to the pinch of high-tech, for flavor instead of it being the foundation the book was built on. It was a quick read, but it didn't lack for depth in character, setting, or theme, and as I relished in the story after turning the last page, my first thought was that I wished more of my favorite authors would take us on these short little field trips to places they don't normally go. "Ensorcelled" is a short nature walk worth taking.
October 9, 2025
A Beautiful and Amazing Story of Human Connection
Mr. Peper weaves the threads of family and humanity in this elegantly crafted and beautifully rendered tale of the magic found in our relationships with others and in the world around us. As compact as this story is, it's impact is massive.
I absolutely love Ensorcelled. The scenes are rich and vibrant, and filled with emotion. You can tell that the author loves the world he has created. The characters and their interactions are spot on and believable. This is a coming of age story - but it's also much more than that; it's timeless and will resonate with people of all ages.
I've already recommended this book to everyone I know, and I can tell that this is a story I'll be rereading from time to time. Maybe to recharge my own wonder and faith in the magic around me.
Mr. Peper weaves the threads of family and humanity in this elegantly crafted and beautifully rendered tale of the magic found in our relationships with others and in the world around us. As compact as this story is, it's impact is massive.
I absolutely love Ensorcelled. The scenes are rich and vibrant, and filled with emotion. You can tell that the author loves the world he has created. The characters and their interactions are spot on and believable. This is a coming of age story - but it's also much more than that; it's timeless and will resonate with people of all ages.
I've already recommended this book to everyone I know, and I can tell that this is a story I'll be rereading from time to time. Maybe to recharge my own wonder and faith in the magic around me.
October 8, 2025
Sometimes the best stories are the shortest ones. Ensorcelled is a perfect example of 90 pages that hits harder than most 400-page novels.
The premise is simple: a kid obsessed with a new video game gets dragged on a camping trip and discovers something unexpected. But Peper turns this into a meditation on presence, attention, and what we trade away when we're constantly plugged in.
The writing is crisp and evocative, the pacing is impeccable, and there's genuine tension throughout. What impressed me most is how Peper respects both the pull of digital worlds and the magic of the natural one. This isn't a preachy "technology bad" story, but something more nuanced and honest.
Read this in one sitting, then go outside, touch the grass and smell the roses.
The premise is simple: a kid obsessed with a new video game gets dragged on a camping trip and discovers something unexpected. But Peper turns this into a meditation on presence, attention, and what we trade away when we're constantly plugged in.
The writing is crisp and evocative, the pacing is impeccable, and there's genuine tension throughout. What impressed me most is how Peper respects both the pull of digital worlds and the magic of the natural one. This isn't a preachy "technology bad" story, but something more nuanced and honest.
Read this in one sitting, then go outside, touch the grass and smell the roses.
October 9, 2025
Ensorcelled may be short, but it’s full of wonder. Eliot Peper takes a simple camping trip and transforms it into a magical, thought-provoking story that blurs the line between everyday life and the extraordinary. It reads like a bedtime story with the depth of a parable, reminding us that attention and imagination still shape the way we see the world. A beautiful, one-sitting read that lingers long after you finish.
Personally, I found it fascinating that the story grew out of Eliot’s daily ritual of inventing short tales after his son was born. Although he’s primarily known as a speculative fiction writer, I’d love to see him explore more fable-like works in the future.
Personally, I found it fascinating that the story grew out of Eliot’s daily ritual of inventing short tales after his son was born. Although he’s primarily known as a speculative fiction writer, I’d love to see him explore more fable-like works in the future.
November 27, 2025
Tying flies
Retired, I took up fly fishing. It’s fun, gets you up in the morning and outside & sometimes to beautiful places. That led to fly tying. Generally enjoying working with my hands, but came to realize that a talent let me combine that with seriously working with my mind to shape, share some effective reality with others. Beneficial.
It might seem to some that tying flies doesn’t have much, if anything, to do with rainbows from voiceless dragons. But it does, and, really substantially.
Kind of like writing a story.
Retired, I took up fly fishing. It’s fun, gets you up in the morning and outside & sometimes to beautiful places. That led to fly tying. Generally enjoying working with my hands, but came to realize that a talent let me combine that with seriously working with my mind to shape, share some effective reality with others. Beneficial.
It might seem to some that tying flies doesn’t have much, if anything, to do with rainbows from voiceless dragons. But it does, and, really substantially.
Kind of like writing a story.
September 3, 2025
A powerful and fun adventure with a few unexpected twists and turns, this is a coming-of-age story that applies to each of us. It's a quick and enjoyable read. I've shared it with my son, who is the same age as the protagonist, and I hope it inspires and resonates with him. Thank you, Eliot Peper, for another great ride.
Ensorcelled
Ensorcelled
October 15, 2025
What a sweet, touching, and inspirational novella. At just 90 pages, it can be cover-to-cover in one sitting (you won't put it down). Concise storytelling at its finest. The main characters are fully drawn, lovable, and relatable. And as someone who regularly backpacks in the Sierra Nevada the beautifully painted setting added to the emotional charm. Quite a contrast to Peper's excellent character-based techno-thrillers, but equally worthy.
October 14, 2025
This book wraps me up in possibilities, leads me toward the unknown, and makes magic feel real because it is! Eliot has captured a beautiful place in CA through this book and built a magnifying glass around the main character’s experience. I felt the imagination, curiosity, and honor of a young boy learning about risk and love. Thank you for sharing this great work! Chocolate trees forever!
October 27, 2025
This is a beautiful book, that takes you into a different world.
It uses few words than many other books, but remains very powerful due to beautifully constructed characters, and a simple plot laden with immersive themes, as the title suggests.
I loved reading it. I read most of it in one sitting, unable to put it down.
Thank you, Eliot, for writing something so wonderful!
It uses few words than many other books, but remains very powerful due to beautifully constructed characters, and a simple plot laden with immersive themes, as the title suggests.
I loved reading it. I read most of it in one sitting, unable to put it down.
Thank you, Eliot, for writing something so wonderful!
January 3, 2026
Beautiful and Poignant
I discovered Ensorcelled thanks to a recommendation from the incredible Robin Sloan. I read this beautiful and poignant tale in one sitting and emerged from the other side reminded of the true enchantment of the here and now. Thank you, Robin, and thank you Eliot.
I discovered Ensorcelled thanks to a recommendation from the incredible Robin Sloan. I read this beautiful and poignant tale in one sitting and emerged from the other side reminded of the true enchantment of the here and now. Thank you, Robin, and thank you Eliot.
October 7, 2025
Short book which highlights the value of real life experience and the fascinating world that sits right outside of all of our windows. The writing is a little overblown for my tastes and is probably aimed at much younger audiences, but great message and nice length.
October 8, 2025
Can't get enough of Peper's writing. I love the journey of this book and the main character's arc. This short book is original and surprising and avoids common tropes and pitfalls. You won't regret reading this and all of Peper's other works.
November 14, 2025
The story's good. The atmosphere is beautiful - you feel the author's love for the places he describes. The ending, though, I felt was a bit cheap. The story's good enough - why try to ramp up the feels with a cliche?
December 24, 2025
An inspiring story about the crux in a boy’s life
A short story filled with much about points of view and passion. A gamer experiences a crisis causing great transition in his relationships and attitude, emerging to become a gamer completely changed.
A short story filled with much about points of view and passion. A gamer experiences a crisis causing great transition in his relationships and attitude, emerging to become a gamer completely changed.
January 8, 2026
Patron recommended it to me, but I didn’t get what all the hype was - very short story and I can’t believe somebody actually published it and made it into a
Book. Was not worth the money publishing it …sorry
Book. Was not worth the money publishing it …sorry
October 27, 2025
4.5
A very simple story that carried with it a lifetime of love and longing. I have not read this author before but based on this brief charming window I will read him again.
A very simple story that carried with it a lifetime of love and longing. I have not read this author before but based on this brief charming window I will read him again.
November 30, 2025
A cute little adventure book that you can finish in one sitting, well executed, engaging and fun! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
5 stars to support further Eliot’s work!
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December 28, 2025Lovely, short and sweet, and memorable. A novella that inspires you to make things. My favorite line: “You use your gifts to make gifts for people you care about.”
December 29, 2025
A lovely short story about the power of seeing and being seen, and the importance of finding magic and story in everything.
January 1, 2026
The perfect story to start the year with!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews