DiscoverEpic Fantasy

The Eight Winds: Into The Fray

By Dylan Webb

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A sweeping, dark fantasy that dives into personal redemption and fierce friendships amidst a land torn by conflict.

Synopsis

Found family forged in a land of second chances.

A rising army of the possessed threatens the sanctity of the peaceful land of Ma-Ural and with whispers of an old enemy once thought dead returning, fear has swept over the land.

Unlikely companions found themselves on the shores of Ma-Ural, attempting to escape their previous lives. Elaria, the virtuous paladin seeking a name for herself; Hoots, the sorcerer with untapped potential; Trit, the bumbling bard; and Carion, the mysterious yet wise wizard. They swiftly formed strong bonds with each other and now travel together with a desire to preserve peace in the land, and within themselves.

Due to the events of Into The West, the quartet now find themselves at the precipice of a battle. The alliance with the secluded dwarves has been sealed, but will it be enough to turn the tide? Will this be more than a small conflict? What they do next could be the difference between saving the universe or leading it to oblivion.

They may need to trust in each other more than ever as they walk into the fray together.

The Eight Winds had me hooked with its layered characters and richly woven world of Ma-Ural—a place filled with political unrest, mystical creatures, and ancient forces. Four characters, each with their burdens, come together to save Ma-Ural from the mysterious Husk army, a force that possesses people and turns them into mindless, obedient soldiers. As they confront both personal demons and dark adversaries, the protagonists—Elaria, Hoots, Trit, and Carion—are drawn deeper into a world where their loyalty, courage, and past choices are tested.


The story unfolds in a land split between the prosperous West and the dragon-filled East, each with its secrets and legends. Webb’s world-building shines here, particularly through elements like the legendary tower of Mysrik and the mysterious vaults. I loved how each character has a unique journey that gives them a purpose within the bigger picture—Elaria’s sense of duty as a paladin, Hoots’ fierce protection of her newfound home, Trit’s search for belonging, and Carion’s dark quest for immortality. Webb really brings out their camaraderie, making you root for each one as they navigate both internal and external battles.


Now, as much as I enjoyed the story, I did find myself wanting a bit more backstory on Kor-Thiliath, the central antagonist. He’s a formidable figure and intriguing enough, but without a fuller understanding of his motivations, his role felt slightly less compelling than it could have been. It would’ve been fantastic to see more about his past and how he became the enemy of Ma-Ural—this would have made his threat even more chilling. There were also a few moments where the transitions between intense action and slower, reflective scenes felt a bit jarring, which interrupted the otherwise immersive flow.


The Eight Winds: Into the Fray is a gem for readers who enjoy fantasy that digs into the human (and sometimes non-human) experience, blending moral complexity with epic, high-stakes adventure. If you’re drawn to stories with dark themes, layered characters, and a world rich with history, this book will pull you in. It’s a great pick for fans of epic fantasy who want something deeper and more introspective. However, readers who prefer light-hearted or quickly-paced fantasy may find this book a bit intense.


I’d give this one 4 out of 5 stars. It’s a gripping, well-thought-out fantasy with memorable characters and a beautifully constructed world. The Eight Winds: Into the Fray is an incredibly satisfying read that promises both thrills and heart.

Reviewed by

Christine is an 7-12th grade English teacher, a library assistant, and a bookworm with a passion for good literature. She has a keen eye for good literature and reads books across genres. Her favorites are dystopian lit, sci-fi, fantasy, and contemporary literature.

Synopsis

Found family forged in a land of second chances.

A rising army of the possessed threatens the sanctity of the peaceful land of Ma-Ural and with whispers of an old enemy once thought dead returning, fear has swept over the land.

Unlikely companions found themselves on the shores of Ma-Ural, attempting to escape their previous lives. Elaria, the virtuous paladin seeking a name for herself; Hoots, the sorcerer with untapped potential; Trit, the bumbling bard; and Carion, the mysterious yet wise wizard. They swiftly formed strong bonds with each other and now travel together with a desire to preserve peace in the land, and within themselves.

Due to the events of Into The West, the quartet now find themselves at the precipice of a battle. The alliance with the secluded dwarves has been sealed, but will it be enough to turn the tide? Will this be more than a small conflict? What they do next could be the difference between saving the universe or leading it to oblivion.

They may need to trust in each other more than ever as they walk into the fray together.

Prologue

The sounds of snorts, snores, and grunts filled the musty air of the cramped room. Hammocks were arranged from floor to ceiling, supported by thick poles, and the hammocks swung loosely as sleeping individuals tossed and rolled to find comfort. With the gnomes’ short stature, only small hammocks were needed. Even in this limited space, six gnomes could sleep at ground level, and three times that when using the vertical space.

As she lifted her arm, Hoots felt it peel off her forehead. The stickiness of the sweat she was covered in became apparent in her sleepy state.

           Eurgh, gross, she thought, barely. She smacked her lips, noticing how dry they were, and then rubbed her large round eyes. She was one hammock in from the nearest wall, and at the top level. She rolled to one side to face the wall, feeling her aching body fight against her. With one of her stubby legs, she let out a swift kick.

           “Open the window. I’m sweating like a damn pig,” Hoots groaned.

           The person in the hammock she contacted rolled with a grumble. “It’s freezing. What are you on about?” they said, clutching a thin blanket tightly.

           More aware of the heat her body gave off, Hoots rolled onto her back. “Then why am I so damn hot?” Hoots threw her old, stained, discolored sheet to her feet. Her half-opened eyes caught a glimpse of her sweat-ridden, ragged pajamas. Not feeling any relief, she started blinking herself awake to inspect further. Looking down, she saw steam billowing from her body.

           “What the hell? If it is so cold, why am I steaming up like a boiled potato?”

           The person she had kicked rolled toward her. Their large eyes peered out of their ragged blanket.

           “Shit, Hoots, you are burning up,” the soft male voice said. He sat up, still wrapped up in the blanket. “I told you not to eat that nasty-looking pawpaw fruit.”

           Hoots’s breathing quickened. “I feel like I’m roasting.”

           “Alright, hang on.” The gnome got up and grabbed the pole his hammock was tied to. He was no larger than Hoots, and they shared the same brown hair, cut short. With his large hands, he gripped the pole, swung around, and plummeted to the floor. The thud on the squeaky floorboards below stirred some of the others, accompanied by the murmurs and groans of rudely awoken gnomes. The pitter-patter of a pair of large feet left the room.

           Hoots felt sweat develop at her hairline and roll down her forehead like a torrent of water. It was as if she were in an oven, the heat at every extremity and pulsing through her body with every heartbeat. She breathed in, hoping to feel cooler air enter her lungs, but it was damp from the steam emanating off her. Soft talking came from the adjacent room, and several large thuds of more awakening gnomes could be heard. The rest of the room was stirring, the confused voices of Hoots’s siblings filling the small space. A deeper voice erupted and the door to the cramped room burst open.

           “Everyone out!” the voice bellowed. A chorus of groans was the response to the stout gnome at the door with a thick bristly moustache perched on his upper lip.

           “Now!” the father added. More compliant gnomes jumped out of their hammocks from all levels. Hoots could do nothing but feel the intense heat surging within her continue to take over her senses.

“It can’t be happening. They said that if it were to happen, it should have happened by now, is she not too old now?” The feminine voice of her mother was softer but spoke with haste.

“We need to get her out of here,” the deeper voice of her father said, climbing up the pole to Hoots’s hammock.

“And take her where?”

“Away! We can’t have her here anymore!” A large cold hand lay on Hoots’s forehead. He immediately recoiled away at the feeling of such heat. “She’s about to burst. Get out.”

“What? No!”

The father quickly descended to the floor and began ushering the mother out.

“It’s her or the rest of us! Go!” From the other room, Hoots could hear her father giving orders for them to leave and the violent swing of the front door. Ushering enough strength, Hoots sat up in the now-emptied room. She had been getting increasingly warm and could now see how red her skin had gotten and how intense the steam emanating off her was.

What the hell is wrong with me?! What is happening to me?! Hoots’s breathing shallowed as panic gripped her. Her brother burst into the room, a pail of water sloshing under his arm.

“Come on Hoots, this will cool you down,” he said calmly. It was comforting to see his face so relaxed and unfearful.

“What are you doing?! Get out of there!” their father shouted.

“What? I’m just getting something to cool her off.”

“She’s too dangerous.”

Too dangerous?

“She’s my sister. I’m just helping her,” the brother wailed, being dragged out of the room.

“She will hurt you, probably kill you and everyone around her.” The father fought to keep his son out of the room with Hoots.

Hurt someone? Kill someone? What have I done? What am I going to do? I don’t want to— Hoots’s thoughts were cut short as she saw her body spontaneously ignite with a bright orange flame. Hoots let out a scream as the fire spread and burned her surroundings in a wave. All she could feel was heat; all she could hear was screaming and the crackling of raging flames. She dropped to the floor as the fire obliterated her hammock. She was physically unharmed, and no pain came, just the sound of fire and screams.

Fire and screams.

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About the author

Inspired by all things fantasy Growing up with The Lord of the Rings, Dungeons & Dragons, and Final Fantasy, I formed my own story to foster a love for the genre. Inspired by a lifetime of fantastic adventures, I create narratives that are bursting with personalities inspired from my own path view profile

Published on October 24, 2024

110000 words

Contains mild explicit content ⚠️

Worked with a Reedsy professional 🏆

Genre:Epic Fantasy

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