Monday, May 12, 2025

 #Bookreview of Dark Device of the Great Chasm: A Windtracer Tale

By: C.B. Ash

Publisher: Fabled Horizon Press

Publication Date: April 25, 2025

ISBN: 979-8992610116

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: May 12, 2025

Dark Device of the Great Chasm: A Windtracer Tale by C.B Ash is a fun, fast-paced fantasy adventure set in a world filled with ancient ruins, dangerous relics, and magic storms that follows Windtracer Tela Kioni, a sharp-tongued explorer who’s always in the middle of trouble and somehow always makes it out. She discovers a potent artifact from a vanished civilization, much to her surprise, but quickly learns that she might not be the only one who wants to keep it. A shady rival group called the Crimson Company gets hot on her trail, and they’ll stop at nothing to take the relic for themselves.

We meet Tela barely outrunning creepy monsters and enemy mercenaries in a jungle full of magical dangers. She does, however manage to escape with the relic, only to find out her troubles are just beginning. A bigger, more dangerous mission lies ahead which is to find something called the Automatic Crystal of the Eclipse, a mysterious, ancient device that could be a powerful weapon or something much worse. The hunt is on to locate it before it ends up in the wrong hands, particularly those of a ruthless baron who wishes to restore the dominance of a forgotten Ancient Order, on his own terms.

As Tela gathers her old team and sets off across the continent, we get pulled into a rich, detailed world full of clever dialogue, strange creatures, secret maps, and thrilling action scenes. The journey takes readers from deep jungle ruins to underground cities, as well as from quiet markets to secret-filled archives. Along the way, the characters face physical dangers and tough choices, all while trying to uncover truths that have been lost for a thousand years.

The protagonist's character development is what really makes this novel stand out. She is caustic, obstinate, and extremely intelligent—a cross between Indiana Jones and a cranky cat with a golden heart. Her friendship with Kiyosi, a healer with a practical mind and a sharp wit, adds humor and warmth to the story. Then there’s Tyre, an old smuggler with a hidden soft side, who rounds out the trio perfectly.

The writing is fast and clear, filled with action and just the right amount of world-building. You don’t need to remember every magical term or location to enjoy the story—it explains things naturally as you go. Readers will find the world of Awldor to be wonderfully drawn, feeling real, and filled with stunning mysteries. Notably, the way antique technology and fantasy collide offers the story a novel twist. If there's one thing to note, it's that some parts of the story may feel a bit heavy with history or long conversations about relics. But remarkably, those moments lead back to something exciting, like a fight, a chase, or a major discovery.

Quill says: Dark Device of the Great Chasm: A Windtracer Tale by C.B. Ash is a must read for fans of fantasy, especially those who love adventures with smart, tough heroines and ancient mysteries. It’s also perfect for young adult readers who enjoy stories like Tomb Raider, The Mandalorian, or The Witcher—but with more teamwork, less gloom, and a whole lot more compelling. Tela Kioni is a hero you’ll want to follow, even into the deepest, most dangerous chasms.

For more information on Dark Device of the Great Chasm: A Windtracer Tale, please visit the author's website at: www.cb-ash.com

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