Winds of Change (The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches #1): The Fantasy Epic They Couldn’t Bury

Twenty-five years ago, in February 2001, I released a fantasy novel the establishment didn’t want you to read.

The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches—now reborn in its 25th Anniversary Legacy Edition as Winds of Change—was a story of divided realms, ancient magic, and unlikely heroes. It was also a line in the sand.

I didn’t have a massive publisher behind me. I didn’t follow the traditional rules. And because of that, I didn’t just face criticism—I faced targeted campaigns designed to silence me, marginalize my work, and bury my books beneath waves of fake reviews and gatekeeping disdain.

But the readers had other plans.

A Story Too Big to Bury

Ruin Mist found its way into schools, libraries, and homes. Winds of Change was translated, adapted for audio, and featured on Audible’s bestseller lists for months. Parents read it with their kids. Young readers who couldn’t find themselves in Tolkien or Martin found new magic in Adrina, Seth, and Vilmos.

While some in the industry scoffed, millions of readers turned the pages.

So Why the New Edition?

Because the time has come to set the record straight.

This Complete & Uncut Legacy Edition of Winds of Change is the story as it was meant to be told—fully restored, richly expanded, and finally free from the compromises made to fit into boxes that were never meant for me.

This is for those who stuck with the journey.

This is for those discovering Ruin Mist for the first time.

And yes—this is for those who tried to stop the story from being told.

A Saga Reclaimed

If you’re looking for something safe, polished, and market-tested, turn away. But if you want a true epic, forged in fire, unfiltered and unbroken, then you’re ready for Winds of Change.

“Before the legends, before the war—there was Ruin Mist.”

You’ll walk alongside Princess Adrina as she fights to define her own fate, watch Seth uncover darkness within his kingdom, and witness young Vilmos awaken to a magic the world tried to erase. There are no chosen ones here—only people who rise, fall, and rise again.

Just like this book.

Pre-Order the 25th Anniversary Legacy Edition

Release Date: February 10, 2026

Pre-order on Amazon

Winds of Change: Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches — Complete & Uncut

How You Can Help Reignite Ruin Mist

Pre-order the new edition to support the relaunch.

Leave a review—real voices drown out trolls.

Share this story with a new generation of fantasy lovers who need heroes beyond the usual.

This isn’t just a rerelease. It’s a rebellion in paperback.

Thank you for being part of it.

With sword in hand,

W. R. Stanek