Review: The Winds of Change by Sam Paisley

Blurb:

Destiny, personal responsibility, what the future holds – common concerns for anyone graduating high school. But usually not because of a cosmic war between timeless beings where you’re the central player.

As the end of school quickly approaches, and Cooper Bailey watches his perfect world slip away, his only concern is savouring every last minute of his high school career. For his best friend, Reid Patterson, graduation is a doorway to the future, where his discipline and focus will finally allow him to meet his true potential.

When a mysterious mirror-masked man begs for their help to stop a dangerous heretic, Cooper and Reid find themselves thrust into unknown worlds, wrestling with a destiny as old as time itself. As the truths about their roles in the universe unfold, and enemies disguise themselves as allies, their only hope is to trust each other - and learn fast!

Far from home and in mortal peril, Cooper and Reid attempt to hone their newfound abilities and come to grips with their purpose for being.

Inspired by classic and modern science fiction and fantasy, and drawing upon timeless themes of destiny and personal responsibility, The Elements of Time is a series written for anyone who loves an escape into a rich and deep world. With references to Star Wars (the Original Trilogy), Avatar: The Last Bender, Stargate SG-1, Supernatural, and much more, The Elements of Time: The Winds of Change is fun action-adventure, with it’s own unique magic system, and themes that touch what it means to grow up and take on the challenges of life

Review:

Strap in, folks, because we're about to embark on a whirlwind adventure with 'The Winds of Change' by Sam Paisley. Picture this: you're settling in with a new book, expecting a casual read, when suddenly, you're swept up in a rollercoaster of emotions you never saw coming. That's the magic of Paisley's storytelling, and trust me, it's a journey you won't soon forget.

Let's cut to the chase. Paisley's storytelling is like a magic trick—you think you know where it's headed, but then bam! It takes a sharp turn and leaves you breathless. The cover gives off epic vibes, but trust me, it's just the tip of the iceberg.

At the heart of this tale are Reid and Cooper, two buddies who steal the show. Their friendship is the glue that holds everything together, and boy, does it tug at your heartstrings. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll feel like you're right there with them.

They are excellently characterized. At first they fall into specific canons, bordering on stereotypical, and they counterbalance each other.

Reed is introverted, thoughtful, grew up with little resources, and tries to prevent any incident that might prevent him from studying and creating a better future for himself.

Cooper is impulsive, carefree, his family adores him and seems to live each day in the absolute belief that it is his last.

But there is much more beneath the surface of these characterizations. Trauma, fears, hopes, and cynicism.

In Reid and Cooper I saw absolutely phenomenal character work, which little by little overturns certain genre customs and delivers three-dimensional, profound, believable characters.

I really appreciated the fact that the two protagonists go through a series of trials, and then intense training regimens to face the battles to which they seem predestined.

There is a kind of natural predisposition in them, a talent for some specific extraordinary abilities, but they have to struggle to keep them in check and learn how to use them.

I have seen far too many adventure novels loaded with characters who suddenly become great fighters without earning their skills.

In this novel, however, Cooper and Reid must spill blood, often literally, during training.

But fair warning: this isn't your average breezy read. Paisley takes his time setting the stage, delving deep into the lives of our protagonists.

There is one specific scene, set during a baseball game, that is told with an epicness that makes it more like a Lord of the Rings battle. Every time I think back on it, I get chills.

It serves to showcase Reed and Copper's strengths and weaknesses, a most elegant pretext for stripping them of their social superstructures. A master move on Paisley's part.

The first chapters are a slow burn, but oh-so-worth it. And let me tell you, this book is a chunkster. My arms got a workout lugging around the paperback, but hey, it's a small price to pay for such a gripping read.

Now, let's talk about those curveballs. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, Paisley throws in some intergalactic drama that'll leave your head spinning. It's like stepping into a whole new universe, one filled with gods, politics, and mind-bending twists.

I must admit that every time the focus shifted from the protagonists to give space to the political machinations, and introduce the rest of the cast, my attention waned. These are well-told scenes, with well-defined characters, yet they absolutely do not hold a candle to the emotional power of what happens when we are in the company of Cooper and Reid.

And while these cosmic detours might throw you for a loop, fear not—our boys Reid and Cooper are never far behind.

Here's the kicker: for all its grandeur and spectacle, the beating heart of this story lies in its emotional core. The bond between Reid and Cooper is what kept me turning the pages, rooting for them every step of the way.

And don't even get me started on that ending. Talk about a gut-punch! I'm talking tears, goosebumps—the whole nine yards. It's the kind of finale that'll stick with you long after you've turned the last page.

So, should you give "The Winds of Change" a whirl? Absolutely. It's big, it's bold, and it's brimming with heart. Trust me, you won't regret it. And as for me, I'll be counting down the days until book two hits the shelves.