Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Three Initiates

Rate this book
The path to destiny often starts with a step in the wrong direction... In the idyllic town of Willard, Virginia lives Ian, a boy with scarlet eyes. Even with this unusual abnormality, Ian lives a fairly average life alongside his best friends, Spencer and Stephanie. His three previous adopted families had fallen to mysterious fates—used to impermanence, Ian feels that he will be doomed to the same outcome.

A mysterious man comes to town looking for Ian; accompanying his devilish looks comes a fiendish plan for the boy. A strange girl with wild eyes swoops into their lives. Odd black-clad agents make their home in the small town. These three best friends will forever be tarnished by this season of change, the people all around him will bear the curse the boy with the scarlet eyes brings.

The world all around the friends will shift wildly, things first thought as fantasy will break through the doldrums of everyday high school life. Dark forces conspire against the human world looking to claim the countless souls, but one in particular is prized above all.

396 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2024

1 person is currently reading
12 people want to read

About the author

W.E. Brown

2 books3 followers
Born in the quaint town of Suffolk, Virginia in 1996, Wynter Brown emerged into the world with a passion for the fantastical. From an early age, she was captivated by the mythical creatures that roamed the pages of her favorite stories, particularly drawn to the enigmatic allure of dragons and the dark intrigue of demons.

Growing up in the midst of rural charm, Wynter found solace in the depths of her imagination, weaving intricate tales that transported her to realms beyond the mundane confines of reality. As she delved deeper into the realms of fantasy, her creativity blossomed, fueled by a relentless curiosity and an insatiable thirst for adventure.

Wynter's journey as a writer began to take shape during her teenage years, as she poured her heart and soul into crafting stories that mirrored the complexity of the human experience against the backdrop of otherworldly realms. With each passing year, her skill as a wordsmith flourished, honed by over a decade of relentless dedication to her craft.

In 2021, Wynter took a bold leap into the literary world with the release of her debut novel, "Life (Autosaved)." A poignant tale of three young adults who face challenges in their day-to-day lives, influenced by factors both seen and unseen. As her initial title, she manifests visions of its growth, knowing that one day many will experience this captivating world in their imaginations just as she does. The saga will continue to flourish in the upcoming years, and she welcomes all to join her on her quest.

At the core of Wynter's writing lies a deep-seated fascination with the dichotomy between light and shadow. Her characters grapple with inner demons as they navigate treacherous landscapes fraught with danger and deception, mirroring the complexities of the human condition in all its raw authenticity.

Drawing inspiration from a myriad of sources, ranging from ancient folklore and the occult to contemporary literature, Wynter infuses her writing with a sense of timelessness that transcends the boundaries of genre. Her prose dances effortlessly between the ethereal beauty of mythical landscapes and the gritty realism of human emotion, forging a unique narrative voice that resonates with readers of all ages.

Beyond her literary endeavors, Wynter remains deeply connected to her roots, finding inspiration in the natural beauty of her hometown and the rich tapestry of its history. Suffolk's rolling countryside and serene waterways serve as a constant source of renewal, grounding her amidst the whirlwind of creativity that fuels her imagination.

As Wynter Brown continues to chart her course through the vast expanse of the literary landscape, one thing remains abundantly clear: her passion for storytelling knows no bounds. With each new tale she spins, she invites readers to embark on a journey of discovery, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, and the true essence of the human spirit shines forth in all its resplendent glory.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
7 (87%)
4 stars
1 (12%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
1 review
September 13, 2024
W.E Brown's worldbuilding pulled me in immediately. Ian, Spencer, and Stephanie have such natural chemistry that I can't help but feel that they are pulled from her reality. Unlike many other authors, the dialogue doesn't feel forced or pretentious, adding to its authenticity. I eagerly await to see if this series continues, as Ms. Brown's work has stunned me. Thank you for a riveting ride through the town of Willard, VA. Your gift of writing is refreshing and has me hooked.
Profile Image for Scott.
75 reviews3 followers
January 8, 2026
Such a Great Read

I was completely blown away by the depth of the worldbuilding and lore in this book. While it is a longer read, every chapter meaningfully adds to the richness of the world and its history. The characters, especially the three main leads, Ian, Spencer, and Stephanie, are so vividly written that they genuinely reminded me of friendships I had growing up.
I also loved that the story isn’t limited to Ian and his friends’ perspectives. Getting insight into Lord Baal and his minions adds an extra layer of tension and complexity that really elevates the narrative. This is far more than a simple good-versus-evil story; it’s a powerful coming-of-age tale centered on self-discovery, growth, and identity.
And that ending? Let’s just say I cannot wait to read the next book. W.E. Brown did a fantastic job. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
1 review
September 14, 2024
Wonderful storytelling and engaging sequences throughout the book. The novel excels in its character development and emotional depth. The struggles and triumphs of Ian, Spencer, and Stephanie are portrayed with sensitivity and insight, making their journeys compelling and thought provoking with its own dark twist. The intertwining of their stories against the backdrop of a richly imagined dark fantasy and lively world creates a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish! Wonderful writing by W.E Brown and will be my go to for all my dark fantasy needs and I’m excited for what’s to come in the future.
2 reviews
October 21, 2025
This novel focuses on the journey of 3 high school friends who not only have to face the usual trials of young adulthood, but after one of their number is tempted by demons, wrestle with good, evil, and their own realities. New friends, lovers, and families come between them as they start on diverging paths that lead to redemption, self discovery, or into the depths of a supernatural hellscape. A world filled with beasts, demons, shapeshifters lie just in the shadows, friendships are tested, and bonds broken in this supernatural novel that will excite readers with its world building and sets both the friends and the reader on a path into the dark unknown.
Profile Image for b00ks_in_nature.
933 reviews13 followers
October 21, 2025
I really enjoyed this! This book has amazing world building, and I was able to connect with each of the three main characters, who all felt real. The plot was very interesting and pacing was on point. It kept me invested through this entire book, which is impressive considering the length. I'm looking forward to starting on book two!
Profile Image for Annette.
3 reviews
July 10, 2025
I really loved this book and I'm patiently waiting for book 2. It had great world building, an amazing friendship between Ian, Stephanie and Spencer that was tested, so much mystery surrounding Ian the MMC, otherworldly beings and so much more. This book kept me intrigued and wanting to know more. I love how the writing flowed so well. There were no harsh breaks in between sentences or paragraphs. It was nice to read through and not have to circle back just to make sure I read something correctly, missed something or just plainly didn't understand something. I was also lucky enough to be at my local 2nd & Charles one Saturday morning when the author W.E. Brown was there signing books. So not only did I scored a signed copy I also met an amazing young author.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.