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Dark Device of the Great Chasm: A Windtracer Tale
Lost secrets, ruthless rivals, and a relic that could unmake the world...
Explorer and Windtracer Tela Kioni thought she was chasing old myths. Then a long-lost journal revealed the path to a forgotten relic of the Ancient Order. One buried deep in the nightmare depths of the Great Chasm.
But she’s not the only one on the trail.
A brutal mercenary guild called the Crimson Company will stop at nothing to seize the artifact for their enigmatic backer. A mysterious man obsessed with reviving the Ancient Order’s darkest legacy.
The deeper Tela goes, the more she realizes the relic may be far more dangerous than anyone guessed. Because the true cost of the past?
It’s sometimes paid in blood.
Explorer and Windtracer Tela Kioni thought she was chasing old myths. Then a long-lost journal revealed the path to a forgotten relic of the Ancient Order. One buried deep in the nightmare depths of the Great Chasm.
But she’s not the only one on the trail.
A brutal mercenary guild called the Crimson Company will stop at nothing to seize the artifact for their enigmatic backer. A mysterious man obsessed with reviving the Ancient Order’s darkest legacy.
The deeper Tela goes, the more she realizes the relic may be far more dangerous than anyone guessed. Because the true cost of the past?
It’s sometimes paid in blood.
- GenresFantasy
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2025
1 person is currently reading
1136 people want to read
About the author
C.B. Ash
6 books6 followersC. B. Ash holds degrees as a Physical Scientist and Computer Scientist. Since college, he has run his own networking business, worked as a laboratory technician, taught martial arts, a consultant and a software engineer.
During that time he has written several fantasy and science fiction short stories, a fantasy/murder mystery novel and several poems.
When not writing, he whiles away his hours creating software architecture, planning where in the world to travel to next, playing a wooden flute - often badly which is much to the dismay of his cat - and making a brave attempt at ink painting.
The Windtracer Tales is his current series.
During that time he has written several fantasy and science fiction short stories, a fantasy/murder mystery novel and several poems.
When not writing, he whiles away his hours creating software architecture, planning where in the world to travel to next, playing a wooden flute - often badly which is much to the dismay of his cat - and making a brave attempt at ink painting.
The Windtracer Tales is his current series.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
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.
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.
October 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this story, it felt a bit like a D&D campaign. I am looking forward to the next story!!
September 26, 2025
If you like witty fast-paced adventure for pure entertainment, escape with Tela and her gang. C.B. Ash is an amazing world-builder and word-craftsman. I can’t help but think of Indiana Jones when I read his fiction, and that is high praise.
November 18, 2025
I want to thank Fabled Horizon Press and the Author C.B. Ash for giving me Dark Device of the Great Chasm for free.
Genre: Fantasy adventure
Series: Windtracer Tales, Book 1
Plot:
Tela Kioni is a sharp-tongued explorer. She finds a journal that leads her to a lost relic of the Ancient Order, buried deep within the Great Chasm. She is pursued by the Crimson Company, a ruthless mercenary guild, and their mysterious backer who wants to restore the Ancient Order's power. Tela must retrieve the relic, which could be a powerful weapon or something far worse, before it falls into the wrong hands.
The world:
The story is set in the world of Awldor 1277, which is filled with ancient mysteries, dangerous ruins, and magic storms.
Protagonist: Tela Kioni, a witty and tough explorer.
Antagonists: The Crimson Company and a mysterious baron.
Themes: Ancient mysteries, treasure hunting, and the collision of antique technology and magic.
Loved:
I loved the adventure, mystery, and the magic this book has. I loved the fact that there was plenty of descriptions of not only Awldor but of everyone Tela Kioni talked to. Honestly I would read it again when more of the series comes out. The Sun orbs are amazingly described and cool; honestly I wish I had one. After what the Baron did to Tela I was like that won't stop her and I was right. She helped a clan of kobolds and in return their healer healed her. The only thing that was permanent was the eyes they went from a brown to golden hue and they couldn't stand bright lights. I liked that the book left off on a cliff hanger after Tela found out that her natural mind magic is wanted to destroy others and control them and to truly destroy the shard of the crystal of the eclipse she has to find a new device before the corrupted crystal shard changes her.
Dislikes:
There are a few miss spellings like in some chapters it says sub orbs and not sun orbs. I hated the Baron from the start. But I understand that most books needs bad guys. At first and the middle I didn't like Vargas but in the end Vargas and Tela worked well together and it surprised me but it showed that even enemies can come together for the greater good and defeat a common enemy.
Honestly I am giving this book a 3 but if I could it would be a 3.5 rating. It reminds me of a couple books mixed together. It reads like lord of the rings on the magic front and it being drawn out, but Indiana Jones because of the adventure, Tela's whip and daggers, and the relics.
Genre: Fantasy adventure
Series: Windtracer Tales, Book 1
Plot:
Tela Kioni is a sharp-tongued explorer. She finds a journal that leads her to a lost relic of the Ancient Order, buried deep within the Great Chasm. She is pursued by the Crimson Company, a ruthless mercenary guild, and their mysterious backer who wants to restore the Ancient Order's power. Tela must retrieve the relic, which could be a powerful weapon or something far worse, before it falls into the wrong hands.
The world:
The story is set in the world of Awldor 1277, which is filled with ancient mysteries, dangerous ruins, and magic storms.
Protagonist: Tela Kioni, a witty and tough explorer.
Antagonists: The Crimson Company and a mysterious baron.
Themes: Ancient mysteries, treasure hunting, and the collision of antique technology and magic.
Loved:
I loved the adventure, mystery, and the magic this book has. I loved the fact that there was plenty of descriptions of not only Awldor but of everyone Tela Kioni talked to. Honestly I would read it again when more of the series comes out. The Sun orbs are amazingly described and cool; honestly I wish I had one. After what the Baron did to Tela I was like that won't stop her and I was right. She helped a clan of kobolds and in return their healer healed her. The only thing that was permanent was the eyes they went from a brown to golden hue and they couldn't stand bright lights. I liked that the book left off on a cliff hanger after Tela found out that her natural mind magic is wanted to destroy others and control them and to truly destroy the shard of the crystal of the eclipse she has to find a new device before the corrupted crystal shard changes her.
Dislikes:
There are a few miss spellings like in some chapters it says sub orbs and not sun orbs. I hated the Baron from the start. But I understand that most books needs bad guys. At first and the middle I didn't like Vargas but in the end Vargas and Tela worked well together and it surprised me but it showed that even enemies can come together for the greater good and defeat a common enemy.
Honestly I am giving this book a 3 but if I could it would be a 3.5 rating. It reminds me of a couple books mixed together. It reads like lord of the rings on the magic front and it being drawn out, but Indiana Jones because of the adventure, Tela's whip and daggers, and the relics.
November 20, 2025
Quick, fun read reminiscent of Dungeons & Dragons novels
Dark Device of the Great Chasm is the first book in the Windtracer series. It is a fun adventure-fantasy novel, but needs more editing. I have been a reader of fantasy since I was a child, although I started science fiction and adventures first. Plus, I am very interested in archaeology and ancient history, so I like that aspect of this book, too. The book has an ancient people who were technologically advanced, which also captured my interest, since I love science and got a college degree in it. As you can see, there are several elements in the description of this book that appealed to me.
The mistakes (incorrect words, extra words, missing words) did interrupt my reading while I reread the sentence to double-check the meaning, but it isn’t difficult to determine. I did find it annoying, but not so much that I would stop reading an interesting story - and I have proofread much worse for a few aspiring writers.
The author uses the colloquial phrasing “might could” to mean “might be able to”. I have heard it used, rarely, but I am not sure I have read it before. So, the first time I saw it, I thought it was an error, but the second time I realized it was the dialect being used.
The story has the Dungeons and Dragons race of tieflings, as well as common fantasy beings such as elves, dwarves, kobolds, and centaurs. The main character is Tela, a human female who retrieves and studies relics and carries a whip. Does this remind you a little of Indiana Jones? We have a lich who stays young by having an object that ages and takes his wounds, so he doesn’t, a borrowing from Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. Those are not the only places where I saw what might be borrowings from other media.
This book is easy to read and full of adventure. I enjoyed it and would be interested in reading later books in the series but wouldn’t reread it, so I would give it 3 1/2 stars. I received this book for free via Goodreads.
Dark Device of the Great Chasm is the first book in the Windtracer series. It is a fun adventure-fantasy novel, but needs more editing. I have been a reader of fantasy since I was a child, although I started science fiction and adventures first. Plus, I am very interested in archaeology and ancient history, so I like that aspect of this book, too. The book has an ancient people who were technologically advanced, which also captured my interest, since I love science and got a college degree in it. As you can see, there are several elements in the description of this book that appealed to me.
The mistakes (incorrect words, extra words, missing words) did interrupt my reading while I reread the sentence to double-check the meaning, but it isn’t difficult to determine. I did find it annoying, but not so much that I would stop reading an interesting story - and I have proofread much worse for a few aspiring writers.
The author uses the colloquial phrasing “might could” to mean “might be able to”. I have heard it used, rarely, but I am not sure I have read it before. So, the first time I saw it, I thought it was an error, but the second time I realized it was the dialect being used.
The story has the Dungeons and Dragons race of tieflings, as well as common fantasy beings such as elves, dwarves, kobolds, and centaurs. The main character is Tela, a human female who retrieves and studies relics and carries a whip. Does this remind you a little of Indiana Jones? We have a lich who stays young by having an object that ages and takes his wounds, so he doesn’t, a borrowing from Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. Those are not the only places where I saw what might be borrowings from other media.
This book is easy to read and full of adventure. I enjoyed it and would be interested in reading later books in the series but wouldn’t reread it, so I would give it 3 1/2 stars. I received this book for free via Goodreads.
November 23, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It has a Lara Croft tomb Raider feel with some magic and Steampunk thrown in. It follows Tela a Windtracer as she tries to claim an ancient artifact before the Crimson company. I would definitely recommend to anybody that likes archaeological type tropes.
October 27, 2025
I wanted something different from my typical reads and this was a fun adventure.
I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews