What do you think?
Rate this book
The Octagon's Eight #2
Eight Above Eight Below
Back on solid ground Dirian and Morrow have started a new life. They have gained respect in surviving their deadly adventure at sea, found a place to call their own and, most importantly, won their freedom; but the presence of the Octagon is ever looming.
When the powerful, imperialistic Airallotha try new means to reach the centre and harness its dangerous magic, other factions scramble to win the race. Dirian is reluctantly roped into returning to the Octagon's influence, acting as a guide through Cavern, the world Below. Faced with reminders of a past he wants to leave behind, the crimes of his people and the environment where he still feels most at home, Dirian continues to fight, learn and forge a new path.
In a magical vortex where eight seems to be the fated number, maybe it's a good thing that they are only seven...
Come along on an adventure deep under ground, where ambient magic has made the creatures grow strange, rivers flow backwards, and everyone seems to want to be there but Dirian.
When the powerful, imperialistic Airallotha try new means to reach the centre and harness its dangerous magic, other factions scramble to win the race. Dirian is reluctantly roped into returning to the Octagon's influence, acting as a guide through Cavern, the world Below. Faced with reminders of a past he wants to leave behind, the crimes of his people and the environment where he still feels most at home, Dirian continues to fight, learn and forge a new path.
In a magical vortex where eight seems to be the fated number, maybe it's a good thing that they are only seven...
Come along on an adventure deep under ground, where ambient magic has made the creatures grow strange, rivers flow backwards, and everyone seems to want to be there but Dirian.
274 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 26, 2025
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy (ARC) of "Eight Above Eight Below" in exchange for an honest review. This is my first time writing a formal review so please bare with me, I’ve done my best to provide thoughtful feedback without revealing any spoilers.
I had planned to reread The Octagon’s Eight beforehand to refresh my memory… but, as life tends to do, things got in the way. So I went in with only a vague recollection of book one, a bit nervous I’d be lost. I wasn’t. Not even slightly. Oakley did a fantastic job reintroducing characters and weaving in the backstory with just the right amount of context, letting me settle back into the world naturally.
A major strength across both The Octagon’s Eight and Eight Above Eight Below is the incredible diversity of characters—there’s, thoughtful representation of peoples/lifestyles/differing moralities and cultures throughout. Alongside these topics, Oakley addresses racism and prejudices openly and without fear, holding a mirror up to our culturally ingrained biases.
Another element that I appreciate about this series—and this book especially—is the sense of real knowledge behind the world-building. I vaguely remember that (years ago and in another life) Mairon might have a background in geology, and it shows. The scientific information is woven naturally into the story, enhancing the world-building and even serving to steer plot development, without ever veering into textbook territory.
From chapter one, Dirian’s motivations are clear and compelling. As the book progresses, the goals and desires of other characters gradually come to light too, and while some arcs run their course, others are left tantalisingly unresolved. It left me craving more and already excited for book three.
One plot point—without spoiling anything—was very easy to spot coming from the beginning, but I don’t think that was a flaw, in fact, it may well have been intentional. For me, the anticipation came from knowing what would happen, but not when and how it would unfold. Watching it click into place for Dirian was incredibly satisfying.
That said, I do wish we had a little more time to explore why Dirian is so deeply emotionally driven to confront the Elven antagonist. While the mutual disdain is clear, the intensity of Dirian’s need to face them personally felt like it needed a little more exploration. I also would’ve loved to dive deeper with Dirian, Rowan, and Herron—their dynamic is rich, charged, and complicated, and it would’ve been amazing to spend more time with them in both conflict and connection. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded if this book were a bit longer—those extra emotional layers would’ve taken an already great story to an even deeper place.
Despite not having revisited the first book, I feel confident in saying that the author has shown remarkable growth between the two instalments. The writing feels more refined, and the storytelling more assured...
And just when I thought everything was wrapping up… the epilogue hit. And let me tell you, it was *chef’s kiss* 😚🤌🏻—the perfect finishing note to a well-paced story.
All in all, Eight Above Eight Below is a sequel that builds confidently on what came before, with richer writing, sharper character work, and even more intrigue. It’s got heart, heat, and a whole lot of depth—and I already can’t wait for book three! If you haven’t started this series yet, now’s a great time to dive in.
I had planned to reread The Octagon’s Eight beforehand to refresh my memory… but, as life tends to do, things got in the way. So I went in with only a vague recollection of book one, a bit nervous I’d be lost. I wasn’t. Not even slightly. Oakley did a fantastic job reintroducing characters and weaving in the backstory with just the right amount of context, letting me settle back into the world naturally.
A major strength across both The Octagon’s Eight and Eight Above Eight Below is the incredible diversity of characters—there’s, thoughtful representation of peoples/lifestyles/differing moralities and cultures throughout. Alongside these topics, Oakley addresses racism and prejudices openly and without fear, holding a mirror up to our culturally ingrained biases.
Another element that I appreciate about this series—and this book especially—is the sense of real knowledge behind the world-building. I vaguely remember that (years ago and in another life) Mairon might have a background in geology, and it shows. The scientific information is woven naturally into the story, enhancing the world-building and even serving to steer plot development, without ever veering into textbook territory.
From chapter one, Dirian’s motivations are clear and compelling. As the book progresses, the goals and desires of other characters gradually come to light too, and while some arcs run their course, others are left tantalisingly unresolved. It left me craving more and already excited for book three.
One plot point—without spoiling anything—was very easy to spot coming from the beginning, but I don’t think that was a flaw, in fact, it may well have been intentional. For me, the anticipation came from knowing what would happen, but not when and how it would unfold. Watching it click into place for Dirian was incredibly satisfying.
That said, I do wish we had a little more time to explore why Dirian is so deeply emotionally driven to confront the Elven antagonist. While the mutual disdain is clear, the intensity of Dirian’s need to face them personally felt like it needed a little more exploration. I also would’ve loved to dive deeper with Dirian, Rowan, and Herron—their dynamic is rich, charged, and complicated, and it would’ve been amazing to spend more time with them in both conflict and connection. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded if this book were a bit longer—those extra emotional layers would’ve taken an already great story to an even deeper place.
Despite not having revisited the first book, I feel confident in saying that the author has shown remarkable growth between the two instalments. The writing feels more refined, and the storytelling more assured...
And just when I thought everything was wrapping up… the epilogue hit. And let me tell you, it was *chef’s kiss* 😚🤌🏻—the perfect finishing note to a well-paced story.
All in all, Eight Above Eight Below is a sequel that builds confidently on what came before, with richer writing, sharper character work, and even more intrigue. It’s got heart, heat, and a whole lot of depth—and I already can’t wait for book three! If you haven’t started this series yet, now’s a great time to dive in.
July 15, 2025
"Eight Above Eight Below" is the sequel to Mairon Oakley's debut novel, "The Octagon's Eight", and I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and feedback will be spoiler-free.
My biggest praise for both The Octagon's Eight and Eight Above Eight Below remains the amazing depth to both the world and the characters in it. Oakley has a beautiful way of describing environments in a way that really inserts you into the moment, without interrupting the pace and flow of the story. It puts you in the characters' shoes (or lack of, in Dirian's case) and really adds to the atmosphere and amplifies the sense of wonder at the world they find themselves in. Oakley displays a keen knowledge of geology and this shines through clearly in the subterranean areas our band of characters find themselves traversing, really adding to the authenticity of the world.
Oakley's worldbuilding, too, needs recognition, because it is done smoothly and subtly – there are no long lore drops that leave a reader reeling and confused by the sudden influx of information, but rather smaller interjections that give only relevant snippets that are much easier for a reader to digest. You learn what you need to learn as part of the flow of the story, and that is something that can be difficult for a writer to achieve. Knowing that balance of when and how much is a talent that Oakley has only honed further since The Octagon's Eight.
As for the characters themselves, they are as diverse in their cultures as they are their personalities, and this lends to some interesting debates and topics raised throughout the story, namely that of morality and the inherent racism that is ingrained within certain cultures. It is a good reflection for the real world we live in – this is something Oakley does very well across both books. Every character has a driving force behind their role in the story and, despite Dirian being the focus as the 'narrator', there is a fairly even balance in the exploration of their motives, their backgrounds, and the development of their personalities. Oakley handles the interactions between the characters incredibly well – whether it's light-hearted banter or highly strung moments of tension, the dialogue and emotions feel very real and true to their established personalities, and the development across the story shows the kind of natural growth that occurs between people who can move from strangers to allies when thrust into a complicated situation.
One thing Oakley is very good at implementing (across both books, but specifically in this one), in my opinion, is the balance of Show VS Tell. I am a big fan of showing rather than telling in most fiction as it helps to keep the reader immersed in the story, but sometimes it is necessary to tell in order to keep the story flowing naturally – nothing is worse than the pace being interrupted by unnecessary descriptions of uneventful travel, for example. Oakley manages this perfectly, showing what needs to be shown, and telling what needs to be told. It can be a delicate balance, but Oakley maintains it like a pro.
I promised an honest review, so honest is what I'll be: the one plot point that was very obvious from the start (intentionally or otherwise) didn't really do much for me, personally. That's not to say it didn't add to the story itself – it did a wonderful job of showing the growth and development of Dirian as a character and where he is in his life and what he has come to value – but the way it resolved simply wasn't it for me. This is, of course, simply personal preference and not a major criticism of the plot or the author himself. To give some praise, however: I did enjoy the way the initial reveals came and how it affected the characters involved, which again felt very in keeping with those personalities, and I think the situation was handled very well as a topic throughout.
Oakley is only growing in strength when it comes to his storytelling, and I cannot wait to see where he takes Dirian next. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next instalment in the series, and I'm just as eager to see what's in store for Fort, too. I always enjoy the extra snippets at the end that tell a little more of Fort's story each time! I would highly recommend this series to lovers of high fantasy, with its comfortable pacing, driving story, and well thought out worldbuilding and character development – and whilst I could easily take another 10 or so chapters per book (there are many things I'd love to explore further!) the length of both books makes them very easy to digest.
To summarise, Eight Above Eight Below is a fantastic sequel packed full of drama, tension, humour and wonder, with characters you can't help but rally behind and excellent worldbuilding, all brought to life with top tier writing. Another excellent book from Mairon Oakley!
My biggest praise for both The Octagon's Eight and Eight Above Eight Below remains the amazing depth to both the world and the characters in it. Oakley has a beautiful way of describing environments in a way that really inserts you into the moment, without interrupting the pace and flow of the story. It puts you in the characters' shoes (or lack of, in Dirian's case) and really adds to the atmosphere and amplifies the sense of wonder at the world they find themselves in. Oakley displays a keen knowledge of geology and this shines through clearly in the subterranean areas our band of characters find themselves traversing, really adding to the authenticity of the world.
Oakley's worldbuilding, too, needs recognition, because it is done smoothly and subtly – there are no long lore drops that leave a reader reeling and confused by the sudden influx of information, but rather smaller interjections that give only relevant snippets that are much easier for a reader to digest. You learn what you need to learn as part of the flow of the story, and that is something that can be difficult for a writer to achieve. Knowing that balance of when and how much is a talent that Oakley has only honed further since The Octagon's Eight.
As for the characters themselves, they are as diverse in their cultures as they are their personalities, and this lends to some interesting debates and topics raised throughout the story, namely that of morality and the inherent racism that is ingrained within certain cultures. It is a good reflection for the real world we live in – this is something Oakley does very well across both books. Every character has a driving force behind their role in the story and, despite Dirian being the focus as the 'narrator', there is a fairly even balance in the exploration of their motives, their backgrounds, and the development of their personalities. Oakley handles the interactions between the characters incredibly well – whether it's light-hearted banter or highly strung moments of tension, the dialogue and emotions feel very real and true to their established personalities, and the development across the story shows the kind of natural growth that occurs between people who can move from strangers to allies when thrust into a complicated situation.
One thing Oakley is very good at implementing (across both books, but specifically in this one), in my opinion, is the balance of Show VS Tell. I am a big fan of showing rather than telling in most fiction as it helps to keep the reader immersed in the story, but sometimes it is necessary to tell in order to keep the story flowing naturally – nothing is worse than the pace being interrupted by unnecessary descriptions of uneventful travel, for example. Oakley manages this perfectly, showing what needs to be shown, and telling what needs to be told. It can be a delicate balance, but Oakley maintains it like a pro.
I promised an honest review, so honest is what I'll be: the one plot point that was very obvious from the start (intentionally or otherwise) didn't really do much for me, personally. That's not to say it didn't add to the story itself – it did a wonderful job of showing the growth and development of Dirian as a character and where he is in his life and what he has come to value – but the way it resolved simply wasn't it for me. This is, of course, simply personal preference and not a major criticism of the plot or the author himself. To give some praise, however: I did enjoy the way the initial reveals came and how it affected the characters involved, which again felt very in keeping with those personalities, and I think the situation was handled very well as a topic throughout.
Oakley is only growing in strength when it comes to his storytelling, and I cannot wait to see where he takes Dirian next. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next instalment in the series, and I'm just as eager to see what's in store for Fort, too. I always enjoy the extra snippets at the end that tell a little more of Fort's story each time! I would highly recommend this series to lovers of high fantasy, with its comfortable pacing, driving story, and well thought out worldbuilding and character development – and whilst I could easily take another 10 or so chapters per book (there are many things I'd love to explore further!) the length of both books makes them very easy to digest.
To summarise, Eight Above Eight Below is a fantastic sequel packed full of drama, tension, humour and wonder, with characters you can't help but rally behind and excellent worldbuilding, all brought to life with top tier writing. Another excellent book from Mairon Oakley!
June 28, 2025
Eight Above Eight Below by Mairon Oakley
*(Sequel to The Octagon’s Eight)*
https://maironoakley.com
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy (ARC) of "Eight Above Eight Below" in exchange for an honest review. This is my first time writing a formal review so please bare with me, I’ve done my best to provide thoughtful feedback without revealing any spoilers.
I had planned to reread The Octagon’s Eight beforehand to refresh my memory… but, as life tends to do, things got in the way. So I went in with only a vague recollection of book one, a bit nervous I’d be lost. I wasn’t. Not even slightly. Oakley did a fantastic job reintroducing characters and weaving in backstory with just the right amount of context, letting me settle back into the world naturally.
A major strength across both The Octagon’s Eight and Eight Above Eight Below is the incredible diversity of characters—there’s, thoughtful representation of peoples/lifestyles/differing moralities and cultures throughout. Along side these topics, Oakley addresses racism and prejudices openly and without fear, holding a mirror up to our culturally ingrained biases.
Another element that I appreciate about this series—and this book especially—is the sense of real knowledge behind the world-building. I vaguely remember that (years ago and in another life) Mairon might have a background in geology, and it shows. The scientific information is woven naturally into the story, enhancing the world-building and even serving to steer plot development, without ever veering into textbook territory.
From chapter one, Dirian’s motivations are clear and compelling. As the book progresses, the goals and desires of other characters gradually come to light too, and while some arcs run their course, others are left tantalisingly unresolved. It left me craving more and already excited for book three.
One plot point—without spoiling anything—was very easy to spot coming from the beginning, but I don’t think that was a flaw, in fact it may well have been intentional. For me, the anticipation came from knowing what would happen, but not when and how it would unfold. Watching it click into place for Dirian was incredibly satisfying.
That said, I do wish we had a little more time to explore why Dirian is so deeply emotionally driven to confront the Elven antagonist. While the mutual disdain is clear, the intensity of Dirian’s need to face them personally felt like it needed a little more exploration. I also would’ve loved to dive deeper with Dirian, Rowan, and Herron—their dynamic is rich, charged, and complicated, and it would’ve been amazing to spend more time with them in both conflict and connection. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded if this book were a bit longer—those extra emotional layers would’ve taken an already great story to an even deeper place.
Despite not having revisited the first book, I feel confident in saying that the author has shown remarkable growth between the two installments. The writing feels more refined, and the storytelling more assured....
And just when I thought everything was wrapping up… the epilogue hit. And let me tell you, it was *chef’s kiss* 😚🤌🏻—the perfect finishing note to a well-paced story.
All in all, Eight Above Eight Below is a sequel that builds confidently on what came before, with richer writing, sharper character work, and even more intrigue. It’s got heart, heat, and a whole lot of depth—and I already can’t wait for book three! If you haven’t started this series yet, now’s a great time to dive in.
Get your copy below ⬇️
https://maironoakley.com/
*(Sequel to The Octagon’s Eight)*
https://maironoakley.com
I was fortunate to receive an advanced reader copy (ARC) of "Eight Above Eight Below" in exchange for an honest review. This is my first time writing a formal review so please bare with me, I’ve done my best to provide thoughtful feedback without revealing any spoilers.
I had planned to reread The Octagon’s Eight beforehand to refresh my memory… but, as life tends to do, things got in the way. So I went in with only a vague recollection of book one, a bit nervous I’d be lost. I wasn’t. Not even slightly. Oakley did a fantastic job reintroducing characters and weaving in backstory with just the right amount of context, letting me settle back into the world naturally.
A major strength across both The Octagon’s Eight and Eight Above Eight Below is the incredible diversity of characters—there’s, thoughtful representation of peoples/lifestyles/differing moralities and cultures throughout. Along side these topics, Oakley addresses racism and prejudices openly and without fear, holding a mirror up to our culturally ingrained biases.
Another element that I appreciate about this series—and this book especially—is the sense of real knowledge behind the world-building. I vaguely remember that (years ago and in another life) Mairon might have a background in geology, and it shows. The scientific information is woven naturally into the story, enhancing the world-building and even serving to steer plot development, without ever veering into textbook territory.
From chapter one, Dirian’s motivations are clear and compelling. As the book progresses, the goals and desires of other characters gradually come to light too, and while some arcs run their course, others are left tantalisingly unresolved. It left me craving more and already excited for book three.
One plot point—without spoiling anything—was very easy to spot coming from the beginning, but I don’t think that was a flaw, in fact it may well have been intentional. For me, the anticipation came from knowing what would happen, but not when and how it would unfold. Watching it click into place for Dirian was incredibly satisfying.
That said, I do wish we had a little more time to explore why Dirian is so deeply emotionally driven to confront the Elven antagonist. While the mutual disdain is clear, the intensity of Dirian’s need to face them personally felt like it needed a little more exploration. I also would’ve loved to dive deeper with Dirian, Rowan, and Herron—their dynamic is rich, charged, and complicated, and it would’ve been amazing to spend more time with them in both conflict and connection. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded if this book were a bit longer—those extra emotional layers would’ve taken an already great story to an even deeper place.
Despite not having revisited the first book, I feel confident in saying that the author has shown remarkable growth between the two installments. The writing feels more refined, and the storytelling more assured....
And just when I thought everything was wrapping up… the epilogue hit. And let me tell you, it was *chef’s kiss* 😚🤌🏻—the perfect finishing note to a well-paced story.
All in all, Eight Above Eight Below is a sequel that builds confidently on what came before, with richer writing, sharper character work, and even more intrigue. It’s got heart, heat, and a whole lot of depth—and I already can’t wait for book three! If you haven’t started this series yet, now’s a great time to dive in.
Get your copy below ⬇️
https://maironoakley.com/
December 29, 2025
As enjoyable and easy to read as the first, got through it quickly once I actually had the time to sit and read. I eagerly await the next!
My one frustration is that there is a character who explicitly uses they/them pronouns, yet there are multiple instances where they are referred to as 'he' which took me out of the story a bit.
My one frustration is that there is a character who explicitly uses they/them pronouns, yet there are multiple instances where they are referred to as 'he' which took me out of the story a bit.
October 12, 2025
I hade the privilege of getting an advanced copy of book two in the intriguing Octagon’s Eight series by Mairon Oakley. I plowed through it in 24h, such a thrilling story with good writing where you get to follow the beloved characters from book one in this new adventure was just amazing
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews