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Fleet of the Five Winds: Part 1: South
A world whose foundations are laid atop eons of ruin, where ancient technologies run forgotten beneath the surface of the present. It is the hour of abominations, and of unsuspecting heroes destined to be drawn into the mysteries of their times…
In Part 1: South, Josephine, the child of a conquered nation, is delivered to the foreign capital of Cidoreis as payment for her kingdom’s peace. Imprisoned within the Celestial Palace that looms above the city, she delves into the lost knowledge of humanity’s past, cultivating her gift of perfect memory as a path towards escape.
Josephine’s sole hope of freedom lies in the Fleet of the Five Winds, an armada of colossal treasure ships meant to drown the known world beneath a tide of gold and glory. To claim it, however, she must first confront the vast conspiracies surging beneath the facade of peace, at the heart of which nests the dreaded School of the Helix: an ancient, ruthless order of geneticists who will stop at nothing to command her power.
Fleet of the Five Winds is a vivid and richly detailed science-fantasy epic told in five parts, set against the backdrop of an unthinkable past.
In Part 1: South, Josephine, the child of a conquered nation, is delivered to the foreign capital of Cidoreis as payment for her kingdom’s peace. Imprisoned within the Celestial Palace that looms above the city, she delves into the lost knowledge of humanity’s past, cultivating her gift of perfect memory as a path towards escape.
Josephine’s sole hope of freedom lies in the Fleet of the Five Winds, an armada of colossal treasure ships meant to drown the known world beneath a tide of gold and glory. To claim it, however, she must first confront the vast conspiracies surging beneath the facade of peace, at the heart of which nests the dreaded School of the Helix: an ancient, ruthless order of geneticists who will stop at nothing to command her power.
Fleet of the Five Winds is a vivid and richly detailed science-fantasy epic told in five parts, set against the backdrop of an unthinkable past.
- GenresEbooks
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 17, 2026
RTC 😃!
pre-read ✨🧚
So excited to read this!!
pre-read ✨🧚
So excited to read this!!
June 5, 2026
Loved It
I am a fan. Excellent story and captures the true identity of the young people portrayed. Loved it!
Can't wait for more.
I am a fan. Excellent story and captures the true identity of the young people portrayed. Loved it!
Can't wait for more.
June 20, 2026
Josephine is an intrepid young lady who lives far in the future, in a world much different than present day. She tends to get into trouble but uses her wits, and secret knowledge, to at least improve her situation.
I found it a bit slow at the start but the pace picked up quite nicely, and kept me riveted until the end. The characters and scenes are well developed so this first installment was a pleasant read. Am looking forward to the next chapter(s).
I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys intrigue, post apocalyptic adventures, and anyone looking for a nice read.
I found it a bit slow at the start but the pace picked up quite nicely, and kept me riveted until the end. The characters and scenes are well developed so this first installment was a pleasant read. Am looking forward to the next chapter(s).
I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys intrigue, post apocalyptic adventures, and anyone looking for a nice read.
July 25, 2026
The Fleet of the Five Winds beautifully transports us into a future version of humanity that has both evolved and reverted due to the collapse and rebuilding of society. We meet the FMC as a precocious child looking to get into mischief. Her quick mind and curiosity both save her and doom her time and time again. With the book almost feeling like the FMC is talking directly to us readers, it captivates attention and kept pulling me back to read more and more. Can't wait to see where the adventures take us in the next book!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fleet of the Five Winds: Part 1 was such a fun and engaging read that had me hooked from beginning to end.
I really enjoyed following Josephine’s journey and watching her grow as a character. She is easy to root for, and I found myself becoming invested in everything she experienced. One of my favourite aspects of the book was the relationships she builds along the way. Each one felt meaningful and added something different to her story, especially the bond she develops with her master, which I found particularly heartwarming. I sincerely hope we see him again in a future instalment.
The story balances adventure, emotion, and mystery really well, and there are plenty of moments that kept me turning the pages. There were also some touching scenes that gave the characters real depth without taking away from the sense of adventure.
The ending has left me genuinely excited for the next book. It feels like the real adventure is only just beginning, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Josephine and the rest of the crew.
If you enjoy fantasy with memorable characters, heartfelt relationships, and the promise of an epic adventure, I’d definitely recommend giving Fleet of the Five Winds: Part 1 a read.
# Disclaimer I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Fleet of the Five Winds: Part 1 was such a fun and engaging read that had me hooked from beginning to end.
I really enjoyed following Josephine’s journey and watching her grow as a character. She is easy to root for, and I found myself becoming invested in everything she experienced. One of my favourite aspects of the book was the relationships she builds along the way. Each one felt meaningful and added something different to her story, especially the bond she develops with her master, which I found particularly heartwarming. I sincerely hope we see him again in a future instalment.
The story balances adventure, emotion, and mystery really well, and there are plenty of moments that kept me turning the pages. There were also some touching scenes that gave the characters real depth without taking away from the sense of adventure.
The ending has left me genuinely excited for the next book. It feels like the real adventure is only just beginning, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Josephine and the rest of the crew.
If you enjoy fantasy with memorable characters, heartfelt relationships, and the promise of an epic adventure, I’d definitely recommend giving Fleet of the Five Winds: Part 1 a read.
# Disclaimer I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 20, 2026
I received an ARC copy from the author.
This is a thoughtful, politically layered fantasy written in elevated prose and deliberate pacing. Rather than relying on frequent battle scenes or spectacle, the story unfolds through dialogue, world building and a gradual reveal of ambition. Who's? You'll have to read to find out.
The world feels carefully constructed with attention to political structure. I especially appreciated the depth of the conversations. At times, the use of multiple names or titles for certain characters required a bit of extra attention, but overall I found the plot easy to follow. I'll say again, I really enjoyed the words chosen and cadence of the sentences.
Readers looking for fast-paced & combat heavy fantasy may find this more measured than expected. However, if you enjoy immersive political fantasy and character driven storytelling, this is a rewarding read.
First person POV.
A strong debut that will likely resonate with readers who enjoy contemplative fantasy with intellectual weight. The other books have, according the end excerpt of this one, have already been written. So if you're worried about getting into a series that won't be finished/delayed, the author has stated "New entries will be published over the coming months".
This is a thoughtful, politically layered fantasy written in elevated prose and deliberate pacing. Rather than relying on frequent battle scenes or spectacle, the story unfolds through dialogue, world building and a gradual reveal of ambition. Who's? You'll have to read to find out.
The world feels carefully constructed with attention to political structure. I especially appreciated the depth of the conversations. At times, the use of multiple names or titles for certain characters required a bit of extra attention, but overall I found the plot easy to follow. I'll say again, I really enjoyed the words chosen and cadence of the sentences.
Readers looking for fast-paced & combat heavy fantasy may find this more measured than expected. However, if you enjoy immersive political fantasy and character driven storytelling, this is a rewarding read.
First person POV.
A strong debut that will likely resonate with readers who enjoy contemplative fantasy with intellectual weight. The other books have, according the end excerpt of this one, have already been written. So if you're worried about getting into a series that won't be finished/delayed, the author has stated "New entries will be published over the coming months".
August 5, 2026
There is lots of world building and character development. This is a post apocalyptic future fantasy novel where children within the empire are taken to the center of the city where the emperor lives and basically they serve so their parents or whoever can go on living. It appears the children are chosen randomly possibly but Josephine seemed to be chosen pretty specifically.
The story has mystery, adventure, fear for what her new life will be like, intrigue, love, and courage. Josephine is lucky in that she finds herself in a library full of books and in service to the librarian. I really love how Josephine and her mentor/master evolve throughout the book. Instead of a slave type relationship, Josephine becomes like a child to him.
I thought the beginning of the novel dragged on. It's awhile before things start moving in the novel and even then it is slow moving. Not a lot of action. Tons of description though.
This is a five part novel series. I look forward to seeing what is in installment 2.
I received an advance review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story has mystery, adventure, fear for what her new life will be like, intrigue, love, and courage. Josephine is lucky in that she finds herself in a library full of books and in service to the librarian. I really love how Josephine and her mentor/master evolve throughout the book. Instead of a slave type relationship, Josephine becomes like a child to him.
I thought the beginning of the novel dragged on. It's awhile before things start moving in the novel and even then it is slow moving. Not a lot of action. Tons of description though.
This is a five part novel series. I look forward to seeing what is in installment 2.
I received an advance review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 29, 2026
This universe is richly drawn and densely populated. Josephine is an inspire protagonist who guides you through her conquered world into a rich academic life strewn with difficulties and dire consequences.
You may think you know how this kind of story goes, but Gordon is a deft wordsmith committed to weaving political and philosophical intrigue into an inspired plot that keeps your turning the page. To say it feels heightened for its genre is a gross understatement.
Once you’ve finished this cardinal direction of Fleet, you’ll be looking for the next. The question is hardly, “how will this story end,” but rather, how much more of this story can I discover? It’s a world you don’t even know you’ve been missing. It’s a world waiting for you to jump right in. It’s powerful. It’s engaging. And it’s deeply contemplative and refractory to our own times.
Read this book.
You may think you know how this kind of story goes, but Gordon is a deft wordsmith committed to weaving political and philosophical intrigue into an inspired plot that keeps your turning the page. To say it feels heightened for its genre is a gross understatement.
Once you’ve finished this cardinal direction of Fleet, you’ll be looking for the next. The question is hardly, “how will this story end,” but rather, how much more of this story can I discover? It’s a world you don’t even know you’ve been missing. It’s a world waiting for you to jump right in. It’s powerful. It’s engaging. And it’s deeply contemplative and refractory to our own times.
Read this book.
June 1, 2026
Refreshingly original
Finally, a book that doesn’t just feel like a rewrite of something I’ve read before! Five Winds is a unique post apocalyptic futuristic fantasy with a distinctly medieval vibe that reads like a classic adventure story. The world building and character development were well done, and I especially liked how the relationship between the main character (Josephine) and her master/mentor evolve through the book. There is a lot that happens in this novel, with some twists and surprises but also leaving some unanswered mysteries that I’m sure will be revealed through the course of the next 4 planned books in this series. My only “complaint” is that I have to be patient for the next one to come out in a few months!
Finally, a book that doesn’t just feel like a rewrite of something I’ve read before! Five Winds is a unique post apocalyptic futuristic fantasy with a distinctly medieval vibe that reads like a classic adventure story. The world building and character development were well done, and I especially liked how the relationship between the main character (Josephine) and her master/mentor evolve through the book. There is a lot that happens in this novel, with some twists and surprises but also leaving some unanswered mysteries that I’m sure will be revealed through the course of the next 4 planned books in this series. My only “complaint” is that I have to be patient for the next one to come out in a few months!
August 12, 2026
2026
SciFi / Post Apoc
Review: The writing is superb in this first installment of the Fleet. Character development is deep that builds with the movement.
I really liked Jo, as she internalizes emotion while not succumbing to it by analyzing those people and situations that develop around her. This is a rendering born of survival in a strange and somewhat brutal land where defiance is met with death.
The magic / Gene aspects are subtle in presentation and no one entity is gifted with power resolute. A gnome (?) whom taught Jo her letters, brings forth an underlying mystery that is almost casual in approach but hints of great depth.
I am looking forward to the next in this series.
4.9/5
SciFi / Post Apoc
Review: The writing is superb in this first installment of the Fleet. Character development is deep that builds with the movement.
I really liked Jo, as she internalizes emotion while not succumbing to it by analyzing those people and situations that develop around her. This is a rendering born of survival in a strange and somewhat brutal land where defiance is met with death.
The magic / Gene aspects are subtle in presentation and no one entity is gifted with power resolute. A gnome (?) whom taught Jo her letters, brings forth an underlying mystery that is almost casual in approach but hints of great depth.
I am looking forward to the next in this series.
4.9/5
June 28, 2026
very mysterious world
From the very first pages, I felt drawn into a carefully crafted, dark, and mysterious world. I was especially moved by Josephine’s character. Her strength, intelligence, and determination made me root for her the whole way through. The author does a great job blending fantasy with science fiction elements, and the story builds tension with every chapter. This is a book for readers who enjoy rich worldbuilding, intrigue, and memorable characters that stay with you long after finishing the story.
From the very first pages, I felt drawn into a carefully crafted, dark, and mysterious world. I was especially moved by Josephine’s character. Her strength, intelligence, and determination made me root for her the whole way through. The author does a great job blending fantasy with science fiction elements, and the story builds tension with every chapter. This is a book for readers who enjoy rich worldbuilding, intrigue, and memorable characters that stay with you long after finishing the story.
August 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! It is full of enticing descriptions which make the various places and spaces come alive. The characters are well developed and relatable. You really feel for them and share in their success and failures. It was hard to put down as it's fast paced and flows nicely. I am excited to read the second book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 18, 2026
Very cool. Kinda steampunk in the sense that they have technological advancements above their means. Sci fi fantasy, id say high not epic… it is detailed but theres this flowy way to it that Doesn’t follow such a strict overwhelming amount of stuff that epic genre books seems to have about them. I do not know how to describe it. Good read :).
July 20, 2026
Great story line, lovely writing.
I wish it could have answered more questions but im guessing the next 3 parts will answer these.
I really liked the throwback Easter eggs.
Thank-you to Booksirens for allowing mento ARC read this book.
I wish it could have answered more questions but im guessing the next 3 parts will answer these.
I really liked the throwback Easter eggs.
Thank-you to Booksirens for allowing mento ARC read this book.
August 12, 2026
Hugely enjoyable!
Dynamic characters and a great story. I look forward to reading the rest.
Thank you to Booksirens for my copy.
Dynamic characters and a great story. I look forward to reading the rest.
Thank you to Booksirens for my copy.
August 29, 2026
Interesting set up for world building, but I didn't really connect with the characters. It felt rather simplistic and the motivation of the characters was not always apparent.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews