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Southern Echo #1
The Roar of the Lost Horizon
An Unusual Skill
All his life, Nate has dreamed of using his wind magic as a sailor in the imperial navy. By law, all Skilled must serve the Solkyrian Empire with their magic, and it’s a fate that Nate willingly embraces. Unfortunately, while Nate’s Skill makes him highly sensitive to the element, it’s not strong enough for him to control the wind, and his dreams of serving in the navy unravel. Disgraced, Nate is forced to resign himself to an unwanted fate, but that changes when he meets pirate captain Iris Arani.
A Legendary Treasure
After learning of Nate’s Skill, Captain Arani invites him to join her crew and carve out a new life free from the empire. But Arani wants Nate’s help finding something that only his magic can track down. Something so steeped in legend, Arani will need to risk the trust of her crew and her captainship to get it.
An Epic Adventure
As part of Arani’s crew, Nate will learn to use his Skill in ways he never thought possible. He hopes that will be enough to secure him the life he’s always dreamed of, if he can survive long enough to return home. But danger is everywhere on the high seas, even for a ship full of pirates, and Nate must learn to harness his true magic before Arani steers her ship and her crew into the heart of it all.
All his life, Nate has dreamed of using his wind magic as a sailor in the imperial navy. By law, all Skilled must serve the Solkyrian Empire with their magic, and it’s a fate that Nate willingly embraces. Unfortunately, while Nate’s Skill makes him highly sensitive to the element, it’s not strong enough for him to control the wind, and his dreams of serving in the navy unravel. Disgraced, Nate is forced to resign himself to an unwanted fate, but that changes when he meets pirate captain Iris Arani.
A Legendary Treasure
After learning of Nate’s Skill, Captain Arani invites him to join her crew and carve out a new life free from the empire. But Arani wants Nate’s help finding something that only his magic can track down. Something so steeped in legend, Arani will need to risk the trust of her crew and her captainship to get it.
An Epic Adventure
As part of Arani’s crew, Nate will learn to use his Skill in ways he never thought possible. He hopes that will be enough to secure him the life he’s always dreamed of, if he can survive long enough to return home. But danger is everywhere on the high seas, even for a ship full of pirates, and Nate must learn to harness his true magic before Arani steers her ship and her crew into the heart of it all.
419 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2022
About the author
K.N. Salustro
10 books51 followersK.N. Salustro is a science fiction and fantasy writer who loves outer space, dragons, and stories that include at least one of those things. When not writing, she can often be found drawing or painting, designing and sewing plushies, or trying to play video games while her cat demands her attention. (She doesn't play a lot these days.)
Her science fiction trilogy The Star Hunters has been nominated for the Cygnus Awards, with each book in the trilogy receiving its own accolades. Most recently, Light Runner (the third book of the series) received an honorable mention in the Global eBook Awards.Chasing Shadows, the first book in the trilogy and K.N. Salustro's debut novel, was also a quarter-finalist in the 2018 Screencraft Cinematic Book Contest, and won a silver medal in the 2019 Readers Favorite book awards in addition to receiving a 5-star review from the same platform.
K.N. Salustro has also written a spinoff novella called The Arkin Races, and made her fantasy debut with Cause of Death: ???, a murder mystery starring and narrated by Death. She is now working on her Southern Echo pirate fantasy series.
Her science fiction trilogy The Star Hunters has been nominated for the Cygnus Awards, with each book in the trilogy receiving its own accolades. Most recently, Light Runner (the third book of the series) received an honorable mention in the Global eBook Awards.Chasing Shadows, the first book in the trilogy and K.N. Salustro's debut novel, was also a quarter-finalist in the 2018 Screencraft Cinematic Book Contest, and won a silver medal in the 2019 Readers Favorite book awards in addition to receiving a 5-star review from the same platform.
K.N. Salustro has also written a spinoff novella called The Arkin Races, and made her fantasy debut with Cause of Death: ???, a murder mystery starring and narrated by Death. She is now working on her Southern Echo pirate fantasy series.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 10, 2023
Pirates of the Caribbean Meets House of Dragon Meets Star Wars
In a brilliantly written tale that weaves elements seen in Pirates of the Caribbean, House of Dragon, and Star Wars, K.N. Salustro has created a fantasy world with well-developed characters and an excellent plot where the ending will surprise you, and leave readers wondering what will happen in the next book.
While the first part of the book is a little slow in terms of pacing due to the author constructing the world where Pirates would embark on a quest for a mythical treasure in the better-paced second half, Salustro introduces us to an Anakinesque coming-of-age young man with special powers called Nate, a Padamesque experienced (with special powers) and potential romantic protagonist called Rori, a down to earth quartermaster named Dax, and an Ahabesque Captain named Iris Arani who reminded me of Amanda from the Highlander series.
These characters embark on a quest that takes them across the seas and face formidable adversaries like sea sirens, dragons, and the empire's naval fleet.
For people who enjoy fantasy novels with pirates, well-developed characters, a riveting narrative (especially in the second half,) a quest, and swashbuckling action, this novel will satisfy your wants and needs.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
In a brilliantly written tale that weaves elements seen in Pirates of the Caribbean, House of Dragon, and Star Wars, K.N. Salustro has created a fantasy world with well-developed characters and an excellent plot where the ending will surprise you, and leave readers wondering what will happen in the next book.
While the first part of the book is a little slow in terms of pacing due to the author constructing the world where Pirates would embark on a quest for a mythical treasure in the better-paced second half, Salustro introduces us to an Anakinesque coming-of-age young man with special powers called Nate, a Padamesque experienced (with special powers) and potential romantic protagonist called Rori, a down to earth quartermaster named Dax, and an Ahabesque Captain named Iris Arani who reminded me of Amanda from the Highlander series.
These characters embark on a quest that takes them across the seas and face formidable adversaries like sea sirens, dragons, and the empire's naval fleet.
For people who enjoy fantasy novels with pirates, well-developed characters, a riveting narrative (especially in the second half,) a quest, and swashbuckling action, this novel will satisfy your wants and needs.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 29, 2022
This book really is so much more than an adventure story. The world building is deep and the interactions between family and acquaintances is believable. There are very many interesting dynamics: Some children are born with enhanced abilities with the elements and animals. But instead of being revered for their talents, the empire has convinced everyone - including the Skilled - that they are less other people. And if that isn't soulcrushing enough, our boy, Nate just wants to serve the empire as a Navy Highwind, yet according to the academy his Skill isn't even worthy of that.
The book follows the adventures of Nate Nowind as he searches for a place to belong, and a desire to be appreciated for his Skill.
Highly, highly recommend!
This is a short quick read.
The book follows the adventures of Nate Nowind as he searches for a place to belong, and a desire to be appreciated for his Skill.
Highly, highly recommend!
This is a short quick read.
January 26, 2026
It's not often I find an independent author worth my personal time. There are so many books in this world, so why would I waste my time on something shit? I read the first chapter at a book festival a few days ago, and was so impressed by it I bought it. I HATE buying physical books, but when you find something good, you gotta support it.
I hope K.N. Salustro is able to make her dreams come true and become a full time author, because she's already published two more books in the Southern Echo series and this first one was only published in 2023. Imagine what could happen!
Excited to finish the next two and see where the rest of the series goes over the next few years.
I hope K.N. Salustro is able to make her dreams come true and become a full time author, because she's already published two more books in the Southern Echo series and this first one was only published in 2023. Imagine what could happen!
Excited to finish the next two and see where the rest of the series goes over the next few years.
August 19, 2022
I was really impressed with how quick this book grabbed my attention! Typically, it takes anywhere from 50-100 pages for me to be completely "sold" on the magic and conflicts of a fantasy world, but I was engaged from the beginning and Nate was an interesting character to follow on this journey. I loved the way the magic was described and I loved the nautical setting and treasure hunting! This was a fast and fun read for me.
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 13, 2023
It is so refreshing to not read a fantasy novel that provides nuance and gray area. In The Roar of the Lost Horizon, K. N. Salustro does an incredible job setting up a magical world where those with “magic in their blood” need to use their Skills to serve the Solkyrian Empire.
While set up as an adventure novel, the book is much more than that. The character interactions, growth, lore, and world-building are expertly done. From the beginning, one is immediately drawn to the main character, Nate, and his struggles at being an outcast. He is so relatable, as throughout the novel, he has an internal struggle from the deep-rooted conditioning of the Empire to finding value in his own life.
Although at times, Nate appears younger than he really is (the ignorance of being in the Wind Academy), his growth throughout the book is fantastic to witness. In contrast, Captain Arani’s descent towards madness fantastically juxtaposes Nate’s journey, the two arcs colliding beautifully in the climax.
There are also a lot of dark themes, with Dax’s Malatide ability to essentially manipulate people’s blood, Eric and Marcus’s abuse in the Light Academy. I can’t even imagine what Xander has been through for him to act the way he does. Not to mention Rori’s struggles.
And for someone like me who has no experience sailing or being out in the open waters, Salustro made the pirate’s life become reality, immersing me fully into the experience. I cannot wait to read the sequel, since there is just so much more to the world to be discovered. I’m so curious as to how the Skilled became enslaved in the first place, what is this legendary treasure, and how the other Skilled abilities manifest/work.
While set up as an adventure novel, the book is much more than that. The character interactions, growth, lore, and world-building are expertly done. From the beginning, one is immediately drawn to the main character, Nate, and his struggles at being an outcast. He is so relatable, as throughout the novel, he has an internal struggle from the deep-rooted conditioning of the Empire to finding value in his own life.
Although at times, Nate appears younger than he really is (the ignorance of being in the Wind Academy), his growth throughout the book is fantastic to witness. In contrast, Captain Arani’s descent towards madness fantastically juxtaposes Nate’s journey, the two arcs colliding beautifully in the climax.
There are also a lot of dark themes, with Dax’s Malatide ability to essentially manipulate people’s blood, Eric and Marcus’s abuse in the Light Academy. I can’t even imagine what Xander has been through for him to act the way he does. Not to mention Rori’s struggles.
And for someone like me who has no experience sailing or being out in the open waters, Salustro made the pirate’s life become reality, immersing me fully into the experience. I cannot wait to read the sequel, since there is just so much more to the world to be discovered. I’m so curious as to how the Skilled became enslaved in the first place, what is this legendary treasure, and how the other Skilled abilities manifest/work.
July 26, 2022
excellent First Book
Loved the opening chapter and was drawn into the whole idea from the start
The realisation that the life of the skilled was not what it seemed was interesting since in most worlds the magic users are “the Masters or top of the social scale “
I can’t wait for the second book
Loved the opening chapter and was drawn into the whole idea from the start
The realisation that the life of the skilled was not what it seemed was interesting since in most worlds the magic users are “the Masters or top of the social scale “
I can’t wait for the second book
June 7, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. Going into it, I didn't really know what to expect, but it ended up having all the elements I love in a book. It had a good-paced plot, action, adventure, characters that you want to see succeed, and strong relationships. It was an interesting combination of pirates, magic, and mythical creatures. I can't wait to continue the series and follow the journey.
July 22, 2022
Wonderful
Very entertaining, original and well written story. Story flows smoothly from beginning to end and brings the reader along flawlessly.
Thankyou and keep up the wonderful work!
Very entertaining, original and well written story. Story flows smoothly from beginning to end and brings the reader along flawlessly.
Thankyou and keep up the wonderful work!
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December 13, 2022THE ROAR OF THE LOST HORIZON by K.N. Salustro is a fresh and dazzling fantasy #novel that explores themes of identity, family, autonomy and perseverance.
Read the full review on Booktrib.com
Read the full review on Booktrib.com
August 2, 2022
Very catching novel. Really loved it
December 7, 2024
To the author if you are reading this you gave me your card at the Fountain Hills art festival. I really enjoyed this book!
February 20, 2025
Great story! Cant wait to read the next one!
September 7, 2022
This book immediately grabbed my attention right from the first chapter. Each character was very well developed and played an important role in Nate’s character arch. The author does a great job of immersing you in the story. I felt as though I was stranded in every doldrums or straining to reach out and grasp the wind myself. I loved reading this story and I can’t wait for the next book to be released so I can join the crew in their next adventure aboard the Southern Echo.
July 6, 2022
Right away, this book spoke to me. As a Neuro-Divergent (ND) living in what Neuro-Typicals think of as an NT world, it’s disheartening to be told (directly or indirectly) that ND’s can’t and/or won’t “get with the program” and contribute the ways we’re told. Not sure how or why NT’s forget that history’s innovators, explorers, scientists, major risk-takers, etc. have mainly been ND’s. Hmmm…that theme runs rampant in this book.
With low self-esteem from systematic bullying and a caste system based on Skill, our young Nate finds himself in a risky situation with conflicting loyalties when he is determined not to be up to par based on standardized testing (sound familiar?).
A supporting character recognizes that the world in which they live is flawed and restrictive due to its rigid structure; she does what she can to “save” the unskilled from the Empire so that they can free themselves from the mental chains they’ve allowed and the emotional baggage they carry.
Nate’s given a new test – and the reader can tell that he’s already beginning his internal journey well before he begins the external one:
‘They’re not going to laugh at me this time’, he thought. ‘They want me to follow a bird? I’ll follow the godsdamned creature to the sixth hell and back.’
Yup, he woke up.
“I want to use my Skill. I want to be worth something.”
“You don’t need your Skill for that.”
May we all take a look inside to see how we’re letting ourselves be told, ‘No’ as well as when we do it to others. Then make the change.
I would definitely read more in this series and by this author.
With low self-esteem from systematic bullying and a caste system based on Skill, our young Nate finds himself in a risky situation with conflicting loyalties when he is determined not to be up to par based on standardized testing (sound familiar?).
A supporting character recognizes that the world in which they live is flawed and restrictive due to its rigid structure; she does what she can to “save” the unskilled from the Empire so that they can free themselves from the mental chains they’ve allowed and the emotional baggage they carry.
Nate’s given a new test – and the reader can tell that he’s already beginning his internal journey well before he begins the external one:
‘They’re not going to laugh at me this time’, he thought. ‘They want me to follow a bird? I’ll follow the godsdamned creature to the sixth hell and back.’
Yup, he woke up.
“I want to use my Skill. I want to be worth something.”
“You don’t need your Skill for that.”
May we all take a look inside to see how we’re letting ourselves be told, ‘No’ as well as when we do it to others. Then make the change.
I would definitely read more in this series and by this author.
August 28, 2022
Very enjoyable Pirate fantasy adventure. Great world building. Character development was good. Very entertaining and original storyline.
Look forward to reading more of this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Look forward to reading more of this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews