Island Eight

In a world on the verge of repeating a cataclysmic history, Sophia, a Salinian entertainer, unknowingly holds the key to the world's salvation. She intentionally overlooks their king's tyranny to ensure her happiness, but not even the gods can protect her when the eyes of the castle alight upon her town. After narrowly escaping death with the aid of a mysterious man who whisks her away to once-forbidden lands, Sophia is unwillingly sucked into the brewing war she had so desperately evaded.

In Island Eight by M.Z. Medenciy, Sophia embarks on an unprecedented journey where she encounters new dangers through magic-wielding Fae, discovers a resilience within her she never thought possible, and uncovers a history of the gods and their planet that will change the lives of all forever.

— Readers' Favorite Review

"Medenciy's gripping writing and effective incorporation of fantasy elements keeps the pages flying. With its well-rounded characters, vivid worldbuilding, and nicely incorporated magic system, [Island Eight] makes for a thoroughly absorbing read."
— BookView Review

"Medenciy creates a realistic and compelling character in Sophia... This portrait of a young woman who steps up in unprecedented ways encourages intriguing discussions of choice and opportunity, the violations of women, and what evolves when the very different worlds of fantastic creatures and human ambition collide... A vivid fantasy story that works well on psychological and action-packed levels."
— D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

"...bingable and well-written. I can't wait to delve into anything else Medenciy writes going forward."
— Bean H., @hauntedhousebooks

"I have been reading fantasy books since I stumbled on the DragonLance novels in the 80’s, and this is one of my new favorites. MZ’s world building is fantastic, and the characters are easy to invest in. She unfolds the plot like a master of the genre, spilling just enough to keep the reader in the loop, while hiding key pieces of information like a magician practicing sleight of hand. The lore is rich, the characters deep and well-rounded. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for book two in the series."
— Gage Greenwood, author of WINTER'S MYTHS

"...I stand in awe of M.Z. Medenciy's far ranging vision and the sheer scope of her story, as well as the delicate threads of plot she traces and satisfactorily binds together."
— Matthew J. McKee, author of KEEPING THE STARS AWAKE

"Island Eight is everything you need and more! This book gave me back something I hadn’t even realized was missing for a long time. When I was young, to me reading was much more than looking at words on a page. I would be completely immersed in my books and the outside world would no longer exist. Until I read Island Eight, I had no idea that had been missing from my adult reading for a long time. This book threw me head first into its world. I was not reading words on a page, I was walking step for step with the characters. I wasn’t reading about their adventures, I was going on them as well! I cannot even begin to explain the hold this book had on me."
— @MegReadsBooks