Wind: The TOR’OC TRILOGY

Wind by film director and screen-writer Barry Alexander Brown is the first book in the Tor’oc Trilogy. Brown’s fantasy follows Aeon the Leaf as he embarks on an epic journey of discovery. As Aeon crosses the mighty river back to the Out World, he steps into terrain that no Tor’oc has tread in generations. Led by Jannonons and guided by the wisdom of the Trees, Aeon not only discovers himself but also his legacy and destiny. Brown’s novel is a mythical fantasy that relies heavily on characters’ relationships with the natural world. Brown begins his novel with a fire. A water element reveals to Aeon that he is the chosen one, setting him on his journey. Aeon crosses the river Divul into the Out World. He is the first of her kind to walk on the lands of her ancestors. Aeon connects with the Trees through the language of the Wind, learning the ancestral wisdom she’ll need to complete her journey. The use of the four elements is critical in Brown’s storytelling.

Most people know Barry Alexander Brown from his socially conscious films. At first glance, this novel might seem like a stretch from his cinematic works. However, Brown uses his storytelling to fight back against the attacks on people’s identity and the environment from the current U.S. administration. As an immigrant himself, Brown’s character tackles displacement and the duality of cultural identities. And by giving the trees sentience, he shows the need to respect and learn from nature.

World-building is essential in many fantasy novels, and Brown does not disappoint. The landscape and scenery are vivid and detailed. The land and the trees that grow work as their own character. Brown evokes emotion with the sounds and smells of these trees burning. Aeon’s relationship with both beast and plant life. The history and mythology of Brown’s lands are innovative and involved. It’s a breath of fresh air to read a fantasy that does not rely on a cast of cliche tropes. And during Aeon’s visions and dreams, Brown adds elements of hallucinogenic surrealism. Brown takes this mystical fantasy to an all-new level.

Wind works on so many levels, from a journey of discovery that will appeal to fans of Ursula K Le Guin. The poetic narrations and a layered and sophisticated plot will attract fans of Patricia McKillip. Brown adds elements of social and environmental justice that will please fans of Octavia Butler. Wind is a mythic journey across ancient trees and haunted waters, where one boy dares to awaken destiny.