A world of frozen storms, shattered time, and ancient power where destiny is forged through fire, ice, and the will to stand.
The Chronicles of the Standers is a fantasy adventure trilogy that blends epic fantasy, dark fantasy, and sci-fi fantasy into a single immersive world. Across frozen wastelands, fractured timelines, and realms shaped by ancient forces, the series explores survival, transformation, and the cost of power.
At the center of the story is the Crucible — a force tied to memory, time, and the scattered shards of a broken power. It does not simply choose warriors. It tests them, reshapes them, and pushes them toward choices that echo across worlds.
From icy tundra and storm-driven landscapes to realms where time fractures and memory bends, the series creates an atmospheric fantasy experience grounded in tension, mystery, and discovery.
The trilogy follows a journey that begins with awakening, moves through survival, and builds toward a final convergence. Each book expands the scale of the world while deepening the emotional and psychological stakes faced by the characters.
What begins as a struggle to survive in an unfamiliar and hostile environment becomes a larger battle involving ancient powers, hidden truths, and a destiny that stretches across time itself.
A tracker drawn into something far beyond his understanding, Kaelen represents instinct, resilience, and the will to survive. As the story unfolds, he is forced to confront not only the dangers around him but the deeper meaning behind the power he carries.
A Stander tied to dragon blood and ancient power, Veyra walks the line between strength and control. Her connection to the Crucible and the shards makes her both a guide and a mystery, carrying knowledge that is as dangerous as it is necessary.
A battle-worn survivor, Torrin brings grounded strength and experience to the group. His past, choices, and inner conflict shape his role as both protector and challenger within the unfolding journey.
The Chronicles of the Standers explores themes of survival, identity, transformation, and destiny. It examines what remains when characters are pushed beyond comfort, beyond certainty, and into environments where every choice matters.
The story blends elements of dragon lore, ancient power, and time-based mystery with a grounded survival experience, creating a balance between large-scale fantasy and personal struggle.
It is a story about standing — not just against external threats, but against fear, uncertainty, and the unknown.
The Chronicles of the Standers is a three-book epic fantasy trilogy by Bruce Goldwell. The series follows a clear progression:
Book I – The Crystal Crucible: The awakening of the Crucible, the origin of the Standers’ journey, and the first fracture of time and power.
Book II – The Ice Veil: A descent into a frozen wasteland where survival, hunters, and hidden forces test the strength of those who stand.
Book III – The Ember Gate: The convergence of power, where the fate of Elara hangs in the balance and the final path must be chosen.
The trilogy moves from the awakening of the Crucible to the frozen trials of The Ice Veil and ultimately to the rising power of The Ember Gate. Each step brings the characters closer to understanding the true nature of the forces shaping their world.
What begins as survival becomes something far greater — a journey into power, sacrifice, and the meaning of what it truly means to stand.