25 Years of Storytelling: The Enduring Legacy of Robert Stanek
By Robert Stanek | robertstanek.com

For over 25 years, I’ve devoted my life to storytelling—to creating worlds that ignite imagination and to connecting with readers across generations and continents.

William Robert Stanek and Family c1999

From humble beginnings as an independent author to reaching millions of readers worldwide, this journey has been one of creativity, persistence, and community. Every story, every message, every reader has been part of something much larger: a shared belief in the power of imagination.

A Legacy Reimagined

After a decade devoted to personal projects, 2025 marks a return to where it all began—with the 25th Anniversary Edition of The Kingdoms & the Elves of the Reaches. This milestone is both a reflection on the past and a celebration of the stories that continue to inspire new readers every day.

The journey of these books has been extraordinary. Beloved by librarians, educators, and young readers alike, they helped pioneer the indie publishing movement long before it became mainstream.

The Power of Imagination

Stories endure because they remind us of what’s possible. They bridge cultures, inspire creativity, and encourage resilience. My goal has always been to write stories that matter—to spark hope, courage, and imagination in readers of all ages.

Winds of Change – 25th Anniversary Legacy Edition

Launches February 10, 2026

A celebration of imagination and endurance. Fully restored and beautifully reimagined for a new generation of readers.

Learn More & Preorder »

Stories live because readers keep them alive.

After 25 years, the journey continues—with gratitude, passion, and purpose.

Here’s to the next chapter.

Discover More

2. The Journey Evolves

3. The Numbers Behind the Stories

4. Beyond the Noise

5. The Reality of Reader Voices

6. Bestseller Legacy

Insights

Heritage & Representation

Celebrating Worldwide Recognition & Success

Beloved Series & Bestselling Titles

Ruin Mist • Bugville Critters • After the Machines • Scott Evers Thrillers

Chart-Topping Achievements

As Featured In

The New York Times • Publisher's Weekly • VOYA Magazine • Foreword Magazine • School Library Journal • Library Journal • Children's Bookshelf • Parenting Magazine • The Journal of Electronic Defense • OverDrive’s “ContentWire for Libraries” • Ancient Art of Faery Magick • The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Elves & Fairies • Popular Series Fiction for Middle School and Teen Readers

Trusted by Leading Platforms

Audible • Emusic • Epic! • Kobo • Spotify • Tales2Go • Playaway • Findaway World • Ripple Reader • Sony Ebooks • Google Play • Apple Books • Walmart • ThriftBooks • OverDrive • eLibrary • Ingram Digital • EBSCO • Chirp Books • Barnes & Noble • Scribd • Hoopla Digital • Bookshop Org • Tolino Media • Target • Storytel • Librofm • Audiobook Store • Downpour Audio • BookPage • eBrary • Proquest • Baker & Taylor • BookSource • and dozens more over the years to ensure our stories reached homes, schools, and libraries everywhere.

Acclaimed Worldwide by Readers, Critics & Professionals

Ruin Mist / Kingdoms & the Elves / Service of Dragons

The Pieces of the Puzzle

Bugville Critters

Stormjammers

Explore More

1. Standing the Test of Time

3. The Numbers Behind the Stories

4. Bestseller Legacy

Insights

Heritage & Representation