Winds of Change – 25th Anniversary Legacy Edition
Launches February 10, 2026
A fully restored celebration of the story that started it all.
Preorder & Learn More »Stories evolve. Art evolves. And so do we.
For more than two decades, my creative work has grown—reaching readers, families, educators, and dreamers across the world. Each story, each book, and each artistic project represents an ongoing conversation with imagination itself.
The journey hasn’t been about responding to noise—it’s been about building something that lasts.
Evolution of the Work
From Ruin Mist to Bugville Critters, from thrillers to art books, every project has marked a new step in a lifelong mission: to make stories accessible, meaningful, and enduring. These milestones are not reactions—they’re results of curiosity, innovation, and a love for storytelling.
- Ruin Mist / Kingdoms & the Elves / Service of Dragons — 25 years of fantasy storytelling; #1 on Audible; millions of readers worldwide.
- Bugville Critters & Bugville Jr. — Early learning favorites used in schools, homes, and libraries across the globe.
- After the Machines — A bold step into speculative fiction, exploring humanity, AI, and the future of creativity.
- Stormjammers — A powerful memoir connecting service, courage, and perspective from the skies of Desert Storm.
Why We Continue
Every book, photograph, and piece of art is a reminder that creativity endures. It adapts, it grows, and it connects us. My goal has never been to follow trends—it has always been to create meaningful work that stands the test of time.
When I began publishing, few believed an independent author could reach millions. Together, readers and I proved otherwise.
Authenticity in Every Edition
Over the years, I’ve released multiple editions—each carefully crafted to serve a different audience. Young adult readers found their entry point through simplified “path” editions; adult readers explored expanded lore through omnibus versions. This approach, inspired by international storytelling traditions, made the worlds of Ruin Mist more accessible to everyone.
It wasn’t marketing—it was storytelling design. And it worked.
Across Genres & Generations
Whether writing fantasy, thrillers, or children’s literature, the constant thread is purpose. Every story carries a message: that imagination, empathy, and courage can change how we see the world. From libraries in small towns to global digital platforms, that message continues to travel farther each year.
Honors & Milestones
- Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal.
- #1 Fiction, Kids & YA, and Mystery/Thriller — Audible.com
- Top 50 Sci‑Fi & Fantasy Bestseller — Amazon.com
- Featured in The New York Times, Publisher’s Weekly, VOYA, Foreword Magazine, and The Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stories evolve. Truth endures. Creativity connects us all.
The journey continues—with gratitude for every reader who made it possible.
Celebrating Worldwide Recognition & Success
Beloved Series & Bestselling Titles
Ruin Mist • Bugville Critters • After the Machines • Scott Evers Thrillers
Chart-Topping Achievements
- #1 Fiction — Audible.com
- #1 Kids & YA — Audible.com
- #1 Mystery/Thriller — Audible.com
- Top 10 Kids & YA — Audible.com
- Top 50 Sci-Fi & Fantasy — Amazon.com
- Top 50 All-Time Bestseller — Audible.com
- #1 Free Dystopian, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Mystery/Thriller — Amazon.com
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
- Instant Bestsellers (2002): 26 weeks on Amazon’s Sci-Fi/Fantasy Top 50
- Audible Milestone (2005): #1 for 14 consecutive weeks; Top 10 Kids & YA for 3 years
- Millions of readers reached via Amazon, Audible, OverDrive, and more
- VOYA Review: “Dramatic illustrations draw the reader into the Tolkienesque world...”
- Foreword Magazine: “Three compelling stories, fast-paced and suspenseful… Brisk, accessible prose.”
- Publisher’s Weekly Cover Feature: April 2009
The Pieces of the Puzzle
- #1 Fiction & Top 10 Mystery Bestseller — Audible (2005)
Bugville Critters
- Follett Early Learning: “Essential early learning series.”
- Foreword Magazine: “Colorful and instructive, reminiscent of Little Miss Spider.”
- The Audio Book Store: “One of our most featured and respected Kids authors.”
- Parenting Magazine: “Recommended Series.”
Stormjammers
- The Journal of Electronic Defense: “Ride along with Stanek’s crew in 32 Desert Storm missions.”