What do you think?
Rate this book
Zephyr and the Western Wolf
The prince is dead, and dragons are the stuff of storybooks.
That is, until a great shadow passes over the edge of the Tangled Forest. Rumor sent an intrepid adventurer to a tower in the middle of the woods, and the story he carried back changed Prince Zephyr is alive, and he’s being held prisoner by a giant beast of a dragon.
The prince disappeared more than a decade ago, and the kingdom mourned his loss and set his crown on the wheat-blond curls of the young princess. But now, the race is on as every knight in the kingdom and the lands surrounding it have come to slay the beast and bring the prince home.
Macarius has travelled from the Western Wastes with nothing but his horse and trusty sword, but he isn’t interested in saving a scrawny prince—he wants to meet a dragon. If he happens to save the prince and take him home, then that will just be a happy accident. Or maybe an annoying one, since Prince Zephyr isn’t nearly as happy to see his savior as he should be.
Zephyr and the Western Wolf is an MM fantasy romance featuring one oversized drake, a young mage at the end of his rope (or vines, as it were), and a warrior determined to bring a miracle home for his people... or at least, one miraculous man. It was originally published on Burns & Fawkes's Patreon page as the 2023 Fantasy Romance.
That is, until a great shadow passes over the edge of the Tangled Forest. Rumor sent an intrepid adventurer to a tower in the middle of the woods, and the story he carried back changed Prince Zephyr is alive, and he’s being held prisoner by a giant beast of a dragon.
The prince disappeared more than a decade ago, and the kingdom mourned his loss and set his crown on the wheat-blond curls of the young princess. But now, the race is on as every knight in the kingdom and the lands surrounding it have come to slay the beast and bring the prince home.
Macarius has travelled from the Western Wastes with nothing but his horse and trusty sword, but he isn’t interested in saving a scrawny prince—he wants to meet a dragon. If he happens to save the prince and take him home, then that will just be a happy accident. Or maybe an annoying one, since Prince Zephyr isn’t nearly as happy to see his savior as he should be.
Zephyr and the Western Wolf is an MM fantasy romance featuring one oversized drake, a young mage at the end of his rope (or vines, as it were), and a warrior determined to bring a miracle home for his people... or at least, one miraculous man. It was originally published on Burns & Fawkes's Patreon page as the 2023 Fantasy Romance.
169 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2024
79 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 9, 2024
~3.5~
With the mixed reviews, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I actually enjoyed this novella.
Prince Zephyr doesn't want to be king, so he becomes a wizard's apprentice. When his mentor dies suddenly, Zephyr is grieving and unsettled. He has an unexpectedly grown dragon to care for, and his tower, the only home he's ever known, seems to be conspiring against him.
Enter Macarius of the Western Wastes, a "barbarian" who doesn't wear a shirt. I found this amusing because people who live in the dessert do not, in fact, go shirtless. They wear specific clothing to protect them from the sun's burning rays. No one's running around shirtless in the Middle East because it's hot out. LOL But whatever. I can handle a shirtless barbarian.
The plot focuses on someone wanting Zephyr dead. At one point, Macarius, who's a mighty warrior, is somehow attacked and overpowered in his sleep, which made little sense. Warriors are trained to sleep with one eye open, and Macarius is the best of the best.
There's not much relationship development. Zephyr and Macarius fall into bed, and Zephyr decides he wants to stay with Macarius.
The ending is somewhat rushed, although the MCs get a true HEA. The story would have been better had it been longer, but I found it charming and interesting nonetheless.
The baby dragon trapped in an adult dragon body was adorable. I liked the world the author created, what with tribes, kingdoms, and enchantments. I just wanted more.
With the mixed reviews, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I actually enjoyed this novella.
Prince Zephyr doesn't want to be king, so he becomes a wizard's apprentice. When his mentor dies suddenly, Zephyr is grieving and unsettled. He has an unexpectedly grown dragon to care for, and his tower, the only home he's ever known, seems to be conspiring against him.
Enter Macarius of the Western Wastes, a "barbarian" who doesn't wear a shirt. I found this amusing because people who live in the dessert do not, in fact, go shirtless. They wear specific clothing to protect them from the sun's burning rays. No one's running around shirtless in the Middle East because it's hot out. LOL But whatever. I can handle a shirtless barbarian.
The plot focuses on someone wanting Zephyr dead. At one point, Macarius, who's a mighty warrior, is somehow attacked and overpowered in his sleep, which made little sense. Warriors are trained to sleep with one eye open, and Macarius is the best of the best.
There's not much relationship development. Zephyr and Macarius fall into bed, and Zephyr decides he wants to stay with Macarius.
The ending is somewhat rushed, although the MCs get a true HEA. The story would have been better had it been longer, but I found it charming and interesting nonetheless.
The baby dragon trapped in an adult dragon body was adorable. I liked the world the author created, what with tribes, kingdoms, and enchantments. I just wanted more.
November 11, 2024
Mararius is a barbarian from the wasted lands. He's searching for something that could benefit his tribe and name him Chief... How about a lonely wizard prince and a giant dragon that acts like a kitty cat 🤭
This was cute! I loved the epilogue.
This was cute! I loved the epilogue.
January 22, 2024
As I generally find to be the case with this duo, there are some good bones and interesting bones here, but execution is rushed and sloppy.
January 31, 2024
2.5
It has a nice opening with that kind, subliminal humor those authors are able to deliver. What's not to like about a magician's tower grieving the loss of its owner or a dragon growing up over night but still acting like the baby she is or a barbarian who's as sweet as he's hot. Unfortunately I was not as fond about Zephyr, the former prince and now mage apprentice and that became quickly an issue because he and Macarius, the barbarian, have to carry the complete story i.e. all other characters are one-dimensional extras, easily to be ignored by turning the page. So there are some nice images and ideas but no story worth to talk about.
It has a nice opening with that kind, subliminal humor those authors are able to deliver. What's not to like about a magician's tower grieving the loss of its owner or a dragon growing up over night but still acting like the baby she is or a barbarian who's as sweet as he's hot. Unfortunately I was not as fond about Zephyr, the former prince and now mage apprentice and that became quickly an issue because he and Macarius, the barbarian, have to carry the complete story i.e. all other characters are one-dimensional extras, easily to be ignored by turning the page. So there are some nice images and ideas but no story worth to talk about.
February 18, 2024
This was a lot more than I expected, and I expected a good deal. It was fun and engaging and left me with all the feels and satisfaction. And we have a dragon, which is always a plus in my books
December 23, 2023
I absolutely adored this one!!! Not that I am surprised but still. Zephyr just wants to be left alone to practice his magic and read his books. Macarius is on a journey to bring something back to his homeland and have a bit of an adventure in the process. I love how this story flipped the script on the “princess being held captive in a tower by a dragon” trope. Our dragon acts like an overly large housecat and our prince wants nothing to do with the kingdom. Our two MCs couldn’t be more different and that is part of what makes this story so good. Macarius is the first person to really “see” Zephyr other than his wizard mentor. Zephyr wants to help him and his people, not relegating the other man to a “stupid barbarian.” They just work and I read this book in one sitting because I just couldn’t stop.
April 2, 2024
Truthfully, I was hardly even looking for something impressive to take home. I was just... looking.
This was a lovely little adventure! With Macarius on a quest-less quest to bring - something useful - back to his tribe and Zephyr on an involuntary path of healing and finding his place in the world, these two tag up into the most adorable pair <3
"And then you saw Prince Zephyr, alive and well and awaiting rescue, like a princess in a tower, being held prisoner by the evil dragon."
Zephyr was a pleasant surprise - while he wasn't The dual POV worked well for this story, and it was surprisingly fast paced once their paths crossed!
As he'd expected, the bed collapsed onto its side the moment I heared it. Instead of attempting to right it, I patted it on the side of its wooden frame. "It's all right. I have no favors to ask of you. You should mourn in your own time." Everything in the room seemed to.. sag.
The underlying plot of healing from grief was the star of this read; It wasn't too heavy but it was acknowledged and honest and I really, really appreciated that! Ralph's poor tower; it was so nice getting to the end and finding out where Zephyr would make his new home!
This was my first read by this author, and I've already gone and added more to my TBR! There are lots to choose from :D
January 8, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Zephyr and the Western Wolf is a fantasy from authors Sam Burns and W. M. Fawkes. It is set largely in and around the fictional kingdom of Juriah, and the narration alternates between Zephyr and Macarius. The opening chapters for each main character provided a great, well-contained snapshot of both of their situations. Prince Zephyr felt like he never fit in at home, so becoming an apprentice made sense. Now, with his mentor dead and his home falling down, he’s left again without a place where he feels he belongs. This adds a layer of vulnerability to the character and gentle angst to his meeting Macarius who, Zephyr believes, merely wants the enchanted carriage to take home.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Zephyr and the Western Wolf is a fantasy from authors Sam Burns and W. M. Fawkes. It is set largely in and around the fictional kingdom of Juriah, and the narration alternates between Zephyr and Macarius. The opening chapters for each main character provided a great, well-contained snapshot of both of their situations. Prince Zephyr felt like he never fit in at home, so becoming an apprentice made sense. Now, with his mentor dead and his home falling down, he’s left again without a place where he feels he belongs. This adds a layer of vulnerability to the character and gentle angst to his meeting Macarius who, Zephyr believes, merely wants the enchanted carriage to take home.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
January 10, 2024
Stand alone fantasy barbarian romance
Have a thing for Conan? Hercules? Just guys with lots of muscles who disdain shirts? You'll like this.
There is magic, and a dragon, and a hot barbarian warrior, but no shape shifting. The wolf is figurative. The "barbarian" is actually a caring and honorable guy who respects his lovers. His romantic interest is a wizard prince who makes practical enchanted objects. They are super sweet together.
I loved it!
Have a thing for Conan? Hercules? Just guys with lots of muscles who disdain shirts? You'll like this.
There is magic, and a dragon, and a hot barbarian warrior, but no shape shifting. The wolf is figurative. The "barbarian" is actually a caring and honorable guy who respects his lovers. His romantic interest is a wizard prince who makes practical enchanted objects. They are super sweet together.
I loved it!
February 16, 2024
3.5 stars. A nice read, with a balance of drama, action and romance. I enjoyed the world building and the different strengths of the main characters, it made things feel fleshed out enough for the shorter story that it is. As usual with serials that get turned into book, this suffered a bit from pacing issues, primarily at the end which felt very sudden. But overall it was an entertaining story.
January 28, 2024
This was just ok for me. I found a lot of the plot to be kinda pointless. All these things happened...but why? There was really no need. And this is probably too picky of me but I thought it was really stupid to portray the people from the desert as being shirtless all the time because "the desert is hot." Is there no sunburn in this world? Do the sand and wind not bother them? Of all the reasons to have a guy be shirtless for a whole book I thought this was really thin.
January 25, 2024
This was a blah story that could've been more. There were missed opportunities in it to make this a better read.
January 18, 2024
A Prince's duty
A very enjoyable read! It does follow some classic tropes, but that works even better for how well it does this. There is a meeting of two cultures through our main characters, Zephyr and Macarius, and they are opposite to each other. Zephyr is from the royal family of a 'cultured' people who very much have political mores that keep them from doing anything out of the expected. As Zephyr is the prince, but is gay and inclined to magic, this makes him something that does not match to his people. Meanwhile, Macarius is from a 'barbaric' culture, living out in the wastes. A prince himself, his people believe that those who lead need to show that they can and Macarius is on a quest to bring back something that will show that. His people are open to different people and beliefs, as long as it does not hurt others. In many ways we see that the barbarians are a progressive people, while the cultured ones are rather backwards. In this mismatch Zephyr finds acceptance and hope for a future with Macarius.
Zephyr left his position because he knew he would never fit in and never be a good ruler for his people. But when his mentor unexpectedly dies and others are coming after him, Zephyr is lost and alone while feeling that he has to return to a life that never fit. Macarius simply wants to meet a dragon and finds an amazing man who can do magic that would help his people in many ways. Them working together isn't smooth, as Zephyr feels a bit useless and Macarius does not want to suggest a whole new life in the midst of all the changes. But changes are coming anyway and we get to see the journey as they weather these changes and figure out a new future. A very enjoyable read!
A very enjoyable read! It does follow some classic tropes, but that works even better for how well it does this. There is a meeting of two cultures through our main characters, Zephyr and Macarius, and they are opposite to each other. Zephyr is from the royal family of a 'cultured' people who very much have political mores that keep them from doing anything out of the expected. As Zephyr is the prince, but is gay and inclined to magic, this makes him something that does not match to his people. Meanwhile, Macarius is from a 'barbaric' culture, living out in the wastes. A prince himself, his people believe that those who lead need to show that they can and Macarius is on a quest to bring back something that will show that. His people are open to different people and beliefs, as long as it does not hurt others. In many ways we see that the barbarians are a progressive people, while the cultured ones are rather backwards. In this mismatch Zephyr finds acceptance and hope for a future with Macarius.
Zephyr left his position because he knew he would never fit in and never be a good ruler for his people. But when his mentor unexpectedly dies and others are coming after him, Zephyr is lost and alone while feeling that he has to return to a life that never fit. Macarius simply wants to meet a dragon and finds an amazing man who can do magic that would help his people in many ways. Them working together isn't smooth, as Zephyr feels a bit useless and Macarius does not want to suggest a whole new life in the midst of all the changes. But changes are coming anyway and we get to see the journey as they weather these changes and figure out a new future. A very enjoyable read!
January 2, 2024
Zephyr an s the Western Wolf was so good!!! I love Zephyr and Macarius!!! Zephyr was never meant to be king he doesn’t care about that, he just wants to be a wizard, so he convinced his father but he need to disappear and never come back but after the wizard he was teaching him died he was lost, later people was trying to rescue him for a dragon, but He just wants to be left alone to mourn and practice magic. Macarius is on a quest, he needs to bring something back to his homeland that would helped them get survive, he still doesn’t know what he is looking for but he is in for a good adventure. I love Mac, he was such an amazing character, he gives great advice and was very brave and helpful. Hearing there was a price for rescuing the lost prince he decided to see for himself if he was truly a Dragon and help the prince. It was funny how these two finally met, Mac was enchanted by Zephyr and is ranting, the dragon was a surprise because she was adorable. Zephyr and Mac find themselves fighting bad guys who wants to capture Zephyr, learning how Mac people struggled he wants to helping and they embark on a journey. This book was so good, Zephyr and Mac made a great team and their chemistry was amazing, Zephyr finally got to be who he really wants and Mac was there to helped him and support him, I love their HEA!
January 9, 2024
I was very entertained by this book, what with the wonderful world building, writing style, storyline and characters. I liked Macarius right off the bat, but it took me awhile to warm up to Zephyr. I thought the chemistry between the MCs and how they supported each other was compelling. Elidi, the dragon, was a fantastic character in her own right, and I wish there were some explanation about how Ralph came to own her, since there were supposed to be no more dragons. I enjoyed the last chapter, which was really more like an epilogue, but I felt that the plot wound down a little too abruptly before it. It seemed like there was a lot of missing information; I would have loved an additional chapter in between, describing their journey to the Wastes and their reception, including more about Elidi's life there. A fantastic book, I highly recommend it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 29, 2023
Soft as a breeze
They say a picture is worth a thousand words but no picture could match the words in my mind when I imagine seeing Macarius for the first time.
“There was another man. This one wasn’t wearing armor like the other knights who’d come. He didn’t carry a banner. His enormous horse wasn’t decked out in silks and tassels.
He wasn’t even wearing a shirt.
What kind of knight didn’t even bother with armor, much less a shirt?”
Mmm, Macarius and the way he wields his sword. Anywho, let’s talk about Zephyr and how amazing he is, not just as a person but as a mage. I wish I could watch him work. Also, I wish I could meet Elidi. Annnd, if I’m wishing I can’t leave out Macarius because, yep you guessed it, he’s Macarius. I adore these two and they have me completely tied up in their enchanting adventures.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words but no picture could match the words in my mind when I imagine seeing Macarius for the first time.
“There was another man. This one wasn’t wearing armor like the other knights who’d come. He didn’t carry a banner. His enormous horse wasn’t decked out in silks and tassels.
He wasn’t even wearing a shirt.
What kind of knight didn’t even bother with armor, much less a shirt?”
Mmm, Macarius and the way he wields his sword. Anywho, let’s talk about Zephyr and how amazing he is, not just as a person but as a mage. I wish I could watch him work. Also, I wish I could meet Elidi. Annnd, if I’m wishing I can’t leave out Macarius because, yep you guessed it, he’s Macarius. I adore these two and they have me completely tied up in their enchanting adventures.
January 28, 2024
This one was a quick read and I liked the leads especially the prince. But there were things that annoyed me, about how the desert barbarians were described, about lacking in technology and such and the thing I will never stop being annoyed with, calling Zephyr the East wind; when his name means West Wind.
It seems like such a little thing but it annoys me to no end because it feels like the author or the maybe just the editor, couldn't be bothered to take two seconds to double check using the internet.
Maybe it's a symptom of me getting old, but this kind of thing bothers me more than it used to. The story was ok, the characters were fine. The bits that annoyed me were not integral to the story so it gets 3 stars, but no more.
It seems like such a little thing but it annoys me to no end because it feels like the author or the maybe just the editor, couldn't be bothered to take two seconds to double check using the internet.
Maybe it's a symptom of me getting old, but this kind of thing bothers me more than it used to. The story was ok, the characters were fine. The bits that annoyed me were not integral to the story so it gets 3 stars, but no more.
January 4, 2024
Loved this book. The story starts with Zephyr at age 15 trying to learn his duties from his father, the king. When he and his father realized that it was not going to work, Zephyr left and spent time at a wizards tower to learn more magic. Fast forward 10 years and Macarius is a warrior and came to town to learn and bring something back to his tribe. When he hears about a dragon, he sets off to find the prince and bring him back for his reward. When they meet, Zephyr’s mentor is gone and his Drake has turned into a dragon. The story starts from there where they try to solve the mystery f what happened to his mentor. Great world. Yielding with action, heat and chemistry.
February 21, 2024
Marvelous take on prince in the tower
WM Fawkes and Sam Burns have taken the (prince)ss in the tower who needs to be rescued from the dragon trope and put their own marvelous stamp on it. Originally a patreon story they have now brought it out for the rest of us to read. I found it great fun to read and enjoyed it a lot. I liked the way they flipped things around from the usual tower trope and also the way that they wove together Zephyr and Macarius’s stories.
WM Fawkes and Sam Burns have taken the (prince)ss in the tower who needs to be rescued from the dragon trope and put their own marvelous stamp on it. Originally a patreon story they have now brought it out for the rest of us to read. I found it great fun to read and enjoyed it a lot. I liked the way they flipped things around from the usual tower trope and also the way that they wove together Zephyr and Macarius’s stories.
January 2, 2024
Zephyr and the Western Wolf is an amazing story about Zephyr a prince mage and Macarius a who wants to meet a dragon. This was a book I couldn't put down once I started it. I loved how different Zephyr and Macarius are. This was just an amazing tale. I love the world Sam created for this book but then I love the way Sam Burns tells a story. I would definitely recommend this book.
August 17, 2024
KITTY??!
What happened to Elidi?? You can’t just not tell me what happened to precious dragon kitty😩😭
This was adorable and fun and I loved it. There isn’t much more to say. It was a perfect little fantasy story full of fluffy goodness.
4.5/5. The world needs more fluffy fantasy goodness.
What happened to Elidi?? You can’t just not tell me what happened to precious dragon kitty😩😭
This was adorable and fun and I loved it. There isn’t much more to say. It was a perfect little fantasy story full of fluffy goodness.
4.5/5. The world needs more fluffy fantasy goodness.
January 20, 2025
There’s nothing wrong with this book—it’s just too short! That’s really its biggest flaw. I wanted more. If you’re in the mood for a story that throws you straight into the drama, plot twists, and characters, this is the one. It’s also perfect as a quick, fun palate cleanser between heavier reads. Give it a shot!
January 6, 2024
Zephyr and the Western Wolf was great! It gives us a prince who doesn't want to be a prince and just wants to do what makes him happy/what he feels he's good at (even if he also thinks he's not great at it). To find his place in the world. And Macarius who thinks that even Zephyr's most "useless" things have immense value.
Macarius and Zephyr see more in one another than they see in themselves. They help bring out the best in one another. Zephyr never judges Mac for being a "barbarian" as his people think of Mac's, and Mac doesn't think Zeph is just some stuck up prince. It's a good reminder that how we see ourselves isn't necessarily how others see us, and we're our own worst critics at times!
Throw in a scaly friend who acts like an overgrown housecat, and a mystery of Zephyr's mentors passing that gets unraveled through the course of the book and you have a hard to put down story! I definitely enjoyed my ARC copy of the book and my opinions are my own.
Macarius and Zephyr see more in one another than they see in themselves. They help bring out the best in one another. Zephyr never judges Mac for being a "barbarian" as his people think of Mac's, and Mac doesn't think Zeph is just some stuck up prince. It's a good reminder that how we see ourselves isn't necessarily how others see us, and we're our own worst critics at times!
Throw in a scaly friend who acts like an overgrown housecat, and a mystery of Zephyr's mentors passing that gets unraveled through the course of the book and you have a hard to put down story! I definitely enjoyed my ARC copy of the book and my opinions are my own.
January 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. Chain of events forced Zeph to make a fresh start and Macarius was with him every step of the way. The guys wouldn't be complete with Elidi who was a perfect combo of sweet and fierce.
The ending felt rushed which was a shame. I would have enjoyed watching Zeph work on his enchantments and watching him flourish in the wastes.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
The ending felt rushed which was a shame. I would have enjoyed watching Zeph work on his enchantments and watching him flourish in the wastes.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
January 4, 2024
A Prince and a Barbarian
Zephyr may be a prince but he wanted to be a wizard. Macarius is from The Wastes a desert land and is considered a barbarian. Macarius sets out to help Zephyr and they fall in love. It’s a sweet story with funny bits in it. Oh and a dragon :)
Zephyr may be a prince but he wanted to be a wizard. Macarius is from The Wastes a desert land and is considered a barbarian. Macarius sets out to help Zephyr and they fall in love. It’s a sweet story with funny bits in it. Oh and a dragon :)
January 10, 2024
Shirtless barbarian? Yes, please!
This short novella (2 hours) was originally a serial written by these authors. I found it to be very entertaining with two wonderful MCs. Overall, two enthusiastic thumbs up!
This short novella (2 hours) was originally a serial written by these authors. I found it to be very entertaining with two wonderful MCs. Overall, two enthusiastic thumbs up!
January 12, 2024
Amazing world building
Zephyr and Macarius were so good together.
Each brought out the best in each other.
They valued each other and saw their truths.
Lots of steamy moments, some funny ones as well along with magic and a light mystery plot that I really enjoyed.
Zephyr and Macarius were so good together.
Each brought out the best in each other.
They valued each other and saw their truths.
Lots of steamy moments, some funny ones as well along with magic and a light mystery plot that I really enjoyed.
January 28, 2024
Simple pleasures
This was a cute little read.
The plot wasn't too deep and most of it came together almost too easily but there's something about the writing that didn't feel rushed or forced.
And sometimes you don't always get the full story.
I enjoyed it.
This was a cute little read.
The plot wasn't too deep and most of it came together almost too easily but there's something about the writing that didn't feel rushed or forced.
And sometimes you don't always get the full story.
I enjoyed it.
May 14, 2024
People really seem to like these authors together so I wanted to give them another shot after the last one I read was a bit too dark for me. This was cute but it felt like it had no substance to it. Maybe 3rd time's the charm?
August 4, 2024
Great Love Story
Love it. Zephyr and his lovely “Barbarian” are wonderful together. The only thing that is confusing is Where is the Dragon ? I would have loved to hear what happened and the celebration of their marriage. Other than that it was wonderful.
Love it. Zephyr and his lovely “Barbarian” are wonderful together. The only thing that is confusing is Where is the Dragon ? I would have loved to hear what happened and the celebration of their marriage. Other than that it was wonderful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews