Every year the city of Hanging Hold hosts an event. Eight prisoners condemned to death are sent out to sea - none are expected to return but if they do, they win their freedom.The dark-elf Dirian has grown up Below, the brand on his face testament to his place as a scout and skills as a warrior. Now he finds himself on a mission gone wrong, abandoned in a foreign Surface world and forced on an adventure bound to end in his demise.Follow Dirian and his companions of varying enthusiasm as they set sail and face the harsh forces of nature, impossible creatures and magical wonders all to unlock the mysteries of the Octagon and escape with their lives in this perilous tale of discovery.The Octagon's Eight is Mairon Oakley's debut novel, a fantasy adventure set at sea about mystery, magical wonders and the freedom to find yourself.