Apparatus Of Change

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Incarnated into a world no longer familiar, with no clues as to what happened or destination in mind, a new being creates a home. But the world was never kind before, and that has not changed. And so begins a new life of small steps and large consequences, amid a change that could be the end of everything.

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2022
Author: argusthecat

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.5/ 5.0
Followers: 1,853
Views: 902,064

What readers say about Apparatus Of Change

“I really enjoy the writing style of this story. The philosophical pondering of the main character are really enjoyable to read. It's as much a self-study as it is a character study. It is a meditation on the self and an ode to choosing to be better. While,…”
Irah RyphsonRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“(I read the first half-dozen chapters on Patreon) A refreshing reincarnation tale, youthful curiousity and experimentation with abilities mesh to weave a wonderful work. There are some very interesting skills that can be unlocked. The LitRPG aspects really…”
1Royal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Community Reviews(10)

Irah RyphsonRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I really enjoy the writing style of this story. The philosophical pondering of the main character are really enjoyable to read. It's as much a self-study as it is a character study. It is a meditation on the self and an ode to choosing to be better. While, as a reader, we may not agree with the decision made by the main character, it is easy to understand them since the characters are so well formed and fleshed out. Many stories miss the little details about someone that tell so much about them and this story doesn't. The epistemological self analysis contrasted against the gritty, apocalyptic fantasy setting is a refreshing and complex pleasure to read. The story beats have been almost musical. The rise of tension and action is beautifully balanced with the resolutions and consequenses of actions. I love the characters. I love how dynamic the relationships are. I love how much room there is to read into and feel the world and the cast being presented to us. There are some spelling errors and points where the wrong words slipped through, but it's nothing egregious.
This story sucked me in steadily. I picked it up just to give it a try and suddenly I've found myself hard pressed to put it down. I'm sad to have caught up and am seriously considering joining the patreon to get the advanced chapters.
Definitely recommend giving this a read.
1Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
(I read the first half-dozen chapters on Patreon)
A refreshing reincarnation tale, youthful curiousity and experimentation with abilities mesh to weave a wonderful work. There are some very interesting skills that can be unlocked. The LitRPG aspects really do their part, both influencing the story in the near-term and hinting at what is yet to come in the future.
In terms of pacing, there's definately constant progression, though it comes in shorter bursts, with most of the exposition made up of errant thoughts, skill experimentation, and memories of lives past. Unique stylistic touches are noticeable, and in my opinion, benefit the story greatly.
The plot is still coalescing, but the general strokes are clear enough. This core won't shy away from interacting with the world, even when it might be safer to burrow deep and hide. However, that does not mean the protagonist is pacifistic; far from it.
Regarding characters, only the protagonist has truly been introduced; it is a conglomerate of distinct lives, which has a rather major effect on the the story as a whole. Chapters are by and large free of errors, there's a clear polish to the work.
As a closing note, I love the entire dungeon core genre, especially the stories that use a more contemplative tone for their main character, so this is right up my alley. I'm really quite excited to read more; the author is one of the best, and the premise is highly promising.
AdictedReaderRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The writing style feels very much like the story, Sunflower. This works very well. Writing quality is better than any other dungecore story i have read here.Most of the story up until now has a mellow mood periodically on the brink of tragedy often curbed by a core of four unveiling souls now as one, affraid of loneliness that can only be countered by being vulnerable.There is plenty of progress each chapter with growth in power more subtle, far away from the godly levels most dungeon stories quickly reach. But still plenty significantThe low score OF 4.58 as off writing this is not deserved, the only real reason i can imagine is about taste. Tanking a stories score based on personal taste is just a disservice to those that actually enjoy well written stories that are slower, making it harder to find them, reducing authors incentive to write them, making them less vissible. Especially knowing the inpact scorring has on stories vissibility here. It is not Fair.
DamagedRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
It takes the core (heh) premise of the genre and twists around to a sideways view of it. There are some numbers and stats, but you honestly can ignore those if you so desire and focus on the narrative.
Grammar is good, narrative voice consistent, and the characters have life and vibrancy to them.
Quite an enjoyable read, and looking forward to more.
Doctor ZeroRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Argus writes amazing depressed-but-doing-the-thing-anyway stories. Also, my favorite delving book. So of course, his new book is the antithesis of that - a chipper little dungeon core, who happily does the thing. It's wonderful.
Style/Story:
This is a deft example of a difficult genre. The MC and magic system are immediately interesting and engaging. The style stays true to the dungeon core genre, while sidestepping it's pitfalls of excessive rumination, random progression, or nothing happening.
The magic system and the MC's backstory are what really make the first chapters. There's a lot there to get you thinking about how it's all going to play out. Also, there's space for the reader to think about what paths they would pick (I probably would have been eaten by a bird by chapter 2).
5/5 it's great.
Grammar:
Grammar is perfect. He's a pro.
Character:
The MC is both likable and foriegn, with hidden depths we can see the edges of. I've read a lot of dungeon core, and this is the right MC at the right time. Someone new, who leaves behind the tropes that need a rest, but keeps the stuff we like.
This is a great book. Read it.
Two extra words.
DorrinRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Not your standard dungeon core story. Most of them are not great imo. Why do I read so many of them, lol lmao. This one has a strong foundation so far, and given the author an excellent forecast for quality of story, characters and worldbuilding. Most dungeon cores I wouldn't want to live near not to mention inside of their territory. This one I'd vote for President in a heartbeat. I look forward to how they will continue to grow with their community, how they'll handle the trials and tribulations that comes with the world they live in.
Overall got five stars, for previously stated reasons. Really no need to go over them all again in any sort of detail at all.
Style got five stars, the worldbuilding is rolling along fantastically.
Story got five stars, I'm only ten chapters in but I have high hopes.
Grammar got five stars because it is top tier, I have detected zero typos.
Character got five stars for what we can see so far, for example, the MC is complicated and unique. We have barely touched the rest of the characters but I look forward given what little we've seen so far.
In conclusion, this story has my vote. Vote Dungeon Core!
DulbergRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
As the title says, an absolutely amazing slow-burn, one that manages to make the world feel lived in, if it’s ever sold I would buy it in a heartbeat. Of course it’s not for everyone, as slow burns can be, but I feel it’s an amazing addition to the dungeon core genre. Can’t wait for more
EiferRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
First off, I'm giving 5 stars due to have the rating system works - which is barely - and anything below basically works as a down vote.The progress in the story is very slow, compared to other dungeon writings and can get a bit tedious at times because you spend the majority of the time following the MC's inner thoughts and angst about their existance and abilities.For those that like the more introspective stuff, this would be a great book. The inner monologues serve a purpose and bring actual change in the characters actions, so patience is rewarded.I find the story troublesome in regards to the conflicts in it. At current chapter, there's been no victory, no success in maintaining agency, for our MC, and the way it's done is frustrating to me. At the current rate, it will be several books before we see any actual "win" scenarious, instead of just a constant death/flee/depression cycle.That being said, I liked the magic system and the world building and I feel that the characters are slowly but steadily being fleshed out.
GaledeepRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I'm a fan of most of the authors works, but I am enjoying this one thoroughly. It is a very slow paced, incremental start, but we're already to the point where lots of little decisions are starting to accrete around themselves and pick up steam.
It's not a fast build, but hints are dropped consistently, and are starting to add up to a view of the world and the situation our protagonist finds itself (themself?) in, as they try to make the best of things.
It's a rare 'core' story where the premise isn't to destroy, or to build up, or to do mad experiments. Instead, our protagonist just wants to help. I like that.
JHMVRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I've read Argu's previous stories, the daily grind and kitty cat kill sat. It's why I'm here, I've learned to like Argus style of writting and worldbuilding.
Apparatus of change is still in the early chapters, so I don't know where the story will go, but it is a very Argus story, with a weirdo main character (a d6) with unfathomable powers (nudge material) deciding that kindness is good actually.
What I'm saying is that if you're looking for a power fantasy story where the fantasy is punching people in the face, maybe this one is not for you, but if the power fantasy is building a better world for the people around you, this is a good one.