Archive Version of Illuminaria

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

This story is having a serious overhaul. The new version is here:Illuminaria - Version 2

I had to take a break from writing for personal reasons, and when I came back, I found I didn't really like where I had ended up. Additionally, rereading the tale from the beginning, I saw a bunch of areas where I could have done things much better. Reader comments were especially help in pointing out choices I made that were not appreciated.

The result is I am starting back at chapter 1 and rewriting. While there will be many ideas and even sections carried forward into the new version, there will be some significant changes as well. I will start posting the new chapters before the end of the year.

I do apologize for vanishing from the community with no warning or explanation.

Information

Status: Cancelled
Year: 2023
Author: Capaluchu

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.3/ 5.0
Followers: 1,243
Views: 814,426

What readers say about Archive Version of Illuminaria

“The story in itself brings a different point of view we normally see in isekai stories, a healer at that, not normally seen, one that can also go on offensive and stand his ground, I like it because of that, I got a bit sad when you didn't post for a month,…”
Mussa321Royal Road5.0 / 5
“There are so many things I absolutely love about this story, so here are a few to start with (in no particular order): Story: The author has set up a grand new world full of possibilities, from the races to types of skills / traits - everything is described…”
LunaSeaRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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

Community Reviews(10)

Mussa321Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The story in itself brings a different point of view we normally see in isekai stories, a healer at that, not normally seen, one that can also go on offensive and stand his ground, I like it because of that, I got a bit sad when you didn't post for a month, and worried that it would end, but I'm glad you are back.
LunaSeaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
There are so many things I absolutely love about this story, so here are a few to start with (in no particular order):
Story:
The author has set up a grand new world full of possibilities, from the races to types of skills / traits - everything is described elegantly and succinctly, with no wasted words and just the right pace throughout. (Plus the humor is awesome). Don't get me wrong - just because the author doesn't wax lyrical for no reason, doesn't mean that the setting and characters are given cursory descriptions. On the contrary, we're constantly treated to scene after scene that translates brilliantly off screen into the mind's eye - a testament to the author's ability to suck the reader in and tell a great story. I laughed, I gasped, I sat on the edge of my seat, and (now and then) I had to hold back tears.
Characters:
I enjoy Joe's character, of course, since he's portrayed as someone infinitely human. He isn't filled with false bravado, he isn't a pushover, and he isn't annoyingly self-righteous or 'woe-is-me' (despite everything he's been through). Instead, we're blessed with a protagonist who's empathetic, smart, intuitive, understanding, funny, and resilient. It'll be a great pleasure to see where he goes from here.
Style:
Zero complaints. There are no lengthy expositions droning on about the world etc etc - we learn as Joe learns, without having to read a dictionary or ten. System screens are well formatted, and even the system itself is cleverly crafted with a solidly believable progression - all proof of the author's dedication and creativity.
Grammar:
Despite being distracted by the story, I couldn't find anything to pick on.
Vocabulary:
I thoroughly enjoy the fact that not only is the author unafraid to use 'less common' words, but each word is wielded perfectly and economically for maximum impact. Instead of two or more words, the author chooses only one word that perfectly encapsulates what they're trying to communicate to the reader.
KleggtRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Story: Although for the first few chapters there is not a immediate hook or dire obstacle for Joe to overcome, the slow burn is still an absolute pleasure to read. Our MC is content to learn more about this new world he is now a part of, and the progression suits this goal.
Character: Joe is a kind and compassionate MC, and immediately befriends (most of) the other individuals he comes into contact with. It is very wholesome and it is nice to read a story where you can root for the main character as he is a mostly normal, polite individual just doing his best.
Style: The writing had sufficient detail to paint a lovely picture of the Illuminaria and the village Joe first visits. The worldbuilding is nicly woven into the narrative and does not feel out of place, which follows the easy to read structure of the writing. Dialogue is clear and the game aspects are not overly jarring in the context of which they are apparent.
Grammar: Throughout the Chapters that I have read there is a clear and consistent style that is easy to read, and there were no glaring grammatical errors that affected the flow of the story.
Overall, I will admit that LitRPG is not a genre I usually gel with, but I very much enjoyed the style and tone of this one! It will definitely be added to my Follows list to catch up on soon!
BardLyreRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
As my title makes clear, this is some 'proper' progression fiction.
The author takes their time to make sure the world is set-up in a solid and engaging way and leads their protagonist through it well. The use of the guide, Hawking, is apt and effective - injecting a note of snooty advice to proceedings. More generally, there is some lovely depth to the culture and the characters here which adds much to the enjoyment.
I am quite a fan of the Gnome Kaid - who functions as a grouchy comic relief to the earnest healer trying to do the right thing. I do like the fact that there are, occasionally, moments when Joe makes a dislikeable choice - rather than being too idealistic. Also, it is pleasant to come across a main character who gets punished for making seriously stupid decisions.
Overall, this has been a great read - a few people have commented below the story how glad they are to have stumbled across it. I wholeheartedly agree with this and compliment the author on creating such a well realised and considered world. Very much worth a favourite and a follow and I shall keep reading with interest.
AJ FluffRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Have you ever wondered what it'd actually be like to be reborn into a game-like world, full of people and cosequences and ideas about what you could really do? Well, Capaluchu has answered that question and more!
Illuminaria begins with a fantastic, beginner-friendly intro to the standard gamelit genre, providing detail without overwhelming the reader. It's a really tricky balance, but one that is masterfully pulled off by Capaluchu. First, we meet Joe (the MC), who, lost battle with cancer not-withstanding, is your average joe. :P He's sweet and well-acquainted with games, but isn't overtly a minmaxing genius, which is quite refreshing.
Character selection is an ordeal to someone who just newly died and didn't much like the experience, so Hawking (I love that name) gives Joe a special race that doesn't keep to the standard body as much as others. And then, newly created, Joe is dropped into the world without even a class chosen yet. I found this super refreshing, as it meant I get to see how Joe interacted with his new world before he made any other life-altering decisions. He just gets to exist for a bit and get used to that, and that was nice considering he'd just died from cancer!
But don't worry, Joe isn't alone for long. He meets a whole cast of colorful characters, from dickhead knights to simple farmers. But nothing is ever overwhelming. Many characters are introduced, but they're all spaced out and given room to breathe and for you to get to know them a little. Every character feels so amazing real. Capaluchu has a wonderful talent for giving depth to tertiary characters in a bare handful of lines.
The style is wonderfully close, pulling the reader along with Joe as a kind of right-over-the-shoulder observer. You're right there with him, experiencing this rush of new life and emotions and challenges, and it's all so suscinctly worded. Nothing is overembellished, everything is given just the right amount of detail, it's honestly astounding.
Illuminaria: New
DuvilRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
A nice, relaxing read. In a word: chill. So far, this slower paced story is looking to be a comfy experience with strong character writing and good worldbuilding.
Style:
so far my biggest (not very big at all) issue with this story is the style, specifically in regards to dialogue. Put simply, it feels unnatural. There is nothing wrong with the content of thr dialogue, rather how it is written. Especially with character native to the new world, they sometimes have slang or informal speaking quirks, but in the span of the same sentence have overly formal/proper grammar. It makes the dialogue feel off and makes it sound like they aren't actual people talking, which is a shame.
Story:
Like I said, nice and chill. I feel like the reader learns along with Joe (good thing everyone forgets how new he is all the time) and with the stakes starting so low, each instance of increasing stakes will feel more and more impactful as time moves on.
Grammar:
Pretty much great. Very well written on a technical level.
Character:
MC Joe is a great character. Side characters are fine so far, but not stellar. I think once Joe gets on more even footing in terms of his ignorance of the new world, then more time or attention can be dedicated to the lives of other characters so they don't have to act as worldbuilding vessels. Seeing how well done Joe is so far, the thought of other characters having the same level of depth is exciting.
Looking for something chill? Something with a healer character who (shocker) actually heals? Give this a read!
GingeWonkaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Absolutely love this story
realistic in the beginning of the mc being clueless about how things work
best written story about a support class I’ve ever read
great character development
good humor
author is very active in those community and takes reader suggestions
very prompt releases for chapters
book 2 wrapping up and book 3 starting soon!!!
Cultured CritiqueRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This story stands out from the rest both with its well balanced story and a rather unique perspective from which the story is told. The story follows the MC like you would follow a character in a classic ttrpg campaign giving the whole novel its unique pace that feels very much like a campaign where anything can happen at the roll of the dice. You don't know what and how will something go down but that's not a problem as that gives both a campaign and this novel its charm. Each shenanigan, friendship and enemy made feels both organic and believable like you are listening to your DM retiling their latest adventure with their band of favorite partners in adventure.
tldr.: If you want to experience a true ttrpg adventure without ever rolling a dice or getting a CYOA book, and want to see what a unique and wholesome story with a realistic and believable amount of action play out, this is your book.
The pace is well timed giving ample time between important decision, life threatening situations and severe characters to allow the reader to immerse themselves in the world, its people and its possibilities, to believe that yes, I could do that without the need for a higher power or unique, special advantage. The slice of life chapters while not tagged allow both the characters and the reader breathing room to process a change, decision and scenery whenever its applicable. This makes it believable and easy to accept as the character slowly loses its human likeness starting with race and slowly continuing with appearance while never losing his humanity allowing most if not all to see this kind of change as something positive maybe even desirable instead of the usual endlessly boring alternatives of "oh no" and "I have to fight this" allowing for a story where it means more of Who you are, not What you are.
The grammar is good, reads easily and I don't remember seeing any typos or mistakes that stood out.
The story while starts off a bit rough probably due to its similarity to
KinAkira1996Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Illuminaria is a mystical world Joe finds himself in after death. It was either that, or ceasing to exist and becoming one with the void. I think Joe chose wisely. Right from the get-go the story draws the readers in with familiar fantasy concepts, however, where I think this stands out from other litrpgs is the fact that the system is very intuitive and it doesn't feel as intrusive as some other stories in this genre.
I thought the style and the prose were really well done and made the pacing of the story very smooth. I also liked how the lore was implemented and it feels like the author was paying attention regarding when to add more detail and when to withhold information to keep the reader guessing.
Joe is a very likable protagonist and comes off as friendly, but still has character flaws. He resembles the common cookie-cutter hero, but he has some unique qualities that separate him from many other generic protagonists.
The story gets a little predictable at times but that's not a bad thing as this adventure draws on a lot of good concepts from litrpgs and fantasy. And there are good twists here and there.
My only issue was that there were some grammar mistakes, but the author does a good job of fixing them pretty quickly.
Very well-done story. I'm really excited to see more! :)
Nard the BardRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Such vivid descriptions of people & places! The flow of the chapters is well done too! A wonderfully told tale that allows the reader to "see" what is going on and join the MC in his adventures
I enjoy the interaction with Hawkins--very well dispersed thoughout the story.
I like the semi-autobiographical description of Joe's experiences with fire!
Hope to see more chapters soon!