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: 1,242
Views: 813,378

Reviews

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Community Reviews(10)

theodiciesRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Very good storytelling with very minor typos. The mechanics of skill slots tied to attributes is interesting and a good balance for overpowered MCs. The MC is believable and relatable who makes understandable mistakes. It's nice not to see the completely clueless repeatedly making the same mistake nor the making every choice perfectly character.
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
SoulFireMageRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This story kept me up last night, so it's only fair I review it!
The author cares about this story both in plot and craft. Joe, as a character is a little too passive - at times - in book 1 but the author has methodically edited and rewritten later chapters to make it flow better and build a better experience for their readers.
They've succeeded.
This is a methodical litrpg, not slow burn nor raucously fast. Rather it's a solid steady sort, something I've missed for a while as many have been either too fast and OP (I love OP stuff mind) or they've taken slow burn to the point of being glacial (occasionally this works top).
Joe doesn't race through levels and powers and abilities but stacks them somewhat logically (from the story point of view) and methodically. Also the system is stingy 🤣🤣🤣
It's a well written little gem that I expect to see on Kindle without much fuss.
Totally not a writerRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The moment I found out that the MC is going to be a healer, I instantly fell in love with it plus the author did a very good job transporting the MC to the new world. The world building is great and oh my gosh is the fight scenes amazing. I encourage you to read it because this has been a fun read for me
jjhuttoRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
First off, I dont give all five star reviews. I try to be as honest and realistic as possible. Plus I don't think anyone reads or believes the all five star reviews...
Well too bad, because this one does it for me. I actually smile as I read some of the paragraphs in this prose because they are truly enjoyable. In fact, I think it is only a matter of time before this story blows up, and I wanted to get here first and throw in a great review before the unwashed masses got involved.
The style is so smooth and fresh. It is intriguing and relaxing at the same time. The take the author has on some of the most classic magic tropes is a joy to read, and a delight to think through.
Grammar is above par for an average novel by the time I have read it, and the character development, while a little slow to start (two chapters) has me genuinely believing in MC as a human being.
You can tell that this system and its world backdrop has been meticulously thought out to give the reader a coherent and smoothe experience as we navigate this new world along with the MC.
This isn’t the story RR asked for, but its the one it needs right now. Works like this will keep the LitRPG genre alive and well. Not an ever descending spiral of self deprecating satire or shallow harem offshoots.
Give this one a chance, in fact if this guy ever puts out a patreon, pay him to write more. This is a book you want to read.
It's the kind of book that reminds us why we love reading in the first place.
kanundraRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Opening.
What’s not to love about being shoved right into the story in the first few lines…. Suits me right away, I don’t mind slower starts, or world building before/after etc. But this was good. Just get in there! Done!
Story.
Joe totally is the best thing about this story, he’s just so ‘regular’ just that kinda stand out guy that you can relate to on almost every level. Sure he makes the choice to become a healer I mean it’s not what he thought he’d do, I only knew cause I read the blurb. But it’s interesting because there’s a lot these guys can’t do, and I’m more than sure this isn’t going to just be boring by any means.
I think this is a nice and believable world, the author’s done a really good job of making it stick in your mind without going over the top on world building. We’re getting to know things about the world as Joe does, and that’s nice, not over complicating it. There’s some backstory here and there with the characters he meets and heals, but it’s not info dumping, it’s natural conversation because he’s new, and the sick people know it too.
Style.
This is also by far one of the most crunch I’ve read at the start. It’s not hard to understand, though I won’t do the math, haah, it’s basically all the games you’ve ever played, simple, interesting and makes you want to choose see how you’d fair against it all.
Grammar.
No issues from me, responds to typos etc so what I’ve seen has already been tweaked and fixed. Nice job there, it’s super easy to read and flows very well.
Characters.
I do love Joe, he’s just so fuzzy, makes you feel better and that’s a nice thing. He’s also been through a lot, and the internal memories of that hit home. I’m glad he’s not in that kinda life anymore, this hopefully will give him something to take that away for a while, and help others too.
The other characters some are of course natural to the genre, and I didn’t mind that at all. They’ve got their backstories, their quirks, it all adds to the read and the feel for the wh
lanboyoRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Great stories, weak to strong issekai .
Well worth your time.
Reviews must be at least 50 words long. Reviews must be at least 50 words long. Reviews must be at least 50 words long. Reviews must be at least 50 words long. Reviews must be at least 50 words long.
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
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!!!
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! :)