Between Rocks and Hard Places

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Follow a band of generally competent people as they navigate the waters of love and found family while coming up against every authoritarian power system to be found on three planets!

Between Faith and Reason

Seeking to escape the oppressive regime of the planet on which she was born, a geometer finds herself entangled in the even more brutal oppression of the planet to which she traveled. Befriending a would-be prophet, as well as two young adults in need of care and purpose, she travels across this sweltering world to provide both water and truth to its tyrannized people. What will happen when her efforts draw the attention of the powerful in this land?

Between Tyranny and Tragedy

Ruler, of Mensura, is familiar with being a stranger in a strange land. This time, however, is different. Traveling to the home planet of his fiancée, Daisy, Bachelor Geometer, he finds himself entangled in miscommunication, meeting Daisy's parents and child (and deceased husband), and supporting Daisy's grand ambitions to liberate the home world she once loved as they try to find a way to the next planet. You would think having a small army on your side would make this easy, right?

Content Warning for depictions of emotional trauma.

Between Youth and Persistence

Rose had an unconventional upbringing, including a stay as a political prisoner, so her parents should have expected some rebellion. Using her sorcery skills honed since childhood, she gently lulls them to sleep and sets off to spread her father’s prophecy of draconic betrayal, convinced she can do it better and more effectively. Finding herself entangled between different professions, political suppression, and debates about just how augmented someone can be, will this world even be receptive to the message she has in store for them?

Information

Status: Completed
Year: 2025
Author: StudioBunBug

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.5/ 5.0
Followers: 16
Views: 8,568

Reviews

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Community Reviews(5)

167fiveRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I admit, the first chapter was too much for a brain as unintelligent as mine. It felt almost like a fever dream, but in a good way.
But the second chapter, and the ones beyond that, really establish the atmosphere and worldbuilding. I dont really mind the Christain basis for inspiration, as it still feels original and not exactly pushed forcibly upon readets.
Overall, this is a very solid story. The only advice I have is the author to slightly simplify the paragraphs for those of lesser intelligence like me.
I would definately recommend new readers to check this one out!
ArshiaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Style:
The prose is dense, deliberate, and unapologetically introspective. It doesn’t hold your hand—expect to slow down and read closely. There’s a clear voice behind it, and while the writing leans heavily into philosophical and theological language, it’s consistent and confident in what it’s doing. At times, line spacing and paragraph density can make it a little visually difficult to read, but the author has mentioned they’re working on that.
Story:
This is not a story about fast action or plot twists every chapter—it’s more of a slow, unfolding journey. The focus is on the ideas being explored and the atmosphere being built. If you’re in the mood for something meditative and layered, it works. If you’re expecting traditional story beats or constant momentum, this probably won’t be your thing.
Characters:
The characters are quiet but complex. They feel like people shaped by faith, culture, and loss. Dialogue is often theological or philosophical, but there’s also subtle warmth, awkwardness, and humor that makes them human. Daisy and Ruler especially grow on you over time.
Worldbuilding:
This is where the story really shines. The cultures, religions, technologies, and languages all feel alien but lived-in. You’re expected to learn as you go, and it can be disorienting—but in a way that feels intentional. The world feels vast, strange, and thoughtfully imagined.
BaskervilleRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
I feel I should lead with that while I grew up in the church and very familiar with the bibbil. I ended being a hardline atheist in life.
So the religious overtones stand out very hard in ways that are rather uncomfortable for me personally.
Which is delightful. Because it is used very well here to being building a interesting world right from the start. Its not often a story makes me get up and change rooms so i can be in a proper reading location.
The MC's initial descriptions are confusing but I think it leans well into them being a place that is familiar yet alien to them.
Faith is used as a blunt object for worldbuilding here but with how it seems to tie the cultures together even if they are apart from another celestially in well done.
And the author didn't do the sin of walking into a new world and being to instantly understand the language. Bravo I loved it. This is absolutely worth reading more.
lar.larRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
A terraformed solar system, social commentary on communism and evangelism are all distinct topics which are woven quite neatly together in Between Youth and Persistence, which is the third volume in the Between Rock and Hard Places series.
As I am told, its meant to be a stand alone story within the series and can therefore be reviewed as such.
It has been enjoyable to follow an ambitious Rose who runs away from home to evangelise about the coming dragons. She starts out her journey strong until she realises that evangelism isn't cheap and that even prophets need to eat. What follows is chapter after chapter of Rose slowly getting a harsh reality check and regretting ever leaving home. (I get you Rose, we've all had to cope with dead dreams at some point.)
The pacing is exceptionally handled. Before I gave the book a read, I had expected pacing to have been the weakest aspect for various reasons I can't explain here. But I was wrong.
I connected with Rose. She was relatable and her story is pretty grounded for such an ambitious setting. Her age reflects in her actions and she suffers serious consequences for her mistakes. The most compelling aspect of her character will be the goal itself, by which I mean evangelism. Its rare to read a book where a main character has a goal so its definitely refreshing.
The only critique I have against Rose is a seeming lack of personal motivation. We know she wants to evangelise but we're yet to know why. I'm still early and believe its going to be addressed. And if its already been addressed then I must have missed it.
Dailogue is pretty strong and shows some diversity between the different races.
This is some solid work. Would definitely recommend.
AstraldudeRoyal Road
★★★★ 3.5
The book is great in general with christian themes, great stories and this is completely inspired by the christian religion and I'm completely okay with that. One thing that does get me though is that when reading stories like this, I kinda have a little queasy feeling in my stomach when thinking or questioning the existence of God or Jesus themselves.
The world building is amazing though and I think the characters are also cool, and I like how its slow-paced and chill for the readers. I think this book would be the best for people who believe in a lot of religion, it is faith after all.
The stories are great and very creative, this is very imaginative and calm for readers, meaning that you could just go with the flow throughout the story and enjoy it without having to speed-run things. Its visually awesome, grammar is generally great, and the character score is something mixed because to me they feel a bit different but overall they are great characters. It's style reads kind of like a novelized Bible in my opinion, if it was written more like a fantasy book. Overall, this book is great for christian readers!