Chained Spirit Caller

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Johannes Volkner leaves for the moon in order to join an undertaking beyond him, or indeed any one person. Meeting several other individuals who joined this group by chance or by being offered a solution to their problems, he finds himself in a world of magic, technology, and constant danger. Meeting figures from history and mythos alike, he must unravel a series of distorted times and places with an unknown purpose against a timer, as a small part of the organization 'Heliopolis', while trying to understand hidden dangers from all corners. ------------------------------ New chapters release every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening, between 5 and 7 PM EST. ------------------------------ ADDITIONAL DISCLAIMER: Chained Spirit Caller is proud to proclaim that AI is NOT used in any way, neither in writing the series, or in the cover art used, which was commissioned from an artist who has chosen to remain anonymous.

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2026
Author: A Rat that likes Reading

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.9/ 5.0
Followers: 55
Views: 7,716

Chapters(44 total)

What readers say about Chained Spirit Caller

“Book Review: Spirit Caller – Volume 1 and 2 Complete (Chapters 1-36 + Thoth’s Records + April Fools AF) Genre: Urban Fantasy / Historical Fantasy / Light Sci-Fi / Character-Driven Epic Overall Rating: 4.85 / 5 – A standout indie debut that delivers on every…”
47WolvesRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“Though this sort of tale isn't my usual fare (and therefore have had a learning curve in my reading), I've been enjoying the ride! I've gotten a real anime feel off of things so far. The story is off and running at a pace that keeps me hopping in the best w…”
Emrys8Royal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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

Community Reviews(10)

47WolvesRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Book Review: Spirit Caller – Volume 1 and 2 Complete (Chapters 1-36 + Thoth’s Records + April Fools AF)
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Historical Fantasy / Light Sci-Fi / Character-Driven Epic
Overall Rating: 4.85 / 5 – A standout indie debut that delivers on every promise and then some.
Spirit Caller starts strong in Volume 1 with a killer premise (moon-base Spirit summoning to stop a time-rewriting ritual) and evolves in Volume 2 into a richer, more emotionally layered story that balances high-stakes action, political intrigue, moral gray areas, and one of the sweetest slow-burn romances I’ve read in fantasy. The series feels like a love letter to historical what-ifs, found-family trauma, and clever magic systems—think Sanderson’s world-building rigor mixed with the character heart of a good anime and the moral messiness of The Traitor Baru Cormorant.
Core Strengths That Carry Both Volumes:
Johannes Volkner is a protagonist worth rooting for. From the nervous, self-doubting rune-mage who summons “nobody” Jill in Chapter 1 to the bloodied survivor who carves runes into his own arm and whispers “Break your chains” at the end of Volume 1, his growth feels raw and earned. Volume 2 pushes him further: he confronts his “weakness,” learns to lean on others (especially Suzuka), and chooses to stand beside his Spirit instead of hiding behind her. His personal stake—saving Jessica—keeps everything grounded amid the cosmic stakes.
The Spirits steal the show. Jill/Jack the Ripper is heartbreaking perfection in Volume 1. Suzuka is the breakout star of Volume 2—playful, flirty, masking deep insecurity, and fiercely protective. Their slow-burn relationship is the emotional core: workshop talks, scouting “dates,” the heavy “dreams” conversation, and the quiet promise to watch over each other’s fights. It’s tender, messy, and genuinely moving without ever feeling forced.
Magic system and world-building are excellent. Kabbalistic classifications, Aristeia vs. Artifacts, the brand-new Motif
Emrys8Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Though this sort of tale isn't my usual fare (and therefore have had a learning curve in my reading), I've been enjoying the ride! I've gotten a real anime feel off of things so far.
The story is off and running at a pace that keeps me hopping in the best way. Rat has done a great job with describing each scene. All five classic senses are represented well in most chapters, allowing me to put myself in the scenes and allow me to 'see/smell/taste/etc'.
The mishmash of magic, technology, and shifting time periods isn't a new concept, but, I do like how it is used here.
Characters are well-rounded enough to where I can actually empathise with the heroes. And the villains? Oh, I've cussed at them a few times.
My only real critiques? There should be more proofreading/editing. Oftentimes a word or phrase will repeat several times in the same scene.
I would also love to see a little more time spent highlighting the different cultures represented. It would add just a tich more depth to the relationships between characters.
I am looking forward to seeing where the story goes. I expect my heart to be ripped out several times as it goes on.
GangnonamousRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I have prior left a review, stating that I was excited to read through this. I however must disagree with that statement now. What would more accurately capture the feelings which reading this story evokes in me would be "mesmerised". It's it truly hard to keep my eyes off the screen when I read.
I will not foolishly compare it to the greats, nor shall I in cowardice refuse comparison. I have been so completely gripped by every chapter of this story, it is sometimes difficult over the weekend to have to wait two whole days between chapters. It reminds me of what makes me love reading at every step.
The themes of the story are gripping, the story itself is captivating, the grammar is consistent and well constructed and the characters are enticing. I hope to get to learn more about this cast of heroes... "heroes".
As for things to bring up... it might be interesting to have chapters which cover other character's perspectives. Johannes' story is chained to theirs after all.
Well, I suppose I'm still waiting on that thing, but perhaps I can start leaving clues ;P
Here's to the success of a great story.
Let me know when there's a physical copy too, I'd love to pick it up <3 (No rush though).
JLDarlingRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I have left a review before this, but I am making another one as to leave an advanced one. It felt unjust to actually only give an overall basic review as I wish to see this person do well. Anyways. This is a recap for the overall as I stated in my other review; looking chapter by chapter I find myself enthralled. It's an amazing novel thus far and each character dynamic has its own feel to it. The characters within this story feel alive and have honest reactions.I can perfectly see these characters working in real life, even at times when they make terrible decisions. They feel human. I cannot wait for next post!Style: The author's descriptors are amazing, I love how a lot of descriptions are very different and atypical. His flow with his writing is amazing how plot connects to plot.Story: The pacing feels only a little bit fast at times, but overall is amazing. The story's depth and content seems like a well spring. It keeps going and adding on to prior mentions states.Grammar: The grammar itself is amazing, I haven't outright seen any errors or mistakesCharacter: Each character like I said has a unique feel to them. They feel thought out and are realistically people. They clearly could be different people fitting into a society.
KermitHermit180Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I released a totally serious review in the past, however I have finally decided to go in-depth of critiquing the series out of respect for my author and friend Fjord. :3. I will try my best to remain vague so as not to spoil the series.Story: Chained Spirit Caller has a very strong premise. The idea of going back in time to simulated realities to prevent temporal distortions using historical figures brought into physical vessels is a premise that nearly any nerd can get behind. The story isveryhigh concept, however the exposition never feels forced or rushed and conveys it's exposition in a slowly digestible manner through dialogue that feels natural to the characters. The series is very high in stakes, it feels as if the slightest misstep can result in dire consequences which overall is fitting for the odds the casts are dealing with and creates a sense of tension the reader can easily get behind.Characters: For the most part the writing and motivations around each character alongside the dynamics they create is very intriguing. I particularly enjoyed Johannes and the dynamic he had with his summoned spirit, alongside seeing how each character personally dealt with the stakes and trauma of the nearly impossible task they were set on. While in most stories the author would lean into making their characters will utterly unbreakable, you get a sense of insecurity behind each character that feels natural with the stakes they are dealing with, while still showing elements of perservance to push past their fears rather then having a absence of it.Grammar: The story has proper grammar, I have yet to come across a single glaring grammatical issue that I can even point out in this review, so I cannot give lower than 5 stars here.Style: For the most part Chained Spirit Caller has good sentence structure, however at times you do get a sense this is being written by one man who is still learning and developing as a writer. The sentence structure and wording can seem a bit repe
Lancel07Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I’m leaving this as a mostly five star because this is the author’s first work. In all honesty, it’s seriously above average for here! Definitely not the best thing I’ve seen on the site, but especially for a first series it’s really good.
If I were rating 100% fairly, I’d probably drop style and grammar a bit! If the writer reads this, I recommend going through and looking over your early chapters, as they’re pretty blocky and don’t flow amazingly well.
Still, I’m going to be charitable, because in those regards it’s definitely not bad. It could simply be even better than it already is.
As for the character and plot work, I don’t think I can say even a single thing that isn’t praise! I’m only on chapter 4 right now, but every character so far is fun or at least interesting, and the plot seems like it’s going in a coherent direction! I am a little curious if it’s going to end up in a sort of ‘monster of the week’ format though.
I hope the writer keeps up, but I seriously do also suggest they drop the pace a little. Not the story pace, but their writing pace. Three chapters a week is a LOT. It might do better if they dropped down to two chapters. Most people aren’t up to binge read three chapters every Friday, so it pushes readers away from reading as the comes out.
If you’re really dedicated to writing three chapters a week, maybe you could do chapters ahead of time to stop scheduling issues so the schedule is way more consistent? I glanced at the most recent chapters and it seems you had several scheduling issues back to back.
Light DragoonRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Sorry if im a bit bad at describing its my first time reviewing but i had to leave a mark.
The novel is awesome doesn't question your intelligence like most and actually drops you into it without even a single ounce of context. keeping mysteries and what drew me in is the fact i got to understand and learn about the world without being told every single thing like some novels do. the protagonist is interesting and over all plot is quite fun. i dont want to give any specifics as to not spoil but i definitely recommend you give it a read.
Its characters feel honestly real. they act and talk like real people on the world. the rules feel consistent and the over all world building feels consistent, the pacing is also great and we get to see some different perspectives in certain chapters which in my opinion just helps to understand the over arching plot and the world's stakes and story. the only thing i'd say works against the novel is as of this moment this review it lacks chapters and i simply wanna read more hahaha
Either way i can say this novel will let you actually think for yourself and try and predict what might happen in the future (again keeping it vague so as to not spoil) which i return to my point where this novel doesn't question the readers intelligence and spell it all out for you and you dont get the simple the protagonists always wins situation but actual stakes are there.
Mr.WorldRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Chained spirit caller is a master class in writing and performative experience - the protagonist is an extremely relatable character that everyone can see a bit of themselves in, while the captivating story provides an incredible environment for him to grow in.
The side characters and antagonists interact with the protagonist in incredibly interesting ways, providing various angles on the interesting events in the book.
I greatly look forward to the release of every new chapter, thanks to the Chained Spirit Caller Twitter (@RatLikesReading) that keeps me updated on all the new developments.
I look forward to the next historical figures that will be shown in the story, and how they will interact with the protagonist in future chapters.
I've heard many glowing reviews about Chained Spirit Caller from many of my friends, who have had nothing but good things to say about it.
It is captivating how well the author can take various historical figures and tie their stories, past, and turn them into brand new, fresh but still familiar characters. I can only imagine who the final antagonists could be, though I already have a few guesses.
I cannot wait for future chapters to show how the protagonist's journey will develop alongside his various allies.
Radi~Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Johannes is a really nice point of view character. He feels genuinely intelligent, but not in a way that's "overly competent." That is to say; he's smart, but he's not Batman. He's still terrified when Spirits start coming properly into play as his opponent; like the divine beast of steel and technology from somewhere around Chapter... 14? Ish? The narration is well spoken and paints a wonderful picture, but it never feels omniscient. It's all solidly told from the protagonist's perspective, and it's unreliable as such. Even the little descriptions of Jack's teeth gnashing as she tries to hold herself back are done wonderfully.
The style of said narration occasionally trips over itself a bit, but startlingly little for the author's first public work. It definitely speaks to a level of quality assurance that my only gripe on the matter is it being slightly clunky.
With that said, though, the vocabulary is excellent. It helps properly ground the reader into Johannes' mind, too; it never feels like he's "what an unintelligent person thinks a smart person sounds like," he uses the correct words and phrases at the correct points, and as such so does the narration.
Placing style and story at 4.5 each, and grammar and character at 5, CSC already gets a very handy 5 stars from me. It admittedly helps that I've known the author's style for quite a while, but this review is a genuine reflection of my thoughts on the matter; Rat won't have Read (heh) this before I post it!
... Oh, and it helps that he's posting this exceptionally quickly by webnovel standards. His dedication to the story is really impressive, speaking from first-hand experience with him.
The CrusaderRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
As in my prior review upon the debut of this fic, I was excited to see the growth in both the story and writer behind it - And, frankly, I've already seen improvement from day one, and with this first arc nearing it's end (I think), I believe it's about time to drop a more proper review.
Frankly, this is a story I will be following the adaptation of very closely, for as long as you're writing - I love the character-first presentation of the plot, and though there were rough patches early on (particularly regarding the sheer number of character we hadn't met yet), now that the story has hit its stride and (temporarily) trimmed down the number of characters in these latest chapters to focus on Johannes and his Called Spirit for a bit, the pacing feels considerably better.
Of course, I understand that the story will expand and eventually encompass more characters, but I believe that the pace the story is currently moving with is quite good, and now perhaps characters can be introduced more steadily, as opposed to all of them being dumped in our laps, such as what was the case with the earlier chapters.
That all being said, I hope you're proud of what you've gotten out there so far, and I hope this style of writing continues to develop and grow, as I will be watching with increasing interest.