Changing Air

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Decades had gone by since Makutu — an otherworldly entity — crept onto the world.Arlo just wanted a simple life. To him, that meant eating good food and sleeping comfortably, but, thanks to the Makutu that simple request had become extremely difficult. Food had gotten scarce, and unfortunately he didn’t live in a great palace. Stale bread was his best friend.

Complete the trial, and powers would be bestowed upon you. That’s what Makutu had promised to humanity. But, Arlo wanted nothing to do with it, he was already struggling enough swallowing dry bread every day, a trial that could result in death wasn’t in his books.So when the eleven moons rose and the sky turned blood-red, Arlo’s world fractured. Suddenly haunted by the Makutu, he entered the trial with everything on the line: success promised power, failure meant becoming a mindless monster. Outcast and afraid, he’s desperate enough to survive — but as he journeys inward, he discovers the trial isn’t just about what he becomes… it’s about who set it in motion — and what they’ll do to stop him.

Power? Death? Which will claim him?

What to expect:

- [A lot of World building]

- [Many mysteries]

- [Psychological characters]

-[Use of symbolism]

- [Weak to strong MC]

Inspired by:

Shadow Slave, Lord of the Mysteries, Tower of God, One Piece, Real.

Schedule — Two chapters every week

Also published on Webnovel.

P.S - The grammar and flow of the story aren’t the best, I hope you bear with me whilst I improve on that.Thank you.

Information

Status: Hiatus
Year: 2025
Author: Orangemath

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.5/ 5.0
Followers: 4
Views: 3,212

Reviews

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Community Reviews(1)

edkang99Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I read all the available chapters. This is a work where, if you look past some of the blemishes, you will see the potential.
As described, the MC finds himself drawn into a trial known as the makutu. It is your standard MC trope of someone born with unique traits, struggling to understand his purpose, and going on a hero's journey, which connects him with strangers who become part of the adventure.
The premise is a solid foundation, especially with the trial (Makutu), which draws you in. The harsh settings are described well enough, grounding us in. The author also helps us understand the inner conflict of the MC, which is always essential.
The story balances action and introspection well, steadily increasing the stakes without overwhelming us as readers. There are mysteries to unfold without massive exposition dumps.
Areas to improve:
First, the author apologizes for the lack of polish. I understand trying to be humble, but let's just fix things and put it out there.
Next, I would like to have some more world-building. Not too much, but some more behind the Makutu.
Everything can be pushed more. Whenever you explain backstory, go deeper. When you explain powers, clarify them more. When there are emotions, spend time on them, making them more intense and dramatic. Push every character to have a unique dialog style.
All the foundations are here. It will be great once you refine your craft as a writer.
I believe that by the time others read this review, there will already be changes that will improve it. Keep it up!