Daemon Hunted

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Magic flows all around us, through us, and it can alter history. You wouldn’t know it, very few do, and those that do are generally assholes. But I can. I’m Cal and this is my story.

The world is darker than you can imagine, ghouls, vampires, and creatures of the night hellbent on causing death and pain. I’m a newly trained wizard, with the innate ability to convert the death of my enemies into my own strength and power. When a dangerous creature begins preying on unsuspecting victims, I refuse to stand idly by while others suffer. Despite the risks, I’m determined to hunt down the creature and put an end to its reign of terror.

But this time the stakes are higher than I ever imagined.

I have a new threat to hunt.

Something sinister and dangerous has been picking people off in the forests nearmytown. Most wizards hide away, slowly allowing their power to grow before seeking to change things. It’s the safe route and the logical path, but not the course I’m willing to take while people are preyed upon. Those who do often forget their humanity and get buried down with their own pursuits and concerns. I won’t end like that, should I live so long.

The creature has been killing hikers and lone travelers in the Boise National Forest. I plan on stopping it with everything I can muster. Even if the police, FBI, Fae, or strangers try to get in my way.

Fren—my plant familiar, duty bound to serve me—feels the same, though he’s equally committed to helping my love life, as he is with ridding the forests of evil. While he’s great at combat, he’s also the worst wingman anyone could devise—though he somehow still ends up nearly stealing my girl. That reminds me, I need to pick up his desired beverage or I’ll never hear the end of it.

Readers who enjoy LitRPG and urban fantasy settings such as 'The Dresden Files' and 'Supernatural,' will find themselves immersed in this gripping tale of magic, mystery, and self-discovery. With a blend of humor, horror, and heart, Cal’s journey is anything but ordinary, and the challenges he faces will test his resolve like never before.

Content Warnings/descriptions:

Occasional swear words, some romantic undertones (fade to black, not explicit), dark elements at times.

Information

Status: Hiatus
Year: 2024
Author: Brock Walker Author

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.1/ 5.0
Followers: 410
Views: 32,089

Reviews

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Community Reviews(2)

Chuck373Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Cal and Lana are becoming a powerful couple, can't wait to see where this adventure takes them. We now know a little about the creature hunting Cal, although we don't know the reason for its animosity. It's good to see Cal growing into his abilities, and coming up with solutions under stressful conditions. I can't wait for the next chapters!
ShyBoyRoyal Road
★★★★ 3.5
and it's on purpose.
Cal hasn't really got his moment of awesome yet, despite being the MC. And it's been 34 chapters. We've seen him stumble, and fail, mess up, and cause problems, which seems intentional to contrast his growth later on.
I honestly had my doubts about Cal being fit for his chosen job. I still do have some. With this warning out of the way, let's focus on other things. Usual reminder: I use 1-5 scale, not a forgiving 4-5 one.
1. Grammar/spelling/etc.: 3,5/5. Needs a serious round (preferably two) of edits! Most chapters have two or three problems of the easy kind (you're, your, we're, were, too, to). Some chapters have it worse. Some occurrences are striking (relieved her final thoughts -> relived her final thoughts) in context. Having made many typos myself, I know how those can slip through. Still, it's plain as day that writing and releasing chapters here and on author's other novel take clear priority over quality. A serious round of edits is needed - and if author's notes are to be trusted, it's also planned. 3.5/5 for now.
2. Style: simply good. I liked both descriptions of fight scenes and of magic. Especially magic. Dialogues were on the good side. I liked that words said mingle with people moving, picking up items, pondering, generally being alive. Style here is good and it enhances the story somewhat. 4/5. I see three potential improvements.
I hope the attributes would be cut. The world felt natural and alive, unless Cal's "system-status-seeing" glasses were involved. I recognize a nod to system stories, but this story doesn't need it. Fortunately, this was used four times in total, so I could ignore it. Less is more, in this regard.
Some Eureka moments happened quite late, as if artificially delayed to possibly misdirect the readers, or avoid too large exposition. Or perhaps I'm too genre savvy or the pacing was at fault.
One last thing here, a bit coat-tailing my last point about delayed reveals. I'd missed Cal's wizardly reactions to ev