Dark Flame Rise

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

In the war-torn land of Carsil, a century has passed since the devastating conflict with the Dragonking of the West, a battle that left scars on both the land and its people. After the king's tragic death in the war, The Queen of Carsil, consumed by grief, seeks the forbidden knowledge of dark mages to get revenge. However, her desperation leads to betrayal, unleashing a dark curse that spreads a plague across the kingdom, rendering countless women barren and threatening the very existence of humanity.

Fast forward to the present day, Sen, a humble farmer, finds their life upended when long-buried truths are uncovered. Sen finds an unlikely ally in a feared Dracocian warrior— the people ruled by the very Dragonking who fought the humans in the war. Together, they reveal a shared history that binds their fates and discover a looming threat that could spell doom for both their peoples.

"Dark Flame Rise" is a gripping tale of redemption, courage, and the power of unity. As Sen and newfound allies navigate a world filled with ancient grudges and dark secrets, they must learn to trust one another and confront the legacy of their ancestors. Will they be able to set aside a century-long rift and join forces to combat the evil that threatens to consume them all, or will the weight of history tear them apart once more? In a battle for survival, the fate of all hangs in the balance.

Information

Status: Hiatus
Year: 2025
Author: Kalyma

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.8/ 5.0
Followers: 19
Views: 8,547

What readers say about Dark Flame Rise

“From the beginning Dark Flame Rise is gripping story. The author, Kalyma, really pulls you in with her descriptions and life-like characters. I've found myself super invested in this world they have created. It can be dark at times but the characters resili…”
Grimm00xRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“From its opening lines, "Dark Flame Rise" plunges me into a breathtakingly harsh and mesmerizingly dark fantasy world that refuses to let go. The initial chapters are a masterclass in atmosphere, painting a vivid, burning landscape where ancient rituals unf…”
Haviel2102Royal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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Community Reviews(4)

Grimm00xRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
From the beginning Dark Flame Rise is gripping story. The author, Kalyma, really pulls you in with her descriptions and life-like characters. I've found myself super invested in this world they have created. It can be dark at times but the characters resilience have been super inspiring. There is something for everyone if you love the fantasy genre and strong leads. I can tell that the characters are being set up for a whirlwind of adventure and I can't wait to find out what is in store for all of them.
I think that it has a lot of potential to grow on this platform. It can be a slow burn and the chapters are a tad long but it is worth it as there is so much detail. I found myself getting sucked in and I read all 16 chapters (Total released thus far) and the prologue in one day because I kept thinking about it. It's rare that I become that stuck on a story. I've been reading on royal road for some time and this is one of my absolute favorites that I've ever read here. It inspired me to write my first review lol
Overall I'd say if you want something that will keep you invested, this is the one to try. Cheers!
Haviel2102Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
From its opening lines, "Dark Flame Rise" plunges me into a breathtakingly harsh and mesmerizingly dark fantasy world that refuses to let go. The initial chapters are a masterclass in atmosphere, painting a vivid, burning landscape where ancient rituals unfold with terrifying consequence. The author doesn't just tell about this world; they make you feel its heat, smell its sulfur, and sense its oppressive societal structures.
What truly makes these opening chapters shine are the compelling characters already beginning to take shape. Senna's journey, born from a brutal secret and thrust into a fight for her very identity, is immediately gripping. Her bond with the fiercely loyal and morally conflicted Rydan provides moments of genuine heart amidst the darkness. The introduction of Xena offers another fascinating lens on the harsh realities faced by women in this world, hinting at a quiet strength beneath a veneer of compliance.
The narrative is skillfully woven, balancing visceral action and stark societal depictions with moments of profound character insight. The auction scenes are chillingly effective, and Senna's desperate flight is both thrilling and poignant. Each chapter leaves you hungry for more, eager to uncover the secrets of this Nobledark world and the fates of its unforgettable inhabitants. This is epic fantasy with a raw, unflinching edge, and I am utterly captivated.
JerikkoRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I can't get enough of this story!
Kalyma truly paints a picture with every scene and character in ways reminiscent of some of my favorite authors growing up (Tamora Pierce, Brendan Sanderson). I feel the world and its characters through every step of the journey unfolding. The story is and can be dark, but laced with compassion, and not just between characters but within the way the story is written. Kalyma clearly cares about the world, characters, their situations, actions & reactions, and it shows. There's shock, disgust, and heaps of unease, but done tastefully well, and I come away so far feeling like the payoff is and will be well worth it. I find myself satisfied with character personalities, and don't feel like I'm left guessing what someone is feeling, within reason. The larger world also doesn't come across as completely hopeless, with plenty of depth to dig up. Damaged or fractured sure, but possibly salvagable; this isn't immediately apparent though, and you start to discover this alongside the MC as you're making it to ch 14.
The chapters are long compared to what I usually see on RR, but they're meaningful and captivating. There's a contextual story within the first handful of chapters that's long but gripping in its own right, and I could easily see myself reading it separately if it's ever turned into a prequel. So far there's been a consistent and meaningful secondary pov that greatly adds to the depth of the world, kingdom, and overall experience. Personally, nothing has felt like convoluted fluff, and I'm unabashedly in love with a dragon man 💜.
Since discovering this story just a few days ago I've been obsessed, and can't wait to see how it unfolds. Thank you for sharing Kalyma!
EthelbertRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
Dark Flame Rise" immediately immerses the reader in a brutal, meticulously crafted world of dark magic and stark societal divides. The opening chapters paint a vivid picture of a land scarred by ancient conflicts, where power is absolute and life is cheap. The narrative splits between two compelling female protagonists whose lives, though worlds apart, are shrouded in secrets and governed by cruel traditions. We witness a horrifying ritual birth, setting a grim tone and hinting at a long-gestating prophecy involving a prophesied boy. This is sharply contrasted with the sterile, dehumanizing auction where women are sold as property to the elite. Here, we meet Xena, a young woman chosen to be a prince's bride, who must navigate the treacherous politics of the royal court. In parallel, we follow Senna, a girl forced to live as a boy on a remote farm to hide her identity. Her struggle against the oppressive patriarchal system and her desperate bid for freedom after a catastrophic event showcases her immense, untapped power. The story masterfully weaves together themes of oppression, destiny, and rebellion, leaving the reader captivated by the unfolding fates of these two remarkable young women in a world teetering on the edge of monumental change.