Dark Skies

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Some promotions aren't worth the headache, especially when they consist of overseeing a global superhero organization. Bernard Skies learns this all too well when a grisly, shocking murder reveals a dangerous conspiracy threatening to destroy civilization as he knows it. And, as if that wasn't enough, it forces him to work with his vindictive, estranged family that'd love nothing more than to see him fail.

Spectacularly.

Realistically, though, what did he expect? It's not like his life has never been easy.

Why change now?

Cover art byKira L. Nguyen

Information

Status: Completed
Year: 2024
Author: TechnyGoblin

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.6/ 5.0
Followers: 153
Views: 81,888

What readers say about Dark Skies

“Hi there. I am coming to this more than a year after publication, but I found this by chance when looking up superhero-related stories because I wanted to see what was out here. Many other superhero stories follow the expected pattern of "kid to the most po…”
CompositeCreativityRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“Came from a WP and stayed for an amazing story. The characters, power scaling and plot line were immaculate. The characters were well written, loved the heros and hated the rouges and during the battles I was so hooked i couldn't put it down. 10/10 Would re…”
Nick GutierrezRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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

Community Reviews(6)

CompositeCreativityRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Hi there. I am coming to this more than a year after publication, but I found this by chance when looking up superhero-related stories because I wanted to see what was out here.
Many other superhero stories follow the expected pattern of "kid to the most powerful superheroes becomes greater than their parents". The premise stood out right away because of how you were inverting the formula by asking a question that I admit I wouldn't have thought of: "What if the kid of the most powerful superheroes had no powers?" I enjoyed getting to see how Bernard got to stand among godlike individuals and prove himself just as capable in his own way on his intellect alone. He almost makes me think of what Lex Luthor could have been without the narcissism and jealousy of humanity's love for Superman.
The Alphas themselves (or at least some of them) were reminiscent somewhat of how Supes are portrayed in "The Boys" if you've watched that series-stuck up and all about their image. This depiction contrasts how most readers would expect a superhero to behave. Similar to having someone like Bernard as the main character, it is a nice upending of the formula.
The fights were well constructed and you did wonderful work with showing the scale of the power and destruction the Alphas are capable of. There is a clear hierarchy of power from one Alpha to the next. The way Bernard either outwits or counters them all shows that human creativity can pull through in even the most overwhelming odds. There's plenty of characters out there who prove why a lack of powers should never be underestimated, and Bernard Skies is certainly proof of that throughout the story.
Overall, I thought the story was well-written, had a great mystery, and the twists and turns were executed nicely. Great work!
Nick GutierrezRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Came from a WP and stayed for an amazing story. The characters, power scaling and plot line were immaculate. The characters were well written, loved the heros and hated the rouges and during the battles I was so hooked i couldn't put it down. 10/10 Would recommend to any who like a darker superhero story.
Seeker_AkaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Wow, this book just grabbed me by the neck and dragged me through it’s entirety. What gripped me the most wasn’t the mystery though that aspect was done well too, but rather the relationship between the director and his family. And I won’t say I’m completely satisfied with how that was resolved(which is more of a personal issue) but it was well executed. I read through a lot of the interactions with the mother especially with flaming eyes, a pounding heart and a buzzing mind. The initial exchange between them and how they spoke to him is the cause. I’ll have to go the book again to get some clarity after I’ve calmed down. I’ve probably missed something. But anyway I’m excited to see more from the author.
The prose was good with no outstanding errors and the story was amazing.
ShadowVentiRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Well developed story and of it's characters! Enjoyed the action scenes and the reality of hero work as well. Although there were some confusing jumps here and there, I felt like the overall development and pace is amazing! I could relate to each character and felt so immersed into the story.
Vedant KokateRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The character, the mystery and the plot were great in this. I would love to see extended versions and maybe more of this world, surrounding skies if possible. I like that the protagonist does not have any super power but uses his intellect to handle things. But I do wonder where are all the predige or smart people in the story. It seems like this one had a lack of those people apart from the protagonist
happywritesRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This has been my favorite read this year. Every fight scene was so well executed, and used great use of the setting. It was so fun witnessing fights in all sorts of terrain- from cities, the jungle, to the arctic. Tech has put so much effort into building a world around superheroes that feels lived-in and real. Learning about SWORD and Bernard's plan for unravelling a terrifying terrorist org were thrilling and sometimes even terrifying. I wish I could forget this entire book so I could reread it once more and re-experience it for the first time again.
Thank you author!! You should be very proud of this incredible achievement.