Echoes of Duplicity

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Varga’s dream of joining the Vestigare shatters when his unknown ties to organized crime surface. Stripped of the chance to serve justice across the Five Kingdoms, he’s given a darker path: infiltrating a gang led by a rogue Vestigare agent. Even in the shadows, Varga can still serve—but at what cost?

Esmeralda, orphaned and trained by her adopted father, infiltrates the Vestigare with a mission: exploit the organization’s power to fulfill her father’s sinister agenda. But each step deepens her deceit, forcing her to betray those she’s come to care about.

Both Varga and Esmeralda are echoes of duplicity, their lives split between duty and survival. As deception tightens its grip, they must escape before their secrets consume them.

New chapters on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Welcome to Five Kingdoms of Cordizal!

What is the Five Kingdoms of Cordizal?

I often get asked this type of question about my stories by friends, bloggers, and potential readers.

The Five Kingdoms of Cordizal is a high-fantasy epic universe that is the setting for most of my stories. The foundation of the universe is its multicultural, multiracial setting with several sentient races attempting to carve their legacy and survive. The world is fully fleshed out and vibrant with a rich and mysterious history not based on Tolkien mythology.

This brings me to magic. To me, magic is an essential part of the fantasy genre, so, of course, there is magic in the Five Kingdoms universe. However, one critical part of the Five Kingdoms universe is that magic is an abundant commodity that is a part of everyday life and not some plot device used to drive the story.

In short, the Five Kingdoms universe is the setting of epic fantasy stories with deep characters and world-building. I try to tell as many different types of stories as possible in the universe, and hopefully, you can find something for you in it.

Information

Status: Completed
Year: 2024
Author: CKJ5

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.6/ 5.0
Followers: 6
Views: 7,541

Reviews

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

Community Reviews(10)

Busrob62Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Disclaimer: This review is based on only the first chapter and may not reflect the entirety of the story.
One of the hardest things when writing a story Is finding that perfect scene to start off with. The author of Echos of Duplicity really hit it off well with the scene that he chose. Even though I have not read any of the other Five Kingdom stories, I didn’t feel like I needed that back knowledge in order to enjoy this chapter and this book. The author put in enough information of the characters races backstory for me to get the feeling of the atmosphere of this first chapter and to not feel lost.
I identified with Varga early on as I have been in very similar, life redirecting, situations myself. Enough information was given on his background to understand a little bit about him and his situation, but enough was also held back to want me to continue on the story to find out more. I like how the story shifted from where the reader thinks it’s going in a very smooth way. The character and where the story was headed, definitely have me interested in turning to the next chapter and continuing reading.
The writing was very smooth and easy to understand and the world and its inhabitants definitely seem well founded and well established, Which also would make me interested in exploring more.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the first chapter getting introduced to Varga, And it left me interested in exploring this world further and this character and And what the ramifications are of the choices he makes. Well done.
FalstaffRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Varga is a boy scout sent to infiltrate Balrik's crime organization.
Esmerelda is Balrik's daughter, and she's infiltrating his investigation.
Balrik is eeeeeevil and a fun source of dread and drama.
This is a tightly focused story. The world-building happens naturally as the story progresses. It's organically woven into the story but so far seems like a standard beastkin fantasy. Perhaps more distinctive world-building was done in other entries, and this is a story-focused entry.
And this is a very plot-focused story. It's a small cast of characters, 2 POVs and 2 main side characters, Balrik and Agent Ao. Some other folks make an appearance mostly to add flavor to the world. To my tastes, the lead characters all serve their role in the plot more than they drive the story, at least 17 chapters in. The story seems to borrow plot points from The Departed, which was the last great Scorcese movie, so if that was a direct source of inspiration, excellent choice.
Style-wise, I was picking up shades of Brandon Sanderson, with the expansive world-building, the slow pace, and the tight story.
The grammar is quite polished.
Overall, this is simply a very well-told story, and I have confidence it'll stick the landing, because the seeds are all planted for a banger.
J. L. JonesRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Overall: I am not usually one to enjoy double agent stories, but this one to me has been done differently. Little do we see the reasons for someone being a double agent until it is at the end. However, with Echoes of Duplicity, we see the reasons at the forefront so we know what we are getting into immediately, which I appreciate and enjoy. It allowed me to form a connection to both characters that ended in me turning to the next chapter, eager to read more about the deep dive into both sides.
Style: The narration and third person lend to the drive of the story as the author does a good job of drawing us into the world. Usually consistent multiple POVs can make or break a story, but this one does it nice and neatly. There aren't any elements that would break immersion, as there is just enough modernity mixed with magic that works well in favor of the story.
Story: The author does a good job at finding the balancing act between to MC's without favoring one over the other. It allows us to see how the stakes are raised on one side or the other in each chapter as new challenges are introduced. The way the story also feeds off the previous chapter's events in the new chapter works well with propelling the story forward without it being a disconnect between the two MCs.
Grammar: The grammar is excellently done as I had no complaints reading through.
Character(s): As for the MC's, we see them each have a reason for doing what they do. One for love and the other for redemption, which are two very strong motivators to get things done. We are also able to see how blurred lines can be formed the further the story goes as the MC's begin to grapple with what they know is right for them and what is right for others.
Conclusion: In short, Echoes of Duplicity is a fresh take on the double agent theme that's mixed some magic in. if suspenseful cat and mouse games are up your alley, then I highly recommend giving this story a try as soon you will be eagerly reading what happens next.
Lack of PoochlineRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Balrik.
That's the first word because everything else is of lesser importance.
Setting? Not Balrik. Characters? Not Balrik (Except for Balrik, who's Balrik). Story? Features Balrik. Grammar? Sometimes the letters spell Balrik. Style? Balrik has a lot.
But lets imagine the story lacks Balrik...
*0.5 deluge*
okay, let's imagine we are not blinded by his magnificence despite him being present.
What is echoes of duplicity about?
Two double agents in a collision course (Over Balrik) in a world where there are many races of different colors and some lizard people and air boats. And the fantasy CIA.
Let's break it down like it was Varga's h... self-steem, shall we?
Style: Short, concise paragraphs and sentences without many ornaments. It's a functional prose and it conveys the story well enough. Could be better but its not bad at all.
Grammar: few mistakes arising from natural slips, nothing serious.
Story: The story follows two main characters, double agents on opossitte sides of a conflict. Varga is a Vestigare (fantasy intelligencce agency) asset framed for a crime he didn't commit so he can build rapport and intrude the ranks of Balrik (Oh, Balrik) a powerful alchemist and wanted criminal of legendary fame.
Esmeralda is a girl raised by the GOAT himself (Oh, the goat) that goes on to be a Vestigare agent, while still working for Balrik.
Their fates will collide soon after chapter 12, that is up to where i read, and it will probably be amazing.
Characters:
Varga: Varga starts off as a youngster that wants to join the Vestigare to find out what happened to some people in his family, but this persona is soon crumbled by a time skip where he is sent to prison and ahrdened by the experience. Suffering stomach aches and having to endure the ... methods of Balrik , he goes on to be a mole and provide valuable information to agent Aon, his superior.
Esmeralda: Drunkard orphan raised by Balrik, she drinks to destress and both respects and fears his adoptive father. She's f
ZacheasRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
echoes of duplicity is very much like an FBI crime drama set in a fantasy world of magic and fantasy races. The story follows primarily two characters who are both living undercover to investigate or sabotage rival organizations.
Vargus joins the Vestigare, which is akin to a multi-national law enforcement and investigation organization like the US's CIA, or FBI, or the UK's MI5. He joins as an agent undercover to spy on a dangerous criminal organization.
Esmeralda on the other hand infiltrates the Vestigare on the instructions of her adopted father, who will use her to use the organization's power and resources to complete his own criminal goals.
This is a very creative approach toward a crime drama and I was very entertaining.
World Building: There is a lot of rich world building, and this story is only one story in a much wider world that can be explored in other related stories.
Characters: The characters ever well written and well-developed story. In addition to the main characters, there are a lot of entertaining and interesting side characters as well.
Spelling and grammar: I didn't find any issues with the spelling or grammar.
Story: The story was engaging and had good pacing. I lot happens very quickly.
Overall: the story was very entertaining and well written. I recommend you give it a read.
ddkRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I just caught up on this story and enjoy what I see. It seems to be based in the same world as Jordan's other story up here, Fragments from the Wildlands (which had a very cool fresh take on scrying magic), but with different characters and in a different part of the world (maybe?).
The writing is clear and easy to follow, with good descriptions of each scene, so I have enough to visualize the spaces the characters exist in and what everyone is doing.
I'm not an English lit major or anything, but the technical parts of the writing (grammar, etc.) seem fine to me, and the motivations and goals of everyone involved are shown pretty clearly through actions, spoken dialogue, etc.
The two main characters are interesting and seem to be on a collision course, which I am excited to see. I felt pretty bad for Varga in the beginning, but when we see him again some of his decisions make me wonder if my initial impression was a bit off the mark. I felt less toward Esmeralda when I first saw her, but now that I've had a couple of chapters with her, I think I have an idea of where things are going with her.
Overall, this is very good so far and is giving me strong Departed (one of my favorite movies) vibes because several scenes remind me of that movie, but in a fantasy setting.
NoxVelarisRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
I’ve read through Chapter 10 of this captivating light novel, and I must say, it has been an engaging experience. The author skillfully builds a world steeped in mystery and moral complexity, with a narrative that balances high-stakes tension and intimate character moments. Each chapter deepens the reader's understanding of the setting while introducing twists that keep the story moving forward.
The writing style is immersive, though it occasionally relies on exposition where subtlety might serve better. The dialogue feels natural and often reflects the characters’ distinct personalities, but some pacing adjustments in key scenes could enhance the flow.
Grammar and syntax are solid, with only minor errors here and there—nothing that detracts significantly from the reading experience. It's clear the author has put care into refining their craft, and it shows in the clarity and consistency of the prose.
The story’s structure is ambitious and layered, weaving together multiple perspectives. Esmeralda’s and Varga’s arcs are especially compelling, as their personal struggles and moral conflicts anchor the broader stakes of the plot. That said, there are moments when the tension could be heightened by spending more time on the characters’ internal emotions. For instance, Esmeralda’s pivotal moments in Chapters 8 and 10 could benefit from more introspection to match the weight of her actions.
Finally, the character development is promising. Varga and Esmeralda stand out as complex, driven individuals whose decisions feel grounded in their pasts. Secondary characters add depth and texture to the story, though some could use more screen time or defining traits to make them more memorable.
My favorite character so far is Esmeralda—her inner conflicts and moral dilemmas make her incredibly compelling. She’s both fierce and vulnerable, navigating the fine line between loyalty and personal survival, which adds a layer of complexity to her every decision.
In conclusion, this ligh
Mor_aRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
The story has a strong central theme that pulls you in after a couple of chapters. The two main characters create an interesting dynamic when viewed and compared. In many ways, they are opposites like fire and water, yet in some twisted way, they resonate with each other. They are both trapped in their respective situations, living double lives, circling a narrative that they themselves lack control of. If the plot is a tornado, they act like two houses that are being flung at each other at incredible speed – and their collision will be a thing of beauty.
The story is stylistically coherent, and the tone is well maintained throughout the 10 chapters I have read so far. It is rather immersive, although a little too fast-paced for my personal preference. I would love to see some casual moments with the characters, see how they interact with their neighbors or people down the street. I feel like this would create more breathing room in such a tense narrative.
The plot is well structured and layered, with heavy psychological themes sprinkled throughout, creating a dense narrative that keeps the reader guessing with every chapter. I must say that it was rather difficult to follow and imagine everything at first, as this is my first venture into the five kingdoms universe.
The story is well written, with only a few small grammatical errors here and there that in no way detract from its appeal.
And lastly, the characters. They are by far my favorite part. The author has masterfully created characters that are incredibly articulate in the ways they express themselves. Both Varga and Esmeralda are engaging and full of personality. Varga is cold, calm, and composed; he is like water - still and suffocating - yet his inner world feels vast and endless like the ocean. Esmeralda is like a wildfire; she seems strategic, likely something she learned from her past experiences, yet she is undoubtedly more driven by raw, powerful emotions. It is clear that these emotions are likely h
God of LiesRoyal Road
★★★★ 3.5
Who are the vestigare - a police force that overseas the rich and mighty in the five kingdoms! The organisation the MC has joined was one of the most intriguing aspects of the opening chapter of this fiction, and I deeply wanted to learn more of it. This alone could keep me reading. That the MC has a personal stake in the mission ahead, and is about to go undercover, only added to my investment. However, as an Act 1, this opener hasn't really made me care much about the MC - who seems to be a bit of a Gary Stew and great at everything, but who hasn't earned it (at least not before our eyes...). He is about to plunge into Act 2 - the New World of the underworld, but I am more invested in him as a plot device than as a person. The author is the master of the cold open (this seems to be a consistent style feature from other novels), but perhaps should take a bit more time to make us engage with the MC before throwing them into the fire. One way to do this would be more show and less tell (there is a LOT of exposition being delivered here, though it is done quite well and didn't feel unnatural). As always, I want to SEE some of the events being noted here. Still, there is enough hook here and world building to keep me wanting to read on, and that's all a Chapter 1 has to do in the end!
TikaaniRoyal Road
★★★★ 3.5
Echoes of Duplicity is a thrilling espionage adventure set in a world filled with political intrigue, deception, and high-stakes missions. The story follows two compelling protagonists, Varga and Esmeralda, as they navigate a shadowy organization bent on maintaining balance in a corrupt world. Both characters are faced with dangerous assignments and personal struggles, each trying to reconcile loyalty, duty, and the ever-present threat of betrayal. With its fast-paced plot, strategic mind games, and emotional tension, this novel keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering who can be trusted and what each twist will reveal. Filled with complex characters and suspenseful action, Echoes of Duplicity will captivate fans of espionage thrillers and those who love stories about resilience and moral ambiguity.
Style:
The narrative style is fast-paced, with short, sharp sentences creating a sense of urgency throughout the novel. The tone is one of tension and suspense, fitting the espionage theme. However, frequent shifts in time and perspective, along with frequent "Author's Notes," can disrupt the flow, pulling the reader out of the narrative and making it harder to follow. The Author's Notes, though insightful, often spoil key plot points or add unnecessary commentary that detracts from the immersion.
Story:
The plot revolves around Varga and Esmeralda, two agents working for the Vestigare, a secretive organization focused on maintaining order in a corrupt world. Each protagonist faces a unique set of challenges: Varga takes on a dangerous undercover mission, while Esmeralda navigates her own political and professional struggles within the organization. The story focuses on themes of deception, loyalty, and personal growth, but the pacing, especially with time jumps, leaves some important moments feeling rushed. Character motivations are not always fully developed, which can make it difficult to form an emotional connection with the protagonists.
Characters:
Varga and E