Embers of the Shattered God

Information

Status

Hiatus

Year

2022

Author

Nexile

• Chapter 10 - The First Step
  Apr 18, 2022
• Chapter 9 - Ruined Plans
  Jun 2, 2022
• Chapter 8.2 - Hunters
  Apr 28, 2022
• Chapter 8.1 - Hunters
  Apr 16, 2022
• Chapter 7 - The Ghostship
  Apr 16, 2022
• Chapter 6 - Unexpected Encounter
  Apr 21, 2022
• Chapter 5.2 - Razan Station
  Apr 26, 2022
• Chapter 5.1 - Razan Station
  Apr 15, 2022
• Chapter 4 - Always a War
  Apr 13, 2022
• Chapter 3 - Of Leaving and Justice
  Apr 10, 2022
• Chapter 2 - Distress Call
  Apr 9, 2022
• Chapter 1 - Deals and Secrets
  Apr 6, 2022

Reviews

Community Reviews(10)

• AkasoRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Reminds me of my own Cyberpunk RED/2020 campaigns, in a good way. The worldbuilding is gradual and naturalistic, dispensed at a gradual trickle; what little I’ve learned of the magic system, the “Gift”, is promising.
  >Style
  Third-person limited. Best described as slick. Feels right for the story, efficiently immerses one in the scene. Succeeds in making it feel like you’re watching what is happening more than reading it.
  >Grammar
  I haven’t noticed any typos or other mistakes.
  >Story
  The setting is a full-blooded cyberpunk dystopia, with the strata of society being made literal by the physical height of where one lives. As the synopsis already clearly states, the crux of the story is the assassination of an imperial ambassador, after which point things just go tits up. The first chapter is a little slow to get going, but the story hooks you after that, so it’s not an issue (and not a criticism I have any right to make, given my own writing).
  >Character
  I’ve always been bad at this part, because when characters are done right, I don’t tend to have much to say that wouldn’t flagrantly break the spoiler rules.
  They’re good, simple as. Nice and fleshed out with clear, distinct personalities.
• Akten DreamsRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  The other reviewer has said what needs to be said so in truth, my review is kind of pointless if not for the thing that the author will gain from my review.
  Style - The style is 3ed Pov like most stories. There is nothing wrong with it and it was done quite well in my opinion. Multiple lead characters lead to different PoV but the same as before it was done quite well. There isn't a jarring switch from one to the other and the chronological order of the story reinforces that. The different views paint the world and its society in a realistic fashion.
  Grammar - I am not the best one to critique this category but so far I have not found any problems in reading or understanding the story as it unfolds.
  Story - The plot is the most complex part of this story and the most important as it's the thing that is driving the characters here and there as events shape their actions. The plot was written nicely and it isn't overly complicated but it does possess complexity. Which is a good thing for this story, as that is the main driving point of stories holding multiple characters, worldbuilding, and events.
  Character - This category deserves 5 stars but in my mind, it is a bit behind the Story if for the reason that because of the complexity of the story. Currently, there isn't enough material to flesh out all the characters but my guess is that it will happen in future chapters. Aside from that, all the characters have their own quirks and desires that separate and make them unique. It is that uniqueness that defines the decisions they make and in return influence the plot.
  Overall the story deserves 5 stars from me, and if one flaw has to be brought up it is that the chapter update is not every day.
  But that is normal, after all, a lot of pondering needs to happen to find the correct storyline and it is that pondering that will catapult the story to the trending list, of that I have no doubt.
  That's it for my review.
  Yours truly, Akten Dreams.
• Banner CaygeonRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  I usually do a little summary at the start of these for reviewers, but it's difficult with this one. There's a future world, some magic/power called the Gift, and typical cyberpunk city with an upper (literally) class and a lower class....but it's so so much more.
  Story: The story through the first 15k words maybe is sort of told through 4 different characters revolving around the assassination of nobleman. But the world just begs to be unfurled...and we get answers, wrapped in two more questions. The story craft on display here is absolutely next level. It feels like The Wire (the show) where there's a central theme, but the story is told expertly from completely different viewpoints with stunning precision. 10/5 stars.
  Style: Not only is the author putting on a masterclass is complex story architecture, they appear to be a poet as well. The prose is next level and they can you make you feel depressed describing street lights, as an example. There were maybe 1-2 times where it felt a little bit over the top, but on the whole the piece reads beautifully and lends even more myster and intrique to the elaborate world the author has created.
  Grammar: Full marks.
  Character Score: At time of reading, only Devan had appeared in a second chapter so the characters haven't been given much page time, but that doesn't matter, it's full marks here too. One doctor, on emergency call told a lifetime worth of story. One rich kid in one scene, told another. The author is able to use their incredible exposition paired with great situations to build these wonderfully complex characters in not a lot of time. I can't wait until they start interacting with each other and have more situations to get out of...or into.
  All in all, I'd say this piece is a tour-de-force of epic proportions. I am beyond impressed with the prose, world, storycraft, mystery and intrique and will be following this for as long as it goes.
  Do yourself a favour and read it.
• BltNanoxRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  I've started reading this story while I was on some trip so I read most of the chapters on the phone. I hate reading on the phone and usually I last a chapter or two, but this story was so interesting that I just kept going even on the small screen.
  The changing POV is super stylish. I loved meeting all these interesting characters and I liked how the writer took time with each one, explaining some of their background, giving each one a necessary depth and bringing it closer to the reader. Not once I felt that there's too much info on something or somebody, everything was so very interesting.
  There's much complexity and orginality to the very interesting concept of the gift as well as to the story's world - its different strata of the population, their relationship, different planets... you have kings, Hands, different soldier orders, powerful houses, adepts, rebels...It's all very rich and revealed bit by bit, which makes it very intriguing.
  The plot is just marvellous....dynamic, thrilling...I got totally immersed in the mystery part of the story, enjoying the ride with all the characters. Their well written dialogues are a pleasure to read and there's good humour present too - caught myself laughing during the read. The writing is super polished, definitely meant for a book not just a web novel.
  It's a real gem. Give it a try, you won't regret it.
• KileJRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Get good and cozy. Mix your favorite beverage and whip up a snack. You're not going anywhere once you immerse yourself in this world. What we have here is an exquisitely-crafted story of high-stakes intrigue. A sort of living history beginning with an event as pivotal as the real-world assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, interrogated from every angle with great skill.
  GRAMMAR: Let's get this out of the way first -- there are zero grammar issues to jar you out of the story.
  STORY: The main narrative is unfurled with great care, examined from different perspectives in order to layer tension upon tension. You'll find yourself rooting for characters whose goals may be in conflict. The world is built deliberately, with immense thought put into the economic, political, and social systems. The result is a setting which feels completely real and purposefully and logically dangerous.
  CHARACTER: Extremely rich characterization across multiple perspectives. Chapter-by-chapter we alternate between the various characters, each of whom possess clear motivations and unique personalities. It's a masterfully-assembled ensemble, and while the actors are not always entirely sympathetic they are always real.
  STYLE: The author has a deep and versatile toolbox and employs it to great effect. Multiple perspectives are not easy to write, weaving the seemingly disparate narratives together requires foresight and patience and more than a little bit of talent. It works very well here, lending the story-telling a truly cinematic quality -- like a Tarantino movie but with less feet.
  The author also has a real knack for prose. Tha language is darkly poetic and the pacing basically perfect. The action sequences are intoxicating, sometimes reminiscent of the best fight scenes from Star Wars. The author excels at describing combat in terms and techniques which inform the reader precisely what is happening while also maintaining the chaotic feel of a life-and-death struggle. It's edge of your seat
• LadyFluffingtonsRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  It's not often on Royal Road that you get a story that genuinely feels like reading a published novel. As a fantasy/sci-fi fan, I have to say the world building is fantastic and interesting, a great mesh of supernatural fantasy abilities (The Gift), with more realistic sci-fi elements "Augments" but EofSG nails it.
  Style - The novel has a great sense of prose, engaging the reader without bogging them down with an overabundance of little unnecessary details. More importantly, the flow of each chapter changes based on the character's PoV that we're following, which helps seperate the distinctive cast even more.
  Story - The crux of the story follows a murder mystery plot, and each of the several character's viewpoints of the fallout associated with the death. Spinning an intricate web, you get sucked into the setting and start making guesses of your own.
  Grammar - Well edited and polished, nothing in the story sticks out poorly. A+
  Character - Easily the stand out star, the novel introduces to us a variety of "lead" characters and their own personal missions. Rather then one dimensional characters, each is pretty vibrant and believable in their own right. Thankfully, some of the leads are even "villainous" in nature, giving us a seperate, often more vicious, viewpoints.
  Overall, I'd recommend this story to just about anyone. Fantasy/sci-fi fans will enjoy the setting and world building, while those in favour of a strong cohesive story thread are rewarded. An easy 5/5 from me.
• Oliver LawsRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Style: The author has a very enjoyable writing style with plenty of poetic prose and detailed descriptions that really bring the world to life. The oppressive atmosphere is very vividly painted and you can really picture the misty streets of the undercity.
  Story: I absolutely loved the setting of the undercity, as well as everywhere else I've seen so far. The greater world seems absolutely fascinating. Through cleverly done worldbuilding throughout you really get the feeling of the world being alive, and the multiple POVs help the story move along and develop at a great pace. I obviously can't comment too extensively yet as I'm not too far in, but I'm loving it so far.
  Grammar: The author's grammar is as near flawless as you can get. Pretty much everything flows perfectly smoothly from what I've read. Of course there is always some room for improvement, but any criticism on my part would just be nitpicking.
  Characters: Macreen is one of my favorite types of character. They're clearly quite jaded and cynical due to living in such awful circumstances, but they're also very experienced and making the best of it. It's a really interesting viewpoint to be introduced to this world through, especially when you add a mysterious power to the mix. Shay is a fun character right off the bat too. He is introduced as almost effortlessly cool, calm and collected but then is very quickly thrust into an unbelievably stressful situation. You really feel for him as his life is turned upside down. Then you have Devan, who gives you yet another fantastic and unique point of view to explore the world through. I'm paraphrasing things a bit here since I don't want this review to go on too long, but I genuinely loved every POV character. They all had some really interesting unique perspectives and I think the frequent switching before settling on one character for a while is a great way to introduce the reader to the world. Despite not getting to know characters like Shay or Macreen for mor
• IanFlatRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  I don't think 'five days before' works, as way of telling the reader, 'exciting things are coming!' We don't care that that point because we don't know the stakes; better to try to hook us with the character on the page. (Which you then do.)
  I'm a little rigid about this kind of thing, but 'Steep crevasse walls cradled the city sprawling its depths' means, if you're overly-literal, that the city sprawled in the depths of the walls. I'd change to 'Steep walls cradled the city sprawling in the depths of the crevasse' or something.
  I do like how economically the writer orients us to the setting, though. Okay, a shithole city in a deep crevasse. Bang! That's all I need to know.
  We're in Macreen's POV, so I'm not sure about 'one could still see fairly far.' Maybe -Macreen- could see fairly far, along the row of streetlights that blah blah blah.
  When we get to Macreen's urgency, I'm interested. She's rushing to a meeting she'd like to avoid. That’s strong. The Gift is interesting. She's immediately unlikable by bullying a drunk, which is, well, unlikable, particularly combined with her contempt and smugness--but makes a colorful character nonetheless. And the fact that Trianos is a threat wins back a lot of sympathy.
  Using the Gift to read the hooded man is great. The knowledge that she gains, and the fact that it's withheld from the reader, is also good. It hooked me, made me want to read more.
  The gang stuff--Sun and Night--was a little confusing, as I didn't know who's who, yet. But it also cements Macreen's position as the shot-caller, which is good, and builds out the world with conflicts and factions and trouble, which is great.
  The match between the prose, the character, and the setting is very well done.
  I think the language is a occasionally little ornate for the shithole world: 'denizens,' 'soon to disperse,' 'wandered lethargically.' For example, the last of those might be more effective as 'trudged.' Simpler, sharper.
  Overall, an interesting, well-rendered wor
• KapowneRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  First things first, I don't generally give 5 stars ratings across the board. But as I stare at my screen thinking of the last two chapters I just binged through, I can't help but do it.
  First things first, the style of this work is extremely flashy. The changing POV give you just enough insight into the workings of this world to keep you engaged, always asking "whats next?!". Just when you think you have a read on a character, boom there you go, off to the next. Luckily you get to spend a good chunk of time with Devan early on, who is easily by far my favorite character... I'll get into that later.
  Grammar - not much to say here. Its well written with good vocabulary that uses the right words at the right time.
  Story - 8 chapters in and im still putting pieces together. This story does not hold your hand, but mostly revolves around a murder of a pretty high profile individual. Mystery meets action meets intrigue. Its a great blend of all, and I am committed to getting to the end of it!
  Character - This is where this story really shines. Like I said earlier, Devan is my man. The guy is like a futeristic magic John Wick. Badass abilities, cool gunplay and tactful choices. The guy is an allstar and every chapter he is in is by far my favorite, even when they don't contain all the violence. (hehe) that said, the other characters are not to be slept on. They are all extremely engaging and well written. They each have their own unique voice, manarisms and objectives that really bring them to life. No viewpoint you read from is the same, and each have vastly different lived experiences and thoughts/feelings. If i could give the character score more than 5 stars I certainly would.
  Overall if you are a fan of sci-fi that has a cool magic system, read this novel. You wont regret it!
• Casey BacaRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 4.5

  Story: lots of detailed setup around the big catalysing event that kicks everything into motion. We get to see the event from many sides and how people from very different backgrounds and situations process the same thing. World building, or multi world building I suppose in this setting is done well, giving us an vivid picture of how the different castes live. Love the combination of both tech and magic in battles.
  Characters: there's lots of pov characters early on, and each feels like a distinct, real person. From a slum dweller crime boss adept to a highborne princess, each have their own motivations and challenges.
  Grammar: maybe one or two sentences I had to read a second time that felt awkward, but nothing that really took me out of the story. Good editing and proof reading.
  Style: again, here we have many povs very early on. While I don't mind this, I did find myself wanting to get back to macreen and what she was up to. We spend the most time with devan so far, and I like devan, but there was a very long chapter early on that amounted mostly to a showcase of his powers without furthering the main plot. I'd be careful of losing sight of the early povs.
  Over all, great job. Love the buildup, can't wait to learn more.