Gansia- A high fantasy progression story

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Falond is an anomaly—a young man born into a prestigious family of mages but cursed with an utter lack of mana.

With an intense desire to gain mana, bordering on insanity, his life goes downhill fast due to his poor choices.His fate was to die at the bottom, scorned by all. A chance encounter with a Moth changes everything for him.

This is a world under siege. Three mana-dominant worlds have begun a brutal invasion, threatening to corrupt the Aura Heart of Gansia and everything with it.

Will Falond twist his fate in this world, or will its depths crush him?

Information

Status: Hiatus
Year: 2023
Author: S.J Scarth

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 3.6/ 5.0
Followers: 100
Views: 24,782

Reviews

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Community Reviews(10)

DabossUnberogenRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The book is a classic weak to strong story, with a specific weakness( a lack of mana) that the main character has to overcome. It has a natural setting too, which can be challenging to pull off. I feel like the author has done a good job though. It is quite an interesting premise, and I enjoyed reading it.
The style was serviceable and cohesive, with a sometimes muddled voice. It seemed as if the author was exploring their style somewhat, which is not necessarily a bad thing. In general however, it was good.
The story was compelling and well constructed, with a richly made world in which the main character progresses. The lore and various occurrences within this world are intriguing as well, and they blend well with its overall tone. It is unique in the way that the MC gains power, which is always nice. A good job on this front.
The grammar was good overall, but had a few rough spots here and there. Nothing serious however. It could do with a few passes of editing, but nothing really impacted the flow of the story. Writing books is a difficult task, and sometimes trivial mistakes get though.
The characters were well constructed, and more importantly, they felt real. That is my main concern while rating characters, so great job here.
This is quite a well constructed story, and I would highly recommend it.
Lucian T. EinarRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I read until chapter 31, and it's definitely worth your time.
**Overall:** Gansia emerges as a captivating journey through magic, mystery, and personal resilience. The story promises a unique blend of fantasy elements that keeps readers eagerly turning pages.
**Style:** S.J Scarth's storytelling is incredibly engaging. The narrative voice feels personal, drawing readers effortlessly into its enchanting world. The gradual improvement in style as the chapters unfold adds a dynamic layer to the reading experience.
**Story:** The author weaves a compelling fantasy, mystery, and adventure. The classic "weak to strong" progression, centered around Falond's quest, proves to be an interesting premise. The inclusion of multiple plot threads, such as Count Liadren's tale, enhances the depth and promises future twists.
**Grammar:** While a few minor typos exist, they don't detract from the overall clarity and fluidity of the writing. The story maintains a good pace, and any grammatical issues are overshadowed by the strong narrative.
**Character:** Falond's development is a standout feature, showcasing resilience and growth. The supporting characters, like Kidra and Helena, contribute to the engaging narrative. Authentic interactions and relationships enhance the realism of the characters, making them relatable and endearing.
**Synopsys:** In a world besieged by mana-dominant realms, Falond, born without mana, faces societal scorn. His encounter with a mysterious Moth alters the course of his fate. Gansia unfolds as a tale of personal redemption amid a world threatened by invasion.
*Overall, Gansia is an enchanting read, balancing engaging storytelling with well-crafted characters. The promise of a unique magical world and Falond's journey make this a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts.*
Uncharted BloodlinesRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I’m thoroughly enjoying the story of so far, finding its blend of magic, mystery, and character depth to be incredibly captivating.
Style (4.8/5): I find the style of Gansia to be quite engaging. The storytelling flows smoothly, drawing me into the world effortlessly. The author’s narrative voice feels personal, as if they were sharing a story with a close friend, which I appreciate.
Grammar (4.5/5): I noticed a few small typos scattered throughout the text. I’m happy to say they didn’t detract from the overall story and the writing remained clear and easy to follow.
Story (5/5): The story in Gansia is compelling and richly woven. It blends fantasy, mystery, and adventure seamlessly, keeping me intrigued from the start. The pacing was well-maintained, and the character's dialog feels authentic and adds depth to the narrative. I’m genuinely invested in Falond’s journey, making the chapters I’ve read so far that much more enjoyable.
Character (5/5): The characters in Gansia felt authentic and relatable. Falond’s development throughout the story was well-executed, and I appreciated his resilience and growth. The supporting characters were also well-rounded, adding depth and complexity to the overall narrative. Their interactions and relationships felt genuine, enhancing the story’s realism.
Overall (5/5): Gansia is a highly enjoyable read, offering an engaging storyline with well-developed, likeable characters. I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens next.
crowrush204Royal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
Story 4/5 The MC appears to have a curse that strips him of mana until a mysterious moth grants him something. He is treated pretty badly by the people around him. We're also introduced to an older man who teases the limits of this new power. According to the synopsis, it seems like our main character will play a big role in the upcoming events.
Style 4/5 Good showing and very vivid. A bunch of creative choices of words for sure. Maybe a bit too poetic at times but it works. I'd personally tone it down during the mc's internal thoughts unless he just thinks like that lol.
Grammar 5/5 No mistakes that I could find. Seems like the others has helped him fixed a bunch of the mistakes.
Characters 4,5/5 So far the main character is pretty normal. He definitely has weaknesses but with his now powers, his potential seems limitless. He has a lot of space to grow, and I like anything character development-related. Now, I haven't read far enough to know if this is true, but it seems great so far. People treat him pretty badly, but he does steal which you could say makes it deserved. Again, I'd love to see character development in the future regarding this.
ScottWarrenRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
One thing I will say is that this story doesn't pull punches when exploring the violent tendencies of those prejudiced toward others less fortunate than themselves. The main character suffers abuse at the hands of his own allies, due mostly to his physical appearance and being born to a family of mages without the ability to manipulate mana himself. Falond starts as the lowest of the low, suffering this abuse while he desperately works as a porter for a team of fighters. Fans of fantasy anime will feel right at home with the conventions and mechanics of this story.
Farond isn't taking his abuse in stride. Even from the third chapter, it's clear that he's determined, unwavering, and resolved to improve his situation.All he needs is a little boost, which he gets in the form of a chance encounter by a forest lakeside. The bones of a good story are there.
The writing is a bit rough around the edges. It's perfectly readable, but not remarkable. Expository dialogue sometimes sticks out to provide details in a way that doesn't feel particularly organic to the situation. But the worst complaint that can be levied is that the author just needs a little more practice, which means the story will almost certainly see visible improvement over its course.
joygirl007Royal Road
★★★★ 4.0
Gansia wraps a lot of familiar favorites together - underdog hero, amiable best friend companion, consistent in medias res action sequences at the start of every chapter. It's not litRPG because we haven't got stats to keep track of or a party progression, but this definitely feels inspired by and born of love for traditional RPG video games and classic hero's journey fantasy novels from the 80s and 90s.
The first three chapters introduce us to Falond, a guy without mana in a world powered by it. I love that chapter one has him with a creature's teeth just about in his neck and we get a clear picture of what a struggle the guy's life is without mana and how everyone looks down on him for it. Things hustle along pretty quickly with the introduction of a mysterious moth and all of a sudden Falond HAS all the magic he's been missing out on. But the world around him doesn't really adjust their opinion of him - at least not right away.
What I struggled with in this story was use of passive voice. Almost every sentences has "had been" sentence structure that sucks all the tension out of the action sequences. If the author does a rewrite, I would love to see this story adjusted to active voice, saving passive for maybe once or twice every 1k words or so. Would really pick up the pace overall, which might smooth out some of the early sequences where the author describes the combat, character classes, and then the metaphysical space where Falond meets the moth.
P.S. Thank you for not sexualizing women in the first chapters of this story.
(This was part of a Review Swap - thank you for reading!)
Daniel CortaRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
Gansia is the sort of "meat and potatoes" fantasy that has become a beloved hallmark of the genre. It's not especially inventive - but who says novelty is a good thing? One of my favorite sagas is the Belgariad, which is about as straightforward as it gets. Gansia makes good on its promise of a YA-style text about a hard-done-by protagonist who needs a combination of guts and good luck to transform his miserable life into something worthwhile. There's a wide cast of characters, and in the early chapters I'm finding I struggle to know who to care about...but that's something time and more chapters under my belt will no doubt rectify. That's also not a problem because Scarth's prose makes for an easy read, simple without being simplistic. There's more Stephen King to this text's language than George R.R. Martin, which is fine for me. Fantasy could do with a little simplifying, if you ask me.
For those looking to defy genre conventions, Gansia might not be the ideal text. But for those looking for a story that isn't frightened of being a story and not a statement, Gansia is a find that shouldn't be overlooked. It also seems well-paced for serial readers, so no need to wait until a final release.
DarkodiaRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
Overall: This is a captivating tale that navigates the treacherous waters of societal prejudices and personal aspirations. Set against a backdrop of a world where magic and mana dominate, it beckons readers to journey alongside Falond, a man battling his own internal struggles and the world around him.
Style: The prose is engaging, and the narrative moves at a consistent pace. However, the writing could occasionally benefit from more 'showing' rather than 'telling'. Delving into the emotions and thoughts of the characters more intricately would further enrich the tale.
Story: The premise of a society built around mana and the struggles of those who are 'cursed' is intriguing. The narrative manages to weave in politics, personal vendettas, and a hint of adventure. The inclusion of secondary plots, like the tale of Count Liadren and the jadeite mine, adds depth and promises future twists.
Grammar: The narrative is largely well-written with only a few areas that could benefit from minor polishing.
Character: The strength of the story lies in its characters. Falond's personal journey of acceptance and aspiration, Kidra's shift from an old acquaintance to a significant team member, and the introduction of authoritative figures like Helena Feather paint a rich tapestry of personalities. The dynamics between these characters and the world around them are set to be the driving force of the narrative.
Final Thoughts: This tale promises a blend of adventure, magic, and internal reflection. For anyone who enjoys tales of personal redemption set in a world of magic and intrigue, this story is worth exploring.
MTalonRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
This story and author have a lot of growth potential. The author has some serious descriptive skills and worldbuilding chops. I get a feeling of a deep, complex world lurking here. The current flaw is definitely in the pacing. While high fantasy traditional is on the slower side, modern audiences want more happening. Waiting six chapters for the hero to perhaps get power is a lot. The author has got plenty going on in those chapters it is true.
the protagonist starts out fairly unlikable. Even as an underdog, his insistence on stealing mana he can’t use that is only earning him beatings upon beatings makes him hard to relate to. Does it add dogged persistence? Perhaps. It may make the reader feel his eventual boon is hard-earned.
the other characters in the first few chapters are fairly forgettable. I thought Helena had potential to become quite interesting. Probably as the story goes on a more detailed cast will be revealed.
if you prefer descriptions and immersive worldbuilding to mad action, and are looking for a story where the numbers don’t just go up, but progress must be earned in other ways, give this a try.
EldritchPotatoRoyal Road
★★★ 3.0
I enjoyed this though I found some issues.
Firstly while the opening is not bad it is very stereotypical wake up in the morning and look at yourself in the mirror. I think something more catchy would be better to hook the reader's attention.
The writing feels a little clunky at times, there's a lot of exposition and telling rather than giving the reader the information to piece it together themselves. For instance, we don't need the main character to inform us several times how everyone treats him badly because he is cursed, we can instead see that in the way others treat him. I would recommend the author look into the concept of show don't tell as it would be very beneficial to their writing.
Hah, Helena Feather, that got a snort out of me.
Hah, Lilian Cloudburst. Can’t ever go wrong with puns.
Not of fan of the whole magic enslavement thing.
All in all, despite the grammar issues, this story does have good potential but it's just not for me. Falond being constantly belittled and fucked over becomes a little tedious and I find myself waiting for when things begin to turn his way. So I recommend you check out the story, but it's just not my personal preference.