Joy Pursuit: Threnody of the END [Sci-Fi Fantasy | Horror | Action]

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Who are you without your memories?

A young man awakens beneath crimson-shattered skies with no memory, no name, and blood that shouldn’t exist. The world of Esthes-3 is quiet, broken, and steeped in a rotting complacency. But the eerie silence is beginning to rupture, as echoes of Calamity clash with the shuddering reaches of the Abyss.

As he searches for answers, his flesh begins to stir. Limbs twitch with memories not his own. Blood pulses with voices. Something is trying to hatch under his skin.

In a world that forgot how to live, he must choose to become the monster he was meant to be—or pursue the joy he was never meant to find.

What to expect?

-Body horror & visceral transformations-Dynamic/ Unstable protagonist/s/

-Not a power fantasy, but the MC is no pushover-An esoteric world fusing sci-fi, fantasy, and cosmic decay

-Experimental Ass Story-telling, you'll have a hard time figuring out when/where the hell we'll end up.

-Unique monsters, mechanoids, and strange abilities-Multiple POVs woven through a nonlinear narrative

-Weekly updates

-Arc Synopsis:

Shattered Alive Arc

A young man with no memory of who he is orwhathe is forced to face the unknown as he's thrust into the sleepy world of Esthes-3. Under crimson-shattered skies. What will he uncover under his writhing flesh as he faces a leaking abyss?

Nascent Reverberations Arc

Under the shifting skies, a group of rookie rangers encounter something twisted and wrong.

Trepidatio Artificialis Arc

Lost in a desolate maze of gushing water, something writhes in agony.

Pale Marrowbrand Arc

As the annual Penthestat begins, a surplus of listless souls gathers to party themselves to the literal bone.

Threnody of the Depths Arc

The deepest sorrow thrums a song of obsession and betrayal.

Threnody of the END Arc (We are here)

A desperate clatter of ice and fire atCalamity's End—a crescendo leading to her darkest days.

Steel Dragon Arc

TheSteel Dragonlooms over the weary port city of Krreat. With people going missing each day, the city's faith in the rangers erodes, leaving fear to fester. What secrets lie under the forlorn vessel’s steel hull, and who—or what—lurks in the shadows it casts?

Wintry Howl Mini Arc

Under the giants shadow, a rookie ranger embarks on his first mission as a ranger ofHeilagjǫtunn.

Black Box Arc

Impossible deaths aboard a Starglider force a group of rookie rangers to solve a murky mystery.

Hoarfrost Crown Arc

The final communication with a remote ranger facility leaves High Command unsettled. With little choice, a team is sent to uncover fathomless horrors.

Final Note:

I'm learning to write, and it shows. I get experimental.

Side note: the first arc psychologically haunts me. I will (someday) fix the pacing/re-write it, I swear by all that's good and green on this earth.

The cover is drawn by yours truly.

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2024
Author: Lunden.Osric

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.7/ 5.0
Followers: 60
Views: 63,178

Chapters(134 total)

Reviews

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

Community Reviews(4)

Doctor TorRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Based on what I have read, the premise so far has been very unclear. The beginning is full of flowery language that is very detailed, which is something that I really appreciate. I found the introduction of the main character to be very enjoyable, as well as the mysterious nature of everything, which is something I personally like in stories. The first chapter is a little misleading, but in a positive way, because the turn of events that occurred in the following chapter was a refreshing change. I think the main character is very endearing and I can’t wait to learn more about him and about the world of Joy Pursuit. Keep up the good work you have been doing and bring about more of this content; people will undoubtedly enjoy it. Please don't abandon the project, as I really want to see where the story goes because so far it seems we’ve been getting mostly exposition. But I like the world building so far, so it's okay. The grammar was excellent, and the pace was just right for my taste. I’m looking forward to reading more. Also, I’m curious how the tone will shift as the story progresses further.
FallaxRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
In the few chapters I have read so far they have set up an intriguing world that makes the reader want to know more about what’s going on and the backstory of the protagonist and just who he is. I am looking forward to more chapters so I can learn more as the story unfolds and I 5 stars in all categories as I wait in anticipation for what comes next. To explain my score In addition to having already set up a unique premise and interesting character. The style makes it very easy to read and makes you want to keep reading more leaving you intrigued and wonder just how this story will unfold. Lastly the grammar looks good as far as I’ve read and there are no noticeable errors that take away from the reading.
Overall this story have a lot of potential and has started out strongly in grabbing my attention in the first few chapters. It looks like it is going to be a interesting journey as we learn just what’s going on as the Gira makes his way travels and unravels the mysteries of this world.
I highly recommend this story to anyone looking for a interesting new read filled with some mystery.
Mona Whitestone AuritRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
In the 5 chapters I read so far, I am breezing through them very quickly. The character's conception on chapter one and the whole world you're slowly building gives me a subtle flavor note of "Wakfu" and I am a huge fan of that show.
The MC's likeable innocence is a delight, but does not take away from the mystery surrounding him.
The cover art is extremely captivating, and though it has no impact on how enjoyable the story is, because it's cover art duh, it is amazing. Has that Vice City neon vibe with the font and it is what caught my eye when I was browsing the site.
Back to the matter at hand, I will be adding this to my spare time reading list for sure. There is many more chapters to read and I am looking forward to it.
If this story had actual pages to flip, I'd read it even faster. Jolly good show.
des_00Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I have never reviewed a story on this site, but I really think this story deserves more attention. The world is super fascinating and the characters all have this mix of mystique and humor that is really unique. Gira is a really charming protagonist and as the story unfolds I become increasingly interested in his character. Also the cover art is awesome, and I feel like stories with awesome covers drawn by the author are hard to come by on here which I feel is a testament to the authors vision. There is a really distinct dream-like/surreal quality to the way parts of the world in the story are described, and something horrific is bubbling underneath everything. I'm looking forward to learning more about what it is in the next arcs.
Give it shot!