Lost Harts Book 1 and 2

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Jack and Asil Hart thought they signed up for a beta test. What they got was a new reality, one with blood, magic, and no logout button.

When Jack and his wife, Asil, arrive for a hands-on preview ofShadow Realms Online, they expect a cutting-edge VR demo. Instead, they wake up barefoot in a strange medieval world with no UI, no game devs in sight, and a journal that assigns magical classes likeElementalistandBlade Dancer.

Jack is convinced it’s all an immersive simulation. Asil knows better. Separated from each other and the other testers, they begin to unravel a far more dangerous truth: this isn’t a game. It’s another world, one locals call theShadow Realm, filled with monsters, lost kingdoms, and magic that leaves scars.

With no way home, real pain, and real consequences, they’ll have to level up, form alliances, and survive the unfolding mystery of how they got here, and whytheywere chosen.

What to Expect:

- Portal Fantasy (not VR, his world is real)

- Dual POV/MC (Jack and Asil, a married couple)

- Magical class system via sentient journals

- Immersive LitRPG flavor (levels, quests, skills, but no floating stat boxes)

- Emotional depth, strong character focus

- Found party dynamic & slow-burn discoveries

- Unfolding world lore tied to an ancient war and a sinister sorceress

- No harem / No system narrator / Not a parody

- Regular updates

Information

Status
Ongoing
Year
2025
Author
Jason The Magnificent

Tags

LITRPGACTIONFANTASYADVENTUREMAGICFEMALE LEADMALE LEADHIGH FANTASYPROGRESSION

Royal Road Stats

Rating
4.5/ 5.0
Followers
44
Views
24,605

Chapters(105 total)

Reviews

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Community Reviews(3)

  • DosilliRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    There are plenty of stories on Royal Road that started out very small and then grew into something amazing. This will be one of those stories, and I’m glad it’s something I get to read now, so that I can follow the journey as it grows.
    The story itself throws you right into the thick of it, and it doesn’t really hide the nature of what’s taking place but seeing how the characters themselves particularly go about questioning their circumstances and making unsure guesses about the reality of their situation is done well.
    So far there are two main points of views that we get to read from, and while that might turn some people off, I think it is done well, and so far both of these characters seem really likeable, and I believe it really helps to expand on the lore of the world, since the characters are different and their interactions even more so, we as readers get to learn different things about different concepts without massive info dumps.
    So far, I think my favorite aspect of the book is the class system, it’s done really well, and I love how the journal works.
    This is a great read so far, and I highly recommend you check it out!
  • LisaJRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    I'm really enjoying this story and I see potential for a long running series with these characters. I was intrigued by the concept of living in a virtual world with real danger. Oh what I would give to have a satchel that could carry a mountain of loot and a journal that I could choose what skills to level up in. I could see this book being a wonderful addition to a school library as well as a long running television series. Very engaging and fun to read.
  • Lucian T. EinarRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    The style of Shadow Realms Online is engaging and fast-paced, perfectly suited for the LitRPG genre. The action sequences are vivid, and the world feels dynamic, pulling the reader into the virtual realm.
    The story is exciting, offering a strong blend of adventure, mystery, and game mechanics. The progression feels natural, and the stakes are well-established, keeping the reader invested. Some plot points could benefit from a bit more buildup to strengthen emotional moments, but the overall pacing keeps things engaging. The balance between in-game action and real-world consequences adds depth, making the narrative feel more meaningful.
    The grammar and syntax are mostly solid, though there are some areas where sentence structure could be improved for clarity. A few awkward phrasings and minor errors don’t detract from the experience but could be smoothed out with careful editing.
    The characters are well-developed, especially the protagonist, who is relatable and engaging. Their struggles and determination feel genuine, and the supporting cast adds diversity to the story. Some side characters could benefit from additional depth, making them more memorable, but their interactions already add personality to the narrative.
    Shadow Realms Online is a thrilling LitRPG with great potential. With further refinement in flow and character depth, it can stand out as a top-tier virtual adventure. Keep writing—the foundation is strong, and the story is already an enjoyable ride!