Lumière’s Edge - A Giftless Rebellion {Dark progression fantasy}

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

In a world where power is fate… she might be its ultimate undoing.

Virelya never asked to stand on the edge of Trials that break even the chosen. Branded asDamnedand haunted by a voice that isn’t hers, she enters the Trials not to win, but to survive.

As myth twists into madness, each victory demands more than blood.

Forgotten gods stir. Allies prove more dangerous than enemies. And deep within her, something awakens, a power not granted but stolen. A power the world once tried to erase.

But power always demands a price and hers may be everything.

Volume One:The Cursed and Chosen– CompleteVolume Two:The Broken Accord– Ongoing

What to Expect:

⸙ Gritty, high stakes combat from strategic duels to surreal magical battles that shatter minds and bodies.

⸙ A psychological progression system power is survived, not handed out. Every Gift leaves a scar.

⸙ A nobledark world shaped by judgment, memory, and war

⸙ Ancient myths, forbidden Gifts, and cosmic forces rising

⸙ A heroine who breaks… and becomes something the world was never meant to hold

New chapters every Month or So (This only after I get a post schedule ready, soon)

Information

Status: Hiatus
Year: 2025
Author: Astrell

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.4/ 5.0
Followers: 18
Views: 13,293

Chapters(27 total)

What readers say about Lumière’s Edge - A Giftless Rebellion {Dark progression fantasy}

“It is a good story with a lot of potential. I can see it becoming popular, once it has more chapters. The only thing holding me back from 5 stars, was the grammar errors on a few chapters, that made some parts difficult to understand. It will only take s…”
LostDreamerRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“It was an interesting read and a good start! The storytelling and settings are described in a way that is easy to visualize. However, there are some points that can be improved. 1) Although the story itself is easy to visualize, there are some inconsistenci…”
Kyous KoonRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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

Community Reviews(9)

LostDreamerRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
It is a good story with a lot of potential. I can see it becoming popular, once it has more chapters. The only thing holding me back from 5 stars, was the grammar errors on a few chapters, that made some parts difficult to understand. It will only take some light editing to fix those parts.
Update: I've kept up with the story to the recent chapters, and I am happy to say I've seen the grammar improve and the story get even better than before.
Kyous KoonRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
It was an interesting read and a good start! The storytelling and settings are described in a way that is easy to visualize.
However, there are some points that can be improved.
1) Although the story itself is easy to visualize, there are some inconsistencies in the grammar, i.e., missing punctuation, broken? sentence, misplaced commas.
2) Some of the sentences are slightly wordy, so I'd suggest breaking them up or rewriting them into simpler and clearer sentences. That might bring out more 'oomph' instead.
Overall, just some grammatical issues that can be fixed with some careful reading!
beny_vergilionRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
An impressive piece of work, the worldbuilding flew well alongside the lore given out through reasonable and well used exposition, I was feeling disappointed recently by the common new trend “Exposition is always bad, show and don’t tell” and while I understand where they’re coming from, it ended up being taken to the extreme, when I pick a high fantasy piece, I expect it to treat itself with the respect a high fantasy should, creating balance between conversations, the pace and the exposition, I love when I’m told about your world, where it is, how it came to be, its history and societal dynamics and the author nailed it.
The story welcomed us with a blend of exposition, an engaging fight scene and the clear dynamics between the two sisters Virelya and Seraphine, introducing us to the major characters and the world.
Now spoilers alert:
The story progresses and expands on Virelya turmoil, exploring themes of failure, the weight of expectation, the mental position of an underdog, then she is overwhelmed with more expectations by Seraphine, which is unfair to Virelya after the humiliation she endured in the aftermath of the duel, and all of that end up igniting the fires of rebellion in her heart even more.
Then comes the involvement of a cultural and ritual event in the story, the spire, absolutely loved it, well thought out chants, descriptions and high immersion, it made me feel like part of the ritual, part of their world and witnessing the presence of mythical beings in the arena but my awe didn’t last for long as Seraphine collapsed.
The author starts getting into the political intrigue, showing how decisions are made during councils and how the mother manipulates things to her own bidding and behaves in a very calculating manner, especially the way she pushed for the decision to involve Eppine, and how the mothers mold their daughters into whatever they want, it becomes a twisted competition and at time I doubt if their affections for their daughters is even re
AncienthipsterRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
(As the story is still ongoing, this review covers the chapters available at that time, 1-6)
Set on the myth-infused Island of L’Oubliée, The Amazons follows a generation of warrior women facing the Spire Trials, ceremonial combat meant to forge legacy and purpose. Among the contenders are Virelya, the quiet daughter of an iron-willed leader, and Eppine, a self-doubting novice from the Yetros Library. While the arena tests their physical skill, the world beyond the arena, one of hidden lore, crumbling power, and long-suppressed visions, begins to unravel the fabric of their island. Through shifting alliances, forbidden mindscapes, and a mythology on the brink of collapse, the story weaves personal trauma into epic tradition, raising the question that no Amazon dares to ask: what lies beyond the Veil?
What defines Storyweever’s voice is a unique ability to blend emotional interiority with sweeping mythic tension. Characters aren’t just figures in a larger-than-life world; they are carved from it, scarred by it, and ultimately forced to challenge it. Whether through the intimate collapse of a mentor-student relationship or the gradual unraveling of a hero’s inherited silence, Storyweaver treats fantasy as a medium for human truth. Particularly in the later chapters, psychic warfare becomes a mirror for identity and defiance, making the reader feel like they are slipping through dream logic and legend. The result is immersive, aching, and hauntingly resonant.
Story Analysis (4.5 / 5)
The central story arc builds steadily, layering mythos, legacy, and rebellion across its characters and factions. The pacing is generally strong: we transition smoothly from personal rivalries to large-scale revelations (e.g., Lorée’s forbidden research and Seraphine’s collapse). What elevates the plot is that emotional stakes remain front and center, even as ancient secrets and magical constructs enter the scene. The narrative carefully ensures that worldbuilding supports, rather than ove
Dibyendu BhattacharyayRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
This chapter delivers a stunning blend of action, emotion, and world-building. It thrives on internal conflict just as much as physical combat, and the result is a heart-wrenching portrayal of rejection, sibling rivalry, and systemic cruelty—all wrapped in a setting that feels mythic, ancient, and alive.
The duel isn't just a battle for victory—it's a metaphorical war for recognition, validation, and self-worth.
Virelya’s patience and strategy contrast beautifully with Seraphine’s raw confidence.
The moment where Virelya looks to the gallery and sees her mother is devastating. That brief hope—that she’s finally seen—becomes her undoing. It’s poetic and cruel, in the best storytelling sense.
The post-fight conversation is where the emotional core truly shines.
Virelya’s outburst feels raw and justified. Her words drip with betrayal, especially the line: “She didn’t even hesitate. Didn’t care who saw.”
Seraphine’s attempts to mend the moment come across as both sincere and too late—adding complexity to their relationship.
The shift into lore at the end—the murals, the Gifts, and the legend of the Soul’s Echo—is masterfully timed.
The Primordial Mother mythos has depth and reverence.
The classifications (Valkyrae, Éclis, Aetherians, etc.) give a strong, RPG-class feel, enhancing immersion.
"No whisper in her blood. No blessing in her bones."
This line is beautifully haunting and perfectly encapsulates Virelya’s internal void.
“She was never going to let me in. Not for the people. Not even the Primordial Mother herself could change that.”
→ The despair and defiance in this line encapsulate Virelya’s conflict perfectly.
“No whisper in her blood. No blessing in her bones.”
→ Poetic, painful, and unforgettable.
“She moved like judgment itself.”
→ The Head of the Trials is instantly iconic with this line alone.
Haviel2102Royal Road
★★★★ 4.0
"Blood and Lumiere" launches into a compelling fantasy world where magical Gifts define one's destiny. The opening chapters establish a fast-paced narrative centered on a classic but effective trope: the outcast hero fighting for recognition. The story shows significant promise with its detailed world-building and intriguing internal conflict, setting the stage for an epic journey of self-discovery and rebellion.
Story
The plot moves at a breakneck speed, quickly establishing the stakes for the protagonist, Virelya. From a tense family duel to being accepted into the dangerous Spire Trials, the narrative sets up a thrilling journey. The detailed outline of the four distinct trials provides a clear and exciting roadmap for future events, promising a blend of action, strategy, and world exploration.
Characters
The protagonist, Virelya, is a compelling "cursed" hero. Her anger and frustration are palpable, making her struggle for acceptance relatable. The complex dynamics with her seemingly perfect sister, Seraphine, and her ruthlessly cold mother, Isla, form the emotional core of the story. The mysterious inner voice adds a fascinating layer of psychological suspense.
Style
The writing style is direct and immersive, effectively balancing action sequences with Virelya's internal monologue. The prose excels in world-building, creating a vivid sense of place, from the forge of the Vornkrath to the ceremonial grandeur of the Trials. The tone is consistently tense, reflecting the high stakes of Virelya's journey.
Grammar
The text is generally well-written with solid grammar. However, there are occasional instances of awkward phrasing and minor punctuation errors that could be smoothed out with a thorough edit. Paying close attention to sentence flow and tense consistency would further elevate the prose, ensuring a more polished and professional final product.
GermRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
I know this is a bit too soon to tell, but. till as much as I have read it's pretty fine. I love the foreshadowing, and the characters have been portrayed very well.
the setting, and scene have been depicted vividly.
And the grammar is also very good.
The Chapters give a mysterious vibe that literally says high tension.
i will Keep reading.
Black2408Royal Road
★★★★ 4.0
I was tempted to give this a 4.5 considering the story has a lot going for it at this very moment, but I'll give it a 4 stars since I can't give a rating between those two numbers (even though I truly want to give it a 4.3). The premise of the story begins with Virelya and her sister, Seraphine, practicing their dueling within a large arena surrounded by fellow Amazons, battle-hardened women who're more brave than not. After the battle was over, many scrutinized Virelya for being more or less weaker than her sister, with her mother sharing the same sentiment. During the trials of Oblivion, she'd have to save her sister after a divine intervention captured her soul. With the ideals of escaping from their home and the secrets kept of what their lives were all for, this creates a captivating plot that could get anyone entranced in its grasp.
Style:
Me personally, I didn't dig with the style of the story. Though, that's a personal preference as I'd like more chunkier blocks of text and less repitition when it comes to the organization of your writing. Other than that, the dialogue and especially the description were great.
Grammar:
Grammar does need some work as I'd spotted numerous mistakes (that I'd unfortunately couldn't spot out since my editing software is buggy asl). Between the common misconception of capitalization to the sprinkles of misspelling, a 4 star is suitable.
Story:
The premise of the story is brilliant, even if the execution does need a few touch ups as outline in the two previous comments. With so many ideas and ideals you can touch upon with the ever-so expansive catalog of plot that stretches like a tree in the dry summer, for this I'll give a 4.5 and I honestly cannot wait to view more deeper into the world you've built.
Character:
The characters, at first, seemed a little bland as even though the sisters seemed to care about each other, that was about as much as I'd got from them. However, with he eventual blooming of compassionate and quick thin
Maddox StanfordRoyal Road
★★★★ 3.5
As an avid reader of Greek mythology and also a fan of DC's Wonder Woman, I'm not a stranger to the myth of the Amazons. Like I commented on one of the chapters, I had truly hoped someone would write an epic this mythic, matriarchal beings deserve.
Virelya is a relatable protagonist with her sibling issues and overbearing and cold mother. I loved the Spire Trials, particularly the dramatic duel; I just would have loved the duel to be a little bit longer.
This is a captivating introduction to a complex world. The prose is cinematic with the vivid images of the glowing veil and misty arenas.
I can truly say the author has a deep passion for the Amazons and while we've seen something like the trials in one of the Wonder Woman movies, the author gives it a more realistic tactile feel.
Again, the worldbuilding is exceptional, with the trinities, and the stormcallers, and the veil. But some plot points, like Seraphine’s vision and Loree’s research, feel underdeveloped or rushed.
The grammar is generally solid, supporting the story’s ambitious scope, but frequent errors like missing or incorrect punctuation jarringly interrupt the flow. But that could be easily solved with a bit of proofreading polish.
Virelya is an awesome protagonist and her fierce love for her sister is evident. Her sister Seraphine is a strong character as well. Their mom Isla is the quintessential chilling matriarch, although a bit one-dimensional.
I'd love to read more chapters with Eppine.
I'd definitely read more of this story when it becomes available, and I'd also want the action sequences to be a bit more longer; given the beautifully detailed and rich mythos of this universe, I think there's huge potential for elaborate action sequences.