Our Little Dark Age

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Elia is stuck in the maze, a near endless construct filled with undead & undeader. Rye is stuck inside her own head. Elia has the steering wheel for everything else you see, and she's adamant on driving her way. There's a very easy road they could go down, where they fight over their body and sabotage each other all the way to Loften. Except, well, Rye's too nice for that, and Elia doesn't want either of them to die. Maybe they can be friends instead?

Will there be kickass action - Yes! The most kickassiest.

Will there be puns, toads and other delightful things? - Absolutely!

Is there any chance in hell Elia (or Rye) will become the savior of the world, god, and the indomitable spirit of man - Uhhh…

Will they ever stop arguing? - When the earth cracks and the sky falls on their head, maybe then.

This is a story about two people stuck in the same body exploring a soulslike-inspired world while trying to un-stuck themselves. Predictably, shenanigans ensue, taking them to their highest highs and lowest lows. Features:- Souls. Lots of 'em- Slow progression- Character-focused story- A unique two souls, one body dynamic- The occasional toad (more on that later)

New chapters release on TUE/THU. The average chapter is somewhere around 3000~4000 words.

AMAZON ADDENDUM: This story is only accessible on RoyalRoad, or on my Patreon. This story is not on Amazon. If you find my work or something like it that seems to have been copied and run through an AI on amazon, please send me a notice.

Information

Status: Completed
Year: 2023
Author: Jarex

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.6/ 5.0
Followers: 977
Views: 459,455

Reviews

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

Community Reviews(10)

scythe3000Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Great content. If you like the retarded MC that learns just how retarded they were acting over time, this has that. If you hate the retarded MC, you can just wait for the other one to take the reins. EZ gamed the system xd
dark souls references and humor are on point, the aforementioned 'retarded' MC makes sense, Elia is bing chillin
Favorited, done
CatVIRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The stygian recesses of this unknown world are disturbed as Elia, an audacious and tenacious protagonist, emerges from the shadows, her presence casting an eerie luminescence upon the narrative. Through her journey, the author ensnares readers in a web of enigmatic struggles and perplexing developments. As Elia grapples with survival within this abominable realm, a sense of foreboding takes hold, captivating readers and leaving them yearning for more.
The narrative, draped in an ethereal shroud, employs a cryptic "show, don't tell" technique, deftly entwining the protagonist's plight within a labyrinth reminiscent of the accursed realms of Dark Souls. While the tale unfurls with a tantalizing pace, whispers of a grand design elude to a carefully orchestrated tapestry. Elia's idiosyncratic persona, tinged with an elusive touch of madness, grants her a disquieting familiarity, while the inscrutable voice that haunts her thoughts adds an enthralling layer, portending revelations of unparalleled fascination.
The written work showcases an almost eldritch mastery of spelling and grammar, ensuring a seamless and immersive voyage through its pages. The labyrinth's atmosphere, evocatively rendered in harrowing detail, enwraps readers in a malignant embrace, its tendrils of trepidation compelling them to eagerly await the unknown horrors that lie in wait.
In its totality, "Our Little Dark Age" emerges as a tome steeped in portentous allure, an uncanny blend of meticulous craftsmanship and darkling reverie. The consummate execution of grammar, entwined with the author's ability to ensorcel readers into this arcane realm, begets an entrancing symphony of words. As the labyrinthine odyssey persists, I, too, find myself yearning to unravel the secrets veiled within its stygian heart, to unearth the enigma that awaits in its maddening depths.
PersimmonRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This is a wonderful find. The story is engaging, clearly written, and gives a fresh new spin to the game-like elements.
Style Score:
Honestly, it's hard even to find anything to complain about. Suspense and tension abound and are interspersed with witty quips, which allow the reader not to feel burdened.
Story Score:
Possibly its strongest point, the world-building is interesting and hints at a wider world I can't wait to learn more about. The system is consistent and serves its role well. The author's attention to detail in describing the surrounding allow the reader to immerse themselves fully. The themes this story talks about are serious ones, but the author manages to keep it fun.
Grammar Score:
The reading flows well, and there are no apparent mistakes. The writer has an evident mastery of the language, and it shows.
Character Score:
Another strong point is that the peculiar situation the main characters are in allows for a unique dynamic. I don't want to spoil anything, but it's worth reading just to find out.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend Our little dark age. The author is building a story I can see continuing for quite a while and has set up plot points that will keep it engaging for long.
damienrjamesRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Elia is such a refreshing character to read. She's spunky, tenacious, and full of energy. Her interactions are entertaining and laugh out loud worthy. While you don't know much about the world from the jump, the author slowly immerses you into the tale. First, Elia's struggles, of which there are plenty! Then some juicy world development. I am still reading on, but so far I'm invested in seeing how Elia survives this nightmare.
kujkujkujRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I was promised lots of toads and i havent seen toad guy in too many chapters ;_;
Anyway the story is neat and the two character dynamic is pretty rad.
Obviously its HEAVILY Dark Souls inspired which it takes in an interesting direction so thats nice :)
I was one word short of the minimum fifty take this line.
GIVE MORE TOAD
Bored monsterRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
(This story might not be for everyone, but it's something I think you'll enjoy)
I just want to say that I really really hate writing reviews, cuz you have to say why something is good, and what that something still has to work on(doesn't help that I tend to be overly critical). With that being said,
I really enjoyed Rye. She's a fresh addition to this very saturated game-lit, RPG timeloop genre.
Ya see, with Elia, it's the 'Been here too long, done with optimism and positivity, just wants a drink' borderline psychotic, will kill mostly unprovoked combat veteren because everyone she's ever met has been muderous (undead) that every timeloop/xianxia/'gamer' novel that starts off with after they transmigrated and have already started cultivating/grinding/fighting.
(A mouthful of a cliché, isn't it?)
But with Rye, instead of a burden in the form of friend/(usually sick) female family member, she's the original soul/ego (whatever you want to call it) of the body. The body that Elia is currently piloting. One Elia uses to... disarm (and dishead) the 'sick' people wandering about. And how does she process this tidbit? By calling her a demon and a savage, very based Rye.
(Keep in mind there will be spoilers and I will be quoting from memory so it won't be exact)
The thing that sets her apart from most of the clichés however, is when she screams in distress to Elia, "I can't do it Elia, I'm just a farm girl. I'm not cut out for this." You really feel for her.
In more than one way, this is also Elia's start, her beginning because even Elia wasn't like this when she was first brought to this world. Rye is a reflection of Elia's beginning. All her fears, all her naiveté that was slowly leached away by the constant struggle of survival and murder is showcased in Rye. I really like what the author did here.
But the part that makes me love her is
When she's put in charge of the body (not the first time), she makes herself a cape. At first, I scoffed and thought that was stupid, but
HyrielRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Stamina based combat is the worst. I can't stand the restriction, I'm terrible at nursing a slowly regenerating resource that limits my entire ability to fight. I only beat Elden Ring because people kept raving at me about the story and I found an exploit to power level myself and survive all the bosses...barely. Anyhow all this is to say, Our Little Dark Age is my favorite souls game and I'd totally watch someone play it. This story is like the best Let's Play of an epic Elden Ring level souls game and I enjoyed the hell out of reading it.
JR CastleRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Right away the writing comes in with so much confidence, it's clear this isn't the author's first work. Practiced prose full of energy just keeps hitting over and over, a third person limited that does a great job of projecting the protagonist's mindset and personality.
The dynamic between Elia and Rye is wicked smart. They're written well, their voices are distinct and offer an interesting contrast, but more than that their psychic partnership serves as a deceptively genius tool for narrating exposition. It's not just that one serves as the fish out of water whereas the other serves as the knowledgable teacher; rather, they both come from almost entirely different realms of experience, and they each take turns to explain that experience to the other in a way that makes things crystal clear for the reader. It makes the worldbuilding come step by step, and always with the added zest of characterization for the two central figures of the story. Can't praise this enough.
One potential negative: I started out being a bit annoyed with Elia. The sort of devil-may-care, endlessly quipping persona she seems to embody just isn't my thing, though I do think that's strictly a matter of personal taste. On its own terms it's done well, and the trope clearly has its fans. Plus, there are hints early on that there's more to her than this, which assuaged my fears plenty. Very much not a real problem at all, but I wanted to get that off my chest in case anyone else might relate, because a lot of the humor comes specifically from here, so if you're not on board with this kind of character you might not vibe with a lot of the jokes.
Overall this is a fun, zany, action-packed story written by an author who very quickly establishes a solid mastery over language and tone. Definitely worth a read.
KanecaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I am greatly enjoying this story. The characters are likeable while being realistic and the writing quality is professional level. The plot makes sense and is realistic and harsh just like the games it's based on. Plus it finally made Dark Souls playable which says a lot since I didn't like those types of games. I tried the games several times but never got into them. So a novel like this is a real boon.
LUCIFER36Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Overall Impression:
Within the depths of this labyrinthine tale, I find myself yearning for more. Showcasing a Dark Souls-inspired atmosphere, the story immerses readers in a relentless maze, where escape seems like an elusive dream. While the plot is still in its early stages, the hints of a broader narrative promise an intriguing journey ahead.
Grammar:
The meticulous attention given to spelling and grammar is commendable. The absence of errors ensures a smooth reading experience, allowing readers to fully engage with the story without any distractions.
Story:
With each turn in the labyrinth, the narrative unfolds, balancing elements of mystery and suspense. The protagonist's repeated deaths and the intricate maze add to the sense of entrapment and heighten the stakes. The author's ability to "show, don't tell" is a testament to their skill, drawing readers deeper into the enigmatic world.
Style:
The descriptive prose envelops readers in an eerie ambiance, capturing the essence of the labyrinth's foreboding nature. The author's careful attention to detail brings the world to life, creating a vivid and immersive experience. The Dark Souls-inspired atmosphere resonates, evoking a sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.
Character:
Our protagonist teeters on the precipice of sanity, their psyche fractured by the cycle of death. This internal struggle adds a layer of complexity to their character, making them both intriguing and relatable. The enigmatic voice in their head serves as a captivating foil, hinting at potential revelations and further character development.
In conclusion, this labyrinthine journey, with its haunting atmosphere and well-crafted characters, holds great promise. The flawless execution of grammar and the author's ability to immerse readers in the world contribute to a captivating reading experience. As the story continues to unfold, I eagerly anticipate delving deeper into the maze, unraveling its secrets and discovering what awaits us at it