Psychic Curse

Information

Status

Hiatus

Author

Tom Bombadil - Writer

Reviews

Community Reviews(5)

• Mr MoreporkRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  This is the first of Tom Bombadil's stories that I have read but I can feel the experience that he has. The author has really nailed his style and is able to work in description and metaphor in a way that seems right for the particular point of view character. It is a pleasure to read.
  This story starts off with a gut-punch. The main character having an unknown disease, a distressed father, both of them taking desperate action or face the death of the MC. The way that the author handles that is done magnificently, it has weight. The reactions of the characters feel real and it shows so much about their mentalities and where they are at the start of their arcs.
  From there it starts to open up into some very tasty mysteries. Hearing voices, phantom creatures in the woods, creepy doctors. I don't want to give too much away because you should read this story for yourself.
  I am probably going to read the rest of his stories and hope that he has put up more of this one by the time I'm done. If not, it will be well worth the wait.
  I was slightly unsure of what to expect when I saw that he was working on three stories at the same time, but from what I can tell there has been no impact on the quality of the writing. Phenomenal.
• RD RenworthRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Really enjoying this one! It reminds me a bit of Akira, where characters have supernatural powers but feel deeply unsettled by them. Plus, the mystery of the white wolf and the strange “hunger” adds layers of suspense that hint at a much bigger world lurking beneath reality.
  I'm writing this as part of a review swap, but I hope that doesn't dissuade any readers, as I fully intend to keep reading this as the author continues. I really liked the format Tom Bombadil uses for reviews so I'm going to the same here.
  (this review contains mild spoilers for the first few chapters)
  What I liked:
  - Grammar, writing style and pacing are all fantastic. I'm not even going to bother going into those, and focus on story and characters only.
  - Atmosphere and Worldbuilding: The wolves, black smoke-birds, and “hunger” in the woods are terrifyingly vivid. It’s very much in the vein of American Gods or Hayao Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke, with spectral beings and ancient forces brushing up against reality. The mystical creatures are described so vividly that they feel as real and present as any of the human characters, which makes the world feel wonderfully (and scarily) alive.
  - Martin’s bond with his father, who is both his support system and a source of secrets, adds complex depth to the story. I like stories where young protagonists are shaped by adult pressures but still try to assert their own identity. Martin’s father’s motivations remain partly hidden, especially when it comes to Doctor Warmal, which leaves us wondering if he’s truly on Martin’s side.
  - Lei. Great character addition. She clearly know more about the “Old Ones” than Martin does. Her connection to an old-world, ritualistic heritage—learning from her grandfather and meditating in gardens—evokes the Eastern mysticism. Having a friend who shares Martin’s abilities gives him someone to confide in (or clash with), and the way she views these powers as a gift contrasts well with his fear and hesitation. I hope the intera
• GrumpsterRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 4.5

  I liked the subtle language used between Warmal and Martin, as well as his father, the characters are bright with subtext with each word and sentence said about and from them. Great start for a story that brings out the mystery, leaving readers to ask what Martin had injected himself with, and what side effects may take place when "Martin(boy) chose to live."
  Pacing's great as well, I didn't think that the story really dragged on here and there. I also liked the emotional complexity between not wanting to lie to his father, but also the WANT of living, and how the turmoil dug into his mind.
• iammmunyosuRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 4.5

  This story is a fun, and great read the flows well and has amazing word choice. I will first say this story has phenomenal words choice that makes the readability of it increase. Each word feels tailored to the last making a seam of words that go from one to the next and make it a soothing ride as you learn more about the situation of the protagonist and their relationship with those around him and the world he is set in. The best thing going for the story is definitely the grammar and story itself. I find it both intriguing to read and learn about and that also contributed to the writing style.
  If I were to add a bit of criticism however, and this is more down to my own personal taste moreso then a 100% rule to follow. I do find some of the sentences by the main protagonist to be sanitary and dry at times. Not dialogue wise, the dialogue I say is a fantastic read and there was times were I wish the main story was told in a similar fashion. Mostly I mean, that some sentences can be too punchy, short, or matter a fact. Especially in first person stories, I find myself yearning for a spice in the text, a more personality showing through. First person is a unique point of view where you can tell a million different things by the way someone describes, notices and chooses to convey. This applies for every point of view of course, but I did feel some of the choices could be lackluster, like there is more to be told with this person. If I were to give an advice, I would say experimenting with more outlandish tellings as practice could be a good way to loosen up the personality. Don't be afraid to be theatrical, weird, or even cringe, editing is the main maintenance and fixing of anything in a story.
  Other then that, I say you're doing great, don't be afraid to take risk in writing, writing is a medium where you can make anything possible, so let your characters shine through into your wonderful stories. I highly recommend this novel to all who read this review!
• tobascoasakoRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 4.5

  The story begins on a somber note, with our protagonist facing almost certain death. The situation is dire, as the only options are an experimental cure or succumbing to his genetic disease. This stark opening immediately makes us sympathize with the protagonist, drawing us into his struggle.
  The plot flows smoothly, supported by solid prose and a thoughtful choice of words. Unlike many other stories on Royal Road, it's evident that each sentence is crafted with care, effectively conveying the protagonist's emotions in each moment. The main character is well-developed, and the supporting cast feels realistic and believable, adding depth to the narrative.
  The general style of writing is excellent. The first-person perspective allows readers to experience the protagonist's journey intimately. Writing in first person for an extended piece can be challenging, but the author handles it skillfully, avoiding repetition and excessive introspection. The prose remains engaging throughout, and the careful attention to the protagonist's inner world keeps the reader connected to the emotional core of the story.
  Grammar is another strength, with only intentional mistakes present for effect. Overall, I highly recommend this work. It shows great promise, and I look forward to seeing where the author takes the story next.