Red Sodom [Post-Apocalyptic Horror]

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Sira wakes up to a dead world, blanketed by a red fog that turns those who breathe it into reality-bending monsters -- except for them. Amnesiac and afraid, they're rescued by a paramilitary organization that sees their immunity as a chance to save what remains of human civilization.

However, it becomes clear that said immunity is no coincidence. What was thought of as salvation becomes the next phase of the apocalypse that Sira is determined to stop...no matter the cost.

Updates bi-weekly. Originally shared onWordpress.

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2025
Author: IthelLovik

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.9/ 5.0
Followers: 25
Views: 3,823

Reviews

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Community Reviews(1)

GLBertrandRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Story/Style: Sira wakes up in the middle of the apocalypse. They have no memory of who they are or how they got to where they are, and they have no idea what's become of the world. This is a shame because this world has succumbed to the Phantoms: frightening, shape-shifting beings that have effectively taken over the world, their dominance symbolized by an eerie red mist that envelops everything and can turn anything it touches into more phantoms. That is, except for Sira. It's a familiar opening trope in the zombie genre, but one I never get tired of. The author introduces their world gradually, allowing suspense to build while also pulling off some frightening scenes. They also capture the sense of calm in a horrifying setting, which is a feeling I love in books and I can't quite think of the proper word for it. Their writing style is simple but effective.
Grammar: a couple of bugs here and there but nothing that can't be fixed with another read-through. Prose flows easily. While the author's present tense pov isn't my preferred style of writing it is done very well.
(I will also note that the author has indicated their main character is explicitly written as they/them. I will admit I have not read many stories involving protagonists that use they/them, so I was occasionally stopped in my tracks a few times getting the hang of it. This is not a fault or bug, just figured I would mention it.)
Characters: I enjoy the early dynamics of the squad Sira encounters, each having distinct personalities and interests. They have banter but it is realistic within the confines of the world. Their combination of boredom and being on edge is portrayed very well. Sira has an interesting premise, though I personally wish that we knew a little more about their character. We don't get of sense of their thoughts early on, though I have a feeling more will be introduced as the story progresses.
Happy to catch this one early! Excited for more!