RedShift [VOLUME 1 COMPLETE]

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

The impossible is not whatcan'thappen, but whatshouldn'thappen.

The super powered individuals known as Starborn are the envy of everyone. Everyone wants to be one, whether they want the powers themselves, the respect that comes with protecting people from monsters, or the money that comes with the job.

Arden is one of the many wishing to become a Starborn. He wants the power to heal his sister afflicted with a supernatural sickness, and the money to escape the slums. It seems impossible to awaken, especially when the only thing Arden has going for him is a propensity to annoy those stronger than him. That, and a unique power that makes him neither a mundane human nor a Starborn.

When an impossible being arrives and threatens to take away the few things Arden wants to protect, Arden is forced to become an impossible being in kind.

With his newfound nature and powers, Arden finds that the things he previously thought to be impossible are now within his reach.

Cover Art by Kateryna Vitkovska

Winner of the November 2025 Royal Road Writathon Challenge

Participant of April 2026 Writathon

New Chapters Monday - Friday during Writathon

Volume 1 Complete: 1-111

Discord Server:https://discord.gg/X4pRYmxjz5

Read 3 chapters early on Patreon for free, and up to 25 chapters early with a paid membership.

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2025
Author: Stynger

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 3.9/ 5.0
Followers: 410
Views: 97,144

Reviews

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Community Reviews(4)

TYhesmoldeoldeRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Wanted to write an early review to come back on, in the beginning the story seems to lack a bit of focus however I find that as I read the story just keeps pulling itself together. The From soft esque worldbuilding is starting to really shine at my current reading point in the story, and i look forward to coming back to this review for updates as I hit more milestones!
5/5 too much water~
reader597FMRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This story is still new and I had to review it so more folks could check it out. This is a new take on the genre that breathes some fresh air into the whole idea. I've really enjoyed the glimpses we've been given into the greater world and speculation on the greater plot. The main character is a little bit cringey, but plays it off in a fun and endearing way.
Ren GVRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
Redshift is one of those stories that quietly pulls you in and then refuses to let go. At first glance, it looks like a familiar progression/system setup, but once you’re a few chapters in, it becomes clear this story is far more interested in consequences, identity, and suffering than in cheap power fantasy.
The worldbuilding is dense, but in a good way. Starborn, the Blight, Legacy Abilities, Paradoxes, everything feels interconnected and intentional. The rules matter, and when something breaks those rules, it feels genuinely alarming instead of convenient.
That said, the lore can sometimes slow the pacing, especially early on. Readers who prefer constant action might feel the weight of exposition, but if you enjoy deeper systems and careful setup, this is a big plus rather than a flaw.
Arden is a standout protagonist. He’s not powerful because the system favors him, he’s powerful because he refuses to give up, even when the world keeps proving it doesn’t care. His sarcasm, stubbornness, and emotional resilience make him feel very real.
His relationship with Sya is handled with genuine care, and it gives emotional weight to every decision he makes. Characters like Cirai and Vera add warmth and contrast to an otherwise harsh setting.
The prose is generally strong and easy to visualize. Action scenes hit hard, and the darker moments don’t feel exaggerated or edgy for the sake of it.
There are a few long paragraphs and moments where trimming repetition would improve the flow, but nothing that pulls you out of the story. With light polishing, this could easily climb higher.
And you have one of the most unsettling and interesting twists in the story so far (No spoilers).
The tone is dark, serious, and introspective, but it knows when to ease up with dry humor. It doesn’t try to be grim just to shock the reader, every heavy moment serves a narrative or emotional purpose. The story has a clear identity.
Nim SkollRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
Like the title of my review says the beginning definitely had me hesitant to continue since I'm not usually a fan of confusing timey BS (it's not really a spoiler I guess but yeah)
Anyway I kept up and honestly like what's here so far.
I'll be back later, hopefully to Alot more.