Riftwalker - [A Psychological LitRPG]
Community Rating
Description
Legend speaks that an insatiable 'Rift' lies beneath the overworld.
It was an ever-consuming void, born in ancient eras and home to all malevolent entities that defied human comprehension. And what had seemed just a myth has now made its presence.
Enter Kyrios, a bedridden yet mischievous boy plagued by an incurable disease who dreams of walking again. Crossed by his loved ones, his fate led him to the dreaded Rift as a sacrifice for the greater good. It wasn't long before a monstrous plant devoured him, but against all odds, an unexpected transformation occurred. The same disease that had withered him away since birth spread to the plant while bestowing Kyrios an extraordinary rebirth.
Now, trapped amidst the nightmare realm, Kyrios yearns to break free from the clutches of the monstrous horde surrounding him.
Anyway, here's what you can expect:
- Lots of action and exploration!
- Progression, weak to strong, and character development.
-Diverse and refreshing creatures/encounters.
- Some images that a friend made with ai :)
There are litRPG elements, but levels and stats are not the determinant factors for most battles.
Side note:Just to set your expectations, this novel isn't innately supposed to be edgy despite the title and synopsis, lol. It's not a tale of vengeance or hatred. Instead, it explores the journey of a naive, frisky young boy as he descends a path of emotional turmoil and trauma.
Patreon:You can read up to16 chaptersahead on Patreon underneath the 'Donate' button.
Information
- Status
- Hiatus
- Year
- 2023
- Author
- crowrush204
Tags
Royal Road Stats
- Rating
- 4.1/ 5.0
- Followers
- 525
- Views
- 61,926
Chapters(25 total)
- 23. A Taste TestDec 14, 2023
- 22. Rendezvous PointDec 7, 2023
- 21. RespiteDec 3, 2023
- 20. ParasitismNov 30, 2023
- 19. ChaseNov 26, 2023
- 18. A Familiar PlaceNov 24, 2023
- 17. Cosmic WonderlandNov 17, 2023
- 16. No Running Away!Nov 14, 2023
- 15. ColossusNov 12, 2023
- 14. Casual Campfire BlabberingNov 10, 2023
- 13. A Caretaker's CosmosNov 7, 2023
- 12. HordeNov 5, 2023
- Maps and LocationsNov 5, 2023
- 11. Ice SculpturesNov 3, 2023
- 10. A Comfy HellscapeOct 31, 2023
- 9. Frozen DomainOct 30, 2023
- 8. Makeshift BladesOct 29, 2023
- 7. Moss' CallOct 28, 2023
- 6. LuckOct 27, 2023
- 5. Crystal SprintOct 27, 2023
Reviews
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Community Reviews(10)
- menisRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0story: 4,5/5
the story is about a young boy named kyrios who was born with a disease that made him stuck to a wheelchair. because he is a burden to the people around him, he gets sacrificed for the greater good. when he gets killed and eaten, his disease transfers to the thing that killed him and he gets reborn with powers and stuff. It's a little plot armorish, but I've read and seen far worse. Or else the story would've ended at chapter 3 lol.
style: 5/5
I'm honestly not sure what to say about style, but i usually prefer first person and this is written in third person. I still think the writing style is amazing and reading it wasn't a hassle at all. its super descriptive as well.
The author also has a large vocabulary and I've learned a few new words by reading this novel, though it might not be very friendly toward people who don't speak english well.
grammar: 5/5
Nothing much to say here, grammar is great. I couldn't find any major grammar mistakes other than one or two tiny misspellings.
characters: 4,5/5
As of now there's only really the mc, his friends and his dad. I'll give it a 4,5 for now and wait until new characters arrive and update my rating. I love the main character so far. He's naive and there is so much space for him to grow and his friends seem nice and realistic. I wish we get to see a bit more of his dad and how he's like but maybe we'll get that later on. - Rookie12Royal Road★★★★★ 5.0I have read six chapters so far (the prologue included), and so far it has been a nice read. I have noticed next to no mistakes; the story flows nicely from chapter to chapter, leaving a good hook to keep a reader invested. There is a mystery involving the MC's family, but I am not sure if I can theorize about it without spoilering the story.
For now, we have several characters involved in the story, but I can't in good conscience judge them. None of them look like major side characters, but they compliment the world well enough. Neither can I say anything about a system yet.
What I can judge is the MC and the action. The MC's motives up to this point were reasonable, and foes provided adequate opposition, making fights good. If you are looking for an action-packed LitRPG to follow, give this story a try. - StarswornAdminRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0Riftwalker is a fresh spin on a tried-and-true formula. Kyrios is thrust into a life-and-death struggle, and we get to join him on his journey!
Style - This is one of the high points for me, and a differentiator to many of the other stories out there. The author does an exceptional job at creating a sense of place, offering vivid descriptions and details without getting bogged down. The sentence structures are varied, and we get a lot of dialogue both early on and through other character POV to keep things feeling fresh. The tone is serious, without a lot of humor, though it fits the story well. The author also includes maps as side content to help visualize, which is just neat!
Story - To an extent, we get to experience a similar start to many of these stories. Our MC, a paralyzed boy named Kyrios, finds himself in circumstances where he's been reincarnated. The build up to it is really effective, and the method is interesting, leaving us with some system-related mysteries. We are met with Kyrios' struggle for survival as he comes to grips with his new reality, and it feels like the foundation of a much larger narrative that's about to unfold.
Grammar - Clean, with no real issues that jumped out at me. Certainly nothing immersion-breaking
Character - Kyrios is a great main character, and I think we'll get to explore more of his unique perspective as the narrative builds. That said, some of the other characters felt a little flat, likely due to the simple fact that we haven't had much time with them yet. I'm confident that will develop with a little more time, but as of this writing (fully caught up on RR) I can't quite justify full marks.
Overall, Riftwalker is a story that will keep you engaged and on the edge of your seat. If you're looking for a new LitRPG to enjoy, this is the one for you! - Uncharted BloodlinesRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0Style: The author's writing style is easy to follow along and draws you into the story. The descriptions are vivid, allowing you to immerse yourself in the world of the Riftwalker.
Grammar: While there are occasional typos, they are so minor that they don't detract from the overall experience. The grammar is fairly clean, making it a decent read.
Story: "Riftwalker" offers a unique and intriguing premise. The blurb promises an adventure, and the story delivers on that promise. The concept of the Rift, the malevolent creatures within, and the transformation of the protagonist, Kyrios, all combine to create an interesting narrative. The inclusion of light humor adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the story.
Character: The characters in "Riftwalker" are relatable. You get a good sense of who they are early on, and Kyrios, in particular, stands out as a likable and interesting protagonist. His journey from a boy who’s lived his life with a disease to a transformed adventurer is compelling. The interactions and brief dialog between characters bring them to life in a way that makes you genuinely care about their fates.
There seems to be a gradual buildup of backstories, which adds depth to the characters and makes them even more likable. The way Kyrios navigates his new environment, understanding its dual nature as both a threat and an ally, is a testament to the careful character development.
The combination of an action-packed story, growing character, and a touch of humor make it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a unique litRPG adventure. - LifeWisherRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0Let me start with my favorite part of the story, which is the premise. While I have seen similar beginnings in other stories it is certainly a unique take on the situation. I really enjoy flawed main characters and two chapters in I was really glad this is not a modern-day isekai, as that would have taken away from the weight of all that happened.
It doesn’t take long for us to be introduced to the author’s take on the System which seems very interesting and leaves a lot of room for engaging development and fun abilities, once the main character develops a bit more.
Another surprising positive for me was the use of imagery throughout as a sort of visual aid, to better help the reader see through the characters’ eyes. I have yet to read another story on here that does this in such a non-intrusive way. Great idea by the author.
The story is very well paced in my opinion, and while the style is a bit overly fluffed at times, it is nothing that won’t improve as the author writes more and more. The action is written in a clear and understandable manner and the descriptions are very vivid.
I saw no issues with the grammar, and I even learned a few new words!
I can’t really say much about the other characters, as up to chapter 10 the one we spend the most time with is Kyrios. That is not an issue at all as the MC is likable enough, but it would be nice to see how other characters will be developed once the story progresses.
Give it a try! - S.J ScarthRoyal Road★★★★★ 4.5I enjoyed the relatively unique flaw of the main character. Even if it goes away rather quickly. I'll not say the exactly detail to avoid spoilers.
The story starts off well enough, a village is worried about its tribute to a rift. Coming to drastic measures to appease it. Something that unfortunately makes our MC a target.
The action of the story is neither immediate, nor is it drawn out. Those who like a little build up before the main course will like that immensely. The author does a decent job of making you sympathetic to the main character, and it helps he has a bright outlook despite his problems.
For the majority of the currently release chapters, we mainly have a focus on Kyrios the main character, who we get to explore our Author's twist to a LitRPG with.
For the last current chapter, he quickly introduces a cast of characters in a party looking for a rift, doing a good job giving a distinct feel to each character. Overall, its a good read, and the author has clearly put in a lot of background work.
The pictures are nice touch! Even if they sometimes felt like they interrupted the reading process, they help you visualize the scene much better, so overall, its a positive in my book.
The story is building up nicely, can't wait to see where it goes! - DarkodiaRoyal Road★★★★ 4.0The story of Kyrios is a captivating tale that seamlessly weaves themes of resilience, adventure, and the yearning for freedom. At just fourteen years old, Kyrios’ determination to break free from the constraints of his wheelchair and Drakewood’s Disease is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. The vivid depiction of the serene village of Nordengaard juxtaposed with his inner turmoil creates a powerful backdrop for this coming-of-age story.
The author skillfully portrays Kyrios’ internal struggle, showcasing his unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. The birthday episode, which initiates his journey, serves as a poignant reminder of Kyrios’ limitations, yet it also highlights his fierce desire to contribute and be an active participant in his own life. This is further emphasized during the clandestine meeting in the forest, a pivotal moment that transforms his life irrevocably.
Despite the fantastical elements introduced with the mysterious abyss and Kyrios’ sudden acquisition of strength and abilities, the story maintains a grounded and relatable narrative. The suspenseful descent into the unknown realm adds a layer of intrigue, leaving readers eager to discover more about Kyrios’ fate and the nature of his newfound powers.
The author’s compelling characterization of Kyrios, combined with the vivid imagery and exploration of universal themes, creates a memorable and thought-provoking tale. Kyrios’ journey serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the endless possibilities that await when one dares to challenge the status quo. - TJJonesRoyal Road★★★★ 4.0This kind of story isn't normally my cup of tea. That said the newness of departure from my norm gave it both a likable and unlikable element. My favorite parts were actually the first few chapters and had me most curious. There's a very obvious line in the sand that once you pass, the story almost completely changes and that's where it kind of lost me. It stopped posing as many interesting narrative items in favor of the hero grind trope. Probably not the authors intent, but that was my own experience with it. Again, probably not my main cup of tea.
Still, there's some great potential there that I wish could have been explored more. As it stands I hope the story hits the beats for its intended audience because there's something good growing here. It just needs time and water. And readers. So read it - quandoRoyal Road★★ 2.0I read ten chapters and then skimmed the next six but honestly this work didn't draw me in.
The plot is about a disabled boy dropped into a rift/dungeon by his own father as a sacrifice to keep the village safe. Only he survives and gains the ability to absorb the powers of rift monsters. This is a pretty common plot device but it doesn't seem to be all that well executed.
I think that it's the lack of proper exposition but overall the narrative seems too chaotic with the protagonist's introduction so perfunctory that I never got the chance to empathise and start pulling for him before he was thown into what is effectively a dungeon and the inevitable grind to grow stronger. - DOOMBUNNYakaKIPARoyal Road★★ 1.5Grammar is where to start since that’s the most polished thing. The grammar in this story is so-so. There’s a good grasp of the English language when it comes to the author’s vocabulary, but the sentences the author put together feel disjointed and unnatural. There’s also a major lack of proofreading leading to repeated words and misspellings.
The story is too rushed and skims over the first few chapters or so it feels. Not only that, the main character immediately gets portrayed 3000 years in the future alive and healthy. Showing readers the destination before they can even taste the journey in such a bland way makes interest in the journey itself a challenging aspect.
The character interactions start off passably but the interaction between Kyrios and his father feel AI-generated or otherwise just wrong. My brain got so much whiplash from reading that that my mind is actively forcing me to forget it.
The style is downright weird. Instead of explaining things with some detail and then added fluff the author goes straight to the fluff. Characteristics of what things look and sound like seems uncertain, unpredictable and generally missing. Instead they get explained in abstract ways that leads to basically very little detail for the reader to work with and a lot of headache-inducing nonsense. Smells get explained the best probably due to their simplicity in written form.
Overall I’m gonna give this one a pass and try to find something better for now. I wanted a fantasy to read but I’d rather give a review of this story than read it.