Scarred Smile
Community Rating
Description
The town of Rothly has always been seen as a dark, haunted place full of mystery and secrets. Polly wants to change that and bring it into the light. She has always loved helping people. From saving people’s cats to stopping criminals. The people of her town weren’t appreciate however as they view Polly as a curse that was placed upon her town due to the face she hides behind the mask that she wears that was burned years ago.
She’s shunned, feared, and hated, and she wishes she wasn’t. She wishes she could make the people see that all she wanted to do was help but she understands. She understands that her monstrous face is just too horrible for them. Despite what her friends and family say, she’s convinced that she deserves to be kept hidden away after she helps.
That is until someone like her comes along. Dolly, an artist with the ability to bring her drawings to life, shows Polly that she is not alone as she too hides her face behind a mask. Like Polly, she also wishes to change Rothly and the two form a close bond over this. However, as time goes on, of all the dark things in the town, Dolly starts showing herself and her intentions to be the darkest.
The town will need a hero more than ever but can Polly be that hero? Can she really bring a town like Rothly into the light? Or will Dolly create a truly haunting darkness?
Information
- Status
- Hiatus
- Year
- 2025
- Author
- TheHorrorFright
Royal Road Stats
- Rating
- 5.0/ 5.0
- Followers
- 1
- Views
- 1,524
Chapters(10 total)
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Community Reviews(2)
- Lucian T. EinarRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0Style and Pacing:
The writing style effectively blends action, introspection, and atmosphere, making for an immersive read. The opening is gripping, immediately pulling the reader into the tension of the chase. The buildup of Polly and Dolly’s relationship, while intriguing, might benefit from more gradual development to heighten the impact of later revelations. Trimming redundant dialogue and exposition would also enhance the story's flow.
Story and Worldbuilding:
The town of Rothly is richly atmospheric, with its eerie, secretive nature serving as a compelling backdrop. The concept of Polly’s struggle against societal rejection and Dolly’s artistic ability to bring drawings to life adds a unique, supernatural element that keeps the reader engaged. More clarity on the town’s history and how it plays into Polly and Dolly’s journey would strengthen the worldbuilding. While Polly’s quest to change Rothly is clear, Dolly’s ultimate intentions remain somewhat ambiguous—this could be expanded to create more tension and suspense.
Grammar:
The prose is generally clean. Transitions between action and dialogue could be smoother to maintain immersion. Proofreading for run-on sentences and refining character interactions would make the reading experience more seamless.
Character:
Polly is a well-developed protagonist with a strong, compelling arc. Her struggle with self-acceptance and her desire to help others despite societal rejection make her an engaging lead. Dolly is an intriguing character, and her dynamic with Polly is one of the story’s highlights.
Final Thoughts:
Scarred Smile is a captivating blend of psychological depth, eerie atmosphere, and action-packed storytelling. With adjustments to pacing, dialogue, and character depth, it has the potential to be a standout. Looking forward to seeing how Polly and Dolly’s journey evolves! - RandomWriter777Royal Road★★★★★ 5.0Scarred Smile is a solid fantasy read. It follows a scarred main character navigating a tough world where smiles hide pain. The story tackles trauma and redemption, mixing quiet moments with intense twists to keep you hooked. It can feel heavy, but the detailed world and surprises keep it engaging. The setting feels alive, with enough depth to make the stakes feel real without overwhelming the reader.
The writing is clear and paints a gritty picture without being over the top. It’s easy to follow, though some parts drag a bit. Grammar’s good, with only a few typos that don’t break the flow—shows the author cares. The prose stays grounded, focusing on the story rather than fancy wording.
Characters are the best part. The lead’s scars run deep, and their growth feels real. The mentor and a conflicted ally add depth, but some side characters feel too familiar or underdeveloped. Dialogue’s sharp, with enough tension to make their relationships interesting. The interactions carry weight, showing trust and betrayal in subtle ways.
Scarred Smile is great for fans of character-driven fantasy. It’s not flawless—pacing stumbles, and a few characters need more work—but the raw emotion, strong writing, and memorable cast make it worth your time. If you want a story that hits hard and sticks around, check it out.