Soul Painting

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

In an esteemed art institute on a storm-beaten island, the daughter of a wealthy merchant and the daughter of a noble title who have all but lost their riches find themselves in an unlikely romance. With the expo at the institute and the chance of attracting a patron fast approaching, the women hope they can find a way to stay together. In a world where faith and sorcery intertwine, what will become of these two souls and their paintings?

Information

Status: Completed
Year: 2025
Author: StudioBunBug

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.8/ 5.0
Followers: 14
Views: 4,625

Reviews

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Community Reviews(4)

mutantmollyRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Soul Painting is a delight to read for a variety of reasons that I'd like to take the time to talk about! I've not yet finished the work so this is all on the basis of the 8 chapters or so.
Firstly, the characters have such wonderful voice. Each one of the two main characters have distinct mannerisms and thoughts that set them apart but compliment each other well. The secondary characters are a joy as well, with important roles in the social hierarchy and the overall worldbuilding. I love the attention to detail and care given to fleshing each character out.
The world building is delicious. The author has spent a great amount of time describing little details that add so much flavor to the entire story. The world itself is complicated with theology, magic, and noble classes but is broken down in very easy to digest piece and delivered on a silver platter which brings me to the writing itself.
The author has an incredible vocabulary and it shows, not in a way that seems pretentious but in a way that just brings out so much more in the writing. I don't know how else to say it but the way the author uses words it truly feels like that is the RIGHT word for the moment and no other would do. In a lot of ways big flowery language can make a work difficult to break into but that really isn't the case here.
Overall, it deserves a rating of 5 being one of the best works I've come across on Royal Road thus far for the reasons mentioned above!
vorlefanRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
"As she reached out to touch the cliff face, the perspective was dizzying, the knowledge of how to paint it one more thing outside her grasp."
Overall: First, I need to congratulate the author for finishing the novel. It's hard and challenging to do; I'm happy for you :) The story itself captivates us right at the start; it reminds me of some movies from Studio Ghibli, especially the setting and the nature of the story, which is poetic and well done.
Style: The author employs a lyrical and introspective writing style that beautifully captures the protagonist's internal struggles and artistic ambitions. In fact, if for the sake of reference, I may say it reminds me of Life is Strange (the game), I can even picture the soundtrack being used here. One of the strongest points is its ability to convey abstract concepts and emotions through evocative language, using metaphors and magical elements.
Grammar: Is exemplary, showcasing a work polished with a professional standard. Nothing to say otherwise, only that it is really, really good.
Character: Like many stories, characters are important, and this is no different. Vaterin Lime, our protagonist, is portrayed with remarkable depth; it was almost like reading a Shakespearean tale. Also, it has that feeling and intent of classical books. We read her doubts, fears, joy, aspirations, and inspirations. Amazing! And the supporting characters are really well done. Especially the character of the Father Sulfur and Marble Bitumen and her interaction with Vaterin.
Story: It was like a paint, as the title says. The story has soul; it feels alive, and much like a good movie, I read it without noticing the time. And the writing itself brought me to view a beautiful painting. It is thoughtfully paced, allowing for gradual character development and world-building. Each chapter is really unique in itself, and the entries of the first paragraphs make the reader realize we're experiencing something intimate. And the integration of themes
Cowabunga_BluewriterRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
Soul Painting Review
First of all, I really enjoyed Vaterin's and Marble's journey. And so we'll start this with Characterization. Vaterin and Marble were both well-done characters who, by no means, could you confuse one with the other, even with similar goals, though different aspirations. Each character's voice from the snarly Brother Pitch, who later becomes a friend, Felspar, was unique and had agency. My favorite side character, though, had to be Slate lol.
The Mother Superior and Father Saur were also favorites. The Dragon Tourmaline also brought her own things, whether by her tantrums or in the end by doing as she did.
Vaterin's character arc, though, is to be commended. She goes from a bull-headed (Stubborn) girl who always takes the easy path to a more patient, hardworking individual, and she is led there by none other than her lady love, Marble. Marble, who has a bit of a temper, teaches Vaterin to be better, but there's a reason why Marble's character journey isn't as satisfying, at least to me. Let me explain.
Vaterin chooses to be a better person for Marble. Marble inspires that within her. Now, though, why isn't it the same for Marble, however? It sometimes seems to me she is justifying Vaterin to herself, almost as if she needs that vindication. Vaterin doesn't inspire her to be a better person, and relationships are about give and take, so while this was a happy ending, it wouldn't have lasted, and that's where the character arc of Marble fails. That's where the romance goes sideways into just one person pulling the load, Marble.
Story:
The twist at the end was a great thing to add, and this had a satisfying ending. The story itself was simple but strong about two lesbians in an Art College in a fantasy realm. The magic system imbued by faith is imaginative and well rendered. The world is the same as The Dragon’s Heir partaking on Orth in the Age of Stone after the Age of Loss.
Style:
Two Third Person POVs in Vaterin’s and Marble’s POv works well to
M.E. CheRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
Overview
Soul Painter is a warm and cozy slice-of-life story about two people meeting and falling in love against the backdrop of artistic ambition. With its subtle world-building, diverse cast, and nuanced exploration of privilege and faith, this story offers a heartfelt and grounded narrative. While it may not appeal to all readers, its focus on character development and emotional depth makes it a standout in its genre.
Strengths
- Warm and Cozy Tone: The story’s tone is inviting and heartfelt, making it an enjoyable read for fans of slice-of-life and romance.
- Subtle World-Building: The world feels large and lived-in without overwhelming the reader with excessive details.
- Diverse Cast: The characters add depth to the story, making the world feel vibrant and realistic.
- Nuanced Themes: The exploration of privilege and faith is handled with care, adding complexity to the narrative.
Recommendation
I recommend Soul Painter to fans of slice-of-life stories, romance, and narratives that explore artistic ambition. If you enjoy warm, character-driven stories with subtle world-building and nuanced themes, this is a story worth checking out. Its heartfelt tone and emotional depth make it a standout in its genre.