The Ancient Era of Forgotten Magic - Epic Dark Fantasy Saga

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

The Tuscanians—a once prosperous race—are now an isolated tribe, cursed and exiled.

What they believed to be a mere witch hunt brought them a deadly, irreversible curse, pushing them into hiding. To protect their dwindling numbers and shield them from the world’s hatred, Chief Nelius Tuscan relocates his people to the new Tuscanvalle, near the mythical Lavalthon Lake—a paradise shrouded in wilderness. Before leaving to undo their curse, he entrusts his brother with preserving their bloodline and assigns a mysterious task to a young girl named Calla—one known only to them.

Generations pass. The world has forgotten its magic and the supernatural, turning a skeptical eye to it all. But Calla remains—now a wise elderly storyteller—when a chilling prophecy emerges: a child born at the start of winter will spell the end of the Tuscanian race. Desperation sets in as the tribe decides to sacrifice the child before their doom is sealed. But not everyone agrees. Lines blur between saviors and executioners as some fight to kill, and others fight to save the child.

And amidst it all, a stranger appears—unconnected to the Tuscanians, yet destined to become their harbinger of doom.

Times change, stakes rise, people come and go—but evil never rests. It grows stronger, more insidious, waiting to strike.

What to expect:

✅️ Rich lore and mythos with a fresh take on Gods and mortals

✅️ slow burn storytelling

✅️ immense world-building

✅️ multiple intricate arcs spanning multiple timelines

✅️ various perspectives, and plenty of drama.

Expect along, slow build,but when it hits—ithits!

Content Warning:

This story containsdisturbinggraphic depictions of ritual sacrifice,extremeviolence, and the ruthless cost of power.Magic in this world is far from harmonious or mystical—it is crafted byblood, suffering, and the consumption of others.Some wield it through purpose, others through sacrifice, but none without consequences.

If you want a story that doesNOTshy away from the darkest aspects of ambition, survival, and control, read on. If not, this may not be for you.

Update Schedule:Monday, Wednesday, Friday

If you see this work on any sites other thanRoyal road,then it has been pirated without my permission. Other sites hosting this book are stealing it and mayexpose your device to malware.

Chapters(53 total)

Reviews

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Community Reviews(10)

  • ZacheasRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    The first two chapters of this story is a retelling of the story of creation. It is very much like a compressed history of the world mixed with the creation story of the bible. Though it is creative and interesting for understanding the deep lore of this story, it is important to know that this is NOT the true pace and style of the story.
    What you need to know is that the true story starts at chapter 3. The story from this point has good conflict, tension and great characters. The story follows a tribe of humans and the chief of the village taking a band of 28 warriors on a quest to find hope for their struggling village.
    The preludes focus on the conflict and events that precede their departure.
    Characters: The characters in this story are well written with distinct personalities and natural speech and actions.
    World Building: The world building in this story is very rich. The author has spent a lot of effort into developing a very detailed history for this world.
    Grammar and spelling: There were very few errors in the story at the time I read it and I believe the author was quick to fix them. None of them were critical issues.
    Overall, the story was a fun read, and I encourage the author continue writing it and for you to give it a try.
  • Mor_aRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    Beware the Voices in Your Head is an exceptionally well-written story that demands full attention—because the devil is often found in the details. It unfolds like an intricate puzzle, each piece meticulously placed, creating a hauntingly serene experience that is both eerily calm and grotesquely unsettling.
    The way the story builds horror is nothing short of masterful. On the surface, not much may seem to happen—a conversation here, a subtle hint there—yet every element seeps into the reader’s subconscious. A thin layer of madness lingers in the characters, manifesting in obsession, indifference, and quiet, creeping insanity. When these elements collide, they form an exquisitely crafted, gripping tale that evokes the feel of classical literature.
    Stylistically, the pacing and structure are executed flawlessly. The author cultivates an eerie atmosphere with quiet precision, weaving in subtle hints of a grander, unfathomable picture. From the decay of the human body to children sacrificing themselves for their fathers' ambitions, the narrative normalizes horror, immersing the reader in its cold, unflinching reality. The opening passages at the start of each chapter are particularly effective at setting the tone, especially the ones incorporating songs—I might be biased, though, as I have a deep love for poetry.
    Grammatically, the writing is impeccable. I didn’t notice any flaws.
    The story itself is compelling, like a word on the tip of your tongue—just out of reach, yet lingering. It poses profound questions about identity and existence, not by providing a singular answer, but by offering many.
    The characters are well-defined and intriguing, though undeniably dramatic, often feeling like actors in a surreal stage play.
    Overall, Beware the Voices in Your Head offers a uniquely immersive experience, guiding readers into a world both familiar and alien. It is an exceptionally gripping take on horror—one that lingers in the mind, leaving its audience questioning everythin
  • Mr MoreporkRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    Beware the Voices in Your Head has an intricate narrative that artfully blends mythology, existential themes, and human drama into a story of cosmic reckoning and fragile mortality. The story explores cycles of destruction and creation, anchored by richly drawn characters and their struggles against curses and their own shortcomings.
    Chief Nelius Tuscan is a tragic figure, burdened by the weight of ancestral sins and a burning desire for redemption. His internal conflict is stands out against the backdrop of Tuscanvalle’s traditions and rituals, which are depicted with immense detail. The anointment ceremony, the construction of the Traveller's Tomb, and the vibrant cultural traditions are immersive, painting a world steeped in both reverence and decay and showing the authors careful thought about the world.
    The narrative weaves personal and societal struggles together. Nelius' battle with his brother Ibarius highlights the fragile balance of leadership and legacy, while Rosa's resilience and emotional depth anchor the story in human relatability. The intergenerational trauma, epitomized by Poppy's sacrifice, adds haunting layers, underscoring the cyclical nature of fear, hubris, and consequences.
    The pacing does occasionally waver. While introspective moments deepen the narrative, they sometimes detract from the urgency of pivotal events, such as the anointment ceremony and the final confrontation between Nelius and Ibarius. A tighter focus on these scenes could amplify the emotional and dramatic stakes. Additionally, the titles of the chapters seem slightly confusing with that many preludes but I assume this is an indication of the grand scope the author has planned for the story.
    Despite this, "Beware the Voices in Your Head" is a wonderful exploration of cosmic justice and human resilience. Its themes of tradition, redemption, and the consequences of unchecked power resonate deeply, creating a narrative as thought-provoking as it is immersive. With its intricate
  • Apollo149Royal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    "Beware the Voices in Your Head" is a captivating story that follows Chief Nelius Tuscan, haunted by his people's past sins. A tragic curse, born from a botched witch hunt, threatens to consume his tribe, forcing Nelius on a perilous journey to break the spell.
    The prose is exquisite, vividly painting the world of Tuscanvalle with rich descriptions of both the environment and the inhabitants. The narrative masterfully blends introspection and tension, creating a powerful and emotionally resonant experience.
    The plot is layered and intriguing, driven by the harrowing history of the curse and its impact on characters like Nelius and Ibarius. The story seamlessly weaves cultural elements – rituals, legacies, and the weight of the past – into the present, offering a glimpse into the future. The world-building is exceptionally rich, with the author meticulously crafting a detailed history that adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
    Character development is strong, particularly for Nelius and Ibarius, and Rosa. The struggles of leadership and the burden of duty are vividly portrayed. While secondary characters could benefit from increased screen time to further enrich the dynamics, the core relationships are compelling.
    The prologue, featuring Wander, is a standout. It's a captivating piece that immediately grabs the reader's attention. The first chapter, with a bit of refinement, could easily stand alone as a powerful short story, brimming with energy and intrigue.
    The writing is polished and elegant, with varied sentence structures and dialogue that effectively distinguishes each character. While the intricate prose may slightly lengthen the story, it doesn't detract from the overall impact.
    "Beware the Voices in Your Head" is a beautifully crafted story with immersive world-building and compelling characters. It's a captivating read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
  • Shade ArjuunRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    I probably should have read the tags on this book. I'm not any means averse to darker stories (not at all) but damn, did Poppy's story catch me off guard.
    But let me go in order.
    First, I really love it when stories make tribes feel like... Well, tribes. Details like the Traveller's Tombs, objects built for the living to draw luck and emphasise connections, Zarvans, Thalreks - ritualistic apparel - just make a fabricated collection of people feel real.
    I love such details. I also appreciate how the story makes us root for said tribes. The background of the Tuscanians and the witches quickly gets you invested in who they are as a people and what they aim for. We see the collective hurt of these people through Chief Nelius, who, while admit, feels a little more standard as a character, benefits heavily from the lore.
    The standouts in what I have read so far are Rosa, Ibarius and perhaps Freesia because she's the personification of 'Not built for important roles'. At least not at the moment. It is clear that Ibarius demeans her every chance he gets.
    I'd like to see if, after Nelius leaves, if Ibarius and Freesia's dynamic sees a change and how much more animosity can build up between Rosa and Ibarius. The tension between these three characters was especially interesting to him.
    But the lore, while I feel it is a little awry in its placement, hits hard. Poppy's story... gave layers of depth to both the Tuscanians and the witches.
    They feel like witches.
    They are not the cool kinds from stories that try to shed clean lights on them. They really feel dark and gritty and evil.
    I think the story aims to get darker with the passing of time, which is good. So far, the development is a bit slow, but not bad at all. This is a great piece.
  • SiconeRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    This book is a refreshing change to what I have been reading lately. The world is built with incredible detail. The characters stand out, they are bold and well crafted. The hints at a violent past and an uncertain future have really drawn me in. I can't wait till the day the new chief gets it though. Good story keep it coming
  • FalstaffRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    I liked the prose a lot. It's not flowery or purple, but it does have a melody to it. The writer has a real mastery over words and sentences.
    The story is epic in scope. I like bold, creative choices.
    My complaints revolve around pacing and structure. Essentially, the first two chapters are all exposition. The first 9 chapters are all Prologue. The actual plot doesn't begin until 0.01, which is the 10th page. By that point, the story had stopped and started several times already. I think that's asking way too much from readers. Because remember, when the story begins at Chapter 0.01, I have to commit to another buy-in, but I never got any real pay-off for the last 9 chapters.
    This might be a stylistic preference. I don't like slow-burns. But I appreciate 2 things: 1) other people like stuff I don't like, and 2) the author was kind enough to warn me this would be an issue, so my expectations were ready for it.
    As such, I'm not going to dock points in my review for these preferences. I believe this is a structural problem that needs editing, but ultimately, readers will decide if it's an actual problem or just my short attention span.
    As for characters, I'm not sure. I didn't like the Chief, but I suspect I don't need to. I haven't met many characters yet, (Wander, Body, and Soul aren't characters so much as concepts) but the characters I have met do indeed feel like characters. I liked Rosa and I think the story should start with her.
    Perhaps I would like it more if these were different volumes in a series, rather than 1 book. Wander is intriguing as a short story. Maybe it's better as a stand-alone. Like the Silmarillion.
  • GrumpsterRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    Beware the Voices in Your Head (apologies for the mistake) has beautifully written story surrounding Chief Nelius Tuscan, burdened with the past sins of the people he leads, involving a catastrophic curse surrounding a witch hunt gone wrong. Nelius must undertake a perilous journey to undo the curse, primed to threaten his people. The prose of the story is very strong from what I've seen. Quite rich in its description of Tuscanvalle, the worldbuilding is clearly described out both in environment and the actions of its people. Style has a very good balance of both introspection and tension that enhances the prose and weight of the emotions present in the narrative. Moving onto the narrative, the plot has multiple layers, to put it simply without spoiling anything major. The roots of the curse provides a harrowing background that drives the actions of characters such as Nelius and Ibarius. There is a lot of culture interwoven with the story and its simply magnificent to read, with the rituals, legacies and pasts bleeding into the present and what might be instore for the future.
    Characters go off very strongly, especially between, as mentioned before, Nelius and Ibarius, but with the addition of Rosa too. The struggles are fleshed out and no expense was withdrawn to show the weight and duty that befalls the Chief. These dynamics help enrich the dynamics between the characters massively - but secondary characters MAY require some additional page-time to be added into the mix of interesting dynamics present. Grammar is very polished, there are clear sentence variations and differences within the dialogue's writing that makes and suits the individual characters. Intricate sentences do somewhat lengthen the story a bit, but I found them to be no real harm to the story.
    Overall, I have found Beware the Voices in your head to be a greatly crafted story with immense worldbuilding through the cultures and traditions shown throughout the story.
  • LyuLGRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    The novel offers a rich and imaginative narrative, diving into cosmic creation, existential dilemmas, and human flaws. It balances philosophical musings with action and emotional depth. However, the pacing occasionally wavers, and some parts feel overly descriptive, slightly hampering immersion.
    The author's writing style is vivid and poetic, bringing the cosmic and earthly elements to life. The descriptions, especially of Wander's creation cycles and emotional conflict, are compelling. However, some passages lean heavily on exposition, which can slow the narrative's momentum.
    The grammar is strong, with only minor errors in sentence structure and punctuation. The prose flows smoothly, enhancing the reader's experience, though occasional long sentences could benefit from tighter editing.
    The story is ambitious, weaving themes of creation, destruction, and redemption. The central plot—Wander's struggle to create a perfect world (on the first chapters)—is intriguing and thought-provoking. While the narrative's scope is impressive, certain arcs, such as the Tuscanian subplot, feel underdeveloped compared to the broader cosmic themes.
    The characters in "Beware The Voices In Your Head" are intriguing but unevenly developed. The strongest elements lie in their symbolic roles and potential for growth. Enhancing their individual arcs, relationships, and motivations could elevate the narrative's emotional depth and thematic resonance.
    "Beware The Voices In Your Head" is an evocative tale blending cosmic fantasy with human frailty. It shines in its imaginative scope and lyrical prose, though it could benefit from tighter pacing and deeper character development.
    I really recommend reading it!
  • Pens&KeysRoyal Road
    ★★★★ 3.5
    The world building is carefully thought out. You really receive a solid feel for the tribe and the characters.
    I appreciate the author creating the space to explain the tensions and emotions felt. Nelius  Rosa and Ibarius are interesting strong characters. Seeing these strong willed characters dynamic is mesmerizing.
    I am especially excited to see more of the witches.
    This is truly a interesting project from the author so far . Looking forward to the rest of this story.