The Broken Circle

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Violence begets violence.

The cycle of revenge consumes all, and Lei Jianyu is next up.

Will his ideals and motivations withstand the test of time?

Or will he, like so many others, fade into the obscurity of forgotten history?

Chapters(29 total)

Reviews

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Community Reviews(1)

  • Aetherchasm ExplorerRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    From the very first line, this story pulls you into a dark and atmospheric world where faith, magic, and horror collide. The vivid descriptions bring every moment to life, from the chaos in the abbey to the eerie silence of the Narrows. It's a gripping tale that blends mystery with a sense of dread, keeping readers engaged until the final, fiery resolution.
    Style: The writing is rich and evocative, painting clear and striking images. Lines like “Smoke filled the hall like blood in water” stick with you long after reading. While the descriptions are stunning, they sometimes drag on, slowing the pace. A bit of trimming could keep the story moving while still preserving its atmospheric charm.
    Story: The plot is layered and suspenseful, unraveling secrets at just the right pace. The abbot's dark manipulations, Mahkell's investigation, and the lurking horror of the beast all tie together beautifully. However, some scenes—like the exploration of the underground tunnels—feel overly long and could be streamlined without losing their impact. The ending is powerful, though the exposition during the climax feels a little heavy-handed at times.
    Characters: Mahkell, the sorcerer, is an intriguing lead, carrying an air of mystery while showing enough humanity to be relatable. Scrunge, the ragged gambler, adds heart and humor, and his small moments of courage shine. The abbot is a chilling figure, though his motivations lean a bit too much on familiar tropes. Willow’s devotion to Petrus is touching, but her role could use more development to deepen her impact on the story.
    Grammar: The story is polished and professional, with clean grammar and punctuation throughout. The dialogue feels natural, matching the tone of each character and adding to the story’s authenticity.
    Overall: "It Was Sunset at Briarfield Abbey" is a haunting tale that explores the clash of faith, magic, and human frailty. While some parts could benefit from tighter pacing and more nuanced character work, the sto