The Jade Archon - Melancholy Sci-Fi Fantasy

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

The country of Fusang is the predominant country on the globe. But there is a dark shadow presiding over it. Behind the scenes of the social order is the cybernetic Temple of the Jade Archon, a power structure that has manipulated the flow of society for longer than anyone can remember. Those who try to resist them have been at a standstill for hundreds of years... until now.

Lan Mei was once a dutiful daughter before realizing the fundamental brokenness of her family. But she realized that this problem was not just with them. It extended far beyond her, with roots deep into the social order itself. And although she has been on her own for some time, the claws of both her family and society run deep. She looks for an answer to not only her own existential condition but for that of all those like her.

As above, so below. Sometimes within the solution to one problem is the solution to another.

What to expect: Low-self-esteem hero, Magitech, Psychology, Cyberpunk, Esotericism, Shifting POVs, Cyber-katana, Gnosticism, LGBT, Taoism, Surrealism, Existential pondering, Philosophy, Nudism, Emotion, Catharsis

Content warning: Blood, Suicide, Death, Familial Abuse, Tiger Parenting, Self-harm, Hallucination, Dissociation, Depression, Racism, Sexism, Heterosexism, Cissexism, Classism, Sexual Harassment, Dysphoria, Existential Crisis, Scary Bone

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2024
Author: beadman

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 3.7/ 5.0
Followers: 474
Views: 52,310

Reviews

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Community Reviews(9)

longwindedone1Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This review was through chapter 3 (or about 14K words). I apologize for any spoilers.
Story:
This is a dystopian story set in the "neon-lit" Fusang. In this story, ancient myths and modern tech work side by side. The story follows Mei, as she struggles for personal freedom in a world controlled by the Temple of the Jade Archon. As she attempts to break free her story bumps into a private detective who is unraveling a series of mysterious murders.
Style:
The overall tone of the story is somber and sometimes tense, but it fits the world so well. The main themes are about dealing with societal expectation and personal loss. There is some existentialism sprinkled in there, which I always enjoy. The story is told from a combination of third person limited and some first person points of view. I'm seeing this more and more now in the books I read and I'm really starting to dig this stylistic choice.
Grammar:
I listened to these chapters while I commuted and exercised, so I didn't actually get my eyes on the words. That said, I was never taken out of the story by any glaring errors.
Characters:
You would think that having only read three chapters, there wouldn't be many characters of note, but there are actually quite a few (as the chapters are long). Mei is the main character. Another of the main characters is the detective Samual Heart. There is, of course, the Jade Archon from the first chapter (which actually takes place most of the way through the story), Mei's grandmother, Samuel's former partner, and Captain Jack.
Overall, this story was nice change of pace for me. It isn't my typical humorous litrpg. Instead, I got sucked into this somber world of Mei. I really liked how the deep scenes melded with the moments of action. There are guns and vibro sabers (and a fight at the docks)! How could you go wrong? 5/5
Wistful_WillowRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This story explores a lot of deep themes: identity, race, loneliness, love, friendship, family, and existence itself. It is a slow burn for sure, but it is so worth it. Definitely try a few of them before you decide of it's your cup of tea.
The stories are a bit more separate and self enclosed at first, but they become increasingly interconnected as the stories go on. Something that seems insignificant at first is revisited and built upon, giving it new meaning later which is a lot of fun.
Samuel, the main character of the first story, is male, but don't worry. Mei is the main character of the second one, the cover isn't a bait and switch.
Mei is the protagonist of most of the stories actually and she's a lot of fun, a total badass. Mei is my favorite protagonist being a stoic fighter skilled with a sword. She also is very tastefully depicted as an Asian woman. She is well fleshed out and 3-dimentional. Those of you worried you're in for a flat trope-y girl need not worry.
The quality of writing improves with each story too. Prose becomes more fluid and less repetitive. Characters become more dynamic. Scenes become more vivid. I'm looking forward to seeing this author grow as a writer.
The length of the chapters is much longer than most on RR. The shortest one is almost 6,000 and some of the chapters are 10,000-15,000 words so if you like long chapters, this is the story for you.
Altair PolarisRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The Jade Archon is a captivating blend of mythology, cyberpunk aesthetics, and philosophical introspection. The narrative weaves together a personal tale of rebellion against oppressive traditions with a richly detailed world steeped in cultural and technological contrasts. The protagonist, Mei, is a relatable and complex character whose journey of self-determination is both emotionally resonant and thematically profound. The novel's ambitious world-building and vivid descriptions create a setting that feels both otherworldly and eerily familiar. With its intricate characters, thought-provoking themes, and compelling prose, The Jade Archon is a standout work that engages the mind and heart.
Characters: The characters in The Jade Archon are well-developed and memorable. Mei, the protagonist, is a strong yet vulnerable figure, embodying the struggle between individual agency and societal expectations. Her interactions with her ancestor Mingzhu reveal the depth of her internal conflict and highlight the generational weight of tradition. The secondary characters, such as the enigmatic temple guards and her family members, serve as effective foils, each representing a facet of the rigid societal structures Mei seeks to break free from. Even minor characters are imbued with a sense of purpose and history, making the world feel alive and interconnected.
Story: The story is an elegant fusion of personal and societal conflict, set against the backdrop of a futuristic yet tradition-bound world. Mei's rebellion against the expectations imposed by her family and society forms the emotional core of the narrative, while the broader implications of her actions add layers of tension and intrigue. The integration of mythological elements, such as the Jade Archon and the ancestral spirits, provides a rich tapestry of symbolism and meaning. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for reflective moments that deepen the reader's connection to the characters and themes, while the climactic sc
Camadt (Alex Hancock)Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Overall
This is a story of seeking freedom and self discovery that within the first few chapters delves into some very heavy topics of morality. Definitely worth a read if you’re looking to scratch that itch!
Character
Lan Mei is a very complicated character. She has grown up in the shadow of her family, without many expectations being placed on her. If her family had left her alone to paint in quiet solitude, then the MC seems that she would have been satisfied to stay a part of the family. Instead, the family seeks to squeeze what they can out of her, which pushes Lan Mei down a very violent path to extricate herself from her family’s suffocating grasp.
Grammar
I have no complaints about the grammar.
Story
This is a story about expectations and the crushing weight of those with power who impose their will on the next generation. The main character, Lan Mei, has to suffer through the position of being the third oldest girl in a society dominated by a desire to raise sons. This puts her only worth to the family as a bargaining ship in an arranged marriage.
Style
The blend of supernatural, mythos, and cyberpunk together creates an interesting and flavorful world. The backdrop of various technologies that allow for integration between the living and the dead opens up possibilities that the author hints at larger implications while touching on the subject during the interaction between Lan Mei and her ancestor’s ghost.
DesirRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The story provides a deeply atmospheric and introspective experience. It blends action, tension, and moments of reflective calm to explore not only the external conflict but the internal struggles of the protagonist, Mei. The world feels both tangible and layered with complex relationships, hints of political and philosophical depth, and well-paced action sequences. While it centers on a mission against a threatening force, the narrative's core seems to revolve around identity, moral dilemmas, and the emotional toll of violence. The transitions between Mei’s meditative moments and fast-paced combat keep the reader engaged, highlighting the character's multifaceted personality. Overall, this story does a wonderful job of immersing the reader in both its physical setting and emotional landscape.
The grammar is solid throughout the piece. There are no glaring errors in sentence structure, tense, or punctuation. Descriptions are vivid and well-crafted, with a clear flow from one idea to the next. The dialogue feels natural and easy to follow, enhancing the overall tone of the narrative. There are no issues that detract from readability. The writing style contributes to the immersive quality of the text.
The plot of the story is intriguing, combining elements of political intrigue, covert missions, and the personal sacrifices involved in rebellion. The tension between Mei’s present mission and her overarching role in a larger conflict, particularly against an antagonist named Weihong, is compelling. The balance between world-building and character introspection is well done.
Mei stands out as a complex, layered character, both emotionally strong and vulnerable. Her inner conflict—navigating between duty, personal morality, and family expectations—makes her relatable and captivating. The narrative offers several moments of deep introspection, where she contemplates not just the mission but also her place in the world. The supporting characters, while secondary in this ch
John Stax (Fobywoby)Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
More than anything else, I'll tell you that these stories have heart and soul. They feel like a connection to the author, a piece of their life and inner world.
The execution of great. Let's start with the first chapter (story). There is a darkness to the work that is enveloping. Actually, thus is true of each so far. A world where things aren't quite right. But they are not stories of loss and total despair.
The author had that choice but chose something I can appreciate much more - instead of them being about how life is just shit and more shit all the way down, it is about redemption and rebellion, and bit of hope in the darkness.
It reminders me of reading Black Mirror, if it was more personal and refused to give up or be pulled under.
There is a light to them.
Anyway, that's just what I see.
On the technical front, I see no issues with grammar. Mind you, I listen to my stories so may miss things on spelling or punctuation, but there was absolutely nothing in the story that caught my attention or distracted from the characters and world.
The characters are vivid and real. They exist. And I see that. I can feel their emotions as the author writes them.
The world itself seems to be imbued with emotion of its own, as well.
One point I'd like to mention, and this doesn't detract from the rating, is the chapter formatting. Currently, each segment is fairly large, which can make navigation a bit challenging (something I've also been guilty of in my works). My suggestion is to cut the chapters into 1500-word segments and tie them together as you have under different arcs. I love the image for each section. I really, really like that. Please keep that, but add a few more chapters under each image to spread it out. Again, that's just my personal preference and insight.
Overall, it is an emotional dive into a dark sci-fi world. If you like feeling things, it is truly worth a read.
LemanceRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
A dystopian sci-fi story that tackles the heavy subject of generational trauma is very intriguing, but it gets elevated by how the worldbuilding conveys these messages effectively. The first chapter gives you a very good idea of the plot without overwhelming you with information overload. It is a world that heavily revolves around family tradition, societal norms, and the problematic ways it obstructs our growth. In this world, the dead are given a voice, specifically the ancestors who bless their descendants with their wisdom. In many ways, this makes everyone stubbornly cling to the values they were brought up with despite the negative repercussions that this may provide. It was a fascinating way to present the topic in a supernatural way that instantly intrigued me. Pairing that up with the protagonist Lan Mei, who represents the negative aspects of this society, elevates the story a lot. Born into a household that doesn’t respect her as an individual, she struggles to find her place in life until she decides to rebel against everything she grew up with despite her best efforts to be obedient and helpful. An interesting approach to her character is the fact that she is painfully aware of the abuse she was inflicted with constantly instead of being in constant denial of it, and I’m intrigued as to where her journey will lead.
In conclusion, this is a great story to read if you are interested in those topics!
Angelica RaizeRoyal Road
★★★★★ 4.5
The story mixes a lot of intriguing elements but has some bumpy spots.
The setting is really interesting combining ancient mythology with a sci-fi setting is a cool touch.
Characters like Mei are compelling, especially with her struggles, expectations and societal pressures. She’s a solid lead, dealing with a lot of personal and familial drama. The contrast between her and the ancestor Mingzhu is clear, and it’s fascinating to see how Mei deals with it.
On the other hand, some of the dialogues feel a bit stiff and repetitive, especially in certain passages. The emotional weight of Mei’s decisions could use more depth, and sometimes it seems like the narrative rushes through the heavy moments without fully exploring them.
Samuel’s subplot adds a grim, more interesting layer to the story. With the murders, I felt a little more "at home" and I could enjoy the story way more. It’s a nice contrast to the previous chapters, though the philosophical bits I spotted might be a bit dense for some.
The story has some strong ideas and memorable moments, but it might benefit from smoother transitions and bit more depth when it comes to characters.
After some polish in general, the author will have on their hands a story that will definitely have its potential.
Visal_WordSmithRoyal Road
★★★★ 4.0
There are only a few chapters but I already see this story is promising, I am looking forward to more chapters from the author since I also like the idea of the archon and well King of the Heaven (I can't name him since it might be a spoiler even his name appear in the first chapter.)
Space battles might be a main theme of this novel in the future, so I will keep my eyes on it.