Thistlelight (Grandpa MC, Progression Fantasy LitRPG)

Information

Status

Cancelled

Year

2023

Author

emily_mccosh

• Another update because apparently I'm still struggling
  Oct 7, 2023

Reviews

Community Reviews(10)

• not_a_flipping_robotRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  This is a story unlike any I've read on this site. The magic broke, years ago - the Order wasn't enough, and in reaching for more everything was ruined. Yet, this is not a story of anger, of vengeance and rage, of blind madness; no, thus far, this is a story about love. About a man just making do in this ruined world, and his quest to do better by his grandchildren than he did by his son. And protecting those he loves in this world while trying to deal with all he's lost, in an aging body that doesn't listen to him the way it used to, is far from self evident.
  I don't know what this story will turn into, considering how recently it started. I know what's there right now, though, and what's there is a hauntingly beautiful tale of love, of loss and regret, of an old man trying to make sense of a reality gone mad. And it is one written with such care, and with such genuine compassion and understanding towards its characters nominally good, nominally bad and everything in between and outside of those narrow bounds, that I can't help but think of it long after I finish each chapter. It sticks with me for longer than most any other story I have read so far.
  Sure, it's not perfect - there are minor grammatical errors, it doesn't always flow as well as it maybe could have, and the bleakness of it all can get to you if you're not in the right mood - but I promise you this: if you enjoy a story where the author actually understands the world and the people she's writing about, and if you like people being people, good and bad, in a beautifully crafted and ruined world, then this story is for you. If Thistlelight continues as it has so far, then it is one for the ages. And I know I'll be here for the trip.
• CabbageHeadRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  I’m a Patreon reader so I have read ahead. I won’t spoil it for you.
  Thistlelight has me hooked and wanting to see what’s around the next corner—literally.
  The world building descriptions and changes are so creative (really jellyfish!) and unpredictable since the magical system is broken. The author has an art of making the reader feel on the edge in an apocalyptic world where plants and animals have mutated into beings with a united agenda. Just beware.
  The plot intertwines her talent for bringing the characters to life. The bratty head strong teenage boy who thinks he’s got everything figured out.The strong, quiet little girl (Klia) you just want to hug but are afraid to because of her underlying unknown powers.
  The grumpy, weary old man who has lots of life experience to share tempered with not enough time and the apprehension he’s doing the right thing. Abner (Eli’s son) driven by love of science and ambition who (so far as I’ve read) may have caused this whole predicament.
  Emily touches on believable emotions we all could feel placed in the same circumstances.
  I can’t wait to see the development of these lovable characters.Especially the bratty teenager.
  The pacing of the story is a steady building of Eli thoughts and actions.
  As a reader, I’m new to LitRPG and I’m as frustrated as Eli as I want the broken system to hurry up and get fixed already so it will help them all.
• Chaos JesterRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  I'll be updating this further down the line as I continue to read, but thought it deserved a bit of shine. Thistlelight thus far is a great tale, weaving great character development, strong relationships, and an incredibly interesting story line.
  I'm used to reading stories by Emily, so I didn't think I would be so taken away with the atmospheric and descriptive writing that she does so well, but she goes above and beyond expectations on this one.
  Emily's style is a favorite of mine, so this may seem a bit biased, but I honestly think it is incredibly approachable to any reader. The pacing, control of tone, and all around writing itself is done with what seems to be an effortless expertise that keeps me as a reader constantly wanting more. Thistlelight is no exception, and I would say a cherry on top of Emily's already stellar writing.
  Grammar is well done. I haven't caught too many spelling errors, typos, punctuation problems, or awkward syntax as I've read.
  The story itself is an intriguing read, slowly unfolding the plot while building the relationships of Eli and those around him. The world is well fleshed out, adding a curious tone that allows you to fully immerse yourself into it, following the plot as Eli does.
  Eli's grumpiness but need to do the right thing is an entirely relatable experience for me. As much as he is full-on annoyed by what is going on, he is noble and steps up to the challenge, grumbling all the way. Thistle is a twerpish character, but one that fits fully well within the story. He annoys and irks me, but in a way that can't wait for him to develop into the proper character he will one day be. Klia is by far my favorite character just because of the untapped potential she has.
  Overall, this story is another absolute banger from Emily, one that I am excited to continue as it is posted. A high recommendation for fans of slow-burn fantasy, especially one with a deep lore and worldbuilding, and characters whose choices matter.
• Kernoel77Royal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  'Tis early for a review, and I may update it later, but so far I like this story.
  I think the author does an especially good job with setting the mood. The world feels mysterious and aggressive, like there is always danger lurking in the dark.
  I am really enjoying Eli as the main character, feeling old and wise. He has habits which are hard to shake off, but he's also learnt a lot. The author does a good job conveying that.
  If you're looking for a moody slow burn with a strong main character, I think this story is showing a lot of potential and is definitely worth checking out!
• N1onEarthRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  fuck thistle, little bastard should have been unalived on the very first chapter.
  apart from that, the novel is pretty good.
  apparently reviews have to be at least 50 words long, so here is some more thistle hate
  if thistle was any dumber, his IQ would be in the single digits
• RikimaruRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Grand-dad has to raise his grand-kids in a post-apocalypse of some kind, and man his grandson is a piece of work, but that isn't particularly unbelievable since kids are trash and gold at the same time.
  I love the MC and the third person non omnipotent, and the wilidlife motif type thing is fun.
• TealiciousTeaRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Eli is the new fictional champion for the adage 'age is but a number.' Grumpy gramps has the greatest of all burdens dropped on him...grandchildren.
  We are fixed in Eli's third person perspective which limits what we know about our other characters, but gives a strong tone and colour to the entire story.
  One in particular is a stubborn brat, at least for Eli's point of view. However, without seeing things from their perspective we only have speculation to base their character on. The other may be all sweetness, but has her own troubles to grasp with. Moreso in dark times like these.
  Still for all their trouble you gotta love. It is this sense of character that Emily excels at conveying through her prose and story.
  There is also a sort-of apocalypse happening. Dramatic plotting meshes well with the slow unveiling of the litrpg system. A fine balance is struck between plot, setting and characters making for a delightful read.
  Action scenes and drama keep the story tense where it needs to be adding nice emotional stakes to the unfolding story.
  A few minor grammar, spelling, wrong words errors. Common ones that crop up. No substantial errors that will detract significantly from the reading experience.
  Highly recommend Thistlelight!
• AlexaLeeRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  I am only eighteen chapters in but I’m already fully taken in by this book. I should have expected it, I love the style of Emily McCosh’s previous books, and this is no different. The writing is great and the story is very intriguing. It’s accessible even for people who are not a fan of the genre.
  Style: Third person, present is not my preferred style but it is executed very well. The style is perfect, flows well and borders on poetic but without being difficult to read. McCosh’s control of the pacing is fantastic and had me clicking the next chapter button without even thinking about it.
  Story: I love it. McCosh has created an intriguing world that I’m legitimately excited to learn more about. Snippets and hints about what happened to the world are revealed gradually which made me hungry for more. It’s perfectly done. As are the monsters. They are so unique and interesting. I’ve truly not seen anything like them in any other book, not just on Royal Road. The bone snake, in particular, was equal parts chilling and great. I hope it doesn’t appear again in the story.
  Grammar: There have been a couple very minor issues here. They’re mostly typos but they are not enough to impact my enjoyment of the story.
  Character: The characters are where McCosh’s writing shines. We’re introduced to Eli, an old man living an isolated life until he has two grandkids dropped on his doorstep. Having a grouchy grandpa as the main character is something you don’t see often on Royal Road but this book makes me think you should. Eli’s background and experience is fascinating but also helps to keep the reader in the dark about what happened to the world and to magic which only makes the book harder to put down. Thistle and Klia, Eli’s grandkids, are great characters. I immediately wanted to punch Thistle but that’s a testament to how well he is written. Unfortunately, with the information we’ve learnt about Thistle’s dad so far, I do understand why he is such a brat.
  Overall: The stats take
• JMMatheisRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  *Aiming to be a spoiler free review.*
  Thistlelight, what can I say except that I want more, much more! A great tale written by one who knows her craft. This wonderful tale from Emily McCosh, follows Eli, a grizzled survivor of the fall of a world and the gifts that arrive at his doorstep unannounced. Pushed into action out of necessity, he is forced into using skills thought lost. Even at this earlier stage (when reviewing) the story has me by its character driven plot and non-overbearing stat system.
  This story is awesome, great action, atmospheric control and a strong sense of voice from the main character. The written style is clean and well presented with strong direction and flow of tension and reveals. For those wanting to get into LitRPG, this would be a fantastic lead into the style. For those familiar with the genre that want more character driven punch and depth, this delivers by the bucket-load.
  Characters are well-written with a great sense of being crafted, they are a living, breathing entity in this world and are not purely being supplied as story fodder. Within the span of a few chapters, the characters, with all their faults and foibles are cemented as beings that carve a place to stay. I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds.
  Grammar, nothing to say except its clean and consistent.
  Overall, Thistlelight is an awesome first attempt into the genre of LitRPG by the author. It is beautifully written, has depth and an emerging system that is both intriguing and mysterious in its learning. Don’t pass this one up, its already demonstrating its going to be an awesome read. I’m onboard to the end!
• Dead NettleRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 4.5

  Interesting twist on the system genre. Quite a nice casual read.
  Story is a bit unorthodox in its style, but in many ways that adds to its charm. Its well writen, with casual pacing to it, making it feel perfect for a drop in and read syle book. Chapters flow nicely into one another, often following of where the last one finished in a clean and smooth style which has the reader flow from one upload to the next.