TRANSCIETY
Self-Published
Community Rating
Description
This story was originally written forThe [Royal Road Community Magazine] Contest [June Edition]
Information
- Status
- Hiatus
- Year
- 2022
- Author
- ArDeeBurger
Tags
Royal Road Stats
- Rating
- 4.9/ 5.0
- Followers
- 13
- Views
- 20,439
Chapters(23 total)
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
Community Reviews(4)
- Ace-omiRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0Let’s start, this one was an interesting read, I like the concept :)
The idea of brainboarding, or linking thoughts through a brainboard, is intriguing, and the interaction between Bob, Cecilia, and Tylene is interesting.
The relationship between Cecilia and Tylene as old and close friends is also an intriguing aspect, and it would be nice to see that relationship explored further.
The encouragement and support Tylene gives to Bob is positive, hopefully the reason have been explored in the latest chapter.
While the text has some interesting elements, it could benefit from more background information.
And now for the main event, Grammar!!
The grammar and sentence structure in the text are generally fine, although there are a few instances where sentences could be more concise or clearer. However, there are also some awkward phrases that could use revision, such as "too much nose on her long, drawn-out face." But hey it could be a joke, probably is haha.
Additionally, some of the dialogue could be more natural and less stilted, especially when the characters are speaking to each other through the brainboard link. Overall, while the grammar is acceptable, there is room for improvement in terms of the flow and naturalness of the writing. - Chaos JesterRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0An absolute masterclass on surreal psychological sci fi, this story manages to find its stride in mixing a bit of humor in an otherwise dystopian world. Taking a note from some great literature, this story takes place in a world under consented constant surveillance, for better or worse.
The pacing is very well done, giving the reader a good idea of not only the world, but the individual characters and their own bubble. There are moments where darker plot threads start to poke through, reminding us that they can be pulled at any moment and adding a level of intrigue that I personally enjoy. The shorter serialized chapters definitely add to this, not leaving the reader bogged down and always wanting more.
I saw no word choices, typos, errors, or syntax confusion that pulled me out of the story. Descriptions seemed deliberate and well done without either becoming an info dump or leaving me confused or lost.
The story itself is well executed to start with, gaining forward momentum with each scene. It doesn't become too dry in the plot, and the humor woven in is effortless in its approach. The synopsis hints at darker things coming, and truly it comes with the territory in a big brother like story, especially when you add in brain manipulation. I'm left wanting to back and read more.
The characters are the linchpin that hold this story together. As much as the surrounding cast each has their place, the characters of Seas and Bob are the focal point, their relationship being on the rocks, and them putting in all the effort to fix it and re-realize the love they have for each other. Executing this in the way the story does is a great take on romance, allowing the reader to see not only their individual personalities, but who they are as a couple as well.
Overall, this is a fun read. I tend to shy away from this level of sci-fi shenanigans, but I found myself wanting to continue on. Well done. - Perseus creedRoyal Road★★★★★ 5.0A charming, quirky story with a unique brainboarding concept that lets Bob and Cecilia share thoughts and emotions in a way that makes their relationship feel real and sweet. Tylene adds humor, warmth, and guidance, making the interactions lively, while the futuristic world with its tech, fashion, and social rules feels vivid and intriguing. The mix of intimacy, playful coaching, and worldbuilding keeps the reader engaged.
- J.DrudeRoyal Road★★★★ 4.0What if you and your spouse could occupy the same mind? It could solve so many communication issues that crop up during your life together. It could also warp your sense of self and expose even your most private of thoughts to sunlight.
If that excites you or frightens you, give this fiction a shot.
Transciety takes place in a distopian vision of the near future where you wear your entire life on your metaphorical sleeve, and the surveillance state has turned into a surveillance society. Expectation of privacy is a thing of the past.
A new(ish) technology called Boarding, where one can ride along in another's brain, is a central plot point, and the two couples that are the main focus of the plot seem to circle one another in interesting ways. It's like seeing two stars orbit each other, all the while aware that it's a mathematical certainty they are going to collide spectacularly.
This is a psychological romance story. It asks interesting questions and isn't shy when it comes to the messy parts of love, sex, and infatuation. The main characters are complex and when they do something I don't expect, it feels natural, like I'm getting a deeper look into their minds and motivations. The author did a beautiful job with characterization this way, and I find myself wishing I could meet these people, if not have them riding along in my brain.
The weakest part of the story, in my opinion, is that it's very 'talky.' By that, I mean so much is communicated through dialogue (internal and external) that it seems to take up a lot of the oxygen in the room. Because of this, the presentation feels a little like watching a stage play as opposed to a novel. That said, I believe this is a deliberate choice. It's the author playing with the parts of his world that make it unique, and though I said it was the weakest part of the writing, it's still pretty impressive
As far as grammar and pacing go, I found Bob's story easy to read and understand, and the plot moved ahead at a believab