Walking with Celestials

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

[Premise: Epic fantasy witch hunt for children who have fallen from the stars to uncover the truth behind the curses placed on a world that has killed their creators]

Hirow, a boy fascinated with the stars, dreams of the world outside his small village. His inquisitive nature leads him to befriend an old man who believes light is evil and find a girl who has fallen from the stars. Laniakea, a woman in the far north fights for survival as she escapes her past. Finding a new purpose she seeks those who have taken on the curses of this world. Calder, a prince from a kingdom far to the east, is exiled by his father and seeks to reclaim the throne. Yet his search for truth and revenge in this mad world leads him down unexpected pathways. As the fate of Hirow, Laniakea, and Calder converge, the mysteries of their world are brought forth.

What to expect:

- Slow-burn fantasy that is character-focused (The epic battles will come with time but that is not the focus of the beginning of this story)

- Multiple POVs that provide different sides of world-building and storytelling

-Emphasis on uncovering mysteries. There are a lot of secrets to uncover in the world of Geladia and as the epic journey continues all will be unveiled.

-A unique but limited magic system. Magical powers are in limited supply among the humans of this world so whoever can use it must use it intelligently.

-A long story. This story is going to be massive as you get to explore the entirety of Geladia including the dozens of characters, countries, and cultures within it.

Information

Status
Hiatus
Year
2023
Author
Slow_Neptune

Tags

ACTIONFANTASYADVENTUREMAGICFEMALE LEADMALE LEADMULTIPLE LEAD CHARACTERSMYSTERYWAR AND MILITARYHIGH FANTASY

Royal Road Stats

Rating
4.7/ 5.0
Followers
19
Views
11,721

Chapters(34 total)

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Community Reviews(8)

  • ScribbleBaconRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    The story starts off a bit slow but is a very easy, light read at the start. And as the festival progresses the plot begins to reveal itself. It is clear the author has done this intentionally to set up the various philosophies and world based 'politics' that will affect the characters and plot as it unfolds.
    The author writes dialogue and thoughts in a very effective way, choosing not to rely on exposition by trusting that a reader will pick up on the culture of the village. I really like that about it and I wish the author could find ways to sneak in a little more worldbuilding.
    No grammar issues, but the occasional misplaced comma does put a bit of a thorn in what is great pacing otherwise. I'm sure the author will edit these with time as they're barely noticeable!
    Hirow is an interesting character with an analytical mind and a neutral perspective on things (relative to other people in this world). I like a character with a rational and competent pov. He is likeable and I'm curious to see where his journey takes him.
    overall, this story is the book equivalent of a lo-fi music stream. Very easy, light and flows beautifully.
  • VetTelisunRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    I can sum this review up in one sentence. Grab a seat and enjoy.
    Grammar: Full marks here. Nothing worth noting.
    Style: Here I take off half a star for occasional mistakes I noticed here and there. Nothing big enough to distract from my overall enjoyment, though.
    Character: This is a story told in multiple POVs, each character having their own distinct voice. However, what surprised me the most was that this also led itself to different methods of storytelling in WwC.
    Hirrow's tale feels very much like a traditional coming-of-age adventure. Calder's feels like a political drama with murder and mystery. Talia's feels like a save-the-princess scenario. Each character brings their own unique spin on the story and I'm hoping they all develop more as the story progresses.
    Story: As mentioned above, the story really depends on which character we're following at the moment. That being said, the overall tale when put together has a lot for readers to dissect what with children falling from the sky, the in-universe version of a witch hunt, and all the deadly intrigue lurking behind the scenes.
    Overall: I've enjoyed my time WwG so far. It takes a bit to really pick up, but if you stick with it, you'll find a story with a lot of love and a lot of care put into it. It's an immersive experience I'd recommend for anyone who's looking for a new high fantasy to pick up.
  • Lucian T. EinarRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    Overall: "Walking with Celestials" is a compelling slow-burn fantasy novel that captures readers with its unique world and mysterious plot. While the pacing may be slow at the start, the story gradually unfolds, revealing intricate world-building and thought-provoking themes that keep readers engaged.
    Style: The author's engaging writing style creates vivid imagery and a rich cultural backdrop for the characters. With a good balance of dialogue and introspection, the narrative delves into the characters' lives, drawing readers into their transformative journeys.
    Story: The plot follows the intertwining paths of Hirow, Laniakea, and Calder, as they navigate a world filled with secrets and curses. Each character brings a distinct perspective, adding depth to the overall narrative. The story builds tension through internal conflicts and external threats, setting the stage for further developments and conflicts.
    Grammar: While the story demonstrates a strong command of the language, occasional punctuation errors, and misplaced commas can disrupt the reading flow. With minor editing, these issues can be easily resolved, enhancing the overall reading experience. Overall, good grammar.
    Character: The characters in "Walking with Celestials" are well-developed and relatable, with each possessing unique traits and motivations. From Hirow's inquisitive nature to Calder's sense of duty, the characters drive the plot forward, providing different viewpoints and experiences. The interactions between characters reveal their relationships and add depth to the story, eliciting empathy from readers.
    In conclusion, "Walking with Celestials" presents a promising start to a high fantasy tale filled with mystery, intrigue, and well-crafted characters. Despite some minor grammar issues, the novel's immersive storytelling and character-focused approach make it a recommended read for fans of epic fantasy adventures.
  • EmpyreanLordRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    Really enjoyable read!
    Style: The writing style is engaging and immersive. The author skillfully weaves a tale of suspense and hope, capturing the reader's attention from the very beginning. The use of descriptive language paints a vivid picture of the scenes and emotions, creating a palpable atmosphere throughout the story. The pacing is slower in the initial chapters but well-executed, with moments of tension balanced by moments of introspection and character development. Especially the introduction of Talia was very well done and you can't help but want to know more about her.
    Story: The story is intriguing and thought-provoking. The tension builds steadily as the characters face internal conflicts and external threats, creating a sense of urgency and anticipation. The introduction of the peace talks with Mareion adds an element of intrigue, raising questions about the potential outcomes and the characters' fates. The story is well-crafted and leaves the reader wanting to know more, setting the stage for further developments and potential conflicts in future installments.
    Grammar: The story maintains a strong command of grammar throughout. Sentences are structured well, conveying the intended meaning clearly. There are no glaring grammatical errors or inconsistencies that detract from the reading experience. The dialogue flows naturally, reflecting the characters' voices and emotions. The part with Haddrung explaining his backstory needs a bit of editing for punctuation but otherwise, the grammar is polished and enhances the overall storytelling.
    Characters: The characters are well-developed and memorable. Each character possesses distinct traits, motivations, and voices, making them relatable and engaging. Prince Calder exudes a sense of duty and determination, while Orion showcases caution and resourcefulness. The interactions and dialogue between the characters reveal their relationships and further the plot. The growth and conflicts they experience add depth
  • goldensquirbyRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    Some may consider the first few chapters on the slow side, but the pacing seems deliberate in order to set up the overall mystery of the plot. We have a jaded young man in conflict with a local religious order, and a prince desperately trying to forge a lasting peace. The motivations and inner-dialogues of these characters are well written, and even from just the first few chapters alone, there's a depth to them that I imagine will be explored later on.
    The author also does a great job establishing the world from the lens of the characters. There's mystery, politics, and conspiracy, all hinted at throughout the first few chapters, while avoiding the pitfalls of over-exposition,which to me is the real hook of the story. The author does a good job at making the reader ask questions, which is a good carrot on a stick to keep me engaged.
    Grammar wise there are a few minor punctuation errors here and there. These can easily be fixed with a simple re-edit, and they don't take me out of the story too much. However, I did feel the sudden shift between Hirow's introduction, and Calder's story was a little jarring. The transition between the two characters could have definitely been handled better, but once I got over that, on their own, their introductions are well written.
    Overall, we have a good introduction to an intriguing plot, and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.
  • Perpetua:LRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    Walking with Celestials starts out as a slow-burning candle, but one twist later, and you're hooked (at least I am).
    This book subtly utilizes a criminally underused trope of "The Light is evil" and I'm all for it so far. The story is mysterious, leaving me guessing at the moment.
    The chapters are sizable in length, so you are not in a deficit of content whatsoever, plus segments are full and rich with content.
    The characters are cool and unique in their own right, but occasionally they feel a little shallow. For example, Hirow, whose name is reskinned "Hero" (don’t get me wrong, reskinning names is not bad), has a couple of moments where I expected more emotion, but in other places, it worked out just fine.
    The other characters, like the woman in chapter 6, who has a one-off magic (I presume) section that isn’t brought up, named, or explained in any way afterward, which just irks me a bit. But I anticipate it will be expanded later instead.
    My only gripe is the grammar. The general lack of commas makes the sentences run on, and I had to re-read a couple of places to understand what was going on.
    But overall a really solid story so far! I'm excited to see where this goes.
  • AMMMWritesRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    Overall, I'm really enjoying this so far. It feels like a breath of fresh air compared to many stories on RR.
    I've read up to the end of chapter ten, and I feel that this whole first roughly twenty thousand words has been a solid opening, that sets a lot of things in motion and hooks the reader with hints to a lot of bigger things happening in the background in the world. There are enough breadcrumbs to keep you guessing without anything being spelled out or ever feeling info-dumpy.
    Now onto the categories:
    Style
    Since "style" isn't well-defined, I'm going to take it to mean two things: structure and prose.
    The structure is solid (so far), following several main characters with disparate things happening, but not switching often enough to feel overwhelming. Each characters' sections have little hints and things that suggest that they will all link together in interesting ways before long. The chapters are a good, easily readable length, and the pacing is good.
    The prose is decent, with occasional glimmers of real beauty. The author's ability to describe people and settings using sparse and specific details makes the words come alive and the story feel real. The main thing holding the prose back is occasional poor grammar and bad punctuation, which breaks up the flow of some otherwise beautifully-written passages. But more on that below.
    Story
    While it's almost impossible to judge a story fairly this early on, there are enough hints at set ups and payoffs that I can assume with relative certainty that the author has a good plan they're working from. Nothing I've read so far has led me to believe that they don't know where they're going with it, or that the direction will be anything less than interesting and immersing. At several points, I found myself thinking, "I wonder what that signifies?" or "I can't wait to see how that's going to tie into things". All that to say, the story will keep you interested.
    Grammar
    This is the one thing I feel like I should comment mo
  • drifter265Royal Road
    ★★★★ 4.0
    Overall: "Walking with Celestials" is a compelling story set in an unknown world, where people cherish and celebrate the light. The protagonist, Hirow, is a young boy who goes through a transformative journey as he uncovers the truth about light.
    Style: The author's writing style is engaging, creating vivid imagery of the rich culture. The narrative with a good balance of dialogue and introspection that keeps readers invested in the characters' lives.
    Story: The plot centers around Hirow's interactions with an old man, who holds a deep skepticism about the true nature of light. As Hirow explores the old man's perspective, he witnesses instances where light has caused harm or possibly death, challenging his own beliefs.
    Grammar: The story's grammar is mostly well-executed, with a few minor errors that don't detract from the overall reading experience. The author demonstrates a strong command of language, making the narrative easy to follow and enjoy.
    Character: The characters are well-developed and relatable, particularly Hirow. The old man adds depth to the story as he shares his experiences and perspectives. The introduction of the mysterious girl of light adds an intriguing element to the narrative as well, leaving readers eager to discover her role in Hirow's journey.