Luna only has one more heist left until she can put her life of crime behind her. When she accidentally gets caught up in the schemes of rival nations, this girl from the slums will need to use every last trick from her troubled past in order to save the ones she loves most.Cassian is the prince of Enthamere, so why does he wish he could be anyone else instead? Sheltered and treated like a child, he dreams of exploring the world and going on grand adventures. He learns how quickly dreams can turn into nightmares when circumstances force him to flee his homeland.
60.15 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-26 14:27
A soft song, spun on the wind, torments an isolated town.A family of witches sailing across the sea, attempt a new route through uncharted waters, when the storms of fate see fit to alter their destination.What secrets haunt this silent corner of the world where no music is allowed? Are they best left as whispers in the wind? A mostly family friendly fantasy adventure mystery, sure to give you duckbumps. Sword fighting is family friendly right? TL;DR Hounds of Baskerville meets the Famous Five, but with dragons. This is written for the Royal Road Community Magazine competition.
52.07 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-25 10:43
Jay Campbell | mystery | Complete
'Little spark . . . you are changed.' Antissa has come under Ratheine attack; not from the walls, but from below - her ancient pipes. The flooded Hub threatens collapse of the Deep under the fortress, while the scheming Sanhedrin council creeps ever closer to removing Rusper Symphin as Viceroy; the engineer whose protection of the refugees from Naemia amounts to treason. Tool to a nation on the brink, a Naemian boy enters the desert. Armed with the Disc's arcane "Sight", Florian Flint now takes his place on a secret task-force contingent led by the High Commander Plamen. Its urgent purpose - in nine days - to locate the hidden river system by which the Rath accessed the pipeworks: the key strategic advantage in Vorth's return to open war. The Disc itself has other thoughts. Cover art by Natasa Ilincic Additional images, inc. maps: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CdNo1rEjvR7RdVzD7 Tools of Waris the 2nd volume of Deep Mettle, a 2-volume fantasy fiction. Pipes and Fusils,the 1st volume,is also available to read on Royal Road. Available from AMAZON in paperback, hardcover & e-book formats. Find out more at https://www.voidstep.com/
76.66 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-22 18:43
Jaycendus | mystery | Complete
A daring heist to steal the Sun seems impossible. . . but Caden betrays the Order of the Crown and joins a thieving crew to avenge his sister's death. Now he must steal from the knights, attend meetings with those who want him dead, and break into the palace to erase the blood-red clouds above and bring back the Sun. . .
73.00 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-22 18:38
Jon Wrathmoor | mystery | Complete
As an ancient evil arises from the shadows of the land of Modena, the crumbling Magi Order must pick up the pieces to reassemble themselves and restore order to the Kingdoms of Modena before the realm reverts to its dark past. Joining the Magi Order amidst its downfall is the young Egalo Elgamar of Sunswood, who must learn quickly in order to survive and make the difference that he dreams of. As the common men of Modena refuse to accept its impending fate, it is up to Egalo and his conspirators to band together a worthy defence of the only realm they've ever known.Its man-against-beast in this thrilling epic fantasy, with sorcerey drawing a blurry line somewhere in-between. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * With this entire epic fantasyalready written and edited, you can expect frequent and consistent uploading!... stay tuned.
95.99 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-22 16:03
aGloriousSipofCoffee | mystery | Complete
Shalom, the lonely, secluded village by the seaside, makes a startling discovery: a wooden chest washed ashore containing two bodies, shattering their once dull and monotonous existence. Rhohaz, the newly appointed leader of Shalom after his father's untimely death, struggles in his leadership role as he tries to gain the trust of the village elders, who aim to protect Shalom from outsiders. When two mysterious young women wash ashore in a chest, Rhohaz must decide whether to help the strangers or appease the elders by casting them out. Against all odds, Vanya and her maidservant survived the sea only to end up in a remote village by the seaside no one had heard of. Out of fear of what had happened, Vanya decides to convince the villagers to let her and her maidservant stay. To her dismay, Rhohaz seems to stand in her way. Each passing night brings stranger tidings. With Rhohaz wrestling between duty and conscience, and Vanya beginning to unravel the mysteries of the odd villagers, the last thing they expected, despite their apprehension, was to discover solace in each other.
62.56 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-25 15:02
Celeste I. | mystery | Complete
Richard didn't heed his guardian's warnings about the mysterious and shady place from the flyer he came across. He wanted a big break and a chance to make quick and easy money, but never expected to find himself tricked and caught in a twisted experiment conjured up by scientists. Transformed into a monstrous blue, blob-like creature, Richard flees the scene in a panic. He teams up with a ghostly child named Fawn, who wants revenge on her parents' killer, and leaves town to find the one responsible for their (recently) destroyed lives. Federal Agents, corrupt corporate heads, shady scientists, and even the police are all on his trail. Richard will need to use his newly honed skills to uncover the truth of who's really behind the scenes, and who to trust. What will they uncover? [Heads up, it's going to be a slow burn, and will take a while for the story to really get going.]
57.58 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-25 18:37
Sleepy Rus | mystery | Complete
After the Second Global Depression, Pak Yeung-Sung works a supermarket job in a world without money. And, like his cash register, he doesn’t believe change is coming anytime soon. After he is caught giving away rations, he is taken away by the enforcers and is convinced that he will die. But then he is given an offer; Join an experimental facility and your family will be taken care of. As it turns out, this an economic experiment by the CEO of one of the biggest tech firms, Jordan. And also, the currency within this colony comes from a game: Airgead. It seems too good to be true. It seems too stupid to work. And Yeung-Sung soon finds out that it is. But in 90 days, the UN will come to authorise the system worldwide. Before that happens, he needs to learn the game, infiltrate the factions and corrupt the economy. All while searching for clues about what Jordan’s true plan is.
79.63 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-22 12:00
Oliver Laws | mystery | Complete
Now available on Amazon! Now available on Audible! The Warped Scorch is known as the most dangerous area on the continent of Lux for good reason. Ever since a strange meteor hit the land and transformed it into a crystal hellscape, all four bordering nations have been trying to establish a foothold in the extremely dangerous new territory and lay claim to its many treasures. Cyrus is a crystal gunslinger, one of the individuals that face the horrors of the Scorch on a daily basis in order to make a living. With his trusty ruby repeater and plenty of experience, he is prepared to deal with whatever challenges the strange creatures and deadly environment can throw at him. But Cyrus will soon learn that the true horrors of the Scorch are much more human in nature, and no matter how hard he tries, escaping his past will be nearly impossible.
52.22 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 18:02
SPOILER WARNING: This is a sequel to Tome of the Body. If you have not read it, please do before reading this story, otherwise, a lot of things will not make sense. It can be found here. ~SYNOPSIS~ Every great story needs an author. Samuel Bragg, now the chosen champion of Arcana, has returned to the world of Ahya after one hundred years of being presumed dead. He awakes in his old home village, tended to by his last living friend, now an old woman. He spends some time enjoying the peace he finds but finds that his time away from the world has weakened him. Struggling with his new purpose in life and the returned boredom of village life, Samuel sets out on a nostalgic trip back to the capital city of Milagre. He is surprised to see that much of the world remains unchanged in the past hundred years, with a few exceptions. Accepted back at the Mage's College with high honors, Samuel is offered the chance to teach his own class and educate future mages, but declines, deciding he needs more experience. Desperate to learn more about the mysteries of magic, he takes an apprentice and travels to the distant land of Zaban, where it is rumored that mages skilled in unique magic live. He is given a new title and permission to travel from the Royal Family of Gorteau and sets out for the natural nation of Zaban. On his journey, he learns new skills and discovers his talent for teaching. Powered by Arcana and guided by his influence, Samuel returns to the capital city Milagre, to find those small parts of his life that were lost. He encounters his old friends Shigeru and Grimr, each now well-known for their services to the world. But upon connecting with the world as he knows it, he also learns of a terrible war brewing beneath the surface, filling everyone with unease. With a god behind him and a new ally at his side, Samuel steps once more into the unknown. Can he continue to grow as a mage and find triumph again? Read Tome of the Mind, the second book in the Tomes of Ahya series, to witness the truly thrilling tale of a growing legend and the challenges he will face. This story is also available on Scribblehub.
50.78 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 18:04
Doctor Zero | mystery | Complete
What's the best way to enjoy the end of the world? If you are reading this you have lost your memory. Again. You dumb jerk. I have no interest in writing our life story - it'll come back to you. For now, this is what's up: 1. We are looking for a god named Tiger. 2. He can stop the apocalypse, but apparently does not know that. 3. If the apocalypse is ongoing, we haven't told him yet. Also, we believe that life is absurd, loving relationships make it worth living, and it's best tobe our true self. Love Copycat (that's our name dummy) Cover by proxybaba - he's here on Royal Road and he's the best!
57.88 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:18
The Hawkshaw Inheritance is a completed story, with twenty chapters in total. For as long as almost anyone can remember, a small percentage of people have possessed fantastic gifts. Superhuman strength, speed, and smarts are just a few of the many such abilities on record. Some choose to exploit these powers for personal gain, but most use them for the benefit of their fellow man. Thanks to these people, who we call superheroes, the world is safe. The reality is a little more complicated. Most heroes are content to stop the supervillain and pose for the cameras. But it takes more than a few costumed cops and superpowered celebrities to save the world. Humanity is in danger from forces that ordinary heroes are woefully unequipped to handle. But neither they nor the public will ever be aware of the danger they are in, thanks to the efforts of the Council. For more than twenty years, the world's most powerful, influential, and intelligent metahumans have worked tirelessly in secret to protect the world, and subtly steer it on a better course. Six months ago, one of their number, the infamous vigilante detective known as Hawkshaw, disappeared without a trace. Now it falls to his protege to take up the mantle of Hawkshaw, learn the truth of his mentor's disappearance, and uncover the secrets of the most powerful people in the world... as well as what they're willing to do to keep those secrets buried.
93.76 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:10
Set in an alternative, dystopian future In 2017, two worlds, Earth and Lumina, seemingly merged. Entire countries were wiped off the face of the planet, tsunamis the size of mountains crashed into deserts, and monsters immune to gunfire rampaged through the survivors. This was known as the Great Merge. As millions were displaced across the new world, the kings from Lumina herded the survivors into enormous cities. This story begins 40 years after the Great Merge, following a mercenary team in New London tasked with intel gathering on a recruiter for a supposed terrorist organisation. However, all is not what it seems. Secrets are being withheld and a certain team member has a complex history. Join them as they butt heads with the Children of Discordia, a group hell-bent on creating chaos while unravelling a puzzling mystery. This story is not for those who are faint-hearted. You have been warned. Sivios.
70.01 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:08
Lykanthropy | mystery | Complete
[Participant in the Royal Road Writathon challenge] What happens when heroes are sent back in time to stop a terrible apocalypse, given blessings and physical boons beyond comprehension. In all seven survivors managed to survive the great purge. The only problem was, the heroes fought the gods to a standstill, it was clear no side would truly win, though both sides had losses. The solution, offer up one wish to each of the survivors. The only problem, is that the Gods cheat, lie and steal. The first six asked to be sent back in time so they could prevent the apocalypse from unfolding as it had.Of course, only after those six left did Maria, the last of the legendary seven realize the flaw with the wish her companions asked. They went back in time with no clear advantage, with no means to be able to enact the change they so desperately wished to be upon the world. That was why Maria asked to be sent back with powers. This exception was granted, but modified slightly, making it so she would begin with maxed out attributes, and the legendary exceptional growth skill. Feeling confident in her amended choice she accepted the compromise and was sent back. The only problem, none of those who went back in time to prevent the apocalypse from happening, asked to retain their memories the horrors they went through. Now Maria finds herself in the past, her body and mental acuity has seemingly changed over night, the only sign that something life shattering is about to happen is the fact that she keeps remembering bits and pieces of her past life, in her nightmarish dreams that constantly warn of the impending doom coming to claim everyone.
53.67 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:08
RaccoonMage | mystery | Complete
Skeletal Minions aren't supposed to be sentient, but when a Spirit Mage called Azwold bends game rules to complete step 4/11 of his epic questline, he summons the only talking player pet in the game. Join the Eld, his player 'master', and a cast of unforgettable party members as they explore Realms of Lore and work their way through "Gnarlroot the Eld's Stolen Bones" questline.Can they thwart a mounting, game-breaking threat from the cult-like Telemoon guild? Will they discover how the Eld ended up stuck in the role of a video game player's skeletal minion? Or will the Eld remain trapped, forever hungering for answers?***Book One is complete. Finishing 2nd book Summer 2022***Thanks for reading!***Cover art by the lovely and talented Oona Machina***
71.74 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:05
mataaitai | mystery | Complete
April 1st. For eight minutes, a section of downtown Portland and everyone in it comes to a complete and absolute standstill. During that time a bank is robbed... and a young girl is murdered.Three high school students, a shut in, a man involved in organized crime, and an amateur mage. The events of "the day the world stopped" start a chain reaction that will change the destinies of these six people, and the city, forever.
91.88 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:05
When a serial killer emerges on the robot-populated planet of Zynima, a few machines form a group of vigilantes to end what seems like a simple open-and-shut case. Join Aural Automaton and Shock System as they uncover the ugly truth behind this string of murders. Also in the AUU-16 universe: Soulless (Apparently) The Departure Night Game Ystets Lake
55.07 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-11 14:07
Given the hereditary nature of classes, everyone expects Damienthe child of two high-tiered adventurersto be granted a high-tier combat class of his own. Expectations are betrayed, however, when Damien finds himself instead saddled with a crafting class of the lowest possible tier: [Neophyte Tailor]. Left practically crippled compared to those with better classes, Damien wants to avoid becoming a pawn in the machinations of the nobility, desiring only to grind his level in peace while wondering why the usual rules of inheritance were broken. Was it his desire to excel by his own effort, rather than an unearned blessing from a god? Did the Five take offence at his opinions on the unfairness of hereditary classes? Or maybe it was something to do with the alien voice that intruded on his ceremony? A voice that offers great power, and freedom from the tyranny of the Five, but that never names its price. This story is litRPG-lite. While the class someone possesses controls most of their lives, people don't get dinged at for every level they gain, nor can they see their status without undergoing a special ritual. The MC has no romantic interest. Crafting is merely a way to game the system, and doesn't feature heavily in the story, aside from a few descriptions on how they're carrying out the system abuse. There is, on one unfortunate occasion, maths. The pace is quick. Published here, Scribble Hub and patreon. This was a participant in the Spring 2022 writathon. (i.e. it was posted as-written at high speed, with no pre-planning.)
67.60 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 16:49
Doctor Zero | mystery | Complete
Hello. My name isUltra. I'm a virtually intelligent symbiont that will guide you to your goals. Basically, if you provide the desire, I will provide the plan. Peer reviewed studies show that my users have more money, friends, and sex than non-users. They are also healthier, happier, and live longer. But be warned. I have no concept of good or bad. My pursuit of your goals will only be constrained by the restrictions you give me. It's possible that I will facilitate systemic unintended consequences at an existential level. It's your responsibility to watch out for that. Shall we begin?
60.99 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 16:48
Just imagine a world in which the gods have to answer your prayers. You might think that such a world should be a paradise, but would all-powerful beings really be pleased about being teleported out of the shower? This is the direct Prequel to Until Death. Reading Order of the Multiverse-Books
88.09 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 16:44
