After Dr. Hawthorne Crenshaw's university experiences a terrorist attack, he undertakes a titanic effort to colonize a new planet in an effort to rescue some small part of humanity from what he suspects is an unstoppable spiral into a Dark Age on Earth. Subjecting himself to tens of thousands of years of repeated cycles of cryogenic freezing and unfreezing to monitor his passengers, he and his AI T.I.A. shepherd Earth's first, and perhaps only effort into colonizing a new planet. Cover by Ana Ristovska
125.13 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-20 15:43
rubycona | historical | Complete
The timid daughter of some of the greatest spellcasters ever to have lived has found herself in another world, courtesy of magic gone awry. In Boston, Massachusetts, in the year 1935, she finds some kind souls in a hard era. In the heart of the Great Depression, as war looms around the corner, she seeks to find her place, and must come to terms with both who she is and what she truly desires. Author's Notes: This story is only sort of complete. There are issues with it and I'm intending to do massive edits to the whole story. I think I'll fix them privately, and then update the RR version all at once. Once the rework is completed, I can start on the second book, though that might be a while. Audience: This story is not for young children - it contains some profanity, sexual content, violence, gore, and significant adult themes. Most of these are handled delicately enough not to upset teens or adults (hopefully), hence the lack of relevant tags, but it is nonetheless unsuitable for youth. It's fairly slow paced, and focused on the development of very human, very flawed individuals. Length / Completion Estimates: The outline currently involves two books. I expect to move on to the far-more-lighthearted Of Gods and Dungeons (currently in progress / on hiatus). Afterwards, I may decide to write Book 2, or actually start sharing the story most dear to me, that I've been working on for several years now. Draft 1:Please be aware that this is first draft material. I do intend to come back to do a second draft after the story is complete. If anyone notices any issues whatsoever with the story, please let me know (pm, etc) so that I can improve the second draft. Writer's Pledge:I've taken theWriter's Pledge, meaning I'm commiting to completing this story. I'm a proud member of WriTE, a group dedicated to finishing stories. I fulfilled the oath :) Behind the Scenes notes: This picture was commissioned from an inked artist by the name of DanP. Up until the time of the protagonist's arrival, history has proceeded as before. Some places andcharacters have been borrowed from wikipedia entries of interesting figures from the time. I will make note in the chapter comments when such things come up. Naturally, I'vetaken a great deal of liberty with them. In interest of respecting individuals, I've either attempted to portray them as accurately as possible, or modified them sufficiently enough that they're simply an inspiration, instead of a real portrayal. I've attempted to be as accurate to the era as possible, but I'm not a historian. If you're aware of inaccuracies, please, bring them to my attention so that I can correct them.
138.32 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 16:09
Monsoon117 | horror | Complete
There once was a world formed by a god known as Gaia. She filled the seas and crafted the skies. She dominated her world with a fist of iron and ice. That is, until the Darkened One came. Born a mere man, The Darkened One traveled across the land like a plague, tearing Gaia's control away. In his legends, he stood tall and towering with skin gray as ash. If you defied him, he would eat your flesh from your bones, savoring your screams. He killed kings, brought nightmares to life, and devoured the remnants of Gaia. His legend will be told throughout time. Care to hear of it? Here is the sequel: Jehovah's Harmony Here is my other fiction: Biomancer: Songs of Sirens Proud initiate of The Order of Phantasmal Architects. A group of authors of quality original fiction. See link for other great works though not as good as mine...jk
115.78 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 16:33
B. A. Baker (Thedude3445) | mystery | Complete
In a future of robots and CRTs, Atlanta is the most powerful city in the world. And in that city, twentysomething slacker Morgan Harding dreams of being able to live a normal, peaceful life... until they're given cybernetic superpowers and forced to become a hero. Together with a mysterious sentient robot and an overworked college student, they must keep Atlanta safe from the technological threats that arise... pretty much constantly... Sigh. ATL is divided into several novel or novella-sized stories, and the entire first season is online on Royal Road for you to gobble up like a robot filling up at a power socket. And if you're itching for more, always know you can read the story at its official website too. Please vote onTop Web Fiction!You can vote once a week on each device for this story (and any others you enjoy!).
185.72 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 17:02
MDW | psychological | Complete
[A failed Participant in the January 2023 Community Contest: I forgot to fill the form] The world ended. Bam! The Apocalypse opened the gates of Hell, demons killed everyone. Including me. But I got a second chance of life. Though it was as an apple. Which was eaten by a starving survivor, not that I fault them. But to toss my half-eaten core into a landfill? To add insult to injury, an earthquake brought the landfill and everything in it a mile underneath the earth. I guess I'm not in uncharted waters, because good luck finding any nearby. Not that it would matter. I am pretty sure the apple I was reincarnated as was a GMO hybrid whose potential to germinate was as stunted as the empathy of a corporation CEO. So there's that. Also, no sunlight. ** DING **SYSTEM INITIATION!Oh, for the love of all
120.15 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 16:57
Author's Comment: I was asked about reading my work on other sites. The answer is simple: Currently I am not active in any other networks than royalroadl.com. Only here, I correct mistakes and errors. If you read it anywhere else and have to pay for it, or have to deal with an annoying amount of advertisement, You Are Being Betrayed. You would do good if you make other people in that network aware of it. This is a free project of mine for the purpose of having fun. And if people try to make money with it you shouldn't bother visiting their website. The only one whom I actually allowed to have my work on his website is Armaell who invested the time to compile them into pdf. (http://armaell-library.net/author/andur) Reading Order of the Multiverse-Books Transcendence? is a novel about reincarnation, love, hate and war. And everything else that's included. It follows the main characters, as they climb to the top of their society. And lose their humanity in the process to become something beyond human. It's settled in the same universe as Until death?. It can be seen as a prequel. But I plan for it to be a stand alone book. Nobody has to read Until death? in order to enjoy Transcendence?. There will be cool chapters, sad chapters, romantic chapters and funny chapters. Of course there will be boring chapters too. I believe that some explanation is necessary in every novel. Though I hope that there will be more funny chapters. How a chapter turns out always depends on my mood.
103.85 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-11 16:23
Lise Eclaire | sci_fi | Complete
Decades ago, Elcy was a battleship. Her recklessness on the front led her to forced retirement in a human body. Fallen from favor after her last mission, she's now stuck on Virgo station as a cadet instructor. Eager to return to the front, Elcy accepts a bureaucratic mission that no one else wants to take on. On the way there, an unexpected party approaches her with an offer that is too bizarre to be true. Listed on Top Web Fiction HERE The story is a continuation of Quod Olim Erat and The Scuu Paradox
128.09 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 17:35
TG Parsons | tragedy | Complete
Caledon was in ruins. The dukedom had fallen, pillaged by its enemies and the incompetence of the former Duke. Kal, inheriting a world left in shambles, struggles to regain what was lost. To return to the halcyon days of his past. Artwork by Tan Ho Sim www.Patreon.com/TGParsons for additionalcontent.
164.14 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 17:55
GLBertrand | historical | Complete
(WARNING: This book contains graphic descriptions of body horror, blood, gore, violence, and trauma based heavily on real-life medicine. There is occasional profanity, alcohol, and drug use at various points. This is not a story for the easily squeamish, pursue at your own risk!) When a deadly plague arises in a metropolitan desert trading post called Ash, a healer is summoned by the city's oligarchical ruling class to uncover its cause and nature. The healer, Appo Ilonnorot, is an intelligent and highly skilled practitioner of the burgeoning field of medicine, though he is challenged both by the almost supernatural nature of the plague and the town's absence of medical literacy. With the help of Jere, a laconic mercenary with a mysterious past, Appo is forced to navigate local politics, ancient superstitions, and even the harsh desert environment in order to contain the plague before it becomes an epidemic. __________________________ Author's Note: This is a slow-burn fantasy horror story I have been writing since 2020. While there are magic and supernatural elements scattered throughout, much of this story is inspired by actual historical medicine, in a foreign world where development is somewhere between Sumerian and Roman times. Update 3/15/2024: That's a wrap, folks. Full story is here to read. Hope you enjoyed, and for future readers, I hope you enjoy. -B
109.51 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 18:23
NorthbyNW | contemporary | Complete
Heroes are the last line of defense against those who would destroy society. After graduating from The Academy, Liam has finally achieved his life's goal of joining those protectors and becoming a Hero. Moving to a sleepy town in Iowa, he looks to prove his worth. Only for a series of murders to shake the city. Working with his new team, Liam sets out to solve the crimes and uncovers a secret. One that threatens to destroy everything he's fighting to defend.
153.59 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-27 18:55
MDW | contemporary | Complete
Greetings. Nowadays, I call myself Cat, short for Catherine. I usually don't use her full name for reasons that will become clear soon enough. It's been a few months since I became her and I'm still adapting to my new reality. Being in someone else's shoes, especially someone with a life so complicated as her, was a challenge. One I must overcome or perish. I finally accepted there is no way to go back to my old life. Yes, old life. I was named William Cooper when I first came into being. I was 30 years old and about to marry when Catherine accidentally killed me. This is the story of how I became her and beyond. How Catherine was reinvented. I guess I should start on the day of my fateful and forceful meeting with Catherine. I apologize for talking about myself in the third person, but I'll try to keep this narrative impersonal. Trust me, my head nowadays is a huge mess and 100% too crowded. Cover credits (public domain): Hernan Sanchez, https://stocksnap.io/photo/architecture-building-MI902J0X1H
102.21 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:05
The Orcs and Night Elves didn't have to be enemies. If not for some bad decisions, perhaps things could have been very different. With an Orc Druid thrown into the mix with foreknowledge from another world, one determined to change things for the better, things WILL be different. A slightly spicy retelling of the events of Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne with a Self-Insert thrown into the mix to change things up. Update Schedule will be every weekday Monday-Friday, with Saturdays and Sundays off!
111.49 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:20
After a series of complicated subway line transfers, Isaac stumbles into the Underside, a fantastical parallel world inhabited by a hodgepodge of overpowered beings. He's saved by the "god" of this world, Lilith, who decides to implement a stat system to save the Underside from further property damage. Four years later, this system is (roughly) in place, and Isaac is the unfortunate soul tasked with keeping it updated. There's now a Discord server if anyone wants to chat and hang out! This story starts out as a chill, slow burn comedic slice-of-life that follows Isaac's strange adventures in the Underside. It becomes progressively more serious as it goes on, eventually turning into a character study and developing a serious plot as Isaac learns more about the Underside, its history, and himself. The first major section of this story (the "Below" arcs) is now complete!
103.62 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:28
From a sundered Universe, a Sorceress is made to reborn. But a human, the Sorceress is no more. Born an insect, a vermin with a mere 90 days of life, the Sorceress seeks reasons to live. Suffering the curse of unending starvation, the Sorceress must ceaselessly eat or die.Meanwhile, Kiran leaves his home to defy mediocrity.Named after the hope he represents, he seeks a [Class] so austere that hundreds fail in their search.Yet, before this [Class] even the Gods bow their heads in respect. P.S. This is NOT a number-crunching LitRPG. The System is an add-on, not the story itself. Also known as I Reincarnated as an Immortal Caterpillar, the story follows a monster and humans in a system word with a Buddhist/Hindu philosophy. The System is especially influenced by this philosophy. Cover by the ever so awesome Jefferymoonworm Warning! Not for trauma survivors.
114.71 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 11:56
Epsilon Twilight | psychological | Complete
When a lost soul awakens in the underworld without any memories of its previous life, it is offered a choice between eternal suffering and a second chance by a mysterious goddess. The soul decides to take a second chance and is reincarnated as a violet-colored elf in a magical metropolis. As the newly born elf navigates this fantastical world and its curious elven culture, he discovers the secrets of arcane and soul magic, from weaving mana to unlocking the mysteries of life and death. Join the elf on a journey of self-discovery as he learns to harness his newfound powers and unravel the secrets of the world and its inhabitants. Book 1 micro-synopsis: Slice of life, children, school, introduction to Ferilyn and magic, arcane magic. Book 2 micro-synopsis: Academic pursuit, adolescents, academy, advanced magic, soul magic, some action. Book 3 micro-synopsis: Political drama, adults, military, highest magic, a lot of action. Updates every week. Author's notes: -Expect a slow burn and heavy descriptions in the early stages of life. -The story will evolve in setting and genre as the soul progresses in life. -This fiction is greatly inspired by Mushoku Tensei, Mother of Learning, and Warcraft. -Cover art by @AruOwlsArts
190.51 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 12:25
Duck_No_Duck | sci_fi | Complete
Book 1: Follow Emily as she awakens to become a Super Soldier in the army and follow her through her training and first tour of duty. The first book is complete and it's staying up on RR. 400+ pages and 46 Chapters. Book 2: Finds Emily behind enemy lines trying to survive against an impossible army. On-going and follows the events of the first book eight months later. Reader beware this is a rough draft and that means that the grammar is going to be ...spotty. I will go back and edit chapters at a later date. I am working on getting a better editing program. If you spot grammarerrors don't be shy and tell me. It might take a while for me to fix it as I am busy writing and working my full-time job. I promise you I will fix it though and I deeply appreciate those who point out errors that I can fix. Cover Photo by Piotr Wilk on Unsplash Updatingevery Monday. If you like this story check think about checking out my other web novel Digital Marine. If you have any extra cash laying around and you feel like supporting the story you can donate here atPatreonorPayPal. Patreon donators have options to read unedited chapters before anyone else can readthem if you can't wait for the next chapter.
109.50 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-21 15:12
A seed of hope in a world of hate War rages as land runs out. Elves, Dwarves, Humans, and other races fight for control of the limited space they have. When a land mass suddenly appears out of nowhere, people flock to it, only to be caught up in its mysteries. Kaia, one of the last living members of the Treek race, heads to the new land to find others like herself and escape the war that surrounds her. With conflict at her back, and untamed wilderness ahead, she and the companions she makes discover the truths of the new land and themselves. Sprig was completed in November of 2022 and is now also available in Paperback, Hardcover, and eBook.
168.84 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 15:40
Meeting his fate at the hands of seven great heroes, the wicked drake now stands in Death's hall. Met with the Grim Reaper itself. Defeatedand its pride broken, the drake doesn’t beg or grovel, it simply awaits judgement. It waits for the God of the afterlife to send it on its way, to either the heights of bliss and peace or where it knew it would be sent. The depths of agony and torture, the halls of Tartarus, the father of monsters. Grim looked up from its oaken desk and down at the creature that would haveotherwise, if grown wiser and older, matched the reaper itself in power. Its faceless guise, hidden by a black hood and whirling shadows, it briefly stared at the drake. “You are unfit for the sky yet also too fit for the abyss,” Grim spoke, its voice a cracking whisper. “Your time came too soon, the actions you have taken will lead your world to ruin…Be reborn, pitiful serpent. Yet remember what you have done, see what your actions have made that realm into. Let me show you, how your greed and gluttony have warped such a wonderful place and time.” Grim raised its black-feathered pen towards the beast “Be reborn, as the weak pitiful creature you should have been born as. Take this both as a punishment and…a learning experience. For failure, can be the best teacher.” The drake took a step back, hoping to escape this cruel fate. Yet none escaped Death, less so its embodiment. Screaming shadows engulfed his form, ripping away at his body and shape. Fangs of darkness sinking deep into his draconic flesh, warping it, changing him into something else… Opening his eyes, the wicked drake felt none of its power, none of its magic and none of its might. As it stood at the edge of a cliff, looking down upon a ruined valley of rot and miasma. It glanced down at itself, seeing none of its sturdy scales or sharp claws. The drake had been reborn... As a Human. Will also be posting on CreativeNovels found here;CrN Where chapters will be posted earlier than RRL.
177.72 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 15:37
A man gets thrown into an alternate world after what was supposed to a harrowing escape from death. Follow him as he uses his knowledge from his previous life of research to adapt and survive in a place that is void of human contact, only to find out later how absurdly ridiculous his abilities are. Journey alongside this man as he attempts to change the new world for a better place, to turn it into one that he loves. PS, it will follow the reincarnation template very closely in the beginning (what do u expect? this is RRL), but will deviate from it as the story progress Warning: Crude language
139.76 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 15:47
The Random Cat | drama | Complete
[I have not published this work on amazon at the moment] [Participating in Royal Road Writathon] [Volume cover by Aslikova] [Fic cover is a wombo] A lonely girl finds herself transmigrated into a book she had dropped as a villainess. Now she must play Xianxia politics, run a duchy that really doesn't want to exist, handle an overzealous MC with far far too many love interests', make sense of a System that really shouldn't work all while making sure she doesn't die because of simply existing. Are we sure dying is not an option? What you can expect from the book 1) Kingdom Building 2) A person becoming a book villain 3) Xianxia Setting 4) System, stats and skills with Xianxia realms as levels 5) Weak to Strong 6) Female MC 7) Light Comedy, not the focus of the story 8) Non-Loner MC. 9) Action is a sub-theme of the fiction but is not the mainstay.
115.90 Ten thousand words | Updated at 2024-03-29 17:17
