Hey everyone.
This is gonna be the last weekly spotlight for now, we'll be returning to our regularly scheduled updates starting next week. I just needed some time to really bite into the first arc's rewrite and I can gladly say that I've done that. For further reference, Chapter 5 was originally 6500 words, its now 20,000 (its been broken up into other chapters but they all stemmed from the original) and the final product is something I can't wait to share with all of you since its what I wanted to originally write, but now I have the skills to actually make a decent go at it.
But, the story itself will continue with its weekly updates starting next week, once the rewrite is done and audiobook recording is done I plan on increasing the pace to twice a week, if possible. Not only to make up for lost time but to keep visibility going on the story so I can establish a greater footing to draw more eyes to this tale.
But, we will have to see how that goes. In the meantime I've gathered up a number of Under-the-Radar stories that I think are deserving of more eyes, and I believe you all will have a great time sinking your teeth into.
We'll start with some stories more adjacent to the feel of Hedge Knight:
image [https://www.royalroadcdn.com/public/covers-large/94964-a-crucible-of-light-epic-progression-fantasy.jpg?time=1728158730]
A Crucible of Light [Epic Progression Fantasy]
To gain the power she needs to save those she loves, Magdalena must become the darkness she sought to root out from the world.
Humanity finds itself in an endless war against the Maldrath, human-devouring monstrosities from beyond the veil. Dungeons spawn throughout the world, summoning these creatures to the mortal plane. The human nations have united under the banner of the Crown Coalition Forces, a joint military organization tasked with fending off the Maldrath incursion.
Mags, an orphan of Maldrath attacks, has always dreamed of joining the Coalition Forces. One day, an unauthorized dungeon exploration results in Mags getting her hands on a source of power that could destroy the world as she knows it.
A Crucible of Light is Stormlight Archive meets Kaiju No. 8. For fans of traditional epic fantasy (with a System).
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What to expect:
- Epic scale in worldbuilding: detailed, diverse, and a world larger than the MC’s perspective!
- Chapter length: averages 3,000 words (2,000 – 4,000 words).
- Female MC
- Slow burn (this story will be very, very long) [think Super Supportive].
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CURRENTLY RELEASING DAILY!
For those of you that appreciate Hedge Knight's over all feel and pacing, you will get more of that and then some with this story. The prose is excellent and character exploration is deep, lending itself to a world that you really can get lost in. I got sucked in quickly from the first few chapters and its been a highlight on the site for me since. Definitely recommend that you give this one a shot.
image [https://www.royalroadcdn.com/public/covers-large/94613-hitchhiker-hero-isekaiprogression-fantasy.jpg?time=1727326765]
Hitchhiker Hero. [Isekai/Progression Fantasy]
The Summoned Verse: Hitchhiker Hero
Returning to earth after having a crazy adventure in another world might sound like the perfect ending. But not for me, my name is Alistair Klark and I refuse to slip back into mediocrity. I worked too hard to obtain magical powers after being summoned as a hero. Coming back home to a world-absent mana will not stop me from reclaiming all I had. If I have to hitchhike on someone else's adventure, then so be it. This is not the end of my story, no riding off into the sunset for me.
One Chapter a day (Monday to Friday) Patreon members get early access.
This one is another story with great prose and an interesting hook. It has a more mature and methodical protagonist, but moves with an energy that keeps the action and plot going without any feels of the scenario being rushed. Give it a read!
image [https://www.royalroadcdn.com/public/covers-large/65853-tales-of-end.jpg?time=1726501538]
Tales of END
Note to self: IF THE SKY SPLITS AND AN EVIL ASS LOOKING EYE, PEERS DOWN... DON’T LOOK INTO IT.
I learned the hard way. ^-^
Alexis had spent years sharpening his skills, driven to Surpass his mother’s legacy. But Fate had other plans, far cruller than he ever imagined. The trials awaiting him were nothing short of hell.
When he stood witness to the carnage and the EYE—an abomination of cosmic dread—his world shattered.
His home was gone, his friends slaughtered, his family likely among the dead.
In an instant, he was cast into an unknown wasteland, broken and bleeding. Fear clung to him like a second skin, gnawing away at his sanity.
Alexis left with a grim reality away from the safety of his house and its vast resource he must survive and find a way to break out and reach back home as he uncovers more of the dark reality and mysteries related to his arrival.
Tales of END is a descent into chaos, a brutal LitRPG nightmare set in an alternate Earth twisted by magic and madness.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Join Alexis as he navigates the blood-soaked remnant world, his every breath a battle for survival as forces far darker than death close in around him.
Well that's too dramatic, Alexis let's focus on surviving.
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SCHEDULE : MWF
This one is a bit of a style change for those used to reading this story. Its a first person perspective and the protagonist is younger/inexperienced, but it shows an earnestness in its storytelling and portrayal of its world and the author is very open to feed back and working on improving their craft. Give it a go!
image [https://www.royalroadcdn.com/public/covers-large/93279-the-book-of-avalon-eternal-grimdark-high.jpg?time=1726775798]
The Book of Avalon Eternal [DARK FANTASY] [GRIMDARK] [HIGH FANTASY] [ROMANCE]
What happens when King Arthur is gone, and Camelot has an empty throne?
The answer: When legends die, new legends must be born.
Gawain, Knight of the Round Table, and the powerful witch Nimue, successor of Merlin, are faced with a kingdom in chaos after King Arthur's apparent death. In response, they form an alliance to take the throne of Camelot and restore the peace that King Arthur brought. But standing in their way are rebel factions, contenders and pretenders for the throne, enemy mages, and mysterious forces that seem to come from a Darkness beyond this world.
So in order to bring peace, Gawain draws his sword, Nimue unleashes her magic, and together they prepare for...The War of Camelot.
This one is probably the most traditional fantasy of the bunch with a focus on already established mythology from the King Arthur mythos. For those that like the traditional elements of Hedge Knight you'll find this story explores these concepts much more thoroughly while creating something new from what has been established before. Give it a read!
image [https://www.royalroadcdn.com/public/covers-large/81520-a-man-returned.jpg?time=1720638262]
A Man Returned
David, a man taken. A man beaten, tortured and horrifically changed. An empty man, a soulless man – a bringer of death. David, a man returned.
David loves his country walks – they so calm his mind and take away all his troubles. But not today.
Today, David is jolted out of his calming reverie into a state of pure terror as an enormous and horrifying creature bursts from the trees and charges directly toward him. Beaten unconscious, David awakens to find himself somewhere else, somewhere far, far away… somewhere terrifyingly different.
Years later, David is returned – but will anyone believe what he has to tell? Dare he tell anyone?
A Man Returned tells the story of David, a man horribly changed in mind, body and soul, his efforts to reconcile with the family he thought lost to him forever, and his struggle to come to terms with who and what he now is… and the destiny that awaits him.
This is another first person tale, but its well written in a really emotional and poignant style. The protagonist himself holds a lot of trauma and experience within, which is something that it holds similar to Hedge Knight in this regard. Its the longest of the works in this list, and really deserves to have more time in the spotlight. Ianto is really looking for feedback, and for his efforts I think he deserves some good input. Give this a try for sure!
And now, for something different:
image [https://www.royalroadcdn.com/public/covers-large/seven-steps-to-becoming-a-superhero-aadamxx-1xu.jpg?time=1726845445]
Seven Steps to Becoming a Superhero
Step #1: Super-School is for Suckers.
Innshadow U is where you go to learn how to save the world.
But Zack Kestler isn’t here to save the world. He’s not here to save anyone. All he wants is his father’s killer.
From enlisting the help of a C-List supervillain to assuming his father’s superhero identity, there’s nothing Zack won’t do to find his father’s murderer.
But no plan comes without complications. From the re-emergence of his former teammates - among them his psychic ex-girlfriend - to the arrival of an old family friend who knows more than he’s telling, Zack Kestler soon discovers saving the world might be easier and safer than solving his father’s murder.
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My Hero Academia meets The Count of Monte Cristo
What to Expect
A confident and competent MC who has a lot to learn, will make mistakes and will grow from them.
A MC dealing with grief and unprocessed trauma.
A fun and engaging supporting cast
Dark academia setting
Strong-to-skilled progression
1500-2000+ word chapters.
No harem.
Release Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Read 10 chapters ahead on Patreon.
Cover by Emiliano Urich.
This is a superhero focused story that has its chapters marked as "Issues". Normally, I'd chalk this up to a stylistic choice, but the narrative style of this story genuinely feels like a comic book in its pacing and exposition. Its very interesting in that aspect, and quickly establishes character motivations and its premise with a rapid, but not overwhelming pacing similar to graphic novels. Seriously, if you want to have a unique reading experience I would try this out!
image [https://www.royalroadcdn.com/public/covers-large/80640-lost-in-palworld.jpg?time=1720976988]
Lost in Palworld
Our MC washes ashore, hurt and corrupted by something. He finds himself on an impossible island filled with mystical creatures of all kinds; unfortunately, even the friendly looking ones want to kill and eat him. The locals are a mix of the military, the mafia, some weird cults, and corrupt cops. Since his arrival to this hell on earth, things make less and less sense to him, like he stumbled into another world. Our guy is constantly followed by Trouble, while he is just Pawn, a play thing of god-like beings. So begins the adventures of Lost in Palworld.
Releases : Monday & Friday
Normally, I don't really read fanfiction. Not necessarily because I find it bad or anything, but generally its a matter of time available. However, the premise here did intrigue me since Palworld is so loose with its lore anyways, so I wanted to see how it could be expanded upon. Overall, really interesting ideas here along with an energetic and passionate delivery. If you're in the mood for a complete change of pace from Hedge Knight, I'd give this one a go!
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Lots of recommendations this week, but I wanted to do a showcase of people who are struggling to gain the traction that they deserve. These stories have been steadily progressing under the radar and deserving of more attention due to their ideas and execution. I hope you guys give all these stories a chance!
With that though, ends the weekly intermission as I prep for the release of the next chapter in the upcoming week. Work is still being done on the rewrite, but I'm over the major hump now and can return with my usual pacing starting next week.
See you all then!