Chaos_is_Harmony

The world is intriguing and the genre-savvy character is interesting enough. The author is clearly well-acquainted with the tropes of the genre, but perhaps to his/her detriment, as the phrasing sometimes comes off as cheesy and cliche.

If you can push past the grammatical errors, though, there really is a diamond in the rough here. Thus, I'd recommend it for a fun read.

I write this having only read Episode 5.

First and foremost, I recommend this story wholeheartedly, but with a very important caveat:  Reader beware that there is no satsifying conclusion, and that you may never know what happens to the incredibly likeable characters you are introduced to throughout the Episode.

All the way up to the two chapters before the end of Episode 5, I had fully intended to go back and read the rest of this masterwork. The disillusionment I felt upon reading the final two chapters of the Episode changed that.

That said, from an aspiring author POV, it is still very much worthy of study, for the following three reasons, chief among others:

1.) If you want to learn how to write dialogue and interesting characters, you will find no better model than Arthicern's work.

2.) The world is remarkably well-established even within the very limited space of 19 chapters. The magic is interesting; the societal institutions are fascinating; and the history is compelling. Everything is well-thought out.

3.) The presentation of all world-building and characterization elements is so subtle that you may forget you're reading a story. Nothing feels like an info dump and every presentation of world/character detail feels like a natural consequence of the circumstances the characters find themselves in.

The only flaw I can find on this sparkling gem is an inattention to editing... This, however, is easily solved, and were it solved, Deviant's Masquerade would be publishable and I think hugely successful.

(If I were forced to choose another flaw, though, I'd point out that the cover is rather unappealing. "Don't judge a book by its cover!" you say. But you know damn well that that's precisely what everyone does.)

Overall Impressions:

Good at what it seems to be going for, but will not stick with me (for reasons of personal preference and not having anything to do with the quality of the work). If you're interested in some light-hearted fun (except for a curveball around chapter 7), then you should give this a read.

Style:

Easy to read and follow. Polished, but otherwise unremarkable (too generic to be memorable). The one thing that sticks out as a negative are the lengthy bits of dialogue (paragraphs long often enough to wear on you); at times, this disrupts the flow of the conversation. 

Story:

Chapter 7 legit threw me for a loop (in a good way). It provided dimension to an otherwise flat character. I think the two chapters that followed felt much powerful as a result, saving the story from being just another stereotypical 'power fantasy' (kids, all geniuses in their respective fields, suddenly get access to advanced alien tech). Were it not for Chap. 7, it would be much more forgettable.

Even still, I doubt the plot will stay with me long. Yet, as far as entertainment goes, this is a solid and fast-paced piece.

Grammar:

No complaints.

Character:

Nothing particularly novel here. However, there are two strengths I think worth mentioning:

1.) The group dynamic among the main characters is believable and well-written.

2.) The MC's transformation from a stereotypical caricature I cared nothing for to a multifaceted individual who I'm cheering on was fascinating. I certainly didn't expect that to happen.

This review will actually consist of two separate reviews:

1.) One for those who I think would enjoy this piece

2.) One for those who have seen this same formula far too often

The review is also spoiler free.

15 chapters in, my thoughts are thus:

STYLE:

1.) Like an old shoe, comfortable and familiar. This is an easy read, doesn't require much thought (discourages thought, might be a better way to describe it).

2.) Unremarkable except for in the vivid description of the over-the-top fight scenes and the occasional interesting turn of phrase. Honestly, it feels like any one of a million different writers could've written this (i.e., it's impossible to hear Mr. Moors' voice through the writing).

STORY:

1.) Clearly thought out with a consistent and satsifying pacing.

2.) Cliche and with scenarios that are very contrived/unbelievable.

GRAMMAR:

1.) Proofread and edited to near perfection.

2.) Proofread and edited to near perfection. (why did I even bother repeating this?)

CHARACTER:

1.) Wide variety with varied and interesting talents. If you think of them as purely caricatures of real people, they'll be satisfying.

2.) Characters are inconsistent. Make bizarre decisions when they should know better or perform heroic deeds when they are not really capable of it.

OVERALL:

1.) This is the same story you've read and loved (the high ratings are to facilitate this piece getting into the hands of those who crave more of the same).

2.) This is the same wall, just with a different coat of paint. Has entertainment value, but I doubt you'll look back fondly on the characters with even a few weeks distances.

ADDENDUM:

For writers interested in improving their depictions of action sequences, this is a good work to study.

The setting should be wildly implausible. The purple flames should be terribly gaudy. The idea of a city sympathizing with and forgiving the supervillain should be laughable. The dramatic, teary language should be groan-inducing.

BUT, and this is a very important but, the presentation is impeccable, so much so, that I completely forgot about all the complaints I thought I should have.

I can't say for sure what the author's secret is, yet I suspect it has something to do with the writing style itself. This honestly made me feel similar to how I felt reading The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. Everything about the story should make it a tired trope collection, and yet it's something more than that.

In short, this was a fantastic read.