[Complete] [130k][Steampunk Epic Fantasy] Part 1 of the Skylance Series
Willing to swap beta reading if there’s anything you would love read as well!
*Anyone who contributes will receive a signed published copy from me <3 *
Hello potential beta-readers!
My name is Ty (she/they) with the pen name C.M. Legend and I have currently finished my fourth edit of the first part of a steampunk fantasy epic series called Skylance. What first started as a gargantuan manuscript of 300,000 words has, over the course of five years, been condensed considerably into a more cohesive and fun story.
The Setting:
The story takes place on the world of Azurus, an ocean world with over 90% of its surface covered by water. Over many centuries humans, dwarves, elves, pannei(a unique race to this story), and others have vied for what limited land exists while trying to avoid the hostile waters inhabited by the terrifying abyssals. These challenges helped foster an insatiable desire for technological innovation leading to dizzying mile-high cities and great airships.
Not only is ingenuity a cherished resource, but three of the prominent peoples possess predominantly unique abilities that have been essential to their survival and prominence: humans with the skill of foresight, elves with their manipulation of electro-magnetism, and dwarves able to bend and shape any material by force of will and imagination.
By the time of the Skylance series, the world had been recovering from a devastating world war between the human dominion of Bastonia and the Union alliance comprised of the elven kingdoms of Eldora and the dwarf clans of Bornska Tor. Relations between these great realms remains strained, with peace always on the precipice.
The pannei people, on the other hand, have remained relatively aloof and distant from the rest of the world. A superstitious and nomadic race inhabiting the small desert realm of Pannar, they shun technological advancements and regard the unique powers of the other three races as curses. However, they are known throughout Azurus for their unique pilgrimage, a rite of passage of every coming-of-age pannei to visit the three realms of the world on their own. Despite this seemingly paradoxical practice, it is the pannei people’s hope that their relative isolation keeps the problems of the world from their doorstep.
The Story:
The story follows the pilgrimage of a young pannei woman named Y’nari who has been plagued by premonitions and visions beyond her control. Fearing she may possess the human curse of foresight, she begins her journey by seeking out the Fate Ministry for answers. Unfortunately for Y’nari, her rite of passage quickly devolves into a nightmare of racial prejudice, murder, and political intrigue no one could have predicted.
While imprisoned for crimes of heresy, Y’nari realizes her visions are a terrifying precursor to a greater conflict that threatens to throw the world into a devastating world war. With the unexpected help of sky pirates led by the infamous Captain Steelie Green, Y’nari hopes not only to find answers to her visions, but stop the world’s great powers from mutually assured destruction. Join Y’nari in an exciting adventure full of technological wonder, supernatural struggle, unexpected romance, and friendships along the way!
Themes:
Steampunk, Adventure, Fantasy, LGBTIA+, Magic, Piracy, Archeology, Political Intrigue, Hero’s Journey, Coming of Age
Triggers:
Racism, blood, death, torture, injury, mature language, sexual themes, sexual assault, gambling, alcohol, drugs
What I’m Looking For:
Beta readers willing to give their overall opinions and experiences. I’m not expecting a nitty-gritty list of every small detail, but more a holistic view of the story as a whole. Questions you could answer could include:
- Did the story have moments of dragging and losing interest? A sagging middle?
- What parts kept you interested in continuing?
- Any unnecessary characters, scenes or chapters?
- Information you found crucial but missing?
- Characterization missteps?
Timeframe:
I would love to receive feedback within a month or two at the latest.