In recent years, the literary world has witnessed a surge in serial fantasy novels that started on Royal Road making their way onto mainstream platforms like Amazon and Audible. What sets these works apart from traditionally published novels is their raw, unpolished nature. While many readers appreciate the unique charm and authenticity of these self-published gems, critics argue that their lack of professional editing can sometimes compromise the quality of the content. I’ll admit that rocky grammar in webserials sometimes “takes me out of it.”
In this article, we’ll explore the phenomenon of serial fantasy novels transitioning from Royal Road to Amazon and Audible.
The Origins: Royal Road
Royal Road has long been a haven for budding authors seeking to share their stories with an engaged and passionate audience. The platform is particularly popular among fantasy enthusiasts, who have come to appreciate the diverse range of content available on the site. As serial web novels gained traction on Royal Road, many authors saw an opportunity to expand their reach by self-publishing their works on platforms like Amazon and Audible.
From Web Serials to Self-Published Books: The Leap to Amazon and Audible
While Royal Road offers a great starting point for aspiring authors, the allure of publishing on mainstream platforms like Amazon and Audible is undeniable. By making their works available on these platforms, authors can tap into a larger audience and even generate revenue through book sales and audiobook downloads.
One notable example of this trend is The Slime Dungeon by Jeffrey Falcon Logue. What began as a web novel on Royal Road quickly gained a dedicated following, prompting the author to self-publish the series on Amazon. Since then, the series has continued to grow in popularity and has even been adapted into an audiobook format on Audible.
But not all self-published works that make the leap from Royal Road to Amazon and Audible receive the same level of editing and polish as their traditionally published counterparts. This has led to a unique subgenre of fantasy novels that, while brimming with creativity and originality, may also exhibit rough edges and inconsistencies in terms of writing quality and narrative structure.
Seven Examples of Royal Road Fantasy Novels on Amazon and Audible
Let’s take a look at seven popular fantasy novels that started as web serials on Royal Road and made their way to Amazon and Audible. Some of these works may have retained their unpolished charm, while others have undergone more extensive editing and revisions.
1. The Wandering Inn by Pirateaba
Beginning as a web serial on Royal Road, The Wandering Inn by Pirateaba has become an immensely popular series. The story follows the adventures of two young women who find themselves transported to a world filled with magic, monsters, and a seemingly endless number of challenges. Despite its rough edges and occasional inconsistencies, The Wandering Inn’s sprawling narrative and engaging characters have earned it a dedicated fan base on both Royal Road and Amazon.
2. Mother of Learning by Domagoj Kurmaic (nobody103)
Mother of Learning by Domagoj Kurmaic (nobody103) is a captivating story about a young mage who finds himself trapped in a time loop. As the protagonist seeks to unravel the mysteries of his predicament, he also works to uncover the secrets of his world. Mother of Learning started as a web novel on Royal Road and gained a considerable following before being published on Amazon. While it may lack the polish of a traditionally published work, its intricate plot and well-developed magic system have made it a favorite among fans of the genre.
3. The Blue Mage Raised by Dragons by Virlyce
The Blue Mage Raised by Dragons by Virlyce is a lighthearted and entertaining fantasy novel that began on Royal Road. The story follows a young blue mage raised by dragons who embarks on a journey to discover his origins and find his place in the world. Although the novel’s writing may not be as polished as some traditional publications, its unique premise and quirky characters have attracted a loyal fan base on both Royal Road and Amazon.
4. Worth the Candle by cthulhuraejepsen
cthulhuraejepsen’s Worth the Candle is a web serial that has gained a reputation for its deep worldbuilding and complex characters. The story follows a teenage boy named Juniper Smith as he wakes up in a mysterious world filled with magic and danger. With the help of his friends and his own ingenuity, Juniper navigates a labyrinthine plot that touches on themes of identity and self-discovery. While the novel’s prose may be rough in places, its inventive storytelling and intricate plotting have earned it a loyal fanbase.
5. Arcane Ascension series by Andrew Rowe
Andrew Rowe’s Arcane Ascension series is another example of a web serial that made the jump to Amazon and Audible. The novel follows a young man who enters a magical academy to learn the secrets of the deadly towers that dot his world. While the book has since undergone significant editing and refinement, it retains the spirit of its Royal Road origins. Sufficiently Advanced Magic has received high praise from fans of the genre for its innovative magic system and well-rounded characters.
6. Azarinth Healer by Rhaegar
The web serial Azarinth Healer by Rhaegar gained a significant following on Royal Road before its publication on Amazon. The story follows a healer who becomes an adventurer, navigating the dangerous world around her as she seeks greater knowledge and power. Although the writing may lack the polish of traditional publications, Azarinth Healer’s engaging narrative and detailed worldbuilding have made it a popular choice among fans of the genre.
7. The Crafting of Chess by Kit Falbo
Kit Falbo’s The Crafting of Chess is a web serial that has gained a following for its unique blend of fantasy and crafting elements. The story follows a young woman named Fawn who discovers her talent for crafting magical items and sets out on a quest to become the greatest crafter in the land. With its engaging protagonist, detailed world-building, and fascinating crafting system, The Crafting of Chess is a must-read for fans of both the fantasy and crafting genres.
Conclusion
In summary, the phenomenon of web serials from platforms like Royal Road being published on Amazon and Audible without the editing of traditional publications is a testament to the power of storytelling and the passion of their authors. These stories, despite their rough edges, have captivated the imaginations of readers around the world, proving that a compelling narrative can sometimes outweigh polished prose. As the lines between traditional and independent publishing continue to blur, readers can expect to see even more of these unconventional gems finding their way onto their e-readers and audiobook libraries.