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Epilogue: A Novel
Three teenagers return from waging revolution in a magical dimension—but someone is missing—in this devastating fantasy fans are calling “a must read” and “an instant classic.”
When Matt Westin opens his eyes, he’s back on Earth—and seven years younger than when he went to sleep.
For the last seven years, Matt and his sister, Jen, along with friends Carl and Blake, have been in the fantasy world of Cyraveil, revolutionaries fighting to overthrow a dictatorial empire. Now they’ve suddenly returned to their quiet Oregon suburb, where they’re expected to go to high school and act like normal American teenagers.
But after all this time and with the memory of war so fresh in their minds, how can they pretend to be kids again? And how can they settle for routine lives when they’ve experienced adventure and magic? One thing’s for they must keep their time in Cyraveil a secret. Nobody can know what happened to them there. Because one of the four didn’t come home . . .
Only the survivors know Blake died back in Cyraveil, and with a missing teenager on the books, two detectives have launched an investigation. Can Matt, Jen, and Carl outsmart the authorities and learn to live as ordinary humans? Or somehow find their way back to the world in which they brought peace to an embattled land?
Winner of the 2018 NaNoWriMo Royal Road Challenge—with more than 400,000 views on RR—now available on Audible and wherever ebooks are sold!
When Matt Westin opens his eyes, he’s back on Earth—and seven years younger than when he went to sleep.
For the last seven years, Matt and his sister, Jen, along with friends Carl and Blake, have been in the fantasy world of Cyraveil, revolutionaries fighting to overthrow a dictatorial empire. Now they’ve suddenly returned to their quiet Oregon suburb, where they’re expected to go to high school and act like normal American teenagers.
But after all this time and with the memory of war so fresh in their minds, how can they pretend to be kids again? And how can they settle for routine lives when they’ve experienced adventure and magic? One thing’s for they must keep their time in Cyraveil a secret. Nobody can know what happened to them there. Because one of the four didn’t come home . . .
Only the survivors know Blake died back in Cyraveil, and with a missing teenager on the books, two detectives have launched an investigation. Can Matt, Jen, and Carl outsmart the authorities and learn to live as ordinary humans? Or somehow find their way back to the world in which they brought peace to an embattled land?
Winner of the 2018 NaNoWriMo Royal Road Challenge—with more than 400,000 views on RR—now available on Audible and wherever ebooks are sold!
- GenresFantasy
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2022
12 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 5, 2020
Realistically more of a 3.5, but oh well, this is Goodreads. I’ll try to keep this as spoiler-free as possible.
Anyways, I had somewhat mixed feelings about this story. Let me start by saying that the technical skill shown in this story is great. The characters all speak in a distinct voice, and the prose on average was top-notch—the kind of thing you rarely see outside of professional works of fiction. The characters were also mostly believable, though I did feel that there were points in the story where played on the angst too much with the main cast, which was a bit off-putting considering that the premise of the story is that the main cast are mentally battle-hardened war veterans, and at these points it felt like they degraded too close into being just regular angsty teenagers. Luckily, the author’s apparent skill in writing emotional beats prevents these moments from becoming outright cringeworthy like I see far too often in other web novels. I also thought the police investigation dialogue at the beginning of each chapter was a neat idea, and liked how it tied into the main 3 later down the line.
On to points of contention, I thought that the worldbuilding and details surrounding Cyraveil and the main 3’s journey in it were often times too vague. There were many times I counted in the story did it drop a name of a person or place like it was important to the characters, yet it seemed like only a handful of times were these ever truly elaborated on. Yes, Cyraveil itself was not at the story’s forefront, and I understand that it was probably done deliberately to build mystery; but they way these names were discussed make me think that some of these things were important background information to the characters, not to mention that you can only namedrop things so many times in the story before it loses the mystery and becomes more of a slight annoyance. My least favorite example of this isn’t even one involving a namedrop; rather, it was a certain character’s final words to another in the fantastical Etoline language, where the reader is promptly NEVER told what those words meant despite the apparent impact they had on that said character. While I wouldn’t call this vagueness a massive issue overall, it occurred with enough frequency that it became harder and harder to immerse myself as the story as it went on, though I suppose some of this might just be due to personal preference.
I also wasn’t a fan of a certain subplot that I don’t want to touch on too much so as to not spoiler tag this review. Long story short, it featured some OOC and arguably illogical moments of progression, with a resolution I wasn’t terribly satisfied with and left some open ends by the end of the story.
I think Epilogue was a solid story overall, with a good share of sad and bittersweet moments that could get even a hard heart to feel a bit down. But I also think that in reaching this point, some other aspects of the story’s integrity started to get pushed to the wayside, ultimately resulting in a product that is a flawed example of a tragedy done right.
Anyways, I had somewhat mixed feelings about this story. Let me start by saying that the technical skill shown in this story is great. The characters all speak in a distinct voice, and the prose on average was top-notch—the kind of thing you rarely see outside of professional works of fiction. The characters were also mostly believable, though I did feel that there were points in the story where played on the angst too much with the main cast, which was a bit off-putting considering that the premise of the story is that the main cast are mentally battle-hardened war veterans, and at these points it felt like they degraded too close into being just regular angsty teenagers. Luckily, the author’s apparent skill in writing emotional beats prevents these moments from becoming outright cringeworthy like I see far too often in other web novels. I also thought the police investigation dialogue at the beginning of each chapter was a neat idea, and liked how it tied into the main 3 later down the line.
On to points of contention, I thought that the worldbuilding and details surrounding Cyraveil and the main 3’s journey in it were often times too vague. There were many times I counted in the story did it drop a name of a person or place like it was important to the characters, yet it seemed like only a handful of times were these ever truly elaborated on. Yes, Cyraveil itself was not at the story’s forefront, and I understand that it was probably done deliberately to build mystery; but they way these names were discussed make me think that some of these things were important background information to the characters, not to mention that you can only namedrop things so many times in the story before it loses the mystery and becomes more of a slight annoyance. My least favorite example of this isn’t even one involving a namedrop; rather, it was a certain character’s final words to another in the fantastical Etoline language, where the reader is promptly NEVER told what those words meant despite the apparent impact they had on that said character. While I wouldn’t call this vagueness a massive issue overall, it occurred with enough frequency that it became harder and harder to immerse myself as the story as it went on, though I suppose some of this might just be due to personal preference.
I also wasn’t a fan of a certain subplot that I don’t want to touch on too much so as to not spoiler tag this review. Long story short, it featured some OOC and arguably illogical moments of progression, with a resolution I wasn’t terribly satisfied with and left some open ends by the end of the story.
I think Epilogue was a solid story overall, with a good share of sad and bittersweet moments that could get even a hard heart to feel a bit down. But I also think that in reaching this point, some other aspects of the story’s integrity started to get pushed to the wayside, ultimately resulting in a product that is a flawed example of a tragedy done right.
February 15, 2022
Please read the full review before rendering judgment!
This book made me feel such hatred and contempt.
Not for the author, who does an absolutely spectacular job of writing unique, nuanced characters whose reactions truly drive the story.
Nor for the grammar, which is often a concern in self-published fiction (and one of my literary triggers, I must confess).
No, this book made me hate the reality of people making selfish decisions with far-reaching consequences.
I won't say much more for fear of spoilers, but it should suffice to say that this is not a typical fantasy or isekai. If you're looking for a more traditional novel, search elsewhere.
I will never read this book again, because it makes my soul drip poison. I cannot think of a higher compliment to pay an author than to say your book made me feel so strongly that I wished to write an entire revenge fantasy sequel after finishing it.
Thank you, Etzoli, for a terrific piece of art.
This book made me feel such hatred and contempt.
Not for the author, who does an absolutely spectacular job of writing unique, nuanced characters whose reactions truly drive the story.
Nor for the grammar, which is often a concern in self-published fiction (and one of my literary triggers, I must confess).
No, this book made me hate the reality of people making selfish decisions with far-reaching consequences.
I won't say much more for fear of spoilers, but it should suffice to say that this is not a typical fantasy or isekai. If you're looking for a more traditional novel, search elsewhere.
I will never read this book again, because it makes my soul drip poison. I cannot think of a higher compliment to pay an author than to say your book made me feel so strongly that I wished to write an entire revenge fantasy sequel after finishing it.
Thank you, Etzoli, for a terrific piece of art.
May 28, 2024
This fantasy book hit me hard, not only because it was nothing like what I expected, but because it's one of the few books where I felt that every interpretation of the characters' traits was an alternative interpretation. What I mean is, when I went to see the comments, things that seemed obvious to me were obviously the opposite to other people. And as they explained their views, I could understand their perspective. This doesn't stem from an unreliable narrator; on the contrary, we can see the multiple narrators and understand how they reach these points. It's painful to see how the whole story unfolds and reaches a conclusion that is perhaps not inevitable but certainly intolerable.
Short, painful, and endearing.
Short, painful, and endearing.
December 6, 2025
A moderately creative idea, twisting a lot of common tropes, and the writing itself was professional … but the pacing left a lot to be desired, I don’t think that the ongoing multiple viewpoints quite worked, and it frankly lacked suspense. I think it would been better as a short story or novella … don’t think there was enough meat in the plot to support the length of the story.
June 27, 2020
Rating, seven out of 10. I really would like to know more about the fantasy world.
January 10, 2023
There's a reason Isekai stories end when they do.
This story tells what happens when the adventure is over, and people who have been generals, mages, and rulers for years are dumped back into a world they no longer know.
This story tells what happens when the adventure is over, and people who have been generals, mages, and rulers for years are dumped back into a world they no longer know.
June 6, 2022
Back to the Beginning
Matt wakes up and he is confused. He is back in his room on Earth. Looking at his image he sees that he is younger approximately seven years younger. He looks around his room, he looks at his search history to see what he was looking up before his return? Time travel? He think of the things he has missed – showers, hot showers, indoor plumbing/toilets, the internet, and on and on. Matt, his sister Jen and friends Carl and Blake were in Cyraveil. A world with elves and other magical creatures. Different languages, different customs, etc.
Matt talks to his Jen and later to Carl via cellphone. How much easier it is to communicate on Earth with a cellphone whether via call or text instead of via message or in person in Cyraveil. They all agree that they must act like they are still in high school and not older and battle hardened. They can’t talk about what has happened over the last seven years or people will think they are crazy. Gone are the muscles but not the muscle memory. Matt can remember all the practice, but he is not as strong as he was. Jen is having a hard time adjusting back to English and sometimes uses the wrong language. They wonder if Blake who died in Cyraveil could possibly have come back with them since it is in the past and before they left.
Detectives are looking into the disappearance of Blake. Matt, Jen and Carl need to watch what they say as well as how they act. Matt also carries a secret that the witch told him. She told him how to get back if they ever needed to or wanted to.
Matt wakes up and he is confused. He is back in his room on Earth. Looking at his image he sees that he is younger approximately seven years younger. He looks around his room, he looks at his search history to see what he was looking up before his return? Time travel? He think of the things he has missed – showers, hot showers, indoor plumbing/toilets, the internet, and on and on. Matt, his sister Jen and friends Carl and Blake were in Cyraveil. A world with elves and other magical creatures. Different languages, different customs, etc.
Matt talks to his Jen and later to Carl via cellphone. How much easier it is to communicate on Earth with a cellphone whether via call or text instead of via message or in person in Cyraveil. They all agree that they must act like they are still in high school and not older and battle hardened. They can’t talk about what has happened over the last seven years or people will think they are crazy. Gone are the muscles but not the muscle memory. Matt can remember all the practice, but he is not as strong as he was. Jen is having a hard time adjusting back to English and sometimes uses the wrong language. They wonder if Blake who died in Cyraveil could possibly have come back with them since it is in the past and before they left.
Detectives are looking into the disappearance of Blake. Matt, Jen and Carl need to watch what they say as well as how they act. Matt also carries a secret that the witch told him. She told him how to get back if they ever needed to or wanted to.
November 4, 2023
Our story opens just as our three protagonists return from a portal fantasy adventure. They've been in the otherworld for seven years; now they're once again teenagers having to readjust to their Earth lives. One of them is happy to return now the war in the otherworld is won; the other two are yearning to get back... and then there's the fourth friend who died in that war, and now leaves an absence that must be explained. Oh, and it comes out that the three of them were actually on different sides of that war, leaving more issues to be sorted out.
At first, watching their social awkwardness and waiting for so many "other shoes" to drop felt awkward. But then, the psychological arcs sped up. I loved the unexpected twists in their relationships with each other and their friends, and I praise the big twists near the end.
At first, watching their social awkwardness and waiting for so many "other shoes" to drop felt awkward. But then, the psychological arcs sped up. I loved the unexpected twists in their relationships with each other and their friends, and I praise the big twists near the end.
June 20, 2022
I love the premise for this book - what happens when kids return from the magical realm?
The characters are very well done. Each has their own personality and quirks. The story is very well written and incredibly emotional. I never knew where it was going to go, but all the twists and turns made sense in the context of the story. The book lost a star because I would like to have known more of the backstory. What happened to Carl, Matt, and Jen in the other world? There are hints scattered throughout, but so much is left out. If there is a sequel, I hope the author includes more backstory.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are very well done. Each has their own personality and quirks. The story is very well written and incredibly emotional. I never knew where it was going to go, but all the twists and turns made sense in the context of the story. The book lost a star because I would like to have known more of the backstory. What happened to Carl, Matt, and Jen in the other world? There are hints scattered throughout, but so much is left out. If there is a sequel, I hope the author includes more backstory.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2024
A good idea executed well. I won't say it's perfect, but I absolutely love that it exists. I want this to be a new subgenre: what happens after the adventure? What do you do when who you are and who you were are so different?
In a way, this is simply applying the normal principles of literary fiction to a very juvenile fantasy story. Events have real consequences, people are shaped by their experiences and once you leave your old life behind, how can you go back? All very classic themes.
In a way, this is simply applying the normal principles of literary fiction to a very juvenile fantasy story. Events have real consequences, people are shaped by their experiences and once you leave your old life behind, how can you go back? All very classic themes.
February 21, 2023
21.02.23 I'm really interested in the revised text that's been turned into an audiobook on Amazon because of how few and how small the flaws are for this story. Fuck Amazon tho.
28.02.21 The prose isn't perfect but the way the story has been constructed and assembled is just spot on. It's so good but at the same times needs work.
26.12.20 Pretty good, actually.
28.02.21 The prose isn't perfect but the way the story has been constructed and assembled is just spot on. It's so good but at the same times needs work.
26.12.20 Pretty good, actually.
October 10, 2019
Definitely got way too emotional reading this. Didn't help that I bothered the author the entire time while reading it. If the description interests you I 100% recommend giving this a read, since it's a relatively short read.
August 13, 2022
A wonderful, terrible story of why most isekai stories don't tell about what happened after.
November 5, 2022
A wonderfully written post-isekai story. Very sad and very human.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews