cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/719638

I don’t like reviewing unfinished works, as I feel a poor landing can destroy a whole story, just as a perfect finale can justify anything. There are 127 chapters out, as of me writing this.

However, I feel that every second that I stay silent about this web-series is a second wasted, an utter affront to fiction, and a betrayal of everything I stand for.

If even one person reading this did not know of “The Nature of Predators”, I command you to look into it.

This is pure brilliancy. An epic story filled with action, drama, tension beyond belief. Mystery, betrayal, political collusion, and romance spanning the whole universe… There is nothing missing!

I have racked my brain for any weakness in the story… Maybe the pace, or the prose, maybe the characters aren’t developed enough, maybe the plot isn’t compelling enough… But no. Everything is impeccable, a true work of art. And to think it’s not even completed yet.

“The Nature of Predators” follows several characters, with different beliefs, motivations, and interests. Some characters only appear later in the story, some appear early but fizzle out, some we’ve had the pleasure of accompanying from the very start and to this day.

There are characters you are made to love unconditionally, and characters you are made to hate. Some that want ultimate good, but can’t help their nature, and those that went against their nature for their own survival. Terror inflicted upon the innocent, BY the innocent. A world upside down.

I simply cannot describe the emotional weight of the characters. I’m not ashamed to say I’ve bawled while reading this. Straight up tears and snot.

And in all this chaos, different personalities and stories clashing all over the universe, somehow everything clicks. Every plot point is addressed, in due time, and never are you left high and dry wondering helplessly about the true nature of things. It feels like no stone is left unturned…

But the stones never end! There is always the next step, the next adventure, the next mystery, the next quarrel… It’s a relentless journey into the cosmos, and it’s expanse is unending beauty.

A perfect balance between closure and novelty, tension and release.

My words CANNOT do this work justice. I urge you to read it, or listen to it. Do whatever you can to inject this story into your mind, for you will not regret it.

That being said, it is HFY. I know that bothers some people.

Rating: 5/5

Read on Royal Road!
Alternatively, listen on Youtube:

  • Adastra has the best narration, but is currently almost 100 chapters behind.
  • Agro Squirrel Narrates is only about 10 chapters behind, but the narration isn’t as good (IMHO).