Daybreak on Hyperion was first published on Baka-Tsuki starting late 2013 as a satirical short story -- which is why the early chapters in particular feels reminiscent of a Japanese light novel.
The story went on hiatus in 2018 due to my dissatisfaction with its structure as well as some personal issues in life. In 2020 I realized there was a way for me to fix my problems with the story and started a full rewrite. For anyone who has encountered the original, this is the Redux version.
Daybreak was written initially as a satirical reflection on power dynamics -- particularly the abuse of power by protagonists placed in a position of privilege -- which we often see in modern pop literature. Since then, the story has become a means for me to reflect upon real-world issues, particularly those of societal, psychological, and philosophical natures, all while having fun with interactions between characters of different values and viewpoints.
If you're bothered by protagonists who lack agency in early story or having to endure harsh circumstances, then this fiction is probably not for you. Similarly, if you're the type who is easily bothered by discussion of real-life topics or are aggressively tribal about your politics, then the contents may also bother you. The protagonist is written as a cultural historian and comparisons to real world issues come often.
In other words, Daybreak is written as an intellectual exploration (so discussions welcomed!) to delve topics in a multi-faceted and entertaining manner, such as:
- Power dynamics between different social classes.
- Societal expectations surrounding gender roles.
- Personality conflicts and the effects of cognitive biases.
- Clashes of interest between states and power factions.
- Social contracts between government and people.
If you're interested in a character-driven narrative that explores a society in conflict and isn't afraid of having fun from time to time, then this is probably the story for you. However, if you're bothered by fantasy fiction that likes to brush elbows with reality, then this isn't it.
'Fiction that comes too close to reality.' Honestly it all depends on how the reader imagines it. I could make an unrealistic story just become more realistic by just not reading about 'someones arm was cut off' and 'blood was spurting out' but imagining it. I could very well imagine the full white bone that appears when the arm is sliced off, then I could imagine the fresh red blood painting the skin, exposed bone and the floor red. Though there is importance in how detailed an author makes it. I don't always make everything I read realistic and 'sometimes' enjoy pure child friendly chaos. So nice touch there that you warn the readers about the realisticness?.
Oh yeah and reading a realistic story can be a good learning experience. Especially when the characters act according to the norms of today.
Simply a warning I learned to leave because some readers have told me this "this hits too close to home" to some bad experience they've gone through in life.
' someone's arm was cut off' and ' blood was spurting out' sounds like an intro to FT 13TH
@Aorii I think that's a compliment though(sometimes not) meaning that you wrote it so well that it felt relatable to some people.
@SORAhasGONE That's true. Though I've also been review-bombed by people who were angry "at the moment" so.... (shrug). Some of them later told me the issue is just managing expectations, and that for most part you don't expect webfictions (and especially isekai) to hit certain notes.
@Aorii Well, that's probably because everyone has different notes to hit. I honestly love it when I'm reminded of the terrible things in the world, it makes me remember now and then to fix the path I'm going towards. What to be or not to be. Somethings like that. While some people reads to escape their reality and hates it when they're reminded of whatever it is they're escaping from.
@SORAhasGONE Yes certainly. And for my part, obviously I love exploring real life concepts as well, so I hope you enjoy this story =)
@Aorii Yeah, I'm planning on binging it after our exams. Life sucks when you're practically failing to keep up.
@SORAhasGONE Getting comfy under my text are you two huh, hmph.
Honestly I don't mind it at all, u can continue.
@Peekon I'm enjoying this actually