Wow, I’m totally floored after reading Soulcreek—what a fantastic ride! That cliffhanger is killing me, but it’s a testament to just how invested I am in this story. Top line: reading this was an unexpectedly amazing experience, and I’m incredibly grateful for the time, care, and craft you’ve poured into Soulcreek, Ryuo. I can’t wait for the next update!
(Minor spoilers below, but nothing too specific or significant!)
When I first booted up the game, I didn’t think I’d love Byte as a character, and I wasn’t immediately sold on the art style. But the sharp dialogue, strong characterization, and intriguing hook in the first hour kept me going—and I’m so glad they did! Characters like Loken and Tahki left really strong first impressions, and I was thrilled to see those relationships evolve and deepen as the novel progressed, often in ways that subverted my expectations.
One of the most impressive tings to me was how distinctive each character feels. Even in big scenes with five or six characters, it’s always clear who’s speaking—not because of nameplates, but because their voices and speaking styles are so unique. Loken, in particular, is masterfully written. I loved unraveling his layers—his line, “You are small,” became a personal favorite as I began to understand the deeper meanings behind it. And the first time Human called himself “small”? That had me smiling and kicking my feet. And when we get big-alpha-hound Loken? Incredible. 10/10. No notes. Keep it coming. Please I need more.
While I’m not usually a fan of horror—especially anything gory or full of jumpscares—you’ve struck a balance in Soulcreek that’s both intense and deeply engaging. The cosmic and psychological horror feels real, but it’s not about random monsters jumping out of nowhere. The fear is rooted in the choices your characters make—their deliberate wading into that black ocean, knowing the answers they find will bring no healing or absolution. It's also well-balanced and punctuated by funny, sweet, and sexy scenes that keep it from being overwhelming to the reader.
Human’s relentless pursuit of answers is like a slow-motion car crash I can’t look away from. On one hand, he could choose to live a quiet, romantic life with Loken outside the Blackzones—but we know he never will. That tension, between what could be and what he’s determined to chase, is beautifully tragic. If it were me, I’d have thrown it all away after the Demon left the “art” while they slept.
Now, back to Byte. Early on, I wasn’t a fan—not because of his sharp wit (which is great), but because it felt like he made things a little too easy or convenient for Human. But as the story progressed, I grew to love that little dickhead (affectionate). More than that, I came to appreciate how he challenges the reader's thoughts around “life” and “souls.” Byte’s journey—and the world around the Human—adds layers of meaning to the setting and masterfully develops themes around knowledge, ignorance, and madness. Everything feels deeply intentional, like the setting isn’t just a backdrop but an integral part of the story’s message.
I’ve been gushing for a while now, but I just want to say again: this is an incredible story I've been privileged to read. It’s consumed my thoughts for the past two days, and I’m dying to see what happens next. Ryuo, I have so much respect for your work and hope you feel immensely proud of what you’ve created and accomplished so far. Thank you for sharing Soulcreek with us, for sticking with it, and for giving us all this amazing story for free. Keep up the fantastic work—I’ll be checking back regularly!
(And now, having finished Build 9 less than an hour ago, I'm considering starting from the beginning again)