Shades of Perception: A Progression Fantasy Epic - A Deep Dive Review

by FiniteVoid (Author)

Updated at: 28/02/2025

In FiniteVoid's Shades of Perception, the first book in the "Shades of Perception" series, reality is anything but objective. Victorian Elmhurst is crumbling under the weight of a shattered physics, where thoughts manifest as reality. Scientist Vern, marked by an elder god's rune, refuses mystical explanations, instead seeking to scientifically understand and manipulate this new world order. He discovers the power to control Balance itself, a potent ability he’ll need to navigate gothic streets, political machinations, and immortal societies warring for dominance. Facing cosmic horrors and the threat of mental collapse, Vern’s desperate quest for sanity may lead him down an unexpected path: ascension to godhood.

Shades of Perception: A Progression Fantasy Epic (Shades of Perception, 1)

4.8 / 9 ratings

Review Shades of Perception

Wow, "Shades of Perception" really blew me away! It's one of those books that grabs you from the very first page and doesn't let go. The premise alone – a Victorian-era world where thoughts literally reshape reality – is incredibly imaginative, and the author, FiniteVoid, executes it brilliantly. I loved the blend of steampunk aesthetics and Lovecraftian horror; it created this incredibly rich and atmospheric setting, reminiscent of Bloodborne but with its own unique flavour. Walking through the gothic streets of Elmhurst felt genuinely perilous, a constant tension between the familiar and the utterly bizarre.

The protagonist, Vern, is a fantastic character. He's not your typical fantasy hero; he's a scientist, a man of logic and reason thrust into a world that's rapidly losing all sense of it. His internal struggle to maintain his scientific worldview while adapting to this reality-bending magic system is utterly compelling. The way he uses his knowledge of science to understand and manipulate "Balance" is such a clever and innovative take on power sets. It felt fresh, inventive, and consistently surprising in how it was applied. The author cleverly weaves his unique magic system into the narrative, avoiding the common pitfalls of overpowered protagonists or overly complicated explanations. It all felt natural and well-integrated into the story's progression.

Beyond Vern, the supporting characters are also well-developed and interesting, each with their own motivations and secrets. The political intrigue, the immortal societies pulling strings from the shadows, the terrifying hints of cosmic horrors lurking just beyond human understanding – it all adds layers of complexity and depth to the story, preventing it from ever feeling predictable. The pacing is excellent; the plot moves at a brisk but satisfying pace, keeping you constantly engaged and curious about what will happen next. Furthermore, the writing itself is top-notch. It's clear, concise, and engaging, and I never once stumbled over awkward phrasing or grammatical errors – a testament to the author's skill.

I found the comparisons to "Lord of the Mysteries" apt, though the magic system here is decidedly different, offering a fresh perspective on the genre. This first book sets the stage perfectly for a gripping series, and I’m genuinely excited to see where the story goes next. FiniteVoid has created a truly remarkable world and a compelling protagonist. "Shades of Perception" is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys intelligent fantasy with a unique blend of steampunk, cosmic horror, and a protagonist who’s as much a scientist as he is a magic user. It's a captivating read from start to finish, and I eagerly await the next installment.

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