Harvard Crimson Essay Competition Winners

"In this city, trust is a currency you couldn’t afford." Vince, a seasoned detective with a haunted past, never wanted to be in the spotlight. Yet fate, or perhaps something darker, had a different plan for him. Murder after murder followed his footsteps, and Vince’s investigation into a high-profile kidnapping soon spiraled into something far more dangerous. Beneath the surface of Bog Bay City’s glistening wealth and power, lay a criminal empire. As Vince dug deeper, he uncovered a web of lies, betrayal, and connections to his own shadowed history. With enemies lurking in every corner, Vince had to rely on his instincts, his allies, and his skills to uncover the truth and survive a world where nothing was as it seemed.

Ronnie, a college student with a boring life has everything around him change when his whole world is turned upside down by a woman he accidentally summons while trying to summon a magical familiar as a game. His peaceful and tranquil days are disrupted as he tries to help her fit into human society while also searching for a way to break their bond. Hell further breaks loose when he discovers that his familiar is indeed the demon queen and mysterious forces start trying to eliminate him for reasons unknown. He struggles to protect himself, adjusting to having a demon queen in his life, and understanding his growing feelings for her.

All Mirabel ever wanted was a quiet escape far from her family's suffocating expectations and her mother's relentless scheming. But when a last minute invitation drags her into a world of dazzling celebrations and unspoken tensions, she's forced to confront more than family drama. In the midst of the vibrant wedding lies an unsettling darkness— a stranger whose presence chills her to the core. What begins as a weekend of forced smiles soon spirals into a walking nightmare, where secrets fester and blood is the price of truth, some ties are impossible to sever and some shadows were never meant to be escaped. Some wounds don't just bleed—they drain

Lucilla Crimson never wanted to become the villain. She was nothing more than a simple girl named Ruby Baker before things went wrong. With the world against her, she did whatever she needed to do to keep those close to her safe. Watch as Lucilla climbs her way through the world and becomes one of the world's most ruthless tyrants. New Chapter every Wednesday 5pm EST ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is my first Novel. Thank you to anyone who decides to read this, and I hope you enjoy it. And thanks to my sister for doing the Cover Art. Her Insta: notagood_hunter922

Lysander was a badass Hunter, but a mission went really wrong and his whole team died. He was the only one who made it, and he felt super guilty about surviving when his friends didn't. But he was gravely injured and retired from being a Hunter. Then one day, some crazy stuff happened again just like that horrible mission. But this time, Lysander actually died. Wild, right? But he didn't stay dead! Instead, his spirit got moved into some random person's body. At first, Lysander was confused. But then he realized this new body came with a special system that gave him cool abilities. The downside? His new body was way weaker than his old Hunter one, and his emotions and personality started changing too. Lysander thought maybe this was a chance to finally live a normal, chill life. Little did he know, this system that jumped him into a new body was about to change everything for him and maybe the entire world. Spooky, huh? Lysander's life is about to get crazy all over again... ********

The Dragon Hunt, a competition that is only known to the Golden Circle, is a group of world legends. The purpose of The Dragon Hunt is to scout individuals with supernatural powers called Gifts and determine if they are useful to society or a threat. Eight percent of the population has supernatural abilities and it will continue to grow over time. The reward given to the winner is a healing potion that can heal any wound and illnesses. The potion even regenerates lost organs. Where did this healing potion come from? A DRAGON, that's right Dragon does exist!

"Do you choose Life or Death?" A simple question, yet one that held the weight of eternity, flashed before her eyes. Did she want to live? Ofc! Who doesn't. But after all the pain she went through, her answer was death. A low, ominous voice whispered, "You might want to reconsider." But she stood firm, until a video on the screen changed everything. The truth hit her like a tidal wave, forcing her decision to change. "Yeah! I want to live! To revenge! To survive! To come back!" "Your answer is accepted. Well done!" Death, was not for her. She won't die. Those who want to harm her, kill her, it's time for you to face retribution! The Revenge Queen has awakened. . .. ... ..... ~ A weak, highschool girl? Not anymore! Bully her and you'll be destroyed! ~ The discarded, useless Empress? Heh! She'll rise to the top! ~ A shameless, ugly actress? What a joke! Her beauty will blind you! .... ... .. . Determined to take back what rightfully belongs to her, she has set on an adventure. A long journey, accompanied by her system, she will come over the upcoming storms, destroy her enemies and build her army. She will travel far and wide, find the destined ones and together they will save the world. "Raven Hours! Are you ready?" "Yes, Master!" "Let's begin!"

Aqua has lost everything by the hands of the supreme deity of her world, her family, her home and even her entire race, but it was not enough to break her, she broke into his realm and killed him but as his last ditch effort to kill her he sent her to a new world with many more challenges awaiting her.

Luciel Ashford was a powerful vampire hunter who fought for humanity's survival in a dystopian world that was being overrun by supernatural creatures. After being sent on a simple mission to eradicate a vampire nest that appeared near one of the human colonies, no one expected one of the most powerful beings to appear - the vampire king, Alukah. In a big showdown that was thought to be the start of a new era, Luciel faced off against Alukah. He won the battle but at a price. That night marked the fall of humanity's hero. Turned into a vampire, discriminated and hunted by the humans he fought for, he is going to answer their call for help once more to protect the people he cares about. Torn between the two worlds, he is going to climb back to the top, forging his own path while still trying to keep his morals intact. "Well, I have a message for you, god. Screw you!!!" _______________ Update schedule: • 9am UTC +2 (not fixed, the chapters might be late if I get busy) • 1-2 chapters per day • Uploading between 1500-3000 words daily! • 50 powerstones or a castle = 5 bonus chapters! _______________ DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction. It is not intended to be offensive towards any kind of people, group, religion, culture, country, etc. Any possible resemblance in the book to other people or other pieces of work is a pure coincidence. The novel is written using only my imagination.

CRISMON DAWN: WHERE TIME AND REALMS COLLIDE In Crimson Dawn, the first book of the Eclipsed Realms series, a young man named Eryndor Veylan is thrust into a world of ancient curses, shifting realities, and a destiny tied to a fractured realm. Eryndor, unaware of his extraordinary lineage, discovers a long-forgotten map hidden in a crumbling monastery, setting him on a path that will forever change the fate of the realms. As the curse that has plagued the realms for centuries begins to resurface, Eryndor is forced to confront not only the destructive power of this malevolent force but the dark secrets of his own bloodline. With his allies—a diverse group of warriors, mages, and mystics—Eryndor ventures across dangerous landscapes, solving riddles and uncovering cryptic prophecies that hold the key to breaking the curse. Yet with every step, the stakes grow higher, and the realms teeter closer to collapse. Internal and external conflicts drive Eryndor's journey. He must grapple with the fear of his own powers, the weight of impossible decisions, and the growing tension between loyalty and betrayal within his group. At the same time, enemies seeking to harness the curse’s power pursue them at every turn, and the lines between friend and foe blur as Eryndor is forced to make choices that could lead to his destruction or salvation. With a blend of mysticism, action, and heart-pounding adventure, Crimson Dawn introduces a world on the brink of chaos. The stakes are not just the survival of the realms but the future of Eryndor himself, as his path may either break the curse or doom the realms to an eternal darkness. This epic saga promises an intricate journey where nothing is as it seems, and every revelation deepens the mystery of the curse and the power within Eryndor that he is yet to fully understand. The first book sets the stage for a multi-layered tale of heroism, dark secrets, and an ever-present tension between fate and free will. As Eryndor faces impossible choices, he must question who he truly is—and whether he can embrace the mantle of a hero or succumb to the curse that seeks to consume him.

An ordinary man who just want to enter the world of writing novels, trying to take part in a novel writing competition, but suddenly his soul got transmigrated into the world of novel writing contest themes.

Love supercedes everything, right? what about sacrifice? does sacrifice means love? Nancy and Dave shared a strong bond they never imagined. But she later found some disturbing things about him which made her question her feelings for him. The more she dived into Dave's life, the more she found answers to the questions of her feelings for him. She knew about the dark moments of his childhood days, his psychological ailment, his struggles as a child with bipolar and how he struggled with amnesia. Dorcas, his ex, after leaving him when he needed her most, wanted to come back when he healed after meeting Nancy. But Nancy struggled to find answers to her questions about her love for him. did Dorcas succeed in winning Dave back? did Nancy and Dave they later end up being together? does love really supercedes everything or it's just a sentence to override the importance of sacrifice in relationship? This is a bumpy love story of two lovers who wondered if they're meant to be or not. Enjoy this Nigerian novel!

Rain reborn in a new crisis ridden world, the book tells the journey of his navigating the crisis and making a place for himself in the new world.

Haruto was once a formidable warrior—renowned and feared, yet ultimately brought to his knees by the darkness he fought to extinguish. His final moments were spent in blood and ruin, haunted by regret for the choices that led him to a devastating defeat. But death was not the end.

Azure Dragon, an ancient dragon of the 12 courts of heaven, is unparalleled in strength thanks to his use of forbidden arts. He becomes trapped by his leader for holding the most forbidden art of them all. As he breathes his last breath, a miracle happens. He is reincarnated into an infant body in a world he knows nothing about. As he grapples to get used to the power in this world, he finds himself slowly becoming attached to the family he was born to and the people residing in this world. Slowly, he starts to forget his main goal, revenge against the 12 courts. Lurking beneath his seemingly peaceful and ordinary life, an ancient evil threatens to resurface, putting an end to him for the 2nd time.

Synopsis of "The Crimson Mist". In a world shattered by a demonic deity, The Corrupted Isles are nothing more than a kingdom in ruins, shrouded in a Crimson Mist that corrupts the land and ensnares the souls of the living. At the heart of this chaos, Arion, a 13-year-old boy, has survived only through the help of his spectral protector, Kheron, the Last Guardian, a rebellious soul who escaped the Mist’s control. Raised in a ruined cathedral, a silent witness to a forgotten past, Arion longs to unravel the mysteries that surround him. His black and crimson eyes, pale skin, and hair streaked with light and shadow mark him as different, perhaps the key to breaking the curse of the Isles. But the Crimson Mist grows stronger, spreading its influence across the three continents beyond the Isles. Hunted by insatiable specters, demons, and the looming shadow of the demon emperor, Arion must confront his own duality. Guided by Kheron, he faces an impossible choice: flee to survive… or challenge the very heart of the Mist and the bloodstained power that lies within. Amid ruins and revelations, between light and shadow, Arion prepares for a destiny he cannot escape. But in a world where even hope is tinted red, can he truly fight against the legacy of the Mist?

"Crimson Tides: A Royal Bloodline" is an epic tale of duty, love, and the bridges built between two vastly different worlds. In the isolated mountain kingdom of Solaria, Princess Elara lives a life of privilege and purpose, beloved by her people but constrained by royal expectations. As a devastating drought threatens to destroy everything she holds dear, Elara finds herself at the center of a desperate gambit for survival. Across the misty borders, in the shadowy realm of Nocturn, the vampire king Darion rules with cold efficiency. His kingdom thrives in eternal night, but ancient prophecies speak of a union that could change the fate of both realms forever. When vampire envoys arrive in Solaria with an unprecedented offer - the kingdom's salvation in exchange for a royal bride - Elara must make an impossible choice. Agreeing to marry the fearsome Vampire King, she leaves behind everything she's ever known, venturing into a world of darkness and blood that both terrifies and intrigues her. But Elara harbors a secret that threatens to unravel everything: she faints at the mere sight of blood. In a court where bloodlust reigns supreme, her weakness could mean her doom. As she navigates treacherous politics, ancient rituals, and her growing feelings for the enigmatic Darion, Elara must find the strength within herself to bridge two worlds on the brink of war. Darion, initially frustrated by his unusual bride, finds himself drawn to Elara's compassion, wit, and unwavering spirit. Together, they face threats from without and within - power-hungry nobles, ancient prophecies coming to life, and the shadows of their own pasts. As Elara and Darion's relationship deepens from reluctant allies to true partners, they uncover long-buried secrets that connect their kingdoms in ways they never imagined. Their union awakens dormant magic and stirs forgotten legends, setting in motion events that will reshape the destiny of both vampires and humans alike. "Crimson Tides" is a sweeping saga of personal growth, political intrigue, and the transformative power of love. It explores themes of overcoming prejudice, finding strength in vulnerability, and the courageous act of opening one's heart to the unknown. As Elara and Darion fight to unite their people and fulfill an ancient prophecy, they discover that the greatest magic of all lies in the power of understanding, acceptance, and love that transcends all boundaries.

The Crimson Blades Born into the revered Crimson family, young Luke Crimson carries the legacy of warriors renowned across the kingdom of Daxin. Yet unlike his gifted siblings, Luke's path is shrouded in darkness. Cursed with the Frozen Path, he is unable to wield mana-a flaw that has left him scorned and labeled the family's "disgrace." But fate has other plans. When a deadly ritual forces Luke to confront the demon sealed within him, he uncovers a power even he cannot comprehend. As the kingdom's tensions escalate and hidden forces rise, Luke finds himself caught in a web of ancient secrets, deadly alliances, and brutal trials that will test every ounce of his will to survive. With the shadows of his past closing in, can Luke break free of his curse, or will he fall to the darkness within?

Check out my new novel: My Seven Beautiful Sins! ±±± At the beginning of the universe, there was only chaos. Chaos gave birth to a world, accumulating into Black and White and the five elements (also known as the Origin Elements), creating the world's laws and the order of heaven and earth. This world was called the Origin world, where the Original beings born out of chaos reigned. They created orders, creatures, and numerous worlds where they reigned as Supreme beings until a calamity befell them and destroyed the Original world alongside numerous worlds. Two billion years have passed since then. In a small world somewhere, a baby was born carrying an unusual past. A love story of a vampire, the primogenitor of vampires. ••••• Nickaido's here; this story is a reboot of Prime Vampire, do not expect the same story or the same characters; many things have changed. Please support me and make this story a great story through your comments and suggestions, and once again, English is not my first language.

Follow the story of a young man named Kai, who never gave up despite all the horrible things that has happened in his life since he was a mere boy. The life of any creature in any world is but a mere speck of dust in comparison to something as grand as the universe. But things are different when Kai gets abducted by something hiding in a dark corner of the universe and the aftermath is but a mix of both good and bad events. After years since his escape, a series of events leads him to now go on a journey to find himself again, make some new allies along the way and maybe even save a world.

In a world torn apart by endless wars and oppressive empires, the protagonist, Zeron, is a walking weapon, the result of a forbidden fusion ritual that combines the most destructive bloodlines ever known—those of the Hanma family and Guts. Zeron is a perfect blend of the raw power and cold calculation of every Hanma who has ever lived, with the unyielding will and traumatic past of Guts. His body is capable of feats of impossible strength and agility, but his soul is a battlefield of its own, twisted by the scars of violence and betrayal. Zeron's power is not just physical—it's the ability to adapt and evolve in combat, akin to the protagonist of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, learning and growing stronger with every encounter, every fight.

Great power comes with great consequence. Myles a young teenager discovers this cruel truth as he embarks on a ridiculous journey with his beloved and her sisters to gain control over his vast and ever growing power. He wields even if not well a power with the potential to change the universe. Many have sought this power and will do anything to get their hands on it. Myles must protect himself in order to to protect those around him and ultimately the universe.

In a world where order and chaos vie for dominance, young **Taiyou** finds himself swept into a battle older than time. Tokyo lies in ruin, its streets shattered by mysterious forces, with survivors clinging to fragile hope. Amid the wreckage, Taiyou discovers he’s not just an ordinary young man—he’s a **primordial**, one of the few with the power to protect reality from the destructive influence of chaos. Under the guidance of **The creed**, an ancient and clandestine organization devoted to maintaining universal balance, Taiyou joins other powerful individuals like **Ryojin**—each carrying unique abilities rooted in ancient forces. Together, they’re tasked with stopping the insidious machinations of the **Harbingers of Chaos**, a faction hell-bent on unraveling the fabric of existence. As Taiyou struggles to understand his newfound abilities and the immense responsibility thrust upon him, he and his allies confront foes of unimaginable strength—entities that wield the primal energy of chaos, threatening to plunge the world into eternal darkness. Yet, as Taiyou fights, he’s haunted by the question: Why was he chosen? And is there a cost to wielding powers meant to challenge gods? Facing impossible odds, Taiyou must unlock his true potential and learn to trust his comrades, all while navigating a Tokyo transformed into a battleground. Will he embrace his role as a Solarian, or will the temptations and dangers of chaos lure him away from his destiny?

It all started with a deed to a mansion; Crimson Estate. ————————————————// “W-Who are you?" Anya stammered with fear at the three men before her The man in the center stepped forward. “Welcome home, Anya," he said with a deep voice. Her legs felt like they might give out beneath her. She had no idea who these men were, but one thing was clear—they had been expecting her. And they were anything but normal. They looked like they were in their late twenties, with glowing red irises that terrified her. The one in the center, Kai, a tall man with jet-black hair and an authoritative presence narrowed his eyes at her. "Quit being afraid," he ordered. "Hearing your heart race like that is distracting." Anya couldn't speak, couldn't even think clearly. Fear gripped her so tightly she felt she might pass out—or worse, embarrass herself by peeing her pants. Damien, another wet-like black-haired man with a mysterious, almost disarming charm, took a step toward her. "Easy," he said gently, reaching out as if to calm her. But as his hand moved closer, Anya jerked away, her foot catching on the rug beneath her. She tripped and fell hard to the floor. "Look," Zephyr, the third man—ginger-haired and softer in appearance—spoke up, his voice was calm and less terrifying. As he crouched slightly, his red eyes dimmed to a more human-like glow. "We're not here to hurt you, Anya." Anya forced herself to speak despite her fear. "How... how can you expect me not to be scared? How can I trust any of you?" Her gaze shifted from one man to the other. “I don't even know who you are, and this house—this house was left by my deceased grandmother to me!" Zephyr chuckled lightly under his breath, but before he could say anything, Kai spoke. "It's been two years since we sent out that envelope. You were meant to come here, and I'm glad you finally did." ——————————————————// Anya always believed she was just an ordinary girl, orphaned and stuck in a mundane life—until her 18th birthday changes everything. A mysterious letter leads her to Crimson Estate, where she meets three hot vampire brothers, each carrying the weight of a deadly prophecy. Anya soon discovers she’s not just human but a Nyx—a powerful being destined to either save or destroy the vampire race. As she navigates her powers, eerie visions of death and fire plague her dreams. With danger closing in and the brothers relying on her to protect the vampire race, Anya must decide: embrace her true nature, or risk losing everything. But with secrets lurking in the shadows, unfinished business and boy drama, one wrong move could set their world ablaze. Can Anya save the vampire race before it’s too late? ###PSA; none of the images I used belongs to me. I got them all from Pinterest and I would take them down if requested by the owners.

Good Looks: More handsome than gods. OP Skill: Perfect Copy. PP Size: Massive. Wealth: Abundant. Mission: Defeat the Demon Queen. Henry was your normal, handsome high school student; he never got in fights or trouble as he was too busy focusing on girls. Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he got in trouble with Mafias, who ended his life. Henry was given a second chance at life in a new world by a goddess–the goddess of lust under one condition, defeating the Demon Queen. In the new world, magic wasn't a myth as all humans had Mana flowing in them and different power systems, but something was different in this world: the females were stronger than the males, and 90% of the world's population were females. In this world of swords and magic ruled by females, Henry was determined to reach the top alongside all the beauties he could gather but that was easier said than done as he had to fight his way to the top, but no female could defeat his lust system. Additional tags: Smut - Weak to strong - Magic - Action - Beasts - Monster girls - Elves - Demon girls - dragon girls - No NTR - No Yuri - Handsome male lead. A/N English isn't my first language, so use the paragraph comment in case you spot any grammatical errors. Also, lots of lemon, I haven't written all of it, but I know there's going to be a lot. 200 power stones for 1 bonus chapter. 300 power stones for 2 bonus chapters. 400 power stones for 3 bonus chapters. Check out my other book: Lust system: Monster Girl Harem

[mature//no rape] At the age of 14, Eiravyne had endured a life-altering burn inflicted by her father, a punishment she believed was a manifestation of her own inadequacies: her perceived lack of beauty, worth, and intellect. It wasn’t until a horrific massacre claimed her entire family that she had learned the true nature of her suffering. The burn had not merely been a mark of her father’s cruelty but a binding ritual linking her to Duke Ilkar Skivarion, the very man she had been taught to fear above all. As Eiravyne was thrust into an arranged marriage with the Duke, she found herself entangled in a treacherous web of political power and intrigue. Amidst the chaos, she uncovered a staggering truth: her abusive family had not been her true lineage. Instead, she was the heir to the Sangrevers—a feared and formidable bloodline notorious for its depraved, lustful, manipulative, and twisted behavior…Afamily that was eradicated by the king for their own treason . With this revelation, Eiravyne faced a new nightmare. Duke Ilkar, convinced that she inherited the worst traits of her scandalous mother, regarded her as nothing more than a means to serve his own ambitions, while Eiravyne's deepest desire was to belong to a family that truly loved and accepted her. ******* Updates: 02 chapter /day Genre: fanatasy, female lead, romance,magic, obssessive male lead, good support side side characters, a lot of intimacy, enemies to lovers, powerful couple, evil and good , bad boy .forced marriage Cover: is mine, it is commissioned, i don't alow anyone to use it . The art of this novel is also comissioned ------------------- Follow me on instagram: isaac_black2013 Discord server : https://discord.gg/VNH4pKgyT3 ko-fi page: https://ko-fi.com/isaacblack ------------------- Check out my other contracted works: For male lead: *First Stygian Diviner: Apocalypse *Villain's Supremacy For female lead: *I created the villain *The body we shared .

a story of max Luther when he reincarnates in an game as the antagonist with a cheat system ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The mc of the story is op damn op and he is not a ruthless villain or protagonist like he is cold towards enemies caring towards loved ones

Black magic. Its main use. Supernatural monstrosities, made to serve evil ends and cause pain. People drawn into it usually lose their freedom. But this time, through a selfish sacrifice, another regains it. And returns to the world. D&D world. Don't know much about it but i try my best. I don't own the cover image, a friend found it on the internet Will make a lot of references like my GOAT Araki