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Unsouled

Book 1 in the series:Cradle

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'Unsouled' in the 'Cradle' series by Will Wight follows the journey of Lindon, an underpowered hero striving to forge his own path in the world of Cradle. The story blends elements of magic and kung fu, presenting a unique take on the cultivation genre. Lindon's growth, ingenuity, and determination make him a compelling protagonist as he navigates through trials with a mix of wits and luck. The world-building in the book is immersive, drawing inspiration from Avatar The Last Airbender and wuxia, creating a rich and imaginative setting for the story to unfold.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, particularly Lindon, the relatable protagonist. Female characters like Yerin are also portrayed as strong and integral to the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is clean and easy to understand, making it an accessible read with engaging dialogue that draws readers into the characters' experiences.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows Lindon, a young boy considered an outcast due to his lack of soul energy in a cultivation-centric society. His journey from being disregarded to proving himself forms the crux of the story.

Setting:

The setting is a vividly constructed world that draws on Eastern mythology and established rules for cultivating power.

Pacing:

Pacing varies initially but accelerates as the story progresses, featuring frequent action sequences that maintain reader interest.
Twice a year, the clans of Sacred Valley test the spirits of their children. Boys and girls of six, seven, even eight summers line up before their clan’s elders. They wear clothes too formal for them:...

Notes:

Unsouled is the first book in the Cradle series by Will Wight.
The series is a cultivation fantasy, focusing on a character's journey from being powerless to becoming powerful.
The protagonist, Lindon, is initially born without soul energy, making him an outcast.
The plot involves Lindon striving to prove his worth and become a sacred artist despite societal rejection.
The series is known for its underdog story where hard work and perseverance lead to success.
The magic system in Cradle is based on 'madra,' a vital energy that characters cultivate through various practices.
The writing style is similar to popular shonen anime and manga, with fast pacing and action-oriented storytelling.
The series consists of 12 books, with the final one anticipated to wrap up Lindon's journey and story.
Will Wight has made the first few books in the series available for free on platforms like Amazon and Audible at times, increasing accessibility for readers.
The narrator for the audiobooks, Travis Baldree, is particularly praised for his engaging storytelling style.

From The Publisher:

Sacred artists follow a thousand Paths to power, using their souls to control the forces of the natural world.Lindon is Unsouled, forbidden to learn the sacred arts of his clan.When faced with a looming fate he cannot ignore, he must rise beyond anything he's ever known...and forge his own Path.

Ratings (179)

Incredible (70)
Loved It (64)
Liked It (24)
It Was OK (17)
Did Not Like (4)

Reader Stats (239):

Read It (186)
Currently Reading (2)
Want To Read (37)
Did Not Finish (3)
Not Interested (11)

6 comment(s)

Loved It
1 month

What I would consider to be the first book in the current best written progression fantasy series.

 
Incredible
1 month

Brilliant

 
Did Not Like
1 month

Slow pacing

 
Loved It
1 month

The first two books are a little slow, but this quickly became my favorite series I've read.

 
Incredible
5 months

“Unsouled” by Will Wight is an action-packed fantasy novel that immerses the reader in a world of magic, martial arts, and adventure. Set in a land called Cradle, the story follows the journey of a young boy named Lindon who, despite being born without a “soul,” dreams of becoming a powerful warrior.

From the outset, the reader is introduced to the unique and intricate system of magic in Cradle. Magic is based on the manipulation of a life force called “madra” and the use of various techniques to control and shape it. The most powerful practitioners of magic are called “soulsmiths,” who are capable of forging magical items and enhancing the abilities of those who possess a soul.

Lindon, unfortunately, was born without a soul, making him an outcast in his community. Despite this, he refuses to accept his fate and instead seeks out a way to gain the power he needs to fulfill his dreams. His journey takes him to the distant city of Sacred Valley, where he discovers a hidden power that may be the key to unlocking his true potential.

The characters in “Unsouled” are well-developed and engaging, particularly Lindon and his friend Yerin, who are both strong-willed and determined to achieve their goals. The dynamics between the characters are also interesting, with Lindon’s lack of a soul being a point of contention between him and the other characters.

The action scenes in the novel are fast-paced and exciting, with plenty of martial arts and magical battles to keep the reader engaged. The descriptions of the magic and combat are well-written and easy to visualize, making it easy to picture the action as it unfolds.

One of the strengths of “Unsouled” is its world-building. The land of Cradle is richly detailed, with a complex history and a variety of different cultures and factions. The author does an excellent job of introducing the reader to this world and its inhabitants, without overwhelming them with too much information.

The pacing of the novel is also well-done. The story moves at a brisk pace, with plenty of action and plot twists to keep the reader engaged. However, there are also quieter moments that allow for character development and reflection, making the story feel well-rounded.

Overall, “Unsouled” is an excellent fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of martial arts, magic, and adventure. The world-building is strong, the characters are engaging, and the action is exciting. The story also sets up a larger plot that is sure to keep readers invested in the series.

The only potential downside to the novel is that it is the first in a series, and therefore, some plot threads are left unresolved. However, this is to be expected in a series, and the author does an excellent job of setting up the larger story arc without sacrificing the quality of the individual book.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a fast-paced and engaging fantasy novel with well-written action, interesting characters, and intricate world-building, then “Unsouled” by Will Wight is definitely worth a read. It’s an excellent start to what promises to be an exciting series, and I look forward to seeing where the story goes next.

 
It Was OK
8 months

The mix of:

- A standard underdog hero's journey, with magic roots in East Asian folklore

- Eldritch sci-fi overlords with multiverse spanning politics

is certainly interesting. I'm satisfied with the reassurance that the series only gets better from here.

 

About the Author:

Will Wight is the author of the Traveler's Gate trilogy, the Elder Empire cycle, and the Cradle series, with other titles available in alternate dimensions. He can smell fear, taste anger, and hear joy. Will lives in Orlando, among the creatures of swamp and sea. He graduated from the University of Central Florida, where he received degrees in Creative Writing and Bear Surgery. Visit his website at www.WillWight.com for ancient knowledge, book news, and a deep sense of personal satisfaction. If you begin having unexplained visions of Will Wight more than once a day, please move to an approved Wight-proof shelter immediately. To contact him, you could send him an email at [email protected], comment on his website, visit his official Facebook page, track him down on his subreddit (r/Iteration110Cradle), or travel through the cursed mirror in your grandmother's attic. (Side effects of Will Wight novels may include dizziness, gnome dreams, sleep paralysis, smelling cookies when there are no cookies, and the sudden appearance of sharks.)

 
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