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Forge of Destiny: Volume 1

Book 1 in the series:Destiny Cycle

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Forge of Destiny: Volume 1 is a cultivation novel following the journey of Ling Qi, a young woman with talent who struggles to learn, survive, and thrive in a new world after being a former streetrat. The story focuses on Ling Qi's growth, her relationships with other characters, and the challenges she faces in a world where people kill for resources. The book offers a fresh perspective on cultivation, portraying a female protagonist who navigates societal expectations and her own background, leading to both funny and serious moments throughout the narrative.

The plot of the book is driven by the character development, intricate relationships, and the unique approach of the protagonist towards situations. The author, Yrsillar, unfolds a world filled with political machinations, battles, fantastical creatures, and artifacts, but emphasizes that the characters are the heart of the story, with each person having a history and reasons for their actions. The writing style captures the essence of a cultivation novel, showcasing a slower pace with visible progression, well-established cultivation mechanics, and moments that focus on character interactions and growth.

Characters:

The characters are deeply developed, with rich backstories, making them relatable and multi-dimensional.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is smooth and immersive, featuring well-developed characters, although it can occasionally feel meandering.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot emphasizes character relationships over traditional tropes, portraying a protagonist whose inconsistent development creates tension.

Setting:

The setting is a richly crafted cultivation world centered around a cultivation school.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and character-driven, which may feel meandering due to the interactive storytelling format.

Notes:

Forge of Destiny by Yrsillar focuses on character development and relationships, avoiding the lone wolf trope commonly seen in xianxia stories.
The main character, Ling Qi, struggles with consistency, leading some readers to find her annoying at times.
The series incorporates elements of LitRPG but does not rely heavily on visible numbers or stats, making it a unique take in progression fantasy.
There is a notable lack of romance in the story, focusing instead on character growth and interactions.
The narration of the series is highly praised, particularly in the audiobook format.
The worldbuilding is considered well-crafted, making the setting and characters feel real and relatable.
The story includes bonus POV chapters to provide deeper insights into characters, enhancing the narrative.
The pacing has been criticized for being slow, especially in the first volume, which focuses heavily on sect life.
Readers appreciate the female protagonist and the fresh perspective she brings to the cultivation genre.
The series began as a web novel on Royal Road, with player interaction influencing the plot.
Characters have depth and their actions are motivated by their backgrounds, contributing to a more immersive experience.
Many readers note the series showcases a strong mix of political intrigue and character-driven storytelling.
The author has released multiple volumes, and the series is popular on platforms like Amazon and Audible.

From The Publisher:

In the Celestial Empire, a land ruled by Immortals and stalked by Spirits and Beasts, a young girl from the slums of an unimportant city is found to have the Talent that may allow her to become an Immortal herself.

Sent to the storied Argent Peak Sect to harness her talent, she must work desperately to catch up to peers who have been preparing to walk the Way for years. The Sect grants new students only three months to prepare and grow before the true challenges begin and the disciples are freed to battle each other for resources and strength.

Contending with tests, strange teachers, unfriendly peers and her own ignorance, Ling Qi must not only defeat many obstacles, but find those willing to stand at her side when the truce ends. Can she learn to not only survive, but thrive on that journey?

Inspired by ancient folklore, modern martial arts and Xianxia, this fantasy novel offers a mixture of life and action while developing a world both fantastic in setting yet familiar in the humanity of its inhabitants.

Ratings (24)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (10)
Liked It (6)
It Was OK (3)
Did Not Like (4)

Reader Stats (54):

Read It (21)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (16)
Did Not Finish (6)
Not Interested (10)

2 comment(s)

It Was OK
3 months

Felt like the first book didn't address what the series was going to be about. I never found out what the major plot point was that would have kept me going.

 
Did Not Like
11 months

slice of life but wasnt advertised that way, I was looking for a progression novel

 
 
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