Unsouled

In a world where magic is all-important, and the pride of one’s clan is completely bound up in training to reach a high level, Lindon is only seven years old when he fails the talent test. He has no talent, hence no soul, say the elders. He is literally “unsouled.”Lindon refuses to give up. He studies, he trains, he even tries cheating. But every time he retakes the test, the result is the same. Unsouled. A huge tournament is looming. It could bring great honor or bottomless shame to his clan. Lindon has a plan — not only to survive with his honor intact, but to triumph.I’ve been reading a ton of indie fantasy lately and “Unsouled” is the only novel in this genre that completely blew me away. And I don’t particularly care for the high magic, Asian martial arts niche in which it sits. What makes this novel so awesome is the way Will Wight creates empathy for his protagonist, Lindon, who never loses heart or gives up hope despite being unfairly dumped at the bottom of the social hierarchy in which he lives.Sure, I have quibbles. The way Lindon is literally swept off his feet to be chosen as the hero of this series is a classic deus ex machina. The closest thing Lindon has to an antagonist is an elder trapped inside a child’s body. Picture Baby Darth Vader and you’ll see the problem. The closest thing Lindon has to a love interest is a swordswoman with whom he has absolutely zero chemistry.But none of these issues detracted from the story very much, so absorbed was I in Lindon’s struggle to make something of himself in a world where every single rule is stacked against him from the start. It’s an epic lesson in overcoming impossible odds and a magnificent beginning to what will surely be an epic series. Will Wight is a crazy-talented storyteller with a future that can only grow brighter.

Had trouble wrapping my head around the beginning. But I plan to finish the series. Five more words required, ??

Love the book so far, it catches my interest, and I like the fact that the underdog is learning that there’s a bigger world other than his home

I almost never review anything on Amazon, because I'm selfish. I would much rather other people guide me into what is a good buy, than be the person that guides myself. That and like, I'm not getting paid by Amazon for my time, so not a lot of incentive. However, there comes a time in every person's life where they really need to sit down and face the facts: people deserve to hear you ramble incoherently about some product leaving them even more confused than they were just reading a synopsis. Friends, that time has come for me.I learned about the Cradle series during Brandon Sanderson's Kickstarter (the $40 million one in 2022 for you future time travelers). At this time Will Wight was doing his own Kickstarter and I was tempted to back it, just because I had started to froth at the mouth from all the literary goodness presented on that platform. But then I said to myself: "Self, you do not know anything about this author. Also, this fantasy author seems to be one of those cheap no-name shills peddling their questionable wears to foolish Amazon customers. While already this is checking a lot of boxes for you, perhaps you should take a quick gander at these goods of ill-repute before going all in on a Kickstarter you will almost certainly live to regret." At the time of this review, 10 books in the cradle series exist, and they are part of the kindle unlimited program, so I could gander to my heart's content (as I am a reluctant member of said program). So I picked up Unsouled for what I figured would be a short dive into a hopefully passable fantasy series that might distract me momentarily from the banal horrors of daily life.When I came to, I was deeply disturbed. I can't describe to you the level of disappointment I felt. "WHERE MORE BOOK" screamed my id. Eventually I realized that 9 days had passed and I had inhaled every book available in the series. As I continued to semi-consciously dodge calls from work, and groggily assure my partner I was "actually fine", I came to the conclusion that I actually SHOULD probably back Will WIght's Kickstarter, and that this was, in fact, a series I would "be into".So, I guess I fall into the "Strongly Recommended" crowd. If you are anything like me (which neither of us will ever know, but earlier I promised you rambling and confusion) you will LOVE this series. You won't walk away from this thinking about how you now have a deeper understanding of like, how insidious and subtle racial and gender politics warp our concept of society or something (I may have missed it, please let me know), but you will at least have a damn good time.And, if I may humbly suggest - the series is a hell of a page turner.

A quick read, this has been on the list for a long time. It’s a mixture of fantasy, Sci-fi, and an RPG progression story. Fun enough but I’m willing to see if it turns into something special, later, as I’ve heard.

Unsouled is the first book in the Cradle series by Will Wight.The plot of the book advanced far slower than I expected. Reaching the end while still in the Valley, and accepting the premise that second book would likely take place not too far from its borders was a surprise. I did not enjoy any of this journey less for this discovery, it simply struck when I finally found myself outside the wonder of these pages.Suriel's narrative adds an almost sci-fi leaning to this work. It almost breaks you from Lindon's plight and journey every time it emerges. I know, for certain, she will show herself again in the later editions. I honestly can't wait to experience more of her view on the coming turmoil, and how it shines a brighter light on the scope of this literary world.Lindon and Yerin's path together is just beginning and my excitement for what they will face and overcome is boundless. To know that Whisper follows their progress, and whose hope hinges on their success adds weight to what they seek to accomplish and Endless possibilities that will echo from their Fate twisting actions. Namely, that of Wei Clan's potential in an earlier demise. Perhaps, we will stumble into Lindon's origins again if he is called to save them prematurely in the next book.Mostly, I hold my breath in anticipation for what the return of the Dreadgods means, and will bring to this world known as the Cradle.

Great story. Well told. Can’t wait to read more. The main characters are fantastically written and have depth and soul to them

It's difficult to write an unbiased review of this book.On its own, it is probably a 3.5 out of 5, however, the series as a whole (later books) are some of the most thrilling & engaging fantasy literature I have ever read.The premise has been done before - an underdog main character who rises to become one of the strongest people in their universe, however, the Asian/Oriental setting really sets this one apart.The prose is written well - the characters are well fleshed out & building blocks & foreshadowing is set up for events that take place many books later, which is a testament to the author.That being said...this book is a bit of a slow burner, as with any book, you have to get through the initial exposition, however, the pay off is very much worth it. Having just finished the most recent book in the series, Wintersteel, I came back to read the original again and whilst it lacks some of the explosive pace of the later books, the set up and introductions to the world & characters is definitely worth it.The book certainly picks up pace towards the second half of the novel and from then on, it's a wild rollercoaster of an adventure for Lindon and the characters he meets along the way.I hate this author for making me feel like a crack addict waiting for the next book to come out...I'd definitely recommend you try out this series if you enjoyed Rage of Dragons by Evan Winters, Red Rising by Pierce Brown or any of Brandon Sanderson's works.

Without any real magical skill, Lindon is an embarrassment to his clan. Soon, it won't matter, as he is about to set out on a new path that is beyond everyone's imagination.Lindon is an Unsouled - one of the blips in genetics, when someone doesn't have enough magic in their soul to follow one of the traditional paths. Without this, he has no future, he will never be trained, and he will never be allowed a family. He will exist as a stain to his clan, subservient to everyone, even the weakest child.All he wants is to prove himself to his clan, and to his family - highly skilled sacred artists that find him a disappointment.A chance encounter with someone from outside the Valley suddenly shrinks Lindon's world into insignificance, and he is suddenly set on a new path.I really liked the Asian-inspired setting, and the magical system that's been created.Everyone has a wooden badge as a child, and they progress to copper when they start their training. These train tirelessly to progress to iron; and only the best get to jade.You can understand Lindon's frustration, that he has to wear his wooden badge, a visible sign of his shame. That he has to rely on the (reluctant) kindness of others, and can never be independent.The not-so-good:I found this very slow and meandering. For a book with less than 300 pages, this story seemed to go on forever.There were sections that got very heavy, lecturing on the sacred arts. Perhaps if I read the rest of the series, these will make sense and be more appealing, but as a newcomer, it felt more like unnecessary filler.There were also sections involving the "higher being" where we are treated to excessive info-dumps to explain the Valley, the geography, history, politics, magic system etc. As these were all very well established in the main narrative, I found these unnecessary and skimmed over them.I wasn't a massive fan of our main character, Lindon. I found him annoying, with all the emphasis on respect being valued above everything else, Lindon was a bit of a bitter hypocrit in his thoughts and actions.I had been really looking forward to this series, and have the second book lined up. I will be continuing, but it's not top of my reading list at the moment.

I’m writing this review after reading this book for the second time in about 7 months. The new book in the series is out and I want a refresher on everything that’s happened before I jump back in.If you’ve never read a cultivation novel before this is the one you probably want to start with. It is fairly typical of them. There’s an initially weak martial artist and through work and adventures he slowly gains power.If you have read a cultivation novel before then you’ll still want to read this series, because it’s really really good.In this case the martial artist is Wei Shi Lindon. He has been set aside by his family and clan as he was born with a weak soul, destined to be unable to advance down any of the Paths to power. However, after an intervention from heaven he realises that he must go beyond the valley he was born in to seek true power.This is a long series and it starts relatively restrained. The book is comparatively short. And yet there are some moments that just made me sit up and go “Yes!” There’s a few scenes throughout the series that I’ve reread again and again because they’re so cool and one of them is in here, with a major character introducing the meaning of her Path. When you see it, you’ll know what I mean.The action is well described, though restrained as the main character isn’t that strong, instead relying on set up and trickery to win most confrontations. The world is nicely described and future conflicts are set up. Because it is the first book and thus must set a solid foundation, which it does.This book is a seed. Great on it’s own but read it and let it sprout into a series and you’ll fall in love. Just like I did.

This was the first progression fantasy book I have ever read, and the experience was pretty much as expected. I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t love it - I do think the series has the potential to make me obsessed with it though, so we will see!A True HeroLindon is our underdog hero and he’s fantastic! The only thing I have absolutely no complaints about is this character.He is unsouled, which, in this society means he is forbidden to learn the magic the rest of his clan is. This essentially means he is powerless…Lindon faces many threats and always finds a clever way out of them - despite being totally underpowered.After reading The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, I love this kind of book - what I mean by this is Harry Dresden in Butcher’s series begins book 1 at a low(ish) “level”, meaning he has to use his brain rather than brute force to achieve his goals and survive.And the Other Characters?They’re alright. I really enjoyed the family dynamics between Lindon and his sister - his mum was also a stand-out character.Other than that, many of the people in this book were there purely to serve a purpose, a cardboard cutout. I found that I didn’t really care about this though, as the book was more a story about Lindon finally advancing in his skill level (this isn’t a spoiler as the premise of the books is “progression”).The WorldThis is where I will be careful not to get into any possible spoilers - I’ll be super vague!Unsouled is set in a very remote village surrounded by remote landscape - remote, remote, remote. The outside world is a mystery - one I am very excited to find out more about!The things Will Wight has revealed so far about the different “levels” of progression, the larger world/universe and more sound really cool. I’m really excited to see this series become even better over the next few books.Final Thoughts on the Unsouled Book ReviewOverall, I think Unsouled is a great introduction to the world and the main character, Lindon.I do think the first 50% is a little slower than I would have liked, but it introduced the magic and class system, the characters, and the plot. The writing style is quick and easy, and with something happening on every page, we are pulled along and can’t put the book down.

My first Will Wight book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fantastic worldbuilding, plot, the Asian inspired setting and magical system he has created for us to get lost in for awhile is brilliant. If love unusual magical worlds, then you will love this. We follow a young character Lindon who is an Unsouled, when someone doesn't have enough magic in their soul to follow one of the traditional paths. Without this, he has no future, he will never be trained, and he will never be allowed a family. He will exist as a burden to his clan, subservient to everyone, even the weakest child in the clans will have more opportunities. All he wants is to prove himself to his clan, and to his family. When a near death experience and a chance meeting with a God like magical being saves his life, his destiny will change forever. I will definitely be checking out the rest of this series after reading this, highly recommended...😁💥🔥