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Gleam #1
Weaving Virtue
Few get that restart. Chosen by roaming angels and sent off to another word full of magic and cultivation, where they can live in ways that could only be dreamed of on earth. Where the only thing that dictated their fate was power.
Anyone who met Chance would have agreed that he deserved it more than most.
Life isn't that easy. Just like everything else, there are rules and regulations—and Chance didn't make the cut. Not until a lucky encounter gets him a one-way ticket to his future. A world where he can make something of himself.
If only he hadn't landed in the middle of an endless maze full of monsters salivating for his life. Isolated and lost, the only thing Chance has to work with is his strange, luck-based magic and his determination to finally live a life worth living.
Fortunately, he has a whole lot of good Karma built up.
Anyone who met Chance would have agreed that he deserved it more than most.
Life isn't that easy. Just like everything else, there are rules and regulations—and Chance didn't make the cut. Not until a lucky encounter gets him a one-way ticket to his future. A world where he can make something of himself.
If only he hadn't landed in the middle of an endless maze full of monsters salivating for his life. Isolated and lost, the only thing Chance has to work with is his strange, luck-based magic and his determination to finally live a life worth living.
Fortunately, he has a whole lot of good Karma built up.
500 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2023
About the author
Actus
68 books274 followersActus has been writing fantasy stories since the age of twelve, and he's been telling them since he could talk. He's currently working on three main series - Morcster Chef, Steamforged Sorcery, and My Best Friend is an Eldritch Horror. You can find his works on RoyalRoad & Patreon as well as on Amazon.
In addition to his passion for writing, Actus is capable of clearing a two story building with a single jump. That isn't true, but writing about himself in third person gives Actus delusions of grandeur.
In addition to his passion for writing, Actus is capable of clearing a two story building with a single jump. That isn't true, but writing about himself in third person gives Actus delusions of grandeur.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 18, 2023
With Actus, it is either a hit or a miss. This was big miss.
First problem, no one explains anything to anyone. The main character is clueless which is kinda annoying; especially to the reader. No real description of the location, status, culture or the purpose for a lot of things. The whole story punishes the reader for not knowing what is going on the author's imagination.
The character (and I do mean all of them) are annoying, boring and whiny. They all try to be cool or mysterious, with no real depth or actual character. The main character is the worse because he is more plain stale white bread than an actual character. Most of the time, I feel pity for him. The protagonist lacks has no real drive or passion. It feels like I am reading about a forgettable glassy eyed doll. In fact, I don't think the author actually described the main character. That is how forgettable the MC was.
First problem, no one explains anything to anyone. The main character is clueless which is kinda annoying; especially to the reader. No real description of the location, status, culture or the purpose for a lot of things. The whole story punishes the reader for not knowing what is going on the author's imagination.
The character (and I do mean all of them) are annoying, boring and whiny. They all try to be cool or mysterious, with no real depth or actual character. The main character is the worse because he is more plain stale white bread than an actual character. Most of the time, I feel pity for him. The protagonist lacks has no real drive or passion. It feels like I am reading about a forgettable glassy eyed doll. In fact, I don't think the author actually described the main character. That is how forgettable the MC was.
December 10, 2023
Book one
I almost skipped this book because of the blurb.
I'm not really sure that I would call them angels, more like talent scouts.
This was better than I thought it would be.
I did skip small sections of conversations. Found a couple of mistakes that I posted on Goodreads.
If you have enjoyed this you can keep reading it on Royalroad. Though book two is due to be published soon.
7/10 No loot so far. Also this is a cultivation story.
I almost skipped this book because of the blurb.
I'm not really sure that I would call them angels, more like talent scouts.
This was better than I thought it would be.
I did skip small sections of conversations. Found a couple of mistakes that I posted on Goodreads.
If you have enjoyed this you can keep reading it on Royalroad. Though book two is due to be published soon.
7/10 No loot so far. Also this is a cultivation story.
December 29, 2023
2.5
I quite like the MC’s insistence on being good because it has the potential to mitigate one of the main reasons I don’t particularly like cultivation stories. The brutal, selfish, and endless grind for power is depressing. The conflict is all too often boring as a result.
The “I’m going to work to help people” in the face of everything is cool and I support it.
I’m not sure if this story is going to be able to escape the bind, especially since secret motivations and shifting alliances aren’t handled deftly enough to trust it will be worth the long haul.
I’ll give the next book a chance to see.
I quite like the MC’s insistence on being good because it has the potential to mitigate one of the main reasons I don’t particularly like cultivation stories. The brutal, selfish, and endless grind for power is depressing. The conflict is all too often boring as a result.
The “I’m going to work to help people” in the face of everything is cool and I support it.
I’m not sure if this story is going to be able to escape the bind, especially since secret motivations and shifting alliances aren’t handled deftly enough to trust it will be worth the long haul.
I’ll give the next book a chance to see.
December 9, 2023
I really liked its less common take on LitRPG isekai, it had some really unique elements that I haven't seen in the genre which is what kept me reading: karma, the mixing of fighting and falling, established population of people who isekai'd from multiple dimension (via truck-kun LOL), second gen people born from previous earthlings who isekai'd
But it has so many of the classic/basic tropes 😭
- 'one-dimensional Gary Sue MC'
- 'dead parents then raising himself but somehow is still super naive and optimistic'
- 'mystery OP possible-villain character that's helping the MC for some reason'
- 'drunken fighting style that makes everyone underestimate him'
- 'overconfident but nice teammate that gets them into trouble'
Idk the beginning set a great scene that made me think the book was gonna be good, but then all the characters were one-dimensional 😭 the MC had some tiny amount of emotional growth/depth increase during the book but it really wasn't enough to make up for it.
Hoping the author gets better about character depth in future books, or a better writer takes inspiration from same setting
But it has so many of the classic/basic tropes 😭
- 'one-dimensional Gary Sue MC'
- 'dead parents then raising himself but somehow is still super naive and optimistic'
- 'mystery OP possible-villain character that's helping the MC for some reason'
- 'drunken fighting style that makes everyone underestimate him'
- 'overconfident but nice teammate that gets them into trouble'
Idk the beginning set a great scene that made me think the book was gonna be good, but then all the characters were one-dimensional 😭 the MC had some tiny amount of emotional growth/depth increase during the book but it really wasn't enough to make up for it.
Hoping the author gets better about character depth in future books, or a better writer takes inspiration from same setting
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2024
A good consistent read.
I jumped into this sort of at random and I am glad I did. I enjoyed the soild story telling while using the familar isekei elements and tropes of the cultivation progression genres. While it is fairly quick paced it is not a instata power story. It has growth struggle and feels as if the stakes are real. It is YA approiate with some cursing here and there.
It has strong world building that looks easily expandable in furture books. The characters are well rounded and the plot interesting with good pacing to pull you through. I very much enjoyed a story that something close to a begging, middle, and end. The ending sort of floats out there as it more of a set up for the next book of the series. Not quiet a cliffhanger but cliffhanger adjacent lol.
The story concept of a Karma cultivator cauight my eye, and being a genuinely good guy as describle in the blurd brought me in. I did stumble a bit at what seem to more a throwaway line as not wanting to get a job to adviod the rat race seems…dumb to me when you have nothing. The main character does have a work eithic and a geniune desire to do good.
The magic system is a familar mix that works for those who read the genres. It is not exacting and delevoplment tends to just happen without getting to deep while still seeming to have a process. It has the appearance of depth while only sowing the tipe of the iceberg.
I jumped into this sort of at random and I am glad I did. I enjoyed the soild story telling while using the familar isekei elements and tropes of the cultivation progression genres. While it is fairly quick paced it is not a instata power story. It has growth struggle and feels as if the stakes are real. It is YA approiate with some cursing here and there.
It has strong world building that looks easily expandable in furture books. The characters are well rounded and the plot interesting with good pacing to pull you through. I very much enjoyed a story that something close to a begging, middle, and end. The ending sort of floats out there as it more of a set up for the next book of the series. Not quiet a cliffhanger but cliffhanger adjacent lol.
The story concept of a Karma cultivator cauight my eye, and being a genuinely good guy as describle in the blurd brought me in. I did stumble a bit at what seem to more a throwaway line as not wanting to get a job to adviod the rat race seems…dumb to me when you have nothing. The main character does have a work eithic and a geniune desire to do good.
The magic system is a familar mix that works for those who read the genres. It is not exacting and delevoplment tends to just happen without getting to deep while still seeming to have a process. It has the appearance of depth while only sowing the tipe of the iceberg.
March 13, 2024
The only reason I'm giving this a go is because some of the author's other books were okay.
This author has to be taking the piss. This thing was started as a meme, and so many authors are using it seriously now.
This was okay, but that one friend was super annoying. I may pick up the sequel. This book was convoluted enough with karma that it was actually interesting.
It does feel like a YA novel though, with how the protag makes quick friends, and he believes in the power of friendship.
3/5 Stars
This author has to be taking the piss. This thing was started as a meme, and so many authors are using it seriously now.
This was okay, but that one friend was super annoying. I may pick up the sequel. This book was convoluted enough with karma that it was actually interesting.
It does feel like a YA novel though, with how the protag makes quick friends, and he believes in the power of friendship.
3/5 Stars
December 14, 2023
Weaving Virtue book 1 is a rather interesting LitRPG cultivation story, and although there's not a whole lot of the typical circulating your chi through your system to compress a core, and break open the stansions, it's still quite the interesting story, and I find myself disappointed that the next book won't be out until March of next year. Going to put that one on my to read list to be sure. I like this first book in the series, and would love to see where this story goes.
If you're a typical LitRPG fan, you'll probably like this one as well.
If you're a typical LitRPG fan, you'll probably like this one as well.
December 18, 2023
Loved this book Actus created a really interesting and super well-developed world. This might be one of my favorite books of the winter. Super well-developed characters and all of them were distinct and interesting. The main character, Chance, was super interesting, and his magic was done super well and was really exciting. I loved the magic system in this book overall and really thought it was well done, particularly with the main character's magic. The world was super interesting and kept me invested and I can't wait for the next book. Wish it was March already so I can read the next book. Highly recommend this book one of the best portal fantasies that I have read in a while.
June 3, 2026
Karma
Book 1 of the Gleam series. This is a great opener book. Sad to think that this is only a two book series. The cultivation system is great and progression is spot on. The battles are intense as hand-to-hand is merged with essence. This series has multiple book potential and I would love to see a published third book at least after reading book 1. The MC is great and I love his Good Karma approach to things. If you haven’t picked this one up, I’d recommend it. This is one that could sit in the YA category.
Book 1 of the Gleam series. This is a great opener book. Sad to think that this is only a two book series. The cultivation system is great and progression is spot on. The battles are intense as hand-to-hand is merged with essence. This series has multiple book potential and I would love to see a published third book at least after reading book 1. The MC is great and I love his Good Karma approach to things. If you haven’t picked this one up, I’d recommend it. This is one that could sit in the YA category.
December 10, 2023
I love Gleam, it's a story of a city, in the first book of a brand new series by Actus! Introducing Chance a fantastic MC in Actus' new Isekai adventure! Where power building is key for survival, not only for Chance but for all the members of his team, which includes Yeo and Bella... I'm definitely looking forward to following this series as Actus takes us on his magical keyboard following Chance and the city Gleam...
Ohhhh and I did enjoy Peter Lister's narration.
Ohhhh and I did enjoy Peter Lister's narration.
March 13, 2024
A fun read with likeable characters in an interesting fantasy world
I love reading a book with a goody-two-shoes protagonist, and this is exactly that. Our hero is unflinchingly nice, polite to everyone and a genuine treat to be around. Some of the story transitions are a little abrupt, but not so much that it would s offensive. I liked some of Actus' other works, so try those too if you have already. :)
I love reading a book with a goody-two-shoes protagonist, and this is exactly that. Our hero is unflinchingly nice, polite to everyone and a genuine treat to be around. Some of the story transitions are a little abrupt, but not so much that it would s offensive. I liked some of Actus' other works, so try those too if you have already. :)
July 29, 2025
I'm a fan of Actus' work but why did he have to take a stab at a cultivation series? Other than bad writing there's nothing I loathe more than cultivation. However it at least isn't a big focus and the pills and the meditation aren't too prevalent so there's that. I'm not sure I'm as big a fan of the team pair-up, the character interactions are a little off and not as smooth as I'd expect. So overall I'd say it's not as great as his other series but it's been enjoyable overall.
January 8, 2024
A very good book, plenty going on enjoyable. Period.
An excellent book, a likable, sensible MC. Good world building excellent character development. Plenty of action with some slice of life. Enjoy this so much that I will read the next one when it comes out. Weaving virtue, an excellent book. Plenty going on, read it.
An excellent book, a likable, sensible MC. Good world building excellent character development. Plenty of action with some slice of life. Enjoy this so much that I will read the next one when it comes out. Weaving virtue, an excellent book. Plenty going on, read it.
March 17, 2024
Not what I expected, in a good way
The first joke is the angel of death drives a semi and eats magical Cheetos. That kept me interested for several chapters. The skills and power sets are unique and the young adult story of learning about the new world and life in it was well done. A few surprises and lots of unanswered questions makes me want to read more. A good weekend read.
The first joke is the angel of death drives a semi and eats magical Cheetos. That kept me interested for several chapters. The skills and power sets are unique and the young adult story of learning about the new world and life in it was well done. A few surprises and lots of unanswered questions makes me want to read more. A good weekend read.
November 18, 2025
Funnily enough, it was lucky that the author had a lot of good karma built up from their better books, or I'd have stopped reading them entirely. This is a real mess; vague, bizarre, most of the characters are actively repellent. I wish I'd quit reading it when the first chapter was so stupid. It gets a little better but not much.
December 14, 2023
Great start
Actus does it again with this series. It’s new compared to his previous work, but still progression fantasy. Enjoyed this journey and will read the next book in the series.
Actus does it again with this series. It’s new compared to his previous work, but still progression fantasy. Enjoyed this journey and will read the next book in the series.
December 22, 2023
Just ok
Kinda drab read through.bits and pieces are entertaining and interesting, but just an ok story overall. Characters tend to be a bit shallow and the plot just gets outrageous and boring.
Kinda drab read through.bits and pieces are entertaining and interesting, but just an ok story overall. Characters tend to be a bit shallow and the plot just gets outrageous and boring.
January 5, 2024
A pretty interesting start
An interesting start to a promising series! Looking forward to the next book. I enjoyed the world building and the characters. Also as an Isekai novel, all Hail Truck kun!
An interesting start to a promising series! Looking forward to the next book. I enjoyed the world building and the characters. Also as an Isekai novel, all Hail Truck kun!
January 6, 2024
Great read!
Much better than I expected! The writing is good the plot even better. The twists and turns along the way were very enjoyable. The characters felt organic andv in excited to read the next one!
Much better than I expected! The writing is good the plot even better. The twists and turns along the way were very enjoyable. The characters felt organic andv in excited to read the next one!
January 9, 2024
Good
A good read. Better written and more creative than most of the books in the genre on kindle with an interesting take on magic and cultivation. The story was also deeper than expected
A good read. Better written and more creative than most of the books in the genre on kindle with an interesting take on magic and cultivation. The story was also deeper than expected
January 15, 2024
great story, characters, and plot
A great series debut. Interesting characters, cultivation, and world building with some twists. Would recommend to all fans of the genre. Looking forward to book 2!
A great series debut. Interesting characters, cultivation, and world building with some twists. Would recommend to all fans of the genre. Looking forward to book 2!
February 2, 2024
Interesting
I have not read many cultivation books. I will now amend that. Getting interesting book that kept my attention. Loved the way.the fight scenes were written. Made me feel I was.right there watching. Will go right into book two.
I have not read many cultivation books. I will now amend that. Getting interesting book that kept my attention. Loved the way.the fight scenes were written. Made me feel I was.right there watching. Will go right into book two.
February 10, 2024
Great story
Great story, excellent foundation for a series. The power and skill system is fairly unique and NOT aggravating at all. There is a lot of intrigue in the story that I just can't wait to see what happens next.
Great story, excellent foundation for a series. The power and skill system is fairly unique and NOT aggravating at all. There is a lot of intrigue in the story that I just can't wait to see what happens next.
March 20, 2024
Stoner dreams
DNF at 30%
The action scenes are very lackluster and resemble drug influenced dreams. The characters are juvenile and rather dull. The protagonist is a lost happy fool who keeps getting saved by heaviest plot armor all the time.
DNF at 30%
The action scenes are very lackluster and resemble drug influenced dreams. The characters are juvenile and rather dull. The protagonist is a lost happy fool who keeps getting saved by heaviest plot armor all the time.
April 17, 2024
Great book
I enjoyed this book I like characters and the suspense I also liked that the mc didn't fall in love immediately with bella I hope the mc doesn't be so much of a pacifist though
I enjoyed this book I like characters and the suspense I also liked that the mc didn't fall in love immediately with bella I hope the mc doesn't be so much of a pacifist though
December 11, 2024
Good character development and interesting take on karma
Love the main character and his drive to do good. The whole take on karma is very interesting although not totally bought into the idea
Love the main character and his drive to do good. The whole take on karma is very interesting although not totally bought into the idea
December 8, 2023
Weaving Virtue: book 1
This was a fun read. The main charterer has a neat spin on getting stronger. The next book hope is a good.
This was a fun read. The main charterer has a neat spin on getting stronger. The next book hope is a good.
December 11, 2023
Very good one sitting read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
December 17, 2023
Nice
Beginning was a bit slow, but it picks up. It’s a unique portal / cultivation / isekai world building. Good.
Beginning was a bit slow, but it picks up. It’s a unique portal / cultivation / isekai world building. Good.
December 21, 2023
Good
A good start to the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
A good start to the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews