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Will of the Immortals #3
Ironheart Crucible
Ironheart Crucible takes Leon Jäger and his companions into the vast and merciless desert, where survival depends on more than strength—it demands resilience, strategy, and an iron will. At the heart of the endless sands lies Oasis, a bustling town built around a vital spring, where treachery and ambition thrive beneath the surface of its shifting sands.
Drawn by promises of opportunity and peril, Leon must navigate a dangerous path through both a treacherous dungeon and a martial tournament, where the stakes are nothing short of life and death. Faced with opponents who test his skill and enemies who surpass him in power- both in Cultivation and politics, Leon must find a way to endure and prevail.
But survival alone will not be enough. To face the trials ahead, Leon must break through to the elusive Qi Compression realm, a process that will push him to his limits and force him to confront the very nature of his cultivation—and his own concept of the truths behind Qi itself. Each step forward brings new revelations and challenges that will shape not only his future, but the fates of all who stand beside him.
Ironheart Crucible continues the epic blend of western fantasy, Chinese cultivation, and LitRPG adventure that defines Will of the Immortals. As Leon battles through sand, shadow, and fire, the question will he emerge forged anew, or will the crucible cause him to crumble?
Drawn by promises of opportunity and peril, Leon must navigate a dangerous path through both a treacherous dungeon and a martial tournament, where the stakes are nothing short of life and death. Faced with opponents who test his skill and enemies who surpass him in power- both in Cultivation and politics, Leon must find a way to endure and prevail.
But survival alone will not be enough. To face the trials ahead, Leon must break through to the elusive Qi Compression realm, a process that will push him to his limits and force him to confront the very nature of his cultivation—and his own concept of the truths behind Qi itself. Each step forward brings new revelations and challenges that will shape not only his future, but the fates of all who stand beside him.
Ironheart Crucible continues the epic blend of western fantasy, Chinese cultivation, and LitRPG adventure that defines Will of the Immortals. As Leon battles through sand, shadow, and fire, the question will he emerge forged anew, or will the crucible cause him to crumble?
- GenresFantasy
498 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2025
427 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Jay Krauss
13 books50 followersJay is an animal lover, software developer, traditional blacksmith, modern woodworker, terrible mechanic, avid reader, and author.
A master of no trades, perhaps, but a consummate dabbler.
Writing in both Sci-Fi and Fantasy genres.
A master of no trades, perhaps, but a consummate dabbler.
Writing in both Sci-Fi and Fantasy genres.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 6, 2025
Hannah’s a breath of fresh air. Her love for her brother, their team, her Goddess and more importantly, her love for food is so real hahah. She’s the yan to Leon’s yin.
I am also enjoying how Leon and Lin Mah’s relationship become less subtle (Lin Mah) and clueless (Leon) as Leon finally gives the woman the proper attention you just know she’s been waiting for. I love them together and the slow burn is totally acceptable. Anticipation adds suspense!
Soren’s a great addition to the group too! Monkey King kicks arse!!
I wanted to see if Krauss is on Patreon with this series, which it is but it’s mainly updates on book progress but no early access to the any books. There are great animations of all the characters though, so there’s that.
I am also enjoying how Leon and Lin Mah’s relationship become less subtle (Lin Mah) and clueless (Leon) as Leon finally gives the woman the proper attention you just know she’s been waiting for. I love them together and the slow burn is totally acceptable. Anticipation adds suspense!
Soren’s a great addition to the group too! Monkey King kicks arse!!
I wanted to see if Krauss is on Patreon with this series, which it is but it’s mainly updates on book progress but no early access to the any books. There are great animations of all the characters though, so there’s that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
it’s ok
The author needs to spend less time trying to shoehorn crappy Chinese xiaxia tropes into the story. Really distracting and feels super kludged together whenever it happens.
Overall an ok story.
Very distracting when the ‘16th century German knight’ uses modern parlance and phrases, as well as flip flops between metric and imperial units. Sloppy all around on that front.
The author needs to spend less time trying to shoehorn crappy Chinese xiaxia tropes into the story. Really distracting and feels super kludged together whenever it happens.
Overall an ok story.
Very distracting when the ‘16th century German knight’ uses modern parlance and phrases, as well as flip flops between metric and imperial units. Sloppy all around on that front.
January 4, 2025
Want to rate higher
I really want to rate this series higher but it has a flaw all too familiar—a relatively useless secondary character that is not only obnoxious but unnecessary.
Hoped Hannah would mature but unfortunately not. Seriously? Humor like a 7-year old teasing her tonnage sibling, apparently no situational awareness, sticks out her tongue far too often, and adds a burden to the MC that seems ludicrous.
The interplay with Mah, is much more intriguing and has depth while Hannah appears to exist to get in trouble and enrage the MC who otherwise has a great deal to offer LitRPG fans.
I’d love this series but mentally cringe at every single bit of dialogue involving Hannah. No exaggeration. It’s distracting and unfortunate.
Past time for “grandpa” to sit her down for a heart to heart. Or maybe the goddess can do it.
I really want to rate this series higher but it has a flaw all too familiar—a relatively useless secondary character that is not only obnoxious but unnecessary.
Hoped Hannah would mature but unfortunately not. Seriously? Humor like a 7-year old teasing her tonnage sibling, apparently no situational awareness, sticks out her tongue far too often, and adds a burden to the MC that seems ludicrous.
The interplay with Mah, is much more intriguing and has depth while Hannah appears to exist to get in trouble and enrage the MC who otherwise has a great deal to offer LitRPG fans.
I’d love this series but mentally cringe at every single bit of dialogue involving Hannah. No exaggeration. It’s distracting and unfortunate.
Past time for “grandpa” to sit her down for a heart to heart. Or maybe the goddess can do it.
January 3, 2025
Good book
Another solid book by the author. There was action. Character development with some comedy. I am glad to see the MC is not trying to have sexy with every women or make every women join his party. But the clueless MC about the ways of love is getting old.
Another solid book by the author. There was action. Character development with some comedy. I am glad to see the MC is not trying to have sexy with every women or make every women join his party. But the clueless MC about the ways of love is getting old.
January 3, 2025
good but…
I enjoyed it except for one the characters, Hannah is really annoying. I guess she’s supposed to be comic relief but feels like a stock character
I enjoyed it except for one the characters, Hannah is really annoying. I guess she’s supposed to be comic relief but feels like a stock character
January 12, 2025
These are basically all the same book. Leon conquers everything with his iron will (I said “will”) and the ladies all swoon. There’s a corrupt evil dude who he bests. I’m fine with it honestly but I can see how people might find it tiresome. Good for a very, very light read. Maybe hit yourself over the head with a rock a few times.
October 24, 2025
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this book and the previous two. The story and plot are kinda basic, but in a good way. If your looking for a chill read that doesn’t require a bunch of your attention, than this is a decent one.
I personally really enjoy these kinds of story’s that also have a lot of mystery behind the main character and their companions. This series kinda lays it all out there early on. The MC has some trauma from his past that he seems to get over in the first book. Was nice to see him not troubled by it, but how quickly he got over the trauma made it seem like it was nothing to worry about from the beginning.
The fights are kinda repetitive. The MC and companions get into a fight above their weight class and the MC wips out an over powered skill last second to defeat the enemy.
I will add that if your a cultivation junky that this may not be for you. The cultivation system is not your regular system. It is more game based, which is unique, but all it does is increase their physical stats. Usually in cultivation novels as someone grows they develop new understanding and methods of fighting, but because this is a game system world it basically just ups their MP to use on their skills.
I enjoyed the book and series so far and plan to continue to read the rest.
I enjoyed this book and the previous two. The story and plot are kinda basic, but in a good way. If your looking for a chill read that doesn’t require a bunch of your attention, than this is a decent one.
I personally really enjoy these kinds of story’s that also have a lot of mystery behind the main character and their companions. This series kinda lays it all out there early on. The MC has some trauma from his past that he seems to get over in the first book. Was nice to see him not troubled by it, but how quickly he got over the trauma made it seem like it was nothing to worry about from the beginning.
The fights are kinda repetitive. The MC and companions get into a fight above their weight class and the MC wips out an over powered skill last second to defeat the enemy.
I will add that if your a cultivation junky that this may not be for you. The cultivation system is not your regular system. It is more game based, which is unique, but all it does is increase their physical stats. Usually in cultivation novels as someone grows they develop new understanding and methods of fighting, but because this is a game system world it basically just ups their MP to use on their skills.
I enjoyed the book and series so far and plan to continue to read the rest.
January 5, 2025
excellent story, another home run hit out of the park.
As per my earlier review for the previous book, another home run. Excellent MC, great side characters, fast paced, enjoyable, warm hearted fun. Just enough RPG western and Chinese Eastern elements to keep the story interesting. there’s a little slow burn love story going on there, which I usually don’t care for but in this book it’s actually interesting and fun even I am waiting for their first kiss. the MC‘s power progression is pretty good, the world is vibrant and there’s plenty of humor throughout the book. like I said before, this book is right up there with system universe, which is my number one,Azarinth healer #2 In My list unexpected cultivator, #3 he who fights with monsters, #4 if you’ve read and enjoyed any of these titles, you will definitely enjoy this book and the series. In fact I will go onto Patreon and sign up to read additional chapters of the next book, that’s how good. I think the series is. all I can say is try it for yourself.
As per my earlier review for the previous book, another home run. Excellent MC, great side characters, fast paced, enjoyable, warm hearted fun. Just enough RPG western and Chinese Eastern elements to keep the story interesting. there’s a little slow burn love story going on there, which I usually don’t care for but in this book it’s actually interesting and fun even I am waiting for their first kiss. the MC‘s power progression is pretty good, the world is vibrant and there’s plenty of humor throughout the book. like I said before, this book is right up there with system universe, which is my number one,Azarinth healer #2 In My list unexpected cultivator, #3 he who fights with monsters, #4 if you’ve read and enjoyed any of these titles, you will definitely enjoy this book and the series. In fact I will go onto Patreon and sign up to read additional chapters of the next book, that’s how good. I think the series is. all I can say is try it for yourself.
January 29, 2025
A Great Amalgamation of East and West
Im not one to often write reviews.
This series is great. Combining ideas from a variety of genres seemlessly through its own unique lens.
The characters are well done. The funny moments and banter really stepped up in book 3.
All the books have been easy reads without getting too bogged down in world building.
I love that it's taking cultivation from eastern wuxia fantasy, which is arguably the best system for magic and superpowers.. unlike the wishy washy empherical magic of the west or the pure video game stats of Japanese works. Plus, the obligatory reference to Sun Wukong the Heavenly Demon, who is the original MC of the wuxia genre.
Along with the fresh perspective of someone from the middle ages, who we can relate to being from Earth but also see them grow and experiece a world without them being like "ohh this all works and looks like that book I once read, I wanna see elves"... it gets old. It is old.
Im not one to often write reviews.
This series is great. Combining ideas from a variety of genres seemlessly through its own unique lens.
The characters are well done. The funny moments and banter really stepped up in book 3.
All the books have been easy reads without getting too bogged down in world building.
I love that it's taking cultivation from eastern wuxia fantasy, which is arguably the best system for magic and superpowers.. unlike the wishy washy empherical magic of the west or the pure video game stats of Japanese works. Plus, the obligatory reference to Sun Wukong the Heavenly Demon, who is the original MC of the wuxia genre.
Along with the fresh perspective of someone from the middle ages, who we can relate to being from Earth but also see them grow and experiece a world without them being like "ohh this all works and looks like that book I once read, I wanna see elves"... it gets old. It is old.
August 16, 2025
I felt like ranking this lower, but didn't out of courtesy to the author and his efforts.
Frankly, this series quickly became a rinse/repeat cycle of traditional litRPG tropes (completely fine, desired even), but women crying or blushing, badgering the MC for deigning to leave the building without them, scowling, and people picking fights with the MC for no reason (then getting destroyed; fun but c'mon, find a new trope).
I'm sorry; the writing is weak. Book 1/early on? Great stuff. But clearly the author has found something they like and stuck with it, and the books suffer for it. The women are written better than your traditional characters in these types of books, but not by much. They might not be sexualised (well, not as much as normal) but man - they're so one-dimensional it's a joke.
Jay, your first and second books were good. I liked a lot of what was in this one too. But this is where I stop.
Frankly, this series quickly became a rinse/repeat cycle of traditional litRPG tropes (completely fine, desired even), but women crying or blushing, badgering the MC for deigning to leave the building without them, scowling, and people picking fights with the MC for no reason (then getting destroyed; fun but c'mon, find a new trope).
I'm sorry; the writing is weak. Book 1/early on? Great stuff. But clearly the author has found something they like and stuck with it, and the books suffer for it. The women are written better than your traditional characters in these types of books, but not by much. They might not be sexualised (well, not as much as normal) but man - they're so one-dimensional it's a joke.
Jay, your first and second books were good. I liked a lot of what was in this one too. But this is where I stop.
January 15, 2025
Hannah should be gone.
Not a lot happened in this book. Basically they ran a dungeon. But I didn’t really mind because the writing was solid. I just can’t get over Hannah, she is so annoying! She written like she is 10 not 20. I dislike her enough that I think I might be done with these books.
Also, girls in this book only wink and blush. They don’t do anything else. There is so much blushing and winking, you would think they were in a desert in a sandstorm. They must be, because they are always red like a sunburn and they must have sand continuously being blown into their eyes. I have never met any girls that act like this. It’s like 4 times every page.
Not a lot happened in this book. Basically they ran a dungeon. But I didn’t really mind because the writing was solid. I just can’t get over Hannah, she is so annoying! She written like she is 10 not 20. I dislike her enough that I think I might be done with these books.
Also, girls in this book only wink and blush. They don’t do anything else. There is so much blushing and winking, you would think they were in a desert in a sandstorm. They must be, because they are always red like a sunburn and they must have sand continuously being blown into their eyes. I have never met any girls that act like this. It’s like 4 times every page.
December 28, 2024
This series just keeps getting better! Leon and crew pick up a few more in numbers, while facing their hardest challenges yet. Chaos always follows this group, and another dungeon lays in wait. So you know they're all going to have their skills on full display. The author meticulously blends everyone's personalities for a fine mix of wit, charm, heroism, and brutality. This book will have you turning each page, eager for the next. Thankfully he's on fire with only a few months in between books. Thank you for crafting such a magical world! Look forward to many more.
September 2, 2025
getting a clue
Nice mix of progression, downtime and putting loudmouths in their place.
Occasional bit o f passive sexism (why can’t a male specialize in fan fighting, when cultivation brings stat improvements regardless of gender?) and male gaze, not to mention all the swooning over the Big Strong Man. Slow romance building, and a bit of a mystery of who the third party member may be.
That said, if you read it as an anime, complete with slapstick bits of putting cocky fighters in their place, it’s a fun read.
Nice mix of progression, downtime and putting loudmouths in their place.
Occasional bit o f passive sexism (why can’t a male specialize in fan fighting, when cultivation brings stat improvements regardless of gender?) and male gaze, not to mention all the swooning over the Big Strong Man. Slow romance building, and a bit of a mystery of who the third party member may be.
That said, if you read it as an anime, complete with slapstick bits of putting cocky fighters in their place, it’s a fun read.
January 11, 2025
Awful Start of book 3
I own this book, so I may finish reading it at a later time, but right now it is so childish, I have put it away after only 3 chapters. Hannah is a useless character with the maturity of a 10 year old. The MC fights all comers by himself because he forgets the women with him are strong and powerful, (supposedly). The books have gotten so infantile as the series progressed that I have pretty much lost interest. I would not recommend this series.
I own this book, so I may finish reading it at a later time, but right now it is so childish, I have put it away after only 3 chapters. Hannah is a useless character with the maturity of a 10 year old. The MC fights all comers by himself because he forgets the women with him are strong and powerful, (supposedly). The books have gotten so infantile as the series progressed that I have pretty much lost interest. I would not recommend this series.
January 16, 2025
Enjoyable book, but I need to knock off a star for the very annoying trend going on... almost every villain in all three books wants to sexually assault the female companions/friends of the main character Leon. I mean, can't we have bad guys who want to do bad stuff without also wanting to rape his companions? Do we need that extra incentive for rooting for Leon to kill them? It's a bit annoying and cliche.
January 5, 2025
Worthy read
Normally, I do not like reading cultivation books because, in my opinion, they are just stupid and boring, from a cultural aspect that that means nothing to me. So, I gave this series a chance, and I am glad that I did. Well developed characters, great storyline, and most of all, no ridiculous cultural references.
Normally, I do not like reading cultivation books because, in my opinion, they are just stupid and boring, from a cultural aspect that that means nothing to me. So, I gave this series a chance, and I am glad that I did. Well developed characters, great storyline, and most of all, no ridiculous cultural references.
January 21, 2025
Good but not great
Your biggest area for improvement is developing the bad guys. Every single bad guy in the first three books are carbon copies of each other: singularly evil, simple-minded, really dumb, and completely boring. Please, find a way to create a bad guy with half decent intelligence that doesnt immediately jump to sexist insults and a quick death. Thank you.
Your biggest area for improvement is developing the bad guys. Every single bad guy in the first three books are carbon copies of each other: singularly evil, simple-minded, really dumb, and completely boring. Please, find a way to create a bad guy with half decent intelligence that doesnt immediately jump to sexist insults and a quick death. Thank you.
January 28, 2025
Great book, great series!
I really like this series and the books just get better and better. This one is no exception. Strong MC with good morals and sense of self. Great side characters and interactions. Action is fantastic as is the character growth. Can’t wait for the next book.
I really like this series and the books just get better and better. This one is no exception. Strong MC with good morals and sense of self. Great side characters and interactions. Action is fantastic as is the character growth. Can’t wait for the next book.
February 4, 2025
Never open the door when you can just walk through it !!
Good continuation of the story , Lin Mah is a great character , Leon is annoyingly overpowered, Hannah was amusing at first but is just annoying now. The politics are great and the dungeons tedious , looking forward to book four.
Good continuation of the story , Lin Mah is a great character , Leon is annoyingly overpowered, Hannah was amusing at first but is just annoying now. The politics are great and the dungeons tedious , looking forward to book four.
April 23, 2025
Another good one
There's not a lot to say that a reader of this series doesn't already know. This book continues to be enjoyable light reading, with fun characters and an interesting world. The plots are slightly contrived to get early characters back into the story, but having them return is worth it, I think.
If you liked the last one, you'll like this one.
There's not a lot to say that a reader of this series doesn't already know. This book continues to be enjoyable light reading, with fun characters and an interesting world. The plots are slightly contrived to get early characters back into the story, but having them return is worth it, I think.
If you liked the last one, you'll like this one.
July 16, 2025
awesome
Leon is finally using his skills! It’s about time. This was a great addition and can’t wait for the next book.
Did find the dungeon loot super bare. Kind of a let down there compared to the 1st dungeon. Also wish there was more crafting. Got a taste in this book but I want more lol!
Leon is finally using his skills! It’s about time. This was a great addition and can’t wait for the next book.
Did find the dungeon loot super bare. Kind of a let down there compared to the 1st dungeon. Also wish there was more crafting. Got a taste in this book but I want more lol!
January 2, 2025
just gets better
I waited impatiently for this release and was not a disappointed. The plot and character development were advanced nicely, and the previous story arc was well resolved. I’m ready for the next one!
I waited impatiently for this release and was not a disappointed. The plot and character development were advanced nicely, and the previous story arc was well resolved. I’m ready for the next one!
January 5, 2025
Too good
I waited on this book and it did not disappoint me in the least excellent storytelling and World building! Have only put this book down because I fell asleep love the cliffhanger ending cannot wait for the next book
I waited on this book and it did not disappoint me in the least excellent storytelling and World building! Have only put this book down because I fell asleep love the cliffhanger ending cannot wait for the next book
January 6, 2025
Pretty Good
Still enjoying the series but crossing my fingers and hoping it doesn't turn into harem. The MC is easy to like if a little too trusting and earnest. If your for an interesting read I would recommend this series.
Still enjoying the series but crossing my fingers and hoping it doesn't turn into harem. The MC is easy to like if a little too trusting and earnest. If your for an interesting read I would recommend this series.
January 15, 2025
Great story
This is honestly ons of the best litrpg series I've read. Right behind primal hunter and HWFWM. I can't wait for you to make more. Please hurry. I need the 4th book immediately
This is honestly ons of the best litrpg series I've read. Right behind primal hunter and HWFWM. I can't wait for you to make more. Please hurry. I need the 4th book immediately
January 16, 2025
Wow.
This has become one of my favorite series. The world-building and action keep you reading. I really had a hard time putting this book down. Great job balancing the overpowered hero with risk and obstacles. This book even hinted at more about the backstory.
This has become one of my favorite series. The world-building and action keep you reading. I really had a hard time putting this book down. Great job balancing the overpowered hero with risk and obstacles. This book even hinted at more about the backstory.
January 21, 2025
Wow!
I read this whole series in 3 days. I cannot begin to express My happiness Which is book And the series comes from.. I can hardly wait for book 4! I hope it comes out soon. I will happily read anything else this author Has written!
I read this whole series in 3 days. I cannot begin to express My happiness Which is book And the series comes from.. I can hardly wait for book 4! I hope it comes out soon. I will happily read anything else this author Has written!
January 25, 2025
Much More Entertaining
The author did a great story this time every scene kept me reading for More!! The hero is more believable in what he says and do very Heroic! The ending is good and will me buy and read Book 3......
The author did a great story this time every scene kept me reading for More!! The hero is more believable in what he says and do very Heroic! The ending is good and will me buy and read Book 3......
February 3, 2025
Good book. When is the next? Cmon I need it!
Great story so far. Love the characters. Not gonna lie, hit some deep emotional strings. Im not crying! You are! Anyways. Read it. No regrets.
Great story so far. Love the characters. Not gonna lie, hit some deep emotional strings. Im not crying! You are! Anyways. Read it. No regrets.
March 5, 2025
One of the best books i've ever read
This book is extremely good and I can't wait for the next installment. I was initially drawn in by the cover art and now love the way the magic system works. Great book.
This book is extremely good and I can't wait for the next installment. I was initially drawn in by the cover art and now love the way the magic system works. Great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews