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Unintended Cultivator #5
Unintended Cultivator: Volume 5
Survival rests in the hands of a madwoman…Leaving behind the capital and all the changes he wrought there, Sen ventures back into the deep wilds in search of the mad, nascent soul cultivator, Fu Ruolan. It is a final, desperate bid to find the manual he needs to complete his body cultivation.
Of course, in the world of cultivation, things are rarely as straightforward as they seem. Madness takes many shapes, and Fu Ruolan is no exception to this truth. With everything on the line, though, Sen finds himself reluctantly agreeing to a deal that he may well live to regret.
Of course, in the world of cultivation, things are rarely as straightforward as they seem. Madness takes many shapes, and Fu Ruolan is no exception to this truth. With everything on the line, though, Sen finds himself reluctantly agreeing to a deal that he may well live to regret.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2025
About the author
Eric Dontigney
27 books201 followersRaised in Western New York, Eric Dontigney has lived in New Mexico, Florida, Wisconsin, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. He currently resides near Dayton, OH. He is a fan of photo-realism paintings, coffee and well-made food. He has a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 10, 2025
A filler book...just meh
Here is what you need to know:
*he finds a way to overcome his life or death situation (there is a next book, not really a spoiler)
*he makes us suffer through a constant introspection that is heavily repeated and quite boring, feel free to skim
*previous princess is finally called out to be an entitled, selfish b*tch, who never filled her end of the bargain (one of the best parts)
*two random cultivators try to get Sen to talk with them because they were sent by someone... We NEVER learn who sent them or for what purpose
*there are some hilarious bloopers at the end
Here is what you need to know:
*he finds a way to overcome his life or death situation (there is a next book, not really a spoiler)
*he makes us suffer through a constant introspection that is heavily repeated and quite boring, feel free to skim
*previous princess is finally called out to be an entitled, selfish b*tch, who never filled her end of the bargain (one of the best parts)
*two random cultivators try to get Sen to talk with them because they were sent by someone... We NEVER learn who sent them or for what purpose
*there are some hilarious bloopers at the end
January 6, 2026
Sen's body cultivation is killing him and he has only one hope...to find the nascent soul cultivator Fu Ruolan. Even if he does find her, he has to hope that she has a copy of the manual needed to save his life.
Unintended Cultivator Volume 5 started off strong and limped to the finish line. Sen is literally dying trying to find Fu Ruolan with only Falling Leaf at his side. It was tense and exciting. Once that story arc was completed however, it was a time for Sen to reflect on his life and choices. Having moments of reflection is not a bad thing at all, but too much of the book was dedicated to that.
Sen has always been better than he should be and it worked in previous books. In this book it was somewhat obnoxious that he could be so incredible at so many things. He obviously has had the best training any living being could hope for, but it still strains my sense of disbelief. You would think there would be something other than judgment that he struggled with, but overall that's his only consistent problem.
Unintended Cultivator Volume 5 is the first book in the series that didn't leave me excited or even curious to see what happens next. I'll probably continue the series eventually.
Unintended Cultivator Volume 5 started off strong and limped to the finish line. Sen is literally dying trying to find Fu Ruolan with only Falling Leaf at his side. It was tense and exciting. Once that story arc was completed however, it was a time for Sen to reflect on his life and choices. Having moments of reflection is not a bad thing at all, but too much of the book was dedicated to that.
Sen has always been better than he should be and it worked in previous books. In this book it was somewhat obnoxious that he could be so incredible at so many things. He obviously has had the best training any living being could hope for, but it still strains my sense of disbelief. You would think there would be something other than judgment that he struggled with, but overall that's his only consistent problem.
Unintended Cultivator Volume 5 is the first book in the series that didn't leave me excited or even curious to see what happens next. I'll probably continue the series eventually.
March 7, 2025
Wonderfully Entertaining
I love what Dontigney has done with this series as we spend more time with Judgements Gale as he tries to survive his cultivation. With more barriers to survival and a new mentor to learn from, we spend an enjoyable time following his adventures.
I love what Dontigney has done with this series as we spend more time with Judgements Gale as he tries to survive his cultivation. With more barriers to survival and a new mentor to learn from, we spend an enjoyable time following his adventures.
April 16, 2025
Volume 5 unintended cultivator
This is an enjoyable book. I've enjoyed reading the trials and perils of Sean and those associated with him as he looked to heal himself. I look forward to reading the next book as he continues on on his journey.
This is an enjoyable book. I've enjoyed reading the trials and perils of Sean and those associated with him as he looked to heal himself. I look forward to reading the next book as he continues on on his journey.
March 4, 2025
I read this in one sitting. You reach the end before you know it. I absolutely loved it.
March 10, 2025
Reflection on previous books
This book spends most of its time on Lu Sen's introspection. On the positive side, it gives us a lot of character development and often casts the events of previous books in a new light. Unfortunately, it also pulls focus away from new events that occur in this book.
In the end, not bad, but it does drag at times.
This book spends most of its time on Lu Sen's introspection. On the positive side, it gives us a lot of character development and often casts the events of previous books in a new light. Unfortunately, it also pulls focus away from new events that occur in this book.
In the end, not bad, but it does drag at times.
March 29, 2025
Rating 3.5 stars
This series started out really strong for me but over the last couple of books there are cracks that are forming. I kind of think the MC is a little bit of an asshole. That may be a little strong, at the very least he is a hypocrite. He spends the first part of the book searching for the cultivator who has the manual that can save his life. This takes up about 50 percent of the book. I like the action and the cultivation aspect still, but I don't like how the MC acts around other people
This series started out really strong for me but over the last couple of books there are cracks that are forming. I kind of think the MC is a little bit of an asshole. That may be a little strong, at the very least he is a hypocrite. He spends the first part of the book searching for the cultivator who has the manual that can save his life. This takes up about 50 percent of the book. I like the action and the cultivation aspect still, but I don't like how the MC acts around other people
March 18, 2025
Sen’s problems are just beginning. The pain roiling within him grows stronger with each passing second. His mind might be willing, but his body often refuses to do his bidding. Nevertheless, he is determined in doing everything possible to survive.
I’ve enjoyed the fact that author vividly highlights Sen’s difficult and tumultuous journey. He’s a man who’ll do whatever is possible to change his circumstances. He doesn’t think about the consequences until it’s a little too late.
It’s refreshing to see him finally mull over the choices he’s taken. Prior to this book, Sen was a man who’d move through life in search of something better. Something to give more meaning to the life he’s led. In this volume, we get to see his more human side. The one that looks back upon the path he’s taken from the get-go.
Sen’s path forward isn’t finished. There’s a lot more he needs to do. Whether he’ll truly find an end to his own means remains to be seen. I look forward to seeing if he’ll eventually get there.
I’ve enjoyed the fact that author vividly highlights Sen’s difficult and tumultuous journey. He’s a man who’ll do whatever is possible to change his circumstances. He doesn’t think about the consequences until it’s a little too late.
It’s refreshing to see him finally mull over the choices he’s taken. Prior to this book, Sen was a man who’d move through life in search of something better. Something to give more meaning to the life he’s led. In this volume, we get to see his more human side. The one that looks back upon the path he’s taken from the get-go.
Sen’s path forward isn’t finished. There’s a lot more he needs to do. Whether he’ll truly find an end to his own means remains to be seen. I look forward to seeing if he’ll eventually get there.
February 8, 2026
Another good book in this series (with different challenges)
Sen still encounters fights in this book, of course, but he finds himself dealing a bit more with human situations and emotions, rather than just fighting.
Not everyone responds the same to depressing situations, and some situations may be more overwhelming than others, but it is always at least a bit of a struggle. Sen's encounter with such a situation is difficult, even though he did everything he could to mitigate it, and it wasn't of his making, at all. I feel that his response and recovery are believable; it wasn't immediate or overnight.
As hard as seeing him go through that situation, and others, was it is good to see him take time every so often to reflect on where he is, as a person, where he started as a young man, and who he wants to be as an adult.
I'm really looking forward to the next book and the continuation of Sen's journey. (I'm almost expecting him to be a nascent soul cultivator by the end of it. 😆)
Sen still encounters fights in this book, of course, but he finds himself dealing a bit more with human situations and emotions, rather than just fighting.
Not everyone responds the same to depressing situations, and some situations may be more overwhelming than others, but it is always at least a bit of a struggle. Sen's encounter with such a situation is difficult, even though he did everything he could to mitigate it, and it wasn't of his making, at all. I feel that his response and recovery are believable; it wasn't immediate or overnight.
As hard as seeing him go through that situation, and others, was it is good to see him take time every so often to reflect on where he is, as a person, where he started as a young man, and who he wants to be as an adult.
I'm really looking forward to the next book and the continuation of Sen's journey. (I'm almost expecting him to be a nascent soul cultivator by the end of it. 😆)
March 20, 2025
Much better
I really like the last book until the ending. I absolutely hated the ending of the last entry in the series. We did revisit one aspect of that book in this book. The problem was that it's been too long between that one and this one for it to have the impact I think it was meant to have. I intend to the start over from book one anyways when I pick up the audio for this book. So I may end up feeling differently about it. Suffice it to say that I have a more positive feeling about the direction the series is going and the quality of this entry now that I'm at the ending of it. A vast improvement over my feelings from the previous book. Our main character solves his little impending death issue. He ends up with some startling realizations and it appears that he's fairly well rounded by the end. With that I will simply say Well done to everybody who had a hand in bringing this book to us, the Amazon readers.
I really like the last book until the ending. I absolutely hated the ending of the last entry in the series. We did revisit one aspect of that book in this book. The problem was that it's been too long between that one and this one for it to have the impact I think it was meant to have. I intend to the start over from book one anyways when I pick up the audio for this book. So I may end up feeling differently about it. Suffice it to say that I have a more positive feeling about the direction the series is going and the quality of this entry now that I'm at the ending of it. A vast improvement over my feelings from the previous book. Our main character solves his little impending death issue. He ends up with some startling realizations and it appears that he's fairly well rounded by the end. With that I will simply say Well done to everybody who had a hand in bringing this book to us, the Amazon readers.
April 12, 2026
The series is still really good, but this book and the last have started reminding me about some of the things I didn't like so much in he who fights with monsters. The MC has gotten so OP, stronger than nearly anyone he meets that he spends most of the time philosophizing in a semi emo and edgelord way about how he doesn't want to kill anyone but had to all the time and how everyone wants to use him for their own means all the time and a few other things. the power scaling has also become an issue, where the number of people and beasts who could actually threaten the MC was already low but shrinks to likely countable numbers at this point.
I like the series and will likely finish it but unless there's an interesting twist or shift or something soon then I hope the end game is started soon, otherwise it'll just feel more and more like filler.
I like the series and will likely finish it but unless there's an interesting twist or shift or something soon then I hope the end game is started soon, otherwise it'll just feel more and more like filler.
March 30, 2025
Disappointing
I waited several months for this book, hoping for a continuation of the enjoyable series. But no. Most of this book is the philosophical ramblings in Sen's mind. Much of which are simply the internal thoughts of a man bordering on some level of insanity. The prior relationships Sen has with others were frustratingly nearly ignored in this book. If the purpose of this book is to set up the next book where Sen has a personal epiphany realizing what a pathetic person he has become, then mission accomplished with a boring and sometimes unreadable story.
Once the series is complete, I hope we can look back on this book as the worst in the series. If not, then the next book will be my last and likely many other readers.
I waited several months for this book, hoping for a continuation of the enjoyable series. But no. Most of this book is the philosophical ramblings in Sen's mind. Much of which are simply the internal thoughts of a man bordering on some level of insanity. The prior relationships Sen has with others were frustratingly nearly ignored in this book. If the purpose of this book is to set up the next book where Sen has a personal epiphany realizing what a pathetic person he has become, then mission accomplished with a boring and sometimes unreadable story.
Once the series is complete, I hope we can look back on this book as the worst in the series. If not, then the next book will be my last and likely many other readers.
April 2, 2025
Filler.
Not much happens, and the plot resolves much of the plot from other books.
MC's also pretty stupidly unreasonable.
NPC: Comes to his fire to ask him a question.
MC: Leave now, I don't care what you have to say.
NPC: But I was told to..
MC: Leave now, or I'll kill you.
MC internal dialogue "I'm not a violent person, but these people just don't immediately leave when I say no, gives me no choice."
No MC, that's not how it ever works. He's just being the same hypocrite he cried about cultivators earlier in the series. The story even hinted it's about divination, so we know he's being stupid.
Way too much praising the MC as the one from every side-character. It gets exhausting.
Not much happens, and the plot resolves much of the plot from other books.
MC's also pretty stupidly unreasonable.
NPC: Comes to his fire to ask him a question.
MC: Leave now, I don't care what you have to say.
NPC: But I was told to..
MC: Leave now, or I'll kill you.
MC internal dialogue "I'm not a violent person, but these people just don't immediately leave when I say no, gives me no choice."
No MC, that's not how it ever works. He's just being the same hypocrite he cried about cultivators earlier in the series. The story even hinted it's about divination, so we know he's being stupid.
Way too much praising the MC as the one from every side-character. It gets exhausting.
March 30, 2026
NO SPOILERS - ISH.
Fu Ruolan. The search for the crazed nascent soul cultivator Fu Roulan is at hand. The story contains the same humor, action, and character interactions you anticipate from the series. But it was toned down. The story focused more on self-awareness, evaluation, and soul searching for Sen. Seeing all his actions and the consequences of them. Seeing how in a way Sen himself acted like those same people he disliked or was wary of. Volume 5 did move the story along overall. And the self-reflection of Sen did make him a better character. Now we see what all that leads to.
Fu Ruolan. The search for the crazed nascent soul cultivator Fu Roulan is at hand. The story contains the same humor, action, and character interactions you anticipate from the series. But it was toned down. The story focused more on self-awareness, evaluation, and soul searching for Sen. Seeing all his actions and the consequences of them. Seeing how in a way Sen himself acted like those same people he disliked or was wary of. Volume 5 did move the story along overall. And the self-reflection of Sen did make him a better character. Now we see what all that leads to.
March 16, 2025
The story redeemed itself
Gone are the harem vibes and the protagonist's hubris. While he is still op, he is fighting to find himself anew. His demeanor towards others through most of the book seems overly harsh but is a sign of his hurt soul. His inner development is the highlight of this book.. i really liked the amount of thought the author gave to it..
Criticism and comments
While being cautious with strangers is wise, the notion of trying to kill everyone you don't understand is absolutely monstrous..
Gone are the harem vibes and the protagonist's hubris. While he is still op, he is fighting to find himself anew. His demeanor towards others through most of the book seems overly harsh but is a sign of his hurt soul. His inner development is the highlight of this book.. i really liked the amount of thought the author gave to it..
Criticism and comments
While being cautious with strangers is wise, the notion of trying to kill everyone you don't understand is absolutely monstrous..
April 3, 2025
Neither good nor bad, just filler.
This book accomplished almost nothing. We got a resolution to his “dying” state, which we knew would happen since he wasn’t going to die, and then proceeded to spend an entire book in therapy. Basically the whole thing was a mix of pity party, self reflection, and occasional self loathing.
I understand the need for introspection and growth, but the entire book just felt fairly pointless. Yes it set up for what’s to come, somewhat, but it took a long time to really accomplish nothing.
This book accomplished almost nothing. We got a resolution to his “dying” state, which we knew would happen since he wasn’t going to die, and then proceeded to spend an entire book in therapy. Basically the whole thing was a mix of pity party, self reflection, and occasional self loathing.
I understand the need for introspection and growth, but the entire book just felt fairly pointless. Yes it set up for what’s to come, somewhat, but it took a long time to really accomplish nothing.
March 30, 2025
great read
The last 3 years have been a saga of battles, loss and betrayal. Lu Sen is constantly going from crisis to crisis and it’s nice to see a book explore what PTSD looks like, what depression looks like, and what the effects of so much killing has on the human psyche. We see growth. Pain staking, heart reaching, growth. We see hope for the future and we even get to run into some old friends and catch up.
The last 3 years have been a saga of battles, loss and betrayal. Lu Sen is constantly going from crisis to crisis and it’s nice to see a book explore what PTSD looks like, what depression looks like, and what the effects of so much killing has on the human psyche. We see growth. Pain staking, heart reaching, growth. We see hope for the future and we even get to run into some old friends and catch up.
March 4, 2025
awesome
Nice, tight narrative. Moves at a strong pace, reflective of the urgency of MC. Sen continues to develop beyond reason.
Falling Leaf is present for much of the story. Master Feng appears briefly, and Sen stops by the Capitol for a couple days to leave word so a couple cultivators make brief appearances.
Love this series.
Nice, tight narrative. Moves at a strong pace, reflective of the urgency of MC. Sen continues to develop beyond reason.
Falling Leaf is present for much of the story. Master Feng appears briefly, and Sen stops by the Capitol for a couple days to leave word so a couple cultivators make brief appearances.
Love this series.
March 21, 2025
Fun book
An older plotline was resolved, so that is great. Been enjoying the series so far, and the MC is likable despite being completely overpowered. I really enjoy the humor. It doesn't take itself too seriously but will still have serious moments. It's probably why I can stomach the overpowered MC.
An older plotline was resolved, so that is great. Been enjoying the series so far, and the MC is likable despite being completely overpowered. I really enjoy the humor. It doesn't take itself too seriously but will still have serious moments. It's probably why I can stomach the overpowered MC.
April 21, 2025
Excellent Read
It's refreshing to have a character, who in the twists and turns of cultivation reflects not only the trials and tribulations of life past, and present, but whose character adapts to that life. It's nice, to see to homage the early books. This is a refreshing series.
It's refreshing to have a character, who in the twists and turns of cultivation reflects not only the trials and tribulations of life past, and present, but whose character adapts to that life. It's nice, to see to homage the early books. This is a refreshing series.
October 29, 2025
Unintended Cultivator, Volume 5 of the Unintended Cultivator series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Curses on Turtles, even the magic ones! The need for the Cultivation Manual has reached critical level. Sen is forced to find the crazy, unpredictable Fu Ruolan. More surprises as and plot twists. This is such a great series.
May 5, 2026
Great
Its been a while since I read the books before this and had to piece together what happened as I read. It was great to relive some of those moments as this story built itself back up. I'm excited to see what happens now that Sen is building his foundation back up. What a great storyline.
Its been a while since I read the books before this and had to piece together what happened as I read. It was great to relive some of those moments as this story built itself back up. I'm excited to see what happens now that Sen is building his foundation back up. What a great storyline.
March 5, 2025
Love this series
Great book and series every time after reading the next book I'm always left hungry for more almost like I want the author to hurry up and make more but not if weakens the story
Great book and series every time after reading the next book I'm always left hungry for more almost like I want the author to hurry up and make more but not if weakens the story
March 5, 2025
a good trip
Bit of a side quest, getting himself under control . Dealing with personal issues and progressing towards the next arc of the story . I enjoy it, may the wondering continue!
Bit of a side quest, getting himself under control . Dealing with personal issues and progressing towards the next arc of the story . I enjoy it, may the wondering continue!
March 7, 2025
I like this story but…
It’s dragging. Too much internal dialogue with not enough action. The writer is good, but if this is a money grab to drag out more books I’m out. I’ll try the next one.
It’s dragging. Too much internal dialogue with not enough action. The writer is good, but if this is a money grab to drag out more books I’m out. I’ll try the next one.
March 7, 2025
Great! I wasn't keen on book four, which felt like the author lacked the focus to weave a complex narrative, but when he gets back to the basics, the storytelling is outstanding. I hope for more of the same in the next book, and I can't wait.
March 10, 2025
Bleak
Sen spends this volume on the stress of dying of magic cancer, grieving the dead, and improving his mental health. That's a lot of heavy introspection for a twenty-something. It makes for a healthy character arc but a painful reading experience.
Probably a read-once book.
Sen spends this volume on the stress of dying of magic cancer, grieving the dead, and improving his mental health. That's a lot of heavy introspection for a twenty-something. It makes for a healthy character arc but a painful reading experience.
Probably a read-once book.
March 15, 2025
Awesome Stuff
This story of a street rat being adopted by three of the most powerful cultivators of the world and exceeding their expectations was a fantastic read. The end of this book he is looking to return to the turtle as agreed.
This story of a street rat being adopted by three of the most powerful cultivators of the world and exceeding their expectations was a fantastic read. The end of this book he is looking to return to the turtle as agreed.
March 16, 2025
Lost 2 stars for NOT writing a Recap.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
March 17, 2025
Still a great series!
After the fifth installation Sen has grown into the man we hoped he would. Eric has done a great job of bringing Sen's emotional growth full circle and I, for one, am looking forward to see what my favorite unintended cultivator gets into next.
After the fifth installation Sen has grown into the man we hoped he would. Eric has done a great job of bringing Sen's emotional growth full circle and I, for one, am looking forward to see what my favorite unintended cultivator gets into next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews