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Youngest Son of the Black-Hearted #2
Malicious Influence
It seems like popularity and enemies in the empire are increasing much too fast…
Seventh Thunder Lord, Chen Thunder, has undeniably left his mark on the empire. However, suspicions linger that there may be a mastermind behind the former Chosen One's attack. Could it be true?
Under the guise of a Northern Post trip, Chen continues to expand both his power and influence.
From a chilling encounter in a dungeon to an extraordinary ability bestowed upon him by a spell book, his power only grows. With weapons crafted through his unique skill, he finds himself at the center of attention. Everyone is clamoring for his creations, and some even seek his alliance - or more, who can say? As if marriage proposals and meddling siblings weren't enough, even the emperor has taken notice of Chen, especially after his heroic deeds at the Northern Post.
Can Chen weather the storm as he continues to plot against Third Brother Jun-seo? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain - the empire is in for a wild ride.
What to expect in this
- Progression/Cultivation as well as growing LitRPG elements and character development.
-An expansive magic system with multiple paths.
-Ranks and numbers go up, brrrrr!
-A complex world and even places outside the empire with their own rules.
-A hybrid of slice of life and action. A highborn noble must increase their influence in order to gain power...
-The MC's followers grow very powerful too.
-No harems.
And more!
Book 2 art by Jesus Da Silva
Book edited by Adam Luopa
Seventh Thunder Lord, Chen Thunder, has undeniably left his mark on the empire. However, suspicions linger that there may be a mastermind behind the former Chosen One's attack. Could it be true?
Under the guise of a Northern Post trip, Chen continues to expand both his power and influence.
From a chilling encounter in a dungeon to an extraordinary ability bestowed upon him by a spell book, his power only grows. With weapons crafted through his unique skill, he finds himself at the center of attention. Everyone is clamoring for his creations, and some even seek his alliance - or more, who can say? As if marriage proposals and meddling siblings weren't enough, even the emperor has taken notice of Chen, especially after his heroic deeds at the Northern Post.
Can Chen weather the storm as he continues to plot against Third Brother Jun-seo? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain - the empire is in for a wild ride.
What to expect in this
- Progression/Cultivation as well as growing LitRPG elements and character development.
-An expansive magic system with multiple paths.
-Ranks and numbers go up, brrrrr!
-A complex world and even places outside the empire with their own rules.
-A hybrid of slice of life and action. A highborn noble must increase their influence in order to gain power...
-The MC's followers grow very powerful too.
-No harems.
And more!
Book 2 art by Jesus Da Silva
Book edited by Adam Luopa
466 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2025
299 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Alvin Atwater
55 books139 followersFirst off, thank you for reading: the books and this bio. A little about myself: I'm man of humor, fantasy, LitRPG, and a lover of characters and their dreams. Born in Florida, I did military service, and dropped out of college to foolishly pursue a writing dream.
If you're a fan and want early access to my works, consider subscribing to my Patreon at www.Patreon.com/syr456
It goes a long way in supporting the series, editing, covers, and maybe that one slice of pizza on a cheat day.
I'm humbled to have made this far thanks to your support and hope to push further beyond my current chokehold.
Questions or concerns or just need another online venue, here's the discord channel:
https://discord.gg/t2qVaAR
If you're a fan and want early access to my works, consider subscribing to my Patreon at www.Patreon.com/syr456
It goes a long way in supporting the series, editing, covers, and maybe that one slice of pizza on a cheat day.
I'm humbled to have made this far thanks to your support and hope to push further beyond my current chokehold.
Questions or concerns or just need another online venue, here's the discord channel:
https://discord.gg/t2qVaAR
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 12, 2025
I love the banter in this between the MC and his friends. Even with his enemies. It’s just a fun and entertaining read. I hope book 3 doesn’t take too long to come out.
August 17, 2025
The first book was uninspired, and I didn't remember any of the characters. So, the first third of this, I was completely lost. The next part was boring setup and ridiculous politics, also very boring. I quit three quarters in. This had nothing that compelled me to finish.
August 27, 2025
The plot is way slower than in the first book (with huge parts of the book being dull filler material) and has a lot of quite cheating litrpg elements. The character progression got really ridiculous by now and the MC all of a sudden has fighting skills in all three classes he has no right to posess. I would have respected the MC more if he had earned his abilities in this book he gets virtually littered with an absurd amount skill points all the time.
The protagonist still is obsessed with utterly premature domination phantasies and how he will use or destroy everyone. He reminds me of the Baldur's gate character Tzar, who had similar notions and deservedly in the looney bin.. ;-)
The MC's growing band of fawning groupies is getting annoying.
Criticism and comments
The existence of aunts, uncles and cousins in the MC's family invalids the whole murderous succession tradition of the family...
It is hilarious that the protagonist is ready to kill anybody including his family to achieve his goals but was that whiney and revengeful when he got assassinated at the start. #rofl#
Sarah is too young for her qualifications and back story. With 19 it is unfeasible that she is that strong and has been a captain for several years..
The protagonist still is obsessed with utterly premature domination phantasies and how he will use or destroy everyone. He reminds me of the Baldur's gate character Tzar, who had similar notions and deservedly in the looney bin.. ;-)
The MC's growing band of fawning groupies is getting annoying.
Criticism and comments
The existence of aunts, uncles and cousins in the MC's family invalids the whole murderous succession tradition of the family...
It is hilarious that the protagonist is ready to kill anybody including his family to achieve his goals but was that whiney and revengeful when he got assassinated at the start. #rofl#
Sarah is too young for her qualifications and back story. With 19 it is unfeasible that she is that strong and has been a captain for several years..
September 24, 2025
My reviews are my own. If you liked this book, I’m glad you enjoyed it. If not, I respect your opinion. This is merely my opinion, so let's keep it courteous.
The slutty Yin killed the story for me. No matter how good a story is, when you start hating a character because they are incredibly meddlesome, psycho slutty, and annoying, the series stops being interesting. In the first book, he was against relationships, and in this one, he is thinking about getting a partner, priorities? They also introduce this super complicated magical item that appeared all of a sudden, and a mediocre mage had it? This book also contains a significant amount of politics, which I get plenty of in real life, don't want it in my fantasy. Dropping the series, I feel the character lost focus, which should be revenge, but I feel that the author is trying to make it the hero.....and don't enjoy hero stories. I wish the author had stuck to adventure and cultivation in the name of revenge, with no ridiculous slutty side characters and non-believable powers that came out of the blue. And ENOUGH with sex/marriage crap! So freaking repetitive!!!
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
The slutty Yin killed the story for me. No matter how good a story is, when you start hating a character because they are incredibly meddlesome, psycho slutty, and annoying, the series stops being interesting. In the first book, he was against relationships, and in this one, he is thinking about getting a partner, priorities? They also introduce this super complicated magical item that appeared all of a sudden, and a mediocre mage had it? This book also contains a significant amount of politics, which I get plenty of in real life, don't want it in my fantasy. Dropping the series, I feel the character lost focus, which should be revenge, but I feel that the author is trying to make it the hero.....and don't enjoy hero stories. I wish the author had stuck to adventure and cultivation in the name of revenge, with no ridiculous slutty side characters and non-believable powers that came out of the blue. And ENOUGH with sex/marriage crap! So freaking repetitive!!!
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
August 21, 2025
Slow paced, not much here to surprise you with.
It's a big convoluted, almost like a few different plot points were put together, and it felt a bit forced. Events happened as needed to create the plotline he knew was coming. Overall I'm curious with the main character. But with all leveling books, power levels of the characters start blurring what could happen or couldn't happen. You lose the sense of who's more powerful than who. You're told you can't beat a higher level and yet characters beat higher levels. It creates massive plot holes in stories of the genre. This story seems like it's on that way. The pacing was slow, sometimes introducing characters during the action scenes which killed the pace. Worse, the character being introduced was killed making most of the information irrelevant. There's some unique concepts but not many surprises.
It's a big convoluted, almost like a few different plot points were put together, and it felt a bit forced. Events happened as needed to create the plotline he knew was coming. Overall I'm curious with the main character. But with all leveling books, power levels of the characters start blurring what could happen or couldn't happen. You lose the sense of who's more powerful than who. You're told you can't beat a higher level and yet characters beat higher levels. It creates massive plot holes in stories of the genre. This story seems like it's on that way. The pacing was slow, sometimes introducing characters during the action scenes which killed the pace. Worse, the character being introduced was killed making most of the information irrelevant. There's some unique concepts but not many surprises.
August 13, 2025
A boat load of fun.
Honestly, as far as entertainment goes, the best Atwater has written. At least, it is in my opinion. To be fair, the trope series isn't to my taste, and I couldn't get past book one. (Despite being a big anime and ln fan)
Everything moves along quite nicely in this book. Although not always to my preference, it ended up always being fun.
His growth is exciting, and it's a bit of a hoot when you see direct interference from above again. Like, what are they thinking? What are they planning? It always seems to be a fun, beneficial curve ball.
Then, the epilogues made me both eager and trepidatious for book number three.
Honestly, as far as entertainment goes, the best Atwater has written. At least, it is in my opinion. To be fair, the trope series isn't to my taste, and I couldn't get past book one. (Despite being a big anime and ln fan)
Everything moves along quite nicely in this book. Although not always to my preference, it ended up always being fun.
His growth is exciting, and it's a bit of a hoot when you see direct interference from above again. Like, what are they thinking? What are they planning? It always seems to be a fun, beneficial curve ball.
Then, the epilogues made me both eager and trepidatious for book number three.
September 14, 2025
Great story, but
The story is great, but some parts are very drawn out. I have to say though I loved the way the last chapter went. A really unexpected twist. Honestly I really like the series so far I just wish the MC would stop being such a twit sometimes. I get He's a Nobel and needs to be somewhat paranoid but knowing his friend is also in the same position you would think by now he'd start confiding in her a bit. He trys to be the bad guy but always ends up the good guy. Which I like but you can be a good guy and still want your revenge. No need to keep trying to pass him off as some kind of anti hero. Anyway i still look forward to book 3.
The story is great, but some parts are very drawn out. I have to say though I loved the way the last chapter went. A really unexpected twist. Honestly I really like the series so far I just wish the MC would stop being such a twit sometimes. I get He's a Nobel and needs to be somewhat paranoid but knowing his friend is also in the same position you would think by now he'd start confiding in her a bit. He trys to be the bad guy but always ends up the good guy. Which I like but you can be a good guy and still want your revenge. No need to keep trying to pass him off as some kind of anti hero. Anyway i still look forward to book 3.
December 28, 2025
skipping the boring stuff and just straight to the action
Sometimes it’s nice to read a book that could very long only to end up skipping the long slog of training and boring slice of life with the dues ex machina that the author threw in. However, this bothers the hard core litrpg reader in me that needs everything explained, bc boy does the author just blow past any reason to explain how this magic system works. The author just make everything believable with the full context especially with the urgency the plot demands. Either way, Alvin’s books are always fun and won’t make you slog through anything boring that’s for sure
Sometimes it’s nice to read a book that could very long only to end up skipping the long slog of training and boring slice of life with the dues ex machina that the author threw in. However, this bothers the hard core litrpg reader in me that needs everything explained, bc boy does the author just blow past any reason to explain how this magic system works. The author just make everything believable with the full context especially with the urgency the plot demands. Either way, Alvin’s books are always fun and won’t make you slog through anything boring that’s for sure
August 13, 2025
enjoyable
Well written regression story. The characters are more than just two dimensional objects. The fighting is don’t well and not endlessly used to pad the word count, same with his status. It hasn’t turned into a harem so that’s good , he’s not running around sleeping with everyone and their mothers . Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to stare at this wall tell the next book is released. Top of the morning to ya !
Well written regression story. The characters are more than just two dimensional objects. The fighting is don’t well and not endlessly used to pad the word count, same with his status. It hasn’t turned into a harem so that’s good , he’s not running around sleeping with everyone and their mothers . Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to stare at this wall tell the next book is released. Top of the morning to ya !
August 18, 2025
Absolutely amazing!!
This series is off to an amazing start. The mixture of Cultivation, and Magic Elements meets the absolute mark in what I look for in a progression book. The character building was spot on with some tense moments that continue to cast shadows in the future books. Out of all of Alvin’s series, this is the one that has captured my absolute attention and longing for more. Extremely satisfying MC that has continued to grow emotionally providing several insights into his painful past.
I don’t often reread series but this is one that I will be rereading and hypothesizing for a while. Great Job on this entry into what we hope to be a very long series!
This series is off to an amazing start. The mixture of Cultivation, and Magic Elements meets the absolute mark in what I look for in a progression book. The character building was spot on with some tense moments that continue to cast shadows in the future books. Out of all of Alvin’s series, this is the one that has captured my absolute attention and longing for more. Extremely satisfying MC that has continued to grow emotionally providing several insights into his painful past.
I don’t often reread series but this is one that I will be rereading and hypothesizing for a while. Great Job on this entry into what we hope to be a very long series!
August 21, 2025
Excellent addition
This addition to the series was excellent. Not sure if author reads comments or if happy happenstance that the tone of MC changed to be far more of an enjoyable character. Either way, glad to have read this installment and now looking forward with anticipation for next in series. So many threads have been splayed out that need to be followed, it will be interesting to see which weave the author will present first!
This addition to the series was excellent. Not sure if author reads comments or if happy happenstance that the tone of MC changed to be far more of an enjoyable character. Either way, glad to have read this installment and now looking forward with anticipation for next in series. So many threads have been splayed out that need to be followed, it will be interesting to see which weave the author will present first!
September 18, 2025
interesting and engaging
A strong story with an overpowered protagonist that pulls you in and keeps the pace moving. It avoids becoming dull, though there are moments where the “really?” factor pulls you out of the immersion. At times, the writing leans on obvious or repetitive statements that could be refined or pared back for stronger impact. With some tightening, it could elevate from engaging to exceptional.
A strong story with an overpowered protagonist that pulls you in and keeps the pace moving. It avoids becoming dull, though there are moments where the “really?” factor pulls you out of the immersion. At times, the writing leans on obvious or repetitive statements that could be refined or pared back for stronger impact. With some tightening, it could elevate from engaging to exceptional.
October 30, 2025
good story but it reads strangely
I don’t know what it is about Atwater writing style, but it reads odd to me. Maybe it is something with the timing or I don’t know if it was written in a different language and then translated to English but everything seems to be correct but it just reads odd. It’s a good story and I’m glad I read it but it’s not something I would wanna read again and subject myself to. I don’t know how else to put it.
I don’t know what it is about Atwater writing style, but it reads odd to me. Maybe it is something with the timing or I don’t know if it was written in a different language and then translated to English but everything seems to be correct but it just reads odd. It’s a good story and I’m glad I read it but it’s not something I would wanna read again and subject myself to. I don’t know how else to put it.
August 15, 2025
great fun
This might not be great literature, but it is fun! The second book picks right up from the end of book one and launches right into some action. Chen, the MC, is a fun read for me a nice departure from the typical hero or survivor found in litrpg. OP, malicious and full steam ahead. Looking forward to book 3!
This might not be great literature, but it is fun! The second book picks right up from the end of book one and launches right into some action. Chen, the MC, is a fun read for me a nice departure from the typical hero or survivor found in litrpg. OP, malicious and full steam ahead. Looking forward to book 3!
August 28, 2025
A satisfying sequel.
Can’t say I loved it 100%, I sorta stopped reading at the 80% mark for a week before finishing, which is rare for me, but I did have other things to read so it’s not solely the books fault. Just didn’t suck me in like most books I really enjoy. The climax/conclusion was very good though! I am looking forward to the next book.
Can’t say I loved it 100%, I sorta stopped reading at the 80% mark for a week before finishing, which is rare for me, but I did have other things to read so it’s not solely the books fault. Just didn’t suck me in like most books I really enjoy. The climax/conclusion was very good though! I am looking forward to the next book.
October 14, 2025
If you take out the arrogance and the sexual innuendos all the time you'll likely have 1/4 of a book left. Seriously this kids is soooo arrogant you would think the writer was Korean because most of their manga/web novels books are like that. No real plot to the book, just him wanting to take over the world like a Demon Lord.
October 19, 2025
A great sequel.
I really loved reading this book. Once started, it was impossible to put down. It was fun and engaging. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book and series are definitely worth checking out.
I really loved reading this book. Once started, it was impossible to put down. It was fun and engaging. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book and series are definitely worth checking out.
December 10, 2025
Loved this book. Great characters. Great world. Superior plot! I cannot wait to read the next.
One drawback: the “status” of Chen gets a bit much. It’s a bit too repetitive. I still loved this book and since I’ve recently found this author I’m going to go read the other series.
Highly recommended!!
One drawback: the “status” of Chen gets a bit much. It’s a bit too repetitive. I still loved this book and since I’ve recently found this author I’m going to go read the other series.
Highly recommended!!
December 21, 2025
NO SPOILERS
Book 2 of the Youngest Son of the Black-Hearted series. Story continues of Chen Thunder progressing from where he left off in the previous story. More bad guys get introduced. More battles. Story felt flat, for a lack of a better word. The story didn't progress. Not that it was all bad, story as still interesting.
Book 2 of the Youngest Son of the Black-Hearted series. Story continues of Chen Thunder progressing from where he left off in the previous story. More bad guys get introduced. More battles. Story felt flat, for a lack of a better word. The story didn't progress. Not that it was all bad, story as still interesting.
August 19, 2025
What great book 2
A stunning follow up on the earlier book, Mc continues to become stronger though not out and out OP... I love the realism of political life that the authored introduces and the slow burning revenge plot in the background is perfect. Can't wait for book 3.
A stunning follow up on the earlier book, Mc continues to become stronger though not out and out OP... I love the realism of political life that the authored introduces and the slow burning revenge plot in the background is perfect. Can't wait for book 3.
August 19, 2025
Like the fist book Awesome
You get spellbound by this book looking forward to see what the main character will do and what he is becoming, will he follow his heart at the end or just seek vengeance spellbinding really can't wait for the next book.
You get spellbound by this book looking forward to see what the main character will do and what he is becoming, will he follow his heart at the end or just seek vengeance spellbinding really can't wait for the next book.
August 20, 2025
Very well done.
Well, this book is just a continuation of the first. I have to admit, this story from first to current has me awaiting more. I am a harsh critic of stories, but this one allows you to be carried on the journey with the MC. Engrossing and immersing. Good job.
Well, this book is just a continuation of the first. I have to admit, this story from first to current has me awaiting more. I am a harsh critic of stories, but this one allows you to be carried on the journey with the MC. Engrossing and immersing. Good job.
August 25, 2025
Exciting
The story is taking intriguing and exciting turns as the 7th Son and company grow in power. The alternate time line memories and how changes influence this timeline make for a great book.
The story is taking intriguing and exciting turns as the 7th Son and company grow in power. The alternate time line memories and how changes influence this timeline make for a great book.
September 28, 2025
Even better than the first
I think Alvin Atwater is a fairly new author, but these books are very good. The second in the series heats everything up in a lot of fun ways. I’m looking forward to book 3
I think Alvin Atwater is a fairly new author, but these books are very good. The second in the series heats everything up in a lot of fun ways. I’m looking forward to book 3
October 4, 2025
Very good read
This book is a very good read a strong story of a little repetitive but still holding reader's attention as this is number two I think 3 will out of the park I hope !!!
This book is a very good read a strong story of a little repetitive but still holding reader's attention as this is number two I think 3 will out of the park I hope !!!
October 7, 2025
What the....
What a massive, confusing mess that somehow remains interesting. I don't know what's happening most of the time, nothing is explained but the story is juuuust interesting enough to keep you going. I don't know if I want to continue the series, but it wasn't terrible.
What a massive, confusing mess that somehow remains interesting. I don't know what's happening most of the time, nothing is explained but the story is juuuust interesting enough to keep you going. I don't know if I want to continue the series, but it wasn't terrible.
November 4, 2025
Enjoyable. Entertaining.
The main character is self-absorbed. Yet with the attitude of what is mine, no one else will have, he developes a group of colleagues that are closer to becoming friends. He grows on you.
The main character is self-absorbed. Yet with the attitude of what is mine, no one else will have, he developes a group of colleagues that are closer to becoming friends. He grows on you.
November 26, 2025
Good
It's good just like the first book. Chen Thunder gained a special 'Crow' gained many abilities, friends and allies. And also political intrigues everywhere.
Looking forward to the next book.
It's good just like the first book. Chen Thunder gained a special 'Crow' gained many abilities, friends and allies. And also political intrigues everywhere.
Looking forward to the next book.
August 13, 2025
Another great book
I really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the next one in this series. Please write the next book faster.
I really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the next one in this series. Please write the next book faster.
August 13, 2025
Good book!!
This is the second book of this series and I thoroughly enjoyed reading both this one was less intense than the first one but still very enjoyable to read!!
This is the second book of this series and I thoroughly enjoyed reading both this one was less intense than the first one but still very enjoyable to read!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews