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Depthless Hunger: A Progression LitRPG
Kai is the hardest working warrior in his generation... and the unluckiest. In a world where most people receive magical skills, classes, or cultivation, Kai has nothing but his wits and his strength. His only choice will be to forge a new path against fate, no matter where it takes him.
Savage monsters pour endlessly from the wasteland, threatening the survival of civilization itself. They say that human strength isn't enough and only those gifted with destined powers have a chance of making a difference. Kai is hungry to fight in that war, to be someone who matters. That hunger will take him across a world stranger and more terrible than he could possibly have imagined.
Depthless Hunger's setting blends inspiration from many sources. Cultivation exists, drawing off Chinese wuxia and xianxia, but qi flows alongside chakra, drawing off Indian sources, as well as western systems. All are combined in a single system that is gradually revealed over the course of the story.
Savage monsters pour endlessly from the wasteland, threatening the survival of civilization itself. They say that human strength isn't enough and only those gifted with destined powers have a chance of making a difference. Kai is hungry to fight in that war, to be someone who matters. That hunger will take him across a world stranger and more terrible than he could possibly have imagined.
Depthless Hunger's setting blends inspiration from many sources. Cultivation exists, drawing off Chinese wuxia and xianxia, but qi flows alongside chakra, drawing off Indian sources, as well as western systems. All are combined in a single system that is gradually revealed over the course of the story.
- GenresFantasy
759 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2025
About the author
Sarah Lin
38 books476 followersHello! I'm Sarah Lin and I write various kinds of fantasy. If you want to keep up with my work, feel free to check out the following:
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/dMSw2A
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sarahlin
Blog: http://sarahlinauthor.blogspot.com/
Join either list to get immediate access to illustrations of all my characters, plus bonus content and previews. If you've tried my work, I'd be happy to hear from you!
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/dMSw2A
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sarahlin
Blog: http://sarahlinauthor.blogspot.com/
Join either list to get immediate access to illustrations of all my characters, plus bonus content and previews. If you've tried my work, I'd be happy to hear from you!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 10, 2025
I loved this book. It very much felt like a more mature version of Street Cultivation. The main character is an actually good person and most of the side characters feel realistic and I really like there diversity in personalities.
The story is great, I love how the world feels big and there's a clear and logical "scale" so that you can see a blurry future state and you're excited about what happens along the way.
The book itself isn't super heavy on the "LitRPG" style elements which is important for me to be able to enjoy the book. It's used well in terms of the story and for providing context.
The story is great, I love how the world feels big and there's a clear and logical "scale" so that you can see a blurry future state and you're excited about what happens along the way.
The book itself isn't super heavy on the "LitRPG" style elements which is important for me to be able to enjoy the book. It's used well in terms of the story and for providing context.
November 5, 2025
For forewarning, I'll be paraphrasing somewhat from my Royalroad review of Depthless Hunger and limiting my critique to the first book in celebration of the series' new launch. I initially found this book through the recent announcement of the author's true identity, and for that I'm grateful. Her retrospective on the actual story was probably the best advertisement the story could have for me personally, as it highlighted a lot of what I hadn't realized I was looking for.
My initial expectations were actually low after reading through the synopsis.Depthless Hunger's synopsis was probably more of a hurdle in starting the story than any individual aspect about the story's writing. The story's synopsis clearly sets the expectations for what readers can expect—such as Kai's underdog work ethic and struggle to exert agency—without effectively selling the story's unique merits to existing fans of the genre.
Speaking from what I've read, the actual 'standard model of power' in Depthless Hunger is one of the best setting elements for a Progression fantasy fan. It effectively unites things like Xianxia cultivation with GameLit elements, while still retaining some of the core appeals of those particular Progression fantasy subgenres. Without going into spoilers, it isn't necessarily limited to those two magics as Sarah Lin is plenty happy, and skilled enough, to flesh out the rest of the world's regions with their own takes on familiar powers. The execution of this and how it fits into the rest of the world's underlying principles might be more novel than the actual abilities themselves but it's exactly what I was looking for as a fan of the genre.
My initial expectations were actually low after reading through the synopsis.Depthless Hunger's synopsis was probably more of a hurdle in starting the story than any individual aspect about the story's writing. The story's synopsis clearly sets the expectations for what readers can expect—such as Kai's underdog work ethic and struggle to exert agency—without effectively selling the story's unique merits to existing fans of the genre.
Speaking from what I've read, the actual 'standard model of power' in Depthless Hunger is one of the best setting elements for a Progression fantasy fan. It effectively unites things like Xianxia cultivation with GameLit elements, while still retaining some of the core appeals of those particular Progression fantasy subgenres. Without going into spoilers, it isn't necessarily limited to those two magics as Sarah Lin is plenty happy, and skilled enough, to flesh out the rest of the world's regions with their own takes on familiar powers. The execution of this and how it fits into the rest of the world's underlying principles might be more novel than the actual abilities themselves but it's exactly what I was looking for as a fan of the genre.
November 20, 2025
If you enjoyed Sarah Lin's Street Cultivator series, give this book a read. This book is darker and a lot more serious but manages to capture the same great sort of magical world building as that one did. A lot of authors have done litrpg cultivation novels, most not half as well. Excellent book.
November 26, 2025
Great read!
Very entertaining take on the progression genre. I loved how the main character explored multiple systems in a world that seemed bent on rejecting him. The plot drew me in, especially in the second half of the book.
Very entertaining take on the progression genre. I loved how the main character explored multiple systems in a world that seemed bent on rejecting him. The plot drew me in, especially in the second half of the book.
December 7, 2025
only read 15%
Like the author, just could not get into same old trope of kid gets a bad class, society turns back on kid, it is now kid vs world.
Like the author, just could not get into same old trope of kid gets a bad class, society turns back on kid, it is now kid vs world.
April 3, 2026
I really don't like to say these things, but hey, the job is there; I'll take it lol.
This book is a massive waste of your time. The first book, is basically torture porn. No joke, literally the entirety of Book 1
Spoilers: he removes his class and becomes some form of demon, I think, or monster. My question is, why even give the main character the class and make him work with it for a good while only to remove it later? What was the purpose of that?
Also, author, if you're ever getting to reading this, can you stop the magic system conversation in the book God on a Motorbike? It was chapters and chapters and chapters talking about the interactions between the different types of magic systems, and that was the majority of the story, just talking about magic and becoming stronger. That cannot be all to this book; strength for the sake of strength is retarded.
I don't like when characters are just praised for the sake of being praised because they're just good people, and no one has ever seen anybody this good before. I think it's ridiculous, and also it's a personal thing for me, meaning that just because I personally believe that way doesn't mean that the book is automatically bad; it just means that I don't like to see it because it's stupid to meme.
One more thing: don't write romance in all of creation. Stop it, do you hear me? You should actually stop it. I'm begging you, man, it's so bad. The female characters come off like they're horny dogs; they're so horny they can't hold back themselves when it comes to the main character.
This book is a massive waste of your time. The first book, is basically torture porn. No joke, literally the entirety of Book 1
Spoilers: he removes his class and becomes some form of demon, I think, or monster. My question is, why even give the main character the class and make him work with it for a good while only to remove it later? What was the purpose of that?
Also, author, if you're ever getting to reading this, can you stop the magic system conversation in the book God on a Motorbike? It was chapters and chapters and chapters talking about the interactions between the different types of magic systems, and that was the majority of the story, just talking about magic and becoming stronger. That cannot be all to this book; strength for the sake of strength is retarded.
I don't like when characters are just praised for the sake of being praised because they're just good people, and no one has ever seen anybody this good before. I think it's ridiculous, and also it's a personal thing for me, meaning that just because I personally believe that way doesn't mean that the book is automatically bad; it just means that I don't like to see it because it's stupid to meme.
One more thing: don't write romance in all of creation. Stop it, do you hear me? You should actually stop it. I'm begging you, man, it's so bad. The female characters come off like they're horny dogs; they're so horny they can't hold back themselves when it comes to the main character.
December 12, 2025
In many ways, the plot of this novel was forced. Young Kai always had to get the rough end of the stick but somehow come out of it stronger. To facilitate this situation, his society is corrupt —providing few support opportunities for outsiders or the downtrodden.
Regardless, it's pleasant to ride along with the sole honourable character in the book, as he drives forward to achieve his goals, headless of the obstacles in his way... um, not totally headless as he spends a fair bit of time complaining about every unfairness in life.
The ending is not great. It comes out of nowhere and takes a dramatic and unexpected 90 degree turn, cranking up the scale to eleven and making all of Kai's achievements seem insignificant in comparison to the god-like powers now present.
When I finished the book I was in the odd situation of having enjoyed it and also having no faith that it was heading anywhere good. I guess I'll read the reviews of the next book, once it's published, to see if they can persuade me to continue.
Regardless, it's pleasant to ride along with the sole honourable character in the book, as he drives forward to achieve his goals, headless of the obstacles in his way... um, not totally headless as he spends a fair bit of time complaining about every unfairness in life.
The ending is not great. It comes out of nowhere and takes a dramatic and unexpected 90 degree turn, cranking up the scale to eleven and making all of Kai's achievements seem insignificant in comparison to the god-like powers now present.
When I finished the book I was in the odd situation of having enjoyed it and also having no faith that it was heading anywhere good. I guess I'll read the reviews of the next book, once it's published, to see if they can persuade me to continue.
April 17, 2026
I really wanted to like it
I am sure there will be many who like this story. It is well written and the characters are likable. The world setting is kind of bleak but fits the narrative of the story. Why two stars then. This is just my opinion of what I like and don't like to read. What I don't like is when the author continually hobble the MC. The continued use of plot devices to make the MC weak so that he is made to struggle unfairly just so he can appear to overcome an impossible wall. The problem is that the MC never actually overcomes the wall. Once the author puts the MC in a impossible position, the author is then forced to write plot armor or dues ex to save the MC. Everything that happens in the story is now meaningless. It just becomes a bunch of wish fulfillment without and substance.
I am sure there will be many who like this story. It is well written and the characters are likable. The world setting is kind of bleak but fits the narrative of the story. Why two stars then. This is just my opinion of what I like and don't like to read. What I don't like is when the author continually hobble the MC. The continued use of plot devices to make the MC weak so that he is made to struggle unfairly just so he can appear to overcome an impossible wall. The problem is that the MC never actually overcomes the wall. Once the author puts the MC in a impossible position, the author is then forced to write plot armor or dues ex to save the MC. Everything that happens in the story is now meaningless. It just becomes a bunch of wish fulfillment without and substance.
November 13, 2025
Another progression fantasy from the author of Street Cultivation. She is knowingly leaning more into the genre tropes than in S.C. with a standard fantasy setting and more litRPG stats with a slightly interesting background of there being one central "System" but lots of regional variations - so one country has purely class specializations, another has elemental magic, another has metal affinities, other have cultivation variations, and so on. Honestly I found the fantasy setting a bit of a let down after S.C. but there are definitely moments where the writing potential shines through.
April 12, 2026
I liked the secondary female character quite a bit. She was a no nonsense badass. I liked certain aspects of the MC’s powers. I did think some of the world building during the finale was interesting could lead somewhere.
I struggle to decide if I’ll pick up the next book for a few reasons. The pacing was hard to swallow. This book drags. The MC is a dopey, I have to save everyone, there are innocents to protect! I like a good bad guy but I expect him to get what’s coming to him. And finally power levels and magic systems seem very convoluted and unbalanced.
I struggle to decide if I’ll pick up the next book for a few reasons. The pacing was hard to swallow. This book drags. The MC is a dopey, I have to save everyone, there are innocents to protect! I like a good bad guy but I expect him to get what’s coming to him. And finally power levels and magic systems seem very convoluted and unbalanced.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2025
Very enjoyable
Sarah Lin's books are ones I always look forward too. They may seem like another xianxia or progression fantasy, yet I find myself looking forward to the quiet moments to sit and binge her books. Reading Depthless Hunger I feel we see Sarah's skills as a writer growing, and I can't wait for book 2!
Sarah Lin's books are ones I always look forward too. They may seem like another xianxia or progression fantasy, yet I find myself looking forward to the quiet moments to sit and binge her books. Reading Depthless Hunger I feel we see Sarah's skills as a writer growing, and I can't wait for book 2!
November 16, 2025
I cannot with this. It is so depressing and relentlessly, stupidly unfair to the MC that I have to quit at 50%. I don't read books that are so bleak that they depress me. Maybe that was the intent of the author, I don't know, but it is not for me.
November 29, 2025
A tough read at times, but a good story.
Many mysteries in a world that upon keeps expanding the more we find out. Interesting main characters, and differing ways to power up. Looking forward to reading more to see how the story, and characters, evolve. 5 stars.
Many mysteries in a world that upon keeps expanding the more we find out. Interesting main characters, and differing ways to power up. Looking forward to reading more to see how the story, and characters, evolve. 5 stars.
December 19, 2025
What an amazing start to a series
I was hooked from the first pages, the world is interesting, the fights are exciting and the charecter relationships are so believable and fun. Can't wait for the next book!
I was hooked from the first pages, the world is interesting, the fights are exciting and the charecter relationships are so believable and fun. Can't wait for the next book!
December 29, 2025
Refreshingly good
It’s not often you come across a lit rpg book that feels like it has a properly integrated power system. A fantastic start to a story that has me looking forward to the next instalments!
It’s not often you come across a lit rpg book that feels like it has a properly integrated power system. A fantastic start to a story that has me looking forward to the next instalments!
March 29, 2026
Intriguing
A sound start for a Lit RPG/ Prog fantasy series. Seems like an interesting premise, but only future books will tell when it comes to this world’s mysteries. I’ll continue this series for sure!
A sound start for a Lit RPG/ Prog fantasy series. Seems like an interesting premise, but only future books will tell when it comes to this world’s mysteries. I’ll continue this series for sure!
November 12, 2025
Greeting from Royal Road
I remember reading this story on royal rod years ago and can’t believe that I still enjoy it as much as I do.Excellent work.
I remember reading this story on royal rod years ago and can’t believe that I still enjoy it as much as I do.Excellent work.
November 17, 2025
brilliant
Weak to stronger progression was amazing. The amount of bad luck the protagonist started with was almost too much. And how he overcomes it .looking forward to next one
Weak to stronger progression was amazing. The amount of bad luck the protagonist started with was almost too much. And how he overcomes it .looking forward to next one
November 28, 2025
This book was outstanding, one of my favorites this year. Finally another cultivation series from sarah lin! Can’t wait for the next one.
November 29, 2025
Gracias Sarah Lin
didn-t-like-it
December 3, 2025Note to self: not doing it for me. And the audiobook narrator doesn't help, even sped up it's... boring? Anyway, not for me.
February 20, 2026
The MC bumbling about and being clueless for basically the whole book made me tired.
The world and it's power systems felt disjointed to me.
Had to skip pages to force myself to finish.
The world and it's power systems felt disjointed to me.
Had to skip pages to force myself to finish.
April 19, 2026
Fanfreakingtastic!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait to read the next book in this fantastic series!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait to read the next book in this fantastic series!
November 20, 2025
I picked up this book as a fan of Sarah Lin's Weirkey Chronicles and Street Cultivation, based on her name and no investigation of the plot or setting.
I've read up to around chapter 392 and have developed mixed feelings on the book. On the good side, it successfully develops a world rich with different kinds of magic that blend together in interesting ways, far better in my opinion than books like Mark of the Fool in that regard. Each arc is also quite different, including monster hunting, nation building, backstabbing. The characters have different motivations and quirks throughout. There's tension and puzzles that the characters aren't able to figure out for a long time. All signs the series should be great.
It's hard for me to pinpoint what didn't work for me. The series is annoyingly horny and the main character seems to always find himself shacking up with the hottest ladies wherever he goes and that's probably what killed the series for me. That or the main character volunteering to help out in whatever conflict. But I'm not sure I'd have liked the series even with those elements removed and I feel no desire to finish the arc or the overarching plot.
I've read up to around chapter 392 and have developed mixed feelings on the book. On the good side, it successfully develops a world rich with different kinds of magic that blend together in interesting ways, far better in my opinion than books like Mark of the Fool in that regard. Each arc is also quite different, including monster hunting, nation building, backstabbing. The characters have different motivations and quirks throughout. There's tension and puzzles that the characters aren't able to figure out for a long time. All signs the series should be great.
It's hard for me to pinpoint what didn't work for me. The series is annoyingly horny and the main character seems to always find himself shacking up with the hottest ladies wherever he goes and that's probably what killed the series for me. That or the main character volunteering to help out in whatever conflict. But I'm not sure I'd have liked the series even with those elements removed and I feel no desire to finish the arc or the overarching plot.
February 7, 2026
Sarah Lin is an excellent author (especially The Weirkey Chronicles), and I loved this unique take in Depthless Hunger on finding power where everything seems to be against you. The main character Kai struggles heavily for a lot of the book where his community, father figure, and others let him down. But he is able to forge his own path. I'm looking forward to the next one!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews