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Cradle #7
Uncrowned
Emriss Silentborn, Memory of the World.
Tiberian Arelius, the fallen Patriarch.
Akura Malice, Queen of Shadows.
Seshethkunaaz, King of Dragons.
Reigan Shen, Emperor of Lions.
Luminous Queen Sha Miara.
The Eight-Man Empire.
Northstrider.
The Monarchs, the most powerful sacred artists on Cradle, rule with unquestioned authority. They are mysterious and distant, and catching a glimpse of one is privilege enough for a lifetime. To meet one is to come face-to-face with a legend.
Now, they have all gathered in one place, bringing their heirs and greatest students together for a competition to determine whose successor is the best in the world:
The Uncrowned King tournament.
Tiberian Arelius, the fallen Patriarch.
Akura Malice, Queen of Shadows.
Seshethkunaaz, King of Dragons.
Reigan Shen, Emperor of Lions.
Luminous Queen Sha Miara.
The Eight-Man Empire.
Northstrider.
The Monarchs, the most powerful sacred artists on Cradle, rule with unquestioned authority. They are mysterious and distant, and catching a glimpse of one is privilege enough for a lifetime. To meet one is to come face-to-face with a legend.
Now, they have all gathered in one place, bringing their heirs and greatest students together for a competition to determine whose successor is the best in the world:
The Uncrowned King tournament.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2019
2601 people are currently reading
4719 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,134 reviews
November 15, 2020
4.5/5 stars
Uncrowned is filled with emotional weight, and it showcases my favorite duels in the series so far.
I have finally caught up with all the available books in the Cradle series by Will Wight. Ever since Blackflame, the third installment of the series, every book in the series has consistently received a high rating of 4.5/5 stars from me, and I’m happy to say that Uncrowned, the seventh book in the series, continues this incredibly positive trend. Frankly, if it weren’t due to the abrupt ending, Uncrowned most likely would’ve become my utmost favorite installment in the series so far. This is also why I want to thank everyone who has voiced their disappointment on the cliffhanger/abrupt ending of this book; it helped me set my expectations accordingly, and I didn’t find myself too disappointed because of it. Also, I know that a LOT of readers binge-read this series; I did that too for the first six books, but I found that staying away from the series for months before coming back to it ends up bringing better reading experience.
With this series, it’s quite interesting that I tend to find myself lingering in the middle or slightly opposite faction of the majority. For example, relatively many readers thought of Skysworn as one of the weakest books in the series; I thought it was one of the best ones. Many readers found the last chapter of Uncrowned to be a huge deal-breaker, and I didn’t mind it that much. There aren’t many similarities between the two other than both Skysworn and Uncrowned didn’t display any advancement or training montage sections. Many fans of the series loved these sections, and I’m the same at first. However, this is the seventh book already, and I must say that I’m getting bored with heavy exposures on these two elements. I’m so happy that we didn’t have many of those here, but if that’s what you’re looking for, you probably might want to keep your expectations in check.
Without giving too many details, I can say that Uncrowned mainly revolves around The Uncrowned King tournament—which turns out is hugely inspired by the Chuunin exam arc in Naruto. Shonen manga has come up with many interesting tournament/arena structure, and I’m glad to see Wight adapt it to his own story. The tournament results in bringing an exciting and action-packed installment; the duels featured in Uncrowned, in my opinion, are the best battle scenes in the series so far. There’s so much weight and emotions put into these duels, and it made the characterizations and character developments from the past seven books explode; this is especially true for Lindon and Yerin. It always feels immensely satisfying to see how far Lindon and Yerin have progressed throughout the series since their first appearance. I feel like this book, in a way, has a sense of culmination of their progress so far. The arsenal of weapons and skills that these two have accumulated throughout the series has reached a relatively huge count, and I loved reading the explosive over-the-top anime-style battles contained within the pages of this novel.
So why not a full 5 stars rating? The ending. The ending is the one thing that the majority of the readers have complained about, and I believe that their reasoning is valid. Note, I don’t mind cliffhanger endings; it’s painful to not have the next book immediately to read, but I won’t lie about the strength that a cliffhanger ending has in making me feel excited in my anticipation to read the next book of the series. The issue with the abrupt ending in Uncrowned, however, is that it felt unsatisfying; the ending felt more like the end of a normal chapter rather than the end of the book. If I hadn’t learned about this beforehand, I think I would’ve found myself disappointed by the ending further.
Honest reviews matter—even those with negative ratings—because they have the power to set people’s expectations accordingly towards a more balanced level, and this is just one out of a myriad of reasons why. That, and me taking a break from binge-reading the series, were influential to why I loved this book more. Excluding the abrupt ending aside, Uncrowned, for me, is at least as good as Underlord, maybe even more. It’s magnificent, purely entertaining, emotionally gripping, and imbued with the most awesome battle scenes in the series so far. The moment Wintersteel comes out, I’ll be reading it day one.
Sidenote:
Please read the bloopers.
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Devin, Hamad, Joie, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas.
Uncrowned is filled with emotional weight, and it showcases my favorite duels in the series so far.
I have finally caught up with all the available books in the Cradle series by Will Wight. Ever since Blackflame, the third installment of the series, every book in the series has consistently received a high rating of 4.5/5 stars from me, and I’m happy to say that Uncrowned, the seventh book in the series, continues this incredibly positive trend. Frankly, if it weren’t due to the abrupt ending, Uncrowned most likely would’ve become my utmost favorite installment in the series so far. This is also why I want to thank everyone who has voiced their disappointment on the cliffhanger/abrupt ending of this book; it helped me set my expectations accordingly, and I didn’t find myself too disappointed because of it. Also, I know that a LOT of readers binge-read this series; I did that too for the first six books, but I found that staying away from the series for months before coming back to it ends up bringing better reading experience.
“[It’s interesting how humans decide whether or not to panic by watching others,] Dross noted. [What if all of you are wrong together?]”
With this series, it’s quite interesting that I tend to find myself lingering in the middle or slightly opposite faction of the majority. For example, relatively many readers thought of Skysworn as one of the weakest books in the series; I thought it was one of the best ones. Many readers found the last chapter of Uncrowned to be a huge deal-breaker, and I didn’t mind it that much. There aren’t many similarities between the two other than both Skysworn and Uncrowned didn’t display any advancement or training montage sections. Many fans of the series loved these sections, and I’m the same at first. However, this is the seventh book already, and I must say that I’m getting bored with heavy exposures on these two elements. I’m so happy that we didn’t have many of those here, but if that’s what you’re looking for, you probably might want to keep your expectations in check.
“People always think that the way to improve your power is to push for advancement, but that’s not always true. A child and a veteran swordsman, given the same weapon, are vastly different opponents. With enough skill, there’s no reason you couldn’t do what I just did. In your own way, of course.”
Without giving too many details, I can say that Uncrowned mainly revolves around The Uncrowned King tournament—which turns out is hugely inspired by the Chuunin exam arc in Naruto. Shonen manga has come up with many interesting tournament/arena structure, and I’m glad to see Wight adapt it to his own story. The tournament results in bringing an exciting and action-packed installment; the duels featured in Uncrowned, in my opinion, are the best battle scenes in the series so far. There’s so much weight and emotions put into these duels, and it made the characterizations and character developments from the past seven books explode; this is especially true for Lindon and Yerin. It always feels immensely satisfying to see how far Lindon and Yerin have progressed throughout the series since their first appearance. I feel like this book, in a way, has a sense of culmination of their progress so far. The arsenal of weapons and skills that these two have accumulated throughout the series has reached a relatively huge count, and I loved reading the explosive over-the-top anime-style battles contained within the pages of this novel.
So why not a full 5 stars rating? The ending. The ending is the one thing that the majority of the readers have complained about, and I believe that their reasoning is valid. Note, I don’t mind cliffhanger endings; it’s painful to not have the next book immediately to read, but I won’t lie about the strength that a cliffhanger ending has in making me feel excited in my anticipation to read the next book of the series. The issue with the abrupt ending in Uncrowned, however, is that it felt unsatisfying; the ending felt more like the end of a normal chapter rather than the end of the book. If I hadn’t learned about this beforehand, I think I would’ve found myself disappointed by the ending further.
“The heavens care nothing for our plans,” she said. “When they grant their gifts, we can only try to use them to our advantage.”
Honest reviews matter—even those with negative ratings—because they have the power to set people’s expectations accordingly towards a more balanced level, and this is just one out of a myriad of reasons why. That, and me taking a break from binge-reading the series, were influential to why I loved this book more. Excluding the abrupt ending aside, Uncrowned, for me, is at least as good as Underlord, maybe even more. It’s magnificent, purely entertaining, emotionally gripping, and imbued with the most awesome battle scenes in the series so far. The moment Wintersteel comes out, I’ll be reading it day one.
Sidenote:
Please read the bloopers.
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Devin, Hamad, Joie, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas.
September 1, 2021
3rd Reading:
There is something flat about this book compared to the most of the rest of the series. This would be in my bottom 3 books. I would rate things as Skysworn as worst, Unsouled as the next book at the bottom and this would be 3rd from the botton in my opinion. It still really bugs me that the tournament was broken up and not one book and I don't feel that worked well.
There are many interesting happenings in this book, but overall, it's simply flat. I didn't like the way it started. I'm a little tired of Lindon always having to be the outsider. Even Mercy is gone so it's Lindon against the world here. They need to be a team and you would that eventually, there would be a little bonding. Lindon could at least win over a few people. I still have a hard time believing that Pride would be able to strain Lindon's madra chennel's so much. Come on. Then how could he beat them so soundly later. It's too convenient.
I do like that LIndon was able to learn so much from the Akura about combat and the fundamentals. The tournament is fun and all.
The abidan storyline is beginning to merge more and more with our story and you can see how those 2 threads will converge here soon. It's been set up since book 4, or even 1, really.
Well, since the tournament is still ongoing and we are only in the middle of it, I'm going on with book 8 to finish up this story.
2nd reading:
I did my re-read of this book and I still can't understand why Will didn't make the entire tournament 1 book. It would have been an 800 page book and that would be okay. It is a great start to the events and its easy to get hooked on the story.
No one levels up in this story. I do enjoy the first parts of the arc and the ending is amazing, but the good stuff happens in the next volume, which is one of the best books in the series.
Previously,
I call fowl. Will set up a series of events and instead of finishing that series, he ended in the middle of it to keep the book at 300ish pages. He could have let this be a 500+ page book and that would be okay.
SPoilers:
The Uncrowned Tournament is going on and we get halfway through the tournament, or a little more and just as the 4th round is starting, Will ends the book. It is so cruel.
To me, this felt a lot like Skysworn. I love this series, but both of these books are a bit of a let down. I do love the characters in this story, but there isn't enough character development in each book. We are introduced to new people and it's skimmed over their relationship.
In this story we meet Fury Akura, a Herald. He is a character and I liked him in the beginning of the story, but then Lindon asks Fury to help him choose a prize weapon and Will doesn't show us this. Why? That would have been wonderful. We didn't get any characters from the Ninecloud Court to get to know and learn about their culture. So many opportunities are missed to keep the pacing fast and always moving, but it's really beginning to hurt the story and the world building. The pace is too fast for me. I need more real moments.
We don't get enough Eithan in this story. We see the rest of the Arelius clan at the tournament and we find out that their Monarch was killed leaving the clan weak, but there are so many questions left unanswered.
I loved the first part of the story with Lindon training at the Akura compound. That could have been the whole book and that would have been a better ending spot. He can expound on information happening.
The beginning did pick up in Sacred Valley with Orthos, which I'm so happy about. We realize that Orthos is losing power. He's going from Truegold to Jade since he's been there. We also realize why Yerin Sage master was killed, because he lost his power level. Otherwise Jade could never have killed him. Somehow, something in Sacred Valley reduces people's powers in the Valley. It's a curse. I want to know more.
We also see there is a heavenly war among the Abideon and now they are recruiting more members from cradle, from the tournament.
I enjoyed the beginning of this story very much, but the ending tournament was weak I felt and the ending was false. It was not the climax of the story. He just ended it because he hit is page limits. I'm annoyed I have to wait.
Plus, I don't like it when the people don't level up. It's not as much fun. This book and Skysworn, Lindon does not level up, well, the first one too, but that's different. I think Yerin will be the 1st person to hit Overlord.
I still love the series and now I have to wait like everyone else for the next book. I would love for Will to publish two this year like 2019. I am hungry for more.
There is something flat about this book compared to the most of the rest of the series. This would be in my bottom 3 books. I would rate things as Skysworn as worst, Unsouled as the next book at the bottom and this would be 3rd from the botton in my opinion. It still really bugs me that the tournament was broken up and not one book and I don't feel that worked well.
There are many interesting happenings in this book, but overall, it's simply flat. I didn't like the way it started. I'm a little tired of Lindon always having to be the outsider. Even Mercy is gone so it's Lindon against the world here. They need to be a team and you would that eventually, there would be a little bonding. Lindon could at least win over a few people. I still have a hard time believing that Pride would be able to strain Lindon's madra chennel's so much. Come on. Then how could he beat them so soundly later. It's too convenient.
I do like that LIndon was able to learn so much from the Akura about combat and the fundamentals. The tournament is fun and all.
The abidan storyline is beginning to merge more and more with our story and you can see how those 2 threads will converge here soon. It's been set up since book 4, or even 1, really.
Well, since the tournament is still ongoing and we are only in the middle of it, I'm going on with book 8 to finish up this story.
2nd reading:
I did my re-read of this book and I still can't understand why Will didn't make the entire tournament 1 book. It would have been an 800 page book and that would be okay. It is a great start to the events and its easy to get hooked on the story.
No one levels up in this story. I do enjoy the first parts of the arc and the ending is amazing, but the good stuff happens in the next volume, which is one of the best books in the series.
Previously,
I call fowl. Will set up a series of events and instead of finishing that series, he ended in the middle of it to keep the book at 300ish pages. He could have let this be a 500+ page book and that would be okay.
SPoilers:
The Uncrowned Tournament is going on and we get halfway through the tournament, or a little more and just as the 4th round is starting, Will ends the book. It is so cruel.
To me, this felt a lot like Skysworn. I love this series, but both of these books are a bit of a let down. I do love the characters in this story, but there isn't enough character development in each book. We are introduced to new people and it's skimmed over their relationship.
In this story we meet Fury Akura, a Herald. He is a character and I liked him in the beginning of the story, but then Lindon asks Fury to help him choose a prize weapon and Will doesn't show us this. Why? That would have been wonderful. We didn't get any characters from the Ninecloud Court to get to know and learn about their culture. So many opportunities are missed to keep the pacing fast and always moving, but it's really beginning to hurt the story and the world building. The pace is too fast for me. I need more real moments.
We don't get enough Eithan in this story. We see the rest of the Arelius clan at the tournament and we find out that their Monarch was killed leaving the clan weak, but there are so many questions left unanswered.
I loved the first part of the story with Lindon training at the Akura compound. That could have been the whole book and that would have been a better ending spot. He can expound on information happening.
The beginning did pick up in Sacred Valley with Orthos, which I'm so happy about. We realize that Orthos is losing power. He's going from Truegold to Jade since he's been there. We also realize why Yerin Sage master was killed, because he lost his power level. Otherwise Jade could never have killed him. Somehow, something in Sacred Valley reduces people's powers in the Valley. It's a curse. I want to know more.
We also see there is a heavenly war among the Abideon and now they are recruiting more members from cradle, from the tournament.
I enjoyed the beginning of this story very much, but the ending tournament was weak I felt and the ending was false. It was not the climax of the story. He just ended it because he hit is page limits. I'm annoyed I have to wait.
Plus, I don't like it when the people don't level up. It's not as much fun. This book and Skysworn, Lindon does not level up, well, the first one too, but that's different. I think Yerin will be the 1st person to hit Overlord.
I still love the series and now I have to wait like everyone else for the next book. I would love for Will to publish two this year like 2019. I am hungry for more.
September 26, 2019
The Best Battles Yet
I was fortunate enough to be a beta reader for this book, and I consider it to be the strongest book in the series to date.
There’s a lot to love in Uncrowned. I’m a big fan of tournament arcs in general, and this one draws from clear inspiration from classics like the Chunin Exams in Naruto, the Hunter Exams in Hunter x Hunter, etc.
Pacing wise, the beginning of the story is a little bit slower, giving us some time to focus on training and character exploration. Once we hit the tournament itself...things get really, amazingly explosive, and never really slow down. It’s fantastic.
We get a great introduction to some of the key antagonists early on (some familiar, some new) and that helps show us the potential threats and stakes of the tournament.
Aside from the obvious tournament matches themselves, we also get to a better idea of some of the greater powers in the world and how they might be threats to the protagonists — both immediately and in the longer-term future.
I don’t want to spoil much, but I feel like Yerin, Eithan, and Lindon all get really great chances to shine in this one. I’m also loving the hints of what we’ll be seeing in the future with them – and there’s some *big* stuff this time around.
We also get some twists in here which managed to catch me off guard. I was extremely pleased, and I hope to see more twists like them in the future.
All in all, this was a fantastic book, and I’m already itching for the next one.
I was fortunate enough to be a beta reader for this book, and I consider it to be the strongest book in the series to date.
There’s a lot to love in Uncrowned. I’m a big fan of tournament arcs in general, and this one draws from clear inspiration from classics like the Chunin Exams in Naruto, the Hunter Exams in Hunter x Hunter, etc.
Pacing wise, the beginning of the story is a little bit slower, giving us some time to focus on training and character exploration. Once we hit the tournament itself...things get really, amazingly explosive, and never really slow down. It’s fantastic.
We get a great introduction to some of the key antagonists early on (some familiar, some new) and that helps show us the potential threats and stakes of the tournament.
Aside from the obvious tournament matches themselves, we also get to a better idea of some of the greater powers in the world and how they might be threats to the protagonists — both immediately and in the longer-term future.
I don’t want to spoil much, but I feel like Yerin, Eithan, and Lindon all get really great chances to shine in this one. I’m also loving the hints of what we’ll be seeing in the future with them – and there’s some *big* stuff this time around.
We also get some twists in here which managed to catch me off guard. I was extremely pleased, and I hope to see more twists like them in the future.
All in all, this was a fantastic book, and I’m already itching for the next one.
September 27, 2019
Unfinished- ONLY buy this book if you are a previous fan
Honestly I’m a huge fan of Will Wight and I was anticipating this book since underlord was released. But boy does it disappoint. The fight scenes are average. The story is completely unfinished. Cliff hangers don’t belong in a book that’s only 200 pages. At the very least with such a short read I would want the book called “uncrowned” to have a winner if the uncrowned tournament. But no it took a whole book to get no where. Don’t get this book if you have just discovered cradle series.
Honestly I’m a huge fan of Will Wight and I was anticipating this book since underlord was released. But boy does it disappoint. The fight scenes are average. The story is completely unfinished. Cliff hangers don’t belong in a book that’s only 200 pages. At the very least with such a short read I would want the book called “uncrowned” to have a winner if the uncrowned tournament. But no it took a whole book to get no where. Don’t get this book if you have just discovered cradle series.
December 25, 2020
I admit it. The reason I didn't like this book might be because my expectations were too high. I have really enjoyed the series so far. This isn't a horrible book, but I rate after my enjoyment and I didn't like it so I will only give it one star. I finished the book feeling "Was that it? What about all that other stuff? Don't we at least get some partial resolution?". I was pretty annoyed and disappointed. The first part was boring, the tournament wasn't my thing and the ending disappointing. The story failed to have an impact on me despite everyone hitting harder and harder. I'm told the MC gets stronger but I never really saw it as I did with other characters. Also, there were way too many loose ends. Some from previous books, but also some that were built up in the first part never to be seen again. Made the story feel very incomplete and unsatisfying. The multiple (yes, not just one or two) cliffhangers at the end didn't help. This isn't a complete story despite it being a full-length book and I wish I hadn't read it before the next one was written and released.
January 30, 2021
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Unsouled ★★★ 3/4
Soulsmith ★★★ 1/2
Blackflame ★★★★
Skysworn ★★★★ 1/4
Ghostwater ★★★★
Underlord ★★★★ 1/4
Uncrowned ★★★★ 1/2
The Cradle series is definitely getting better and I am enjoying it more I read of it! As soon as I saw the synopsis of Uncrowned, I knew I was going to enjoy it! I just like tournaments and the idea of meeting the Monarchs at last is amazing. my feeling was right because Uncrowned ended up being my favorite in the series so far.
I don’t know what a review for a 7th book would add to my previous reviews because the writing is as entertaining as ever, the author has a mix between humor and seriousness that I really enjoy, the addition of Dross in Ghostwater was a very good choice and it definitely increased the funny tone in the story.
The characters are great and since it is a progressive fantasy, that’s what we are getting, the characters keep improving and growing towards better and stronger characters. I almost care about all of them right now and the backstories that are told through the iterations are one of my favorite parts when it comes to the series.
The sixth book prepared us for the tournament and this book is when the tournament starts and I am saying starts because it does not finish and the book ends abruptly with a cliffhanger which I don’t mind but I can see some fans doing so! The eighth book is supposed to be the continuation of the tournament and in my opinion it is better to binge those two volume together.
Summary: Uncrowned is my favorite in the series so far with lots of action, many great characters, the same simple and funny writing and fast pacing. Already started Wintersteel.
“The heavens care nothing for our plans,” she said. “When they grant their gifts, we can only try to use them to our advantage.”
Unsouled ★★★ 3/4
Soulsmith ★★★ 1/2
Blackflame ★★★★
Skysworn ★★★★ 1/4
Ghostwater ★★★★
Underlord ★★★★ 1/4
Uncrowned ★★★★ 1/2
The Cradle series is definitely getting better and I am enjoying it more I read of it! As soon as I saw the synopsis of Uncrowned, I knew I was going to enjoy it! I just like tournaments and the idea of meeting the Monarchs at last is amazing. my feeling was right because Uncrowned ended up being my favorite in the series so far.
I don’t know what a review for a 7th book would add to my previous reviews because the writing is as entertaining as ever, the author has a mix between humor and seriousness that I really enjoy, the addition of Dross in Ghostwater was a very good choice and it definitely increased the funny tone in the story.
The characters are great and since it is a progressive fantasy, that’s what we are getting, the characters keep improving and growing towards better and stronger characters. I almost care about all of them right now and the backstories that are told through the iterations are one of my favorite parts when it comes to the series.
The sixth book prepared us for the tournament and this book is when the tournament starts and I am saying starts because it does not finish and the book ends abruptly with a cliffhanger which I don’t mind but I can see some fans doing so! The eighth book is supposed to be the continuation of the tournament and in my opinion it is better to binge those two volume together.
Summary: Uncrowned is my favorite in the series so far with lots of action, many great characters, the same simple and funny writing and fast pacing. Already started Wintersteel.
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June 23, 2023
I have always felt that characters are the true magic in any story. Naturally, plot and world building are also essential for a book to work - but give me characters to love and to watch grow and you’ve made me happy. (I’m sure most of you agree.) Sometimes it may take me a while – sometimes I even need a re-read to irrevocably fall for the characters – but once I do, you'll have a life-long, faithful fan.
I now am a life-long, faithful fan of Cradle. No re-read necessary! (But probably in my future.)
Spoilers below!
Lindon especially has become so dear to me - in general and in this book particularly. Watching him take beating after beating by the Akuras in preparation for the tournament was painful, even if it proved extremely effective in the end; Lindon has shown himself to not only be resourceful and resilient, but extremely clever and far-sighted. I especially liked that he trained without using Dross (his sort of atium shadow) to aid him because I dreaded that he would be forced to fight without using him some day and end up being totally outmatched. Seeing him all humble - as is his way - in the face of defeat and then finally beat them all soundly was beyond satisfying. I also don’t think I could have stood more condescension from others like Pride any longer. And then to see him finally give his all and be defeated by Yerin, of all people, really hit me hard. Though to be fair, that fight was a true dilemma; I wanted both of them to win.
Now, what’s next? Dross is revealed to Northstrider? Yerin wins it all? More advancements coming our way? I can’t wait to find out!
Onward!
PS: Because of a severe reading slump – through no fault of this book (!) – I read this over the space of two weeks. For some reason I didn’t take my usual notes, which is why this is sadly one of my shorter reviews. Oh well. Won’t be the last time this happens.
1 Unsouled – 4 stars
2 Soulsmith – 3.75 stars
3 Blackflame – 4.25 stars
4 Skysworn – 4.5 stars
5 Ghostwater – 4.5 stars
6 Underlord – 4.25 stars
7 Uncrowned – 4.5 stars
I now am a life-long, faithful fan of Cradle. No re-read necessary! (But probably in my future.)
Spoilers below!
Lindon especially has become so dear to me - in general and in this book particularly. Watching him take beating after beating by the Akuras in preparation for the tournament was painful, even if it proved extremely effective in the end; Lindon has shown himself to not only be resourceful and resilient, but extremely clever and far-sighted. I especially liked that he trained without using Dross (his sort of atium shadow) to aid him because I dreaded that he would be forced to fight without using him some day and end up being totally outmatched. Seeing him all humble - as is his way - in the face of defeat and then finally beat them all soundly was beyond satisfying. I also don’t think I could have stood more condescension from others like Pride any longer. And then to see him finally give his all and be defeated by Yerin, of all people, really hit me hard. Though to be fair, that fight was a true dilemma; I wanted both of them to win.
Now, what’s next? Dross is revealed to Northstrider? Yerin wins it all? More advancements coming our way? I can’t wait to find out!
Onward!
PS: Because of a severe reading slump – through no fault of this book (!) – I read this over the space of two weeks. For some reason I didn’t take my usual notes, which is why this is sadly one of my shorter reviews. Oh well. Won’t be the last time this happens.
1 Unsouled – 4 stars
2 Soulsmith – 3.75 stars
3 Blackflame – 4.25 stars
4 Skysworn – 4.5 stars
5 Ghostwater – 4.5 stars
6 Underlord – 4.25 stars
7 Uncrowned – 4.5 stars
March 14, 2023
Every few years the Monarch's gather their strongest young underlords and have them battle in the Uncrowned King Tournament. These fights aren't simply a matter of pride, they determine what happens in each of the Monarch's lands going forward.
Uncrowned was a good book overall, but until the very end it didn't present the same weight to it as the prior books. The importance of the tournament is certainly mentioned, but it's hard to have a true understanding when the full balance of power hasn't been displayed. None of the books have put on display the tension betweens nations outside of the Dreadgod Bleeding Phoenix's attack. We are told the golden dragons are extremely dangerous and we witness a little of that in the book, but not enough to give the tournament the weight that Akura Charity tried to press into Lindon.
While the previous books focused significantly on advancement, this book focused on refinement. It starts early as Eithan and Yerin are sparring. He shocks her with his abilities and says, "People think that the way to improve your power is to push for advancement, but that's not always true. A child and a veteran swordsman, given the same weapon are vastly different opponents." That as much as anything is what pushes the book forward. Characters growing in skill rather than advancing.
Uncrowned while not being what I had anticipated, was still quite good.
Uncrowned was a good book overall, but until the very end it didn't present the same weight to it as the prior books. The importance of the tournament is certainly mentioned, but it's hard to have a true understanding when the full balance of power hasn't been displayed. None of the books have put on display the tension betweens nations outside of the Dreadgod Bleeding Phoenix's attack. We are told the golden dragons are extremely dangerous and we witness a little of that in the book, but not enough to give the tournament the weight that Akura Charity tried to press into Lindon.
While the previous books focused significantly on advancement, this book focused on refinement. It starts early as Eithan and Yerin are sparring. He shocks her with his abilities and says, "People think that the way to improve your power is to push for advancement, but that's not always true. A child and a veteran swordsman, given the same weapon are vastly different opponents." That as much as anything is what pushes the book forward. Characters growing in skill rather than advancing.
Uncrowned while not being what I had anticipated, was still quite good.
October 5, 2020
4.5 stars.
The Cradle series has been relentlessly fun and tremendously addictive, and Uncrowned might be its best yet if not for the rather abrupt ending.
When I first read Uncrowned, I was a bit taken aback by the said ending which affected my overall opinion of the book. As such, even though I was thoroughly enjoying myself for pretty much the entire book, it ended on an oddly unfinished note that left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. With this reread and knowing what to expect, I was able to appreciate Uncrowned quite a bit more and picked up on certain cues, hints and details which I seemed to have missed the first time around when I was blasting through the book, impatient to know the outcome of the Uncrowned Tournament. This was another lesson I've learnt with my most anticipated reads and that is to try to savour the process of reading and enjoying the book when it's finally in my hands. And that is what I'll try to do when the next one, Wintersteel, is released. (Yea, right!)
The story picked up immediately after Underlord which was to me the best book in the series at that point, especially for its character development. Uncrowned actually managed to excel even further in the growth of the main characters, Lindon and Yerin. Their progression has reached the point where there's so much more at stake, be it for personal growth or a collective goal. It's so heartening to see how far these two have come since the first time they've met way back in Unsouled. What made it work so well in this book was that both of them matured and grew into their powers that they've gained in the previous book, instead of levelling up yet again (which would have been ridiculous and way too soon). Plus even in the midst of the insanely intense competition of the best Underlords on Cradle, we still get some great and emotionally awkward moments between the two of them. This I felt was a long time coming, for they certainly have earned it. Of course, Eithan was, as usual, up to something which no one could truly figure out and continued to be the most elusively entertaining character in the series.
Following the conclusion in Underlord, every reader was highly anticipating that the Uncrowned Tournament was going to be epic, and as far as I was concerned it didn't disappoint. Just the introduction of the Monarchs alone sent ripples of excitement through my spine, and it was every bit as epic and fun as I've imagined it to be. The action and duels in this book were amongst the best so far, especially the one that came right before the concluding chapter. And that was what distracted me on my first read. I simply couldn't believe that that duel would be taking place so close to the end of the book, and I sure wasn't expecting the story to end in a cliffhanger right after that superb sequence. It's a cliffhanger that completely changed the tone of the competition. As if the stakes weren't already high enough, it has just escalated to cosmic proportions. And Wintersteel couldn't come soon enough.
It took a reread for me to finally write this review. But make no mistake, regardless of how I've initially felt about the ending of Uncrowned, it's still one of the best entries of a series that is already a firm favourite of mine.
You can purchase the book or pre-order the new cover release from Book Depository (Free Shipping) | Bookshop.Org (Support Independent Bookstores | Amazon US | Amazon UK
You can find this and my other reviews at Novel Notions.
The Cradle series has been relentlessly fun and tremendously addictive, and Uncrowned might be its best yet if not for the rather abrupt ending.
When I first read Uncrowned, I was a bit taken aback by the said ending which affected my overall opinion of the book. As such, even though I was thoroughly enjoying myself for pretty much the entire book, it ended on an oddly unfinished note that left me feeling a bit unsatisfied. With this reread and knowing what to expect, I was able to appreciate Uncrowned quite a bit more and picked up on certain cues, hints and details which I seemed to have missed the first time around when I was blasting through the book, impatient to know the outcome of the Uncrowned Tournament. This was another lesson I've learnt with my most anticipated reads and that is to try to savour the process of reading and enjoying the book when it's finally in my hands. And that is what I'll try to do when the next one, Wintersteel, is released. (Yea, right!)
The story picked up immediately after Underlord which was to me the best book in the series at that point, especially for its character development. Uncrowned actually managed to excel even further in the growth of the main characters, Lindon and Yerin. Their progression has reached the point where there's so much more at stake, be it for personal growth or a collective goal. It's so heartening to see how far these two have come since the first time they've met way back in Unsouled. What made it work so well in this book was that both of them matured and grew into their powers that they've gained in the previous book, instead of levelling up yet again (which would have been ridiculous and way too soon). Plus even in the midst of the insanely intense competition of the best Underlords on Cradle, we still get some great and emotionally awkward moments between the two of them. This I felt was a long time coming, for they certainly have earned it. Of course, Eithan was, as usual, up to something which no one could truly figure out and continued to be the most elusively entertaining character in the series.
Following the conclusion in Underlord, every reader was highly anticipating that the Uncrowned Tournament was going to be epic, and as far as I was concerned it didn't disappoint. Just the introduction of the Monarchs alone sent ripples of excitement through my spine, and it was every bit as epic and fun as I've imagined it to be. The action and duels in this book were amongst the best so far, especially the one that came right before the concluding chapter. And that was what distracted me on my first read. I simply couldn't believe that that duel would be taking place so close to the end of the book, and I sure wasn't expecting the story to end in a cliffhanger right after that superb sequence. It's a cliffhanger that completely changed the tone of the competition. As if the stakes weren't already high enough, it has just escalated to cosmic proportions. And Wintersteel couldn't come soon enough.
It took a reread for me to finally write this review. But make no mistake, regardless of how I've initially felt about the ending of Uncrowned, it's still one of the best entries of a series that is already a firm favourite of mine.
You can purchase the book or pre-order the new cover release from Book Depository (Free Shipping) | Bookshop.Org (Support Independent Bookstores | Amazon US | Amazon UK
You can find this and my other reviews at Novel Notions.
July 19, 2023
Just finished this 7th instalment of Cradle as I continue my routine of reading one book from this series a month. A return to the peak of Cradle. This is amongst my favourites of the series so far!
I love how our main characters each have such drive to their story now, so that their pursuit to increase their power has drive and purpose behind it. I've felt for the last few instalments that was lacking a bit, so it was great to have that enforced. There are moments here that many hundreds of pages have built towards, and the payoff was great!
Also, a large section of this is a tournament of the best against the best. An awesome premise. And it was carried out really well. Cradle continues its run of being consistently engaging!
4.25/5 STARS
I love how our main characters each have such drive to their story now, so that their pursuit to increase their power has drive and purpose behind it. I've felt for the last few instalments that was lacking a bit, so it was great to have that enforced. There are moments here that many hundreds of pages have built towards, and the payoff was great!
Also, a large section of this is a tournament of the best against the best. An awesome premise. And it was carried out really well. Cradle continues its run of being consistently engaging!
4.25/5 STARS
May 21, 2025
This series is just amazing. I don't have much else to say. I love everything about it. The battle between Lindon and Yerin was fantastic.
Reread: Lots of good stuff. I really liked the Abidan plotline better this time around, and I know it's gonna play a big role in book 10.
Reread: Lots of good stuff. I really liked the Abidan plotline better this time around, and I know it's gonna play a big role in book 10.
October 15, 2019
This was a weak book, IMHO. Too much going on. But hey! 🎯I found a map today, at the Abidan Archives Wiki for Fandom. https://abidan-archives.fandom.com/wi...
Fantasy series. 3rd person POV -- the only way to get fictional, for me! Author plans to write a dozen books in Cradle series. That's the top of my limit for series length. I prefer fewer than 10 books, actually.
My favorite scenes in this book involved brave Little Blue and the maddened Black Flame Dragon. And Uncle Fury. I didn't care for the scene with Orthos because it was totally disrespectful of Kelsey to exclude her blind father, Jaran, from hearing Orthos tell about Lindon. A story-telling session. They just left him sitting there, alone!
I like Ziel. Poor guy. Hope Emriss can help him.
Dross needs to show another side of his personality. Not only snarky.
I put the book down multiple times. Almost gave up on it. Not enough discussion time, relationship development, or individual growth. Too many battles, difficult to visualize. And we knew nobody would die. So....
The biggest problem for me was that I couldn't visualize what was happening well enough to get a reading buzz going in my mind. The setting was simply too bizarre. A mile long bluebird making rainbows and scattering raindrops??? Also, the aspects, weapons, "magic" and battle moves of multiple contestants were too many, too varied, and too hard to "see" in my mind.
Then there were all the characters, the political relationships, and the varied plot threads. First, the plot thread involving a scythe thief in Abidan and the Hound of Heaven. Then the plot thread at the Sacred Valley, with Orthos (which was much too brief). And also the main plot thread with the tournament itself. Which ended abruptly with no winner at the end of the book. None of these three issues made any good progress or came near to resolution. The book ended suddenly. I worked hard to finish it despite the cognitive visualization challenge, and at the end, it let me down.
I was fine with the author's decision regarding the contest between Yerin and Lindon.
I may stop reading this series. It's too piecemeal for me. The plot, too fragmented. Beginning to feel like a tease. By book 7, I should have a firm grip on some plot threads. Between books, across the years, I barely can remember half the fragmented stuff we gradually learn about the Abidan.
Fantasy series. 3rd person POV -- the only way to get fictional, for me! Author plans to write a dozen books in Cradle series. That's the top of my limit for series length. I prefer fewer than 10 books, actually.
My favorite scenes in this book involved brave Little Blue and the maddened Black Flame Dragon. And Uncle Fury. I didn't care for the scene with Orthos because it was totally disrespectful of Kelsey to exclude her blind father, Jaran, from hearing Orthos tell about Lindon. A story-telling session. They just left him sitting there, alone!
I like Ziel. Poor guy. Hope Emriss can help him.
Dross needs to show another side of his personality. Not only snarky.
I put the book down multiple times. Almost gave up on it. Not enough discussion time, relationship development, or individual growth. Too many battles, difficult to visualize. And we knew nobody would die. So....
The biggest problem for me was that I couldn't visualize what was happening well enough to get a reading buzz going in my mind. The setting was simply too bizarre. A mile long bluebird making rainbows and scattering raindrops??? Also, the aspects, weapons, "magic" and battle moves of multiple contestants were too many, too varied, and too hard to "see" in my mind.
Then there were all the characters, the political relationships, and the varied plot threads. First, the plot thread involving a scythe thief in Abidan and the Hound of Heaven. Then the plot thread at the Sacred Valley, with Orthos (which was much too brief). And also the main plot thread with the tournament itself. Which ended abruptly with no winner at the end of the book. None of these three issues made any good progress or came near to resolution. The book ended suddenly. I worked hard to finish it despite the cognitive visualization challenge, and at the end, it let me down.
I was fine with the author's decision regarding the contest between Yerin and Lindon.
I may stop reading this series. It's too piecemeal for me. The plot, too fragmented. Beginning to feel like a tease. By book 7, I should have a firm grip on some plot threads. Between books, across the years, I barely can remember half the fragmented stuff we gradually learn about the Abidan.
May 3, 2022
Uncrowned is the seventh book in The Cradle series, it began just where Underlord ended with Lindon on the Akura team and Yerin on the Blackflame team.
Just like the previous books in the series, the author introduces more characters and more of the world and Abiden, I know more about the Abidan and their purpose now but I still need more information.
This book is a part of a dual, because the book ended before the tournament ended so I’m guessing the next book will have the ending and conclusion of the tournament. There’s also lots of information about the other Monarchs and their faction, there’s a whole lots of politics there.
The book began with London training with the Akura clan, it was hard but it’s London he pushed through, I love that Charity choose him. There’s also some about Yerin, Eithan and Naru training, I like their training also.
Moving on they all made it into the Uncrowned tournament and met the requirements that said all contestants should be an Underlord and not more than thirty five years old. The writing, depiction and actions sequence is like nothing I’ve ever read before, the book is somewhat anime style but the tournament is like an anime duel, I love it. The tournament has different levels in which the competitors that didn’t finish on time were eliminated from the tournament.
Each Monarch brought their own contestants and representative, the Monarch with the winner will determine the strongest faction, what pressure.
I love the characters in this book so much, I’m torn between Yerin and Lindon, I love them both and can’t pick a favorite. I also like Mercy and of course Eithan.
Just like the previous books in the series, the author introduces more characters and more of the world and Abiden, I know more about the Abidan and their purpose now but I still need more information.
This book is a part of a dual, because the book ended before the tournament ended so I’m guessing the next book will have the ending and conclusion of the tournament. There’s also lots of information about the other Monarchs and their faction, there’s a whole lots of politics there.
The book began with London training with the Akura clan, it was hard but it’s London he pushed through, I love that Charity choose him. There’s also some about Yerin, Eithan and Naru training, I like their training also.
Moving on they all made it into the Uncrowned tournament and met the requirements that said all contestants should be an Underlord and not more than thirty five years old. The writing, depiction and actions sequence is like nothing I’ve ever read before, the book is somewhat anime style but the tournament is like an anime duel, I love it. The tournament has different levels in which the competitors that didn’t finish on time were eliminated from the tournament.
Each Monarch brought their own contestants and representative, the Monarch with the winner will determine the strongest faction, what pressure.
I love the characters in this book so much, I’m torn between Yerin and Lindon, I love them both and can’t pick a favorite. I also like Mercy and of course Eithan.
September 27, 2019
Disappointing
Very little actually happens. He trains for the tournament with the Akura clan. They are mean he beats them gains respect. They go to the tournament on the way bad things almost happen but not really because you know they will pull through. Yerrin almost goes through some character development with a Sage who is connected to her master but pushes it aside. Tournament starts they do well. Strong people do strong stuff. Lindon trains for ultimate fight a twist happens has epic fight. They could build their relationship based of things that happens in the fight but they don't because big boss interrupts and drops a cliff hanger. End book. No real character development. Maybe like two moments of struggle. Maybe two meaningful conversations are had in the entire book.
I still love the fight scenes and they are well described. I still look forward to the next book. I just want more.
Very little actually happens. He trains for the tournament with the Akura clan. They are mean he beats them gains respect. They go to the tournament on the way bad things almost happen but not really because you know they will pull through. Yerrin almost goes through some character development with a Sage who is connected to her master but pushes it aside. Tournament starts they do well. Strong people do strong stuff. Lindon trains for ultimate fight a twist happens has epic fight. They could build their relationship based of things that happens in the fight but they don't because big boss interrupts and drops a cliff hanger. End book. No real character development. Maybe like two moments of struggle. Maybe two meaningful conversations are had in the entire book.
I still love the fight scenes and they are well described. I still look forward to the next book. I just want more.
September 28, 2019
This is not what I've come to expect.
This book really hurt my feelings, because I love Will's novels. His engagement with his readers should be applauded, and emulated by more writers.
However.
Cliffhanger endings are an unbelievably cheap ploy. If I'd known the author would resort to this, I don't know that I would have begun this series in the first place. He did it partially in the last book, but this one was over the top.
I'm not giving this book a single star because it's a one star book. I'm giving it one star in order to even out one of the unbelievable 5 star reviews this book got. It's a 3 star book, and frankly I hope this is the low point in the entire series.
Will Wight is an incredibly likeable dude, and I'm a huge fan, but not a blind one. I hope the next story he puts out is better than this, because honestly, he's better than this.
This book really hurt my feelings, because I love Will's novels. His engagement with his readers should be applauded, and emulated by more writers.
However.
Cliffhanger endings are an unbelievably cheap ploy. If I'd known the author would resort to this, I don't know that I would have begun this series in the first place. He did it partially in the last book, but this one was over the top.
I'm not giving this book a single star because it's a one star book. I'm giving it one star in order to even out one of the unbelievable 5 star reviews this book got. It's a 3 star book, and frankly I hope this is the low point in the entire series.
Will Wight is an incredibly likeable dude, and I'm a huge fan, but not a blind one. I hope the next story he puts out is better than this, because honestly, he's better than this.
November 18, 2019
In all truth, this would have gotten 5 stars easily but I cannot give it. I can't say that it sputtered, as the final chapters were emotional, my heart sunk, then rose, only to sink again and then explode.
The penultimate chapter may or may not be negated by the final chapter, only time or Wintersteel will tell. It ends with 3 massive cliff hangers, the cheapest of tricks. Will Wight is better than this.
This is the first Cradle book where I feel a little cheated. Usually there is some conclusion to alleviate the wait until the next book but as it stands now. We will only know how this book was supposed to end in Wintersteel.
Too many things to spoil but honestly the last few chapters, burned my spirit.
Can we also have a discussion about Sha Miara, what the hell is up with that?
Rated 3.5 Stars
The penultimate chapter may or may not be negated by the final chapter, only time or Wintersteel will tell. It ends with 3 massive cliff hangers, the cheapest of tricks. Will Wight is better than this.
This is the first Cradle book where I feel a little cheated. Usually there is some conclusion to alleviate the wait until the next book but as it stands now. We will only know how this book was supposed to end in Wintersteel.
Too many things to spoil but honestly the last few chapters, burned my spirit.
Can we also have a discussion about Sha Miara, what the hell is up with that?
Rated 3.5 Stars
September 2, 2025
5.0 stars---
September 29, 2019
A lot of mixed feelings.
Most of the book was amazing, with revelations about stages past underlord, and confirming many fan theories and speculations. I loved the amazing battles and continued character development.
However, there was a huge plot twist at the end of the book that made the ending feel rushed. Uncrowned feels like the first half of 2 books because it covers the Uncrowned tournament till the last elimination round, instead of to the tournament's proper conclusion. The earlier books had much more satisfying endings.
We also see the sudden advancement of the background Abidan galactic conflict plot right at the end. I'm really looking forward to reading how Will manages the growing complexity of the series in upcoming books.
While this isn't my favourite entry in the series, it is still a great book.
Most of the book was amazing, with revelations about stages past underlord, and confirming many fan theories and speculations. I loved the amazing battles and continued character development.
However, there was a huge plot twist at the end of the book that made the ending feel rushed. Uncrowned feels like the first half of 2 books because it covers the Uncrowned tournament till the last elimination round, instead of to the tournament's proper conclusion. The earlier books had much more satisfying endings.
We also see the sudden advancement of the background Abidan galactic conflict plot right at the end. I'm really looking forward to reading how Will manages the growing complexity of the series in upcoming books.
While this isn't my favourite entry in the series, it is still a great book.
May 19, 2022
3.5 stars. The level ups and the action were great, but it was a little bogged down by info dumps. FULL RTC
December 18, 2023
4.5 stars.
I can’t get enough of this series! This was great. Loved the tournament and all the battles. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book. The side plot with Abidan is finally starting to merge with the main plot and I’m excited to see what follows.
I can’t get enough of this series! This was great. Loved the tournament and all the battles. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book. The side plot with Abidan is finally starting to merge with the main plot and I’m excited to see what follows.
July 22, 2022
Not my favorite installment. It didn't feel quite as focused. Monarch tournament stuff DID seem like a good idea and there were cool spots in the novel, but it didn't grab me nearly as much as anything else that came before it.
At this point, I just want some god-slaying. :)
At this point, I just want some god-slaying. :)
October 5, 2020
Reread in preparation for Wintersteel, and to quote Akura Fury:
“These kids are amazing, aren't they? I can't wait!”
Another absolutely brilliant installment from Will Wight that is fun distilled into book form. If you have not yet tried this series, what are you waiting for? All 7 ebooks are currently free on Amazon for three days!
Here's a link to the series on amazon - Amazon
Another absolutely brilliant installment from Will Wight that is fun distilled into book form. If you have not yet tried this series, what are you waiting for? All 7 ebooks are currently free on Amazon for three days!
Here's a link to the series on amazon - Amazon
September 26, 2019
Great story disappointing ending
A step forward in the storyline but I’m left with the feeling of not wanting to read the next book
A step forward in the storyline but I’m left with the feeling of not wanting to read the next book
September 27, 2019
Not bad but not great either.
Uncrowned felt like half a book.
Slight spoilers:
Lindon's training could have been way more detailed. We don't get to see him developing his techniques at all really.
There's several times when more time spent on scenes instead of time skipping would have been nice, for example, in the tournament when's he's rewarded with his choice of weapon we don't even get to see him in the weapon hall making his choice.
Then it ends in the middle of the tournament with some deus ex machina from Yerin who somehow can activate Archlord bindings and touch the way, even if only briefly.
In my opinion Will should take longer between his releases so he can write longer more developed books. I love cradle but they're more novellas than novels. Overall it's not Will's best work. I'm still a fan and hopeful that he'll continue to grow as an author.
Uncrowned felt like half a book.
Slight spoilers:
Lindon's training could have been way more detailed. We don't get to see him developing his techniques at all really.
There's several times when more time spent on scenes instead of time skipping would have been nice, for example, in the tournament when's he's rewarded with his choice of weapon we don't even get to see him in the weapon hall making his choice.
Then it ends in the middle of the tournament with some deus ex machina from Yerin who somehow can activate Archlord bindings and touch the way, even if only briefly.
In my opinion Will should take longer between his releases so he can write longer more developed books. I love cradle but they're more novellas than novels. Overall it's not Will's best work. I'm still a fan and hopeful that he'll continue to grow as an author.
November 10, 2019
Uncrowned is a return to form for the Cradle series after the pause with Ghostwater. Where Ghostwater did a lot of setting up for the latter half of the series, Uncrowned starts (I think) the next phase.
It is fun, exciting and ends on a cliff-hanger. From a plot or character arc perspective, there are incremental developments - I would say as much as the kind of progression we saw in the earlier books.
Cradle fans will not be disappointed with Uncrowned. Go for it.
It is fun, exciting and ends on a cliff-hanger. From a plot or character arc perspective, there are incremental developments - I would say as much as the kind of progression we saw in the earlier books.
Cradle fans will not be disappointed with Uncrowned. Go for it.
April 30, 2021
3 Stars
This was over way too fast. Still a good continuation to the story, even though I feel like we haven't really gotten any further. Also I just can't stand cliffhanger endings...
This was over way too fast. Still a good continuation to the story, even though I feel like we haven't really gotten any further. Also I just can't stand cliffhanger endings...
January 13, 2023
Okay, okay, I see why everyone was so hype about getting to this point in the story. Stuff is cookin'. And Lyndon and company are in for a wild book 8. I wasn't sure what I wanted to happen in this book, but I think the ending was deserved, and we're finally connecting some wildly hung narrative strings. I'm stoked to continue the series!
December 19, 2023
Continuing the Cradle journey. Good to see some more character development, but really this one was pushed from 3 stars to 4 stars on the final fight alone.
September 27, 2019
Failure to launch (minor spoilers)
One of the things that had me excited about Uncrowned was that the MC (Lindon) was finally going to leave his cultivation "home"/parents and become his own man (adult self). We did not get this. Instead we got a continuation of the underdog (child). Adult children are not attractive.
The perfect illustration of this is when the MC "moves out", he literally hides in a relative's basement and plays computer games. Oh, and lets himself get bullied daily. He could have been an adult and earnt the respect of his peers, built a team and maybe even discovered/built a unique ability with said team. Instead he ignores and then humiliates his peers - what a guy!
Dross is another lost opportunity - the over protective (negative/sarcastic) inner voice we all have to transform (positive/coach) if we are to reach greatness. Instead Dross is played for laughs.
If we consider Eithan the cultivation father and Yerin the cultivation mother for Lindon, then Lindon and Yerin seems a bit Oedipal doesn't it? And this continues the theme of failing to launch into adulthood...
One of the things that had me excited about Uncrowned was that the MC (Lindon) was finally going to leave his cultivation "home"/parents and become his own man (adult self). We did not get this. Instead we got a continuation of the underdog (child). Adult children are not attractive.
The perfect illustration of this is when the MC "moves out", he literally hides in a relative's basement and plays computer games. Oh, and lets himself get bullied daily. He could have been an adult and earnt the respect of his peers, built a team and maybe even discovered/built a unique ability with said team. Instead he ignores and then humiliates his peers - what a guy!
Dross is another lost opportunity - the over protective (negative/sarcastic) inner voice we all have to transform (positive/coach) if we are to reach greatness. Instead Dross is played for laughs.
If we consider Eithan the cultivation father and Yerin the cultivation mother for Lindon, then Lindon and Yerin seems a bit Oedipal doesn't it? And this continues the theme of failing to launch into adulthood...
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