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Soulship #1
First Orbit
To save his best friend and help her overthrow a tyrannical government, Jasper Cloud
must use his newfound power to repair both himself and the star ship that made her.
Jasper Cloud is the final non-person on Earth, the orphan son of the last two executed citizens in the Global Republic. He struggles daily to survive in a world where old knowledge is now illegal.
When a new light appears in the night sky, his only friend suddenly becomes a young woman with the power to undo the current reign of tyranny. But hidden enemies are already waiting, both for her and the ship empowering her.
Jasper slips through the cracks of their trap, empowered as well. If he is careful, he can refine his newfound strength further, repair the damaged ship, and rescue the woman now determined to tear down the corrupt Republic with her bare hands.
Provided he can survive, that is.
Will Wight's Cradle cultivation series meets George Orwell's 1984. Hope you enjoy.
must use his newfound power to repair both himself and the star ship that made her.
Jasper Cloud is the final non-person on Earth, the orphan son of the last two executed citizens in the Global Republic. He struggles daily to survive in a world where old knowledge is now illegal.
When a new light appears in the night sky, his only friend suddenly becomes a young woman with the power to undo the current reign of tyranny. But hidden enemies are already waiting, both for her and the ship empowering her.
Jasper slips through the cracks of their trap, empowered as well. If he is careful, he can refine his newfound strength further, repair the damaged ship, and rescue the woman now determined to tear down the corrupt Republic with her bare hands.
Provided he can survive, that is.
Will Wight's Cradle cultivation series meets George Orwell's 1984. Hope you enjoy.
219 pages, ebook
Published September 11, 2019
799 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
October 8, 2019
Not my favorite twist on cultivation theme
Conflicted on this novel. It is ultimately an intro cultivation novel. You get the main character learning to cultivate essence, mana, and Qi. You get relatively standard character skill development (not that detailed). What makes it feel unique is the world and the interactions with the ship, one of the other major characters. But as I read it, I struggled with both.
The world, which is Earth, is rather dystopian. But the rate and route to this dystopia seems a bit unbelievable. I also struggle to understand how it remained untouched compared based on people’s abilities to travel.
Mostly that is nitpicky. I struggled more with the interactions of the MC and the ship. Both are broken characters, one physically and the other mentally. The way they connect feels like it is close to right at times. But it is then unrelenting and forced. I didn’t want to really read more. I finished but am not excited to read the next. Maybe it will resonate better for you.
Conflicted on this novel. It is ultimately an intro cultivation novel. You get the main character learning to cultivate essence, mana, and Qi. You get relatively standard character skill development (not that detailed). What makes it feel unique is the world and the interactions with the ship, one of the other major characters. But as I read it, I struggled with both.
The world, which is Earth, is rather dystopian. But the rate and route to this dystopia seems a bit unbelievable. I also struggle to understand how it remained untouched compared based on people’s abilities to travel.
Mostly that is nitpicky. I struggled more with the interactions of the MC and the ship. Both are broken characters, one physically and the other mentally. The way they connect feels like it is close to right at times. But it is then unrelenting and forced. I didn’t want to really read more. I finished but am not excited to read the next. Maybe it will resonate better for you.
January 15, 2020
Shallow. Poor exposition and rough plot get in the way of the storytelling.
The characters are okay, but since this is such a brief book, almost no development takes place.
I am sure the author will expand this in future books, but as far as this one book is concerned, we don't get a whole lot. To explain my first point, there are about 8 named characters in the book, and only about half of that actually get any screen time, and one of those is a talking animal whose dialog will start to become grating after its first couple sentences. As far as plot goes, there is a great evil about and the MC must help overcome or else the entire universe blah blah blah. The exposition would go on and on through dialogue and it just didn't stop.
The characters are okay, but since this is such a brief book, almost no development takes place.
I am sure the author will expand this in future books, but as far as this one book is concerned, we don't get a whole lot. To explain my first point, there are about 8 named characters in the book, and only about half of that actually get any screen time, and one of those is a talking animal whose dialog will start to become grating after its first couple sentences. As far as plot goes, there is a great evil about and the MC must help overcome or else the entire universe blah blah blah. The exposition would go on and on through dialogue and it just didn't stop.
April 4, 2023
Childish mumbojumbo
There is a decent story hidden in the mist-mash. The author needs to tighten up his story or elaborate... we are stuck frustrating enough on the middle of an attempt to be mysterious with a very simple story concept.
There is a decent story hidden in the mist-mash. The author needs to tighten up his story or elaborate... we are stuck frustrating enough on the middle of an attempt to be mysterious with a very simple story concept.
September 11, 2019
Great fusion of genres
This was a very interesting, but most importantly, entertaining book. One one hand, we are given a strong base in the sci-fi genre. On the other, the author does a great job of incorporating a lite version of Wuxia/light novels.
Mr. Thompson does a very good job of weaving his tale while providing some cool echoes to his first (ongoing) series, Challenger's Call.
We're also given some glimpses of where the story will go from here, possibly incorporating some Gamelit elements that would tick all the boxes.
Looking forward to either the next book in this series or the next CC.
This was a very interesting, but most importantly, entertaining book. One one hand, we are given a strong base in the sci-fi genre. On the other, the author does a great job of incorporating a lite version of Wuxia/light novels.
Mr. Thompson does a very good job of weaving his tale while providing some cool echoes to his first (ongoing) series, Challenger's Call.
We're also given some glimpses of where the story will go from here, possibly incorporating some Gamelit elements that would tick all the boxes.
Looking forward to either the next book in this series or the next CC.
September 22, 2019
Fairly bland overpowered cultivator story. Doesn't have the sophisticated "system" that makes some cultivation novels interesting, it's mostly just there to move the story along and provide some foundation for powers. Characters aren't terrible, but it's not asking a whole lot from the reader. I guess that it's targeted at a YA audience, but it could still at least ask a little from its readers.
January 27, 2021
Stellar book
I was really blown away by this book. I was a big fan of the challengers series and I knew I had to try this one as well but I was initially turned off by the title. I couldn’t have been more wrong. It was intense and uplifting, I can’t recommend it enough!
I was really blown away by this book. I was a big fan of the challengers series and I knew I had to try this one as well but I was initially turned off by the title. I couldn’t have been more wrong. It was intense and uplifting, I can’t recommend it enough!
January 7, 2023
This is a review of the first three books in the series. So, first of all I'd like to affirm that the premise and the worldbuilding are kinda unique and the latter reminds me of Stargate SG-1 a lot, which is a good thing. However, the first couple of books have really awful dialogues alongside some really good ones, which leads to really inconsistent prose. However, the third book, Anchor Knight is much better written though it still has its moments of cringe-inducing writing. The magic system seems complex at first glance but it basically just serves to make the protagonists as overpowered as possible, so the complexity is essentially hollow at best.
I'm really stumped by some of the philosophising in the books. One particular instance about "earth women" not understanding "earth men" almost made me put down the book for good. It was needlessly smug, patronising and out of place in a series that had till that point tried its best to not resort to generalising crap like that.
Despite all of my issues with this series I'll still recommend it to someone looking for a decent progression fantasy story and eagerly await further developments in the series.
RATING - 2.5/5, but I'll give the books benefit of doubt as some aspects have improved over the course of the series.
I'm really stumped by some of the philosophising in the books. One particular instance about "earth women" not understanding "earth men" almost made me put down the book for good. It was needlessly smug, patronising and out of place in a series that had till that point tried its best to not resort to generalising crap like that.
Despite all of my issues with this series I'll still recommend it to someone looking for a decent progression fantasy story and eagerly await further developments in the series.
RATING - 2.5/5, but I'll give the books benefit of doubt as some aspects have improved over the course of the series.
June 27, 2022
[Our MC] Jasper Cloud is a teenage orphan, recycled through the system ever since his parents were executed by the Glorious State for terrorism nearly 10 years ago. Having been denied all the benefits in life, he’s a malnourished and skeletal figure that goes out of his way to protect others. This doesn’t make his life any easier, as the State has decided to get rid of him now that he’s ‘aged out’ of his orphanage. Our other MC is a fellow orphan, a young woman named Nova that Jasper protected at the orphanage. Thanks to his nurturing during their childhood, she was able to become an officer with the State and become a true citizen.
[Plot] Our story begins on Earth after a totalitarian police state has taken over as the world government. With the idea of suppressing all global languages, they have united the planet under English and have removed all books and media materials in favor of military service. After Jasper is kicked out of the orphanage, he is escorted to a Rehabilitation Center by Nova… before they both wise up to what ‘rehabilitation’ truly entails. During all of this, the entire city is receiving messages in illegal languages which causes the state to go on high alert. The only person that appears to be able to decipher the language is Jasper, having been taught it by his parents before they were executed for thought-crimes.
Receiving the correspondence of a disembodied voice, Jasper receives instructions to ‘activate’ Nova by showing her a phrase in one of the banned languages. After reading it Nova is suddenly activated, manifesting super-human abilities. The two of them begin to flee from the city towards a secluded spot in the woods so that the incorporeal voice can lock onto their position. It turns out that Nova is an Emissary of a Soulship, a sentient biological colony ship that previously helped to spread humanity and life throughout the universe to combat the ‘great darkness’. Jasper is merely her ‘Defender’, expected to get Nova to the teleportation point and nothing else.
Best laid plans. In a turn of events, Jasper Cloud ends up aboard a derelict soulship WITHOUT Nova in tow. After exploring the ship, he discovers a pale blue woman in a clear observable tube near the back who looks identical to Nova. With most of the soulship destroyed and the habitat infested with monsters, she reveals to Jasper that if he doesn’t help her save Nova… then the entire universe is DOOMED. Resolving himself to save both Nova and this Soulship, Jasper asks the ship to teach him…
[System] The system relies on the user intaking one of three magical sources: essence, qi or mana, with each one providing a different benefit. In most cases a ‘Practitioner’ in this universe can only tap into a single source. It’s explained in the novel that our MC is the only one on the historical record that can draw all three. To balance the magical source within yourself, Practitioners will imagine a ‘Soulscape’ which often takes on the properties of a small item or tool. By making his Soulscape a planetary body, our MC can apply each of the magical sources to a different layer of it and thus cultivate far easier than anyone else in the universe – atmosphere, oceans, and earth (not in that order).
The ranks weren’t introduced until over halfway through the book, but the first stage includes 10 sub-stages. Most people in this universe never breach the tenth substage. Qi condensation is divided into drops, tin mana stage is divided into wisps, and natal essence is divided into cracks. ‘Get ten of the same substage to advance, which will be qi Pool, Copper mana, and Wailing essence.’ It’s unclear what each stage provides but seems to be generalized as strength, speed, perception, and mental fortitude. From the very first step, Jasper appears to be able to use spells and abilities.
There’s no real rhyme or reason to the spells and abilities, being generalized to Shield and Magic Missile primarily. In addition to this, most Practitioners bond with a spirit beast to increase their abilities and affinity with their chosen source. In Jasper’s case, he finds a lifemouse which is one of the BEST available spirit beasts for advancement. This spiritbeast is far less endearing than most, as it frequently uses double words to talk. Mouse-mouse is not a strong-strong character-character.
[Final Thoughts] Did not enjoy this. In the first chapter alone, the two characters go over the entirety of their backstories, dwell on the injustices of the 1968 world, elaborate on an entire romance sub-plot and then violently introduce fantasy, sci-fi and wuxia concepts all within the same few paragraphs. The main character opts out of being a character after the first chapter, instead taking orders and cultivating while being told how overpowered he is. The author also seems to be setting up multiple romance subplots all with the same woman or versions of the same woman. If the book weren’t so fucking boring, I’d be interested to explore that if nothing else – s’different.
Every ounce of this book is provided through exposition between the Soulship (Vessa) and Jasper. The few moments when the Soulscape or spirit beasts come up are interesting, but poorly utilized. Better than Soulhome’s cultivation system, but the story and method of presentation is so terrible I must take points off. Hate to hit on this point, but so very little is shown to us but one or two rooms and one or two planets, while every ounce of the rest of the universe is told to us through Vessa. There’s definitely an interesting character dynamic here, it’s just written in such a shitty bi-polar way.
[Plot] Our story begins on Earth after a totalitarian police state has taken over as the world government. With the idea of suppressing all global languages, they have united the planet under English and have removed all books and media materials in favor of military service. After Jasper is kicked out of the orphanage, he is escorted to a Rehabilitation Center by Nova… before they both wise up to what ‘rehabilitation’ truly entails. During all of this, the entire city is receiving messages in illegal languages which causes the state to go on high alert. The only person that appears to be able to decipher the language is Jasper, having been taught it by his parents before they were executed for thought-crimes.
Receiving the correspondence of a disembodied voice, Jasper receives instructions to ‘activate’ Nova by showing her a phrase in one of the banned languages. After reading it Nova is suddenly activated, manifesting super-human abilities. The two of them begin to flee from the city towards a secluded spot in the woods so that the incorporeal voice can lock onto their position. It turns out that Nova is an Emissary of a Soulship, a sentient biological colony ship that previously helped to spread humanity and life throughout the universe to combat the ‘great darkness’. Jasper is merely her ‘Defender’, expected to get Nova to the teleportation point and nothing else.
Best laid plans. In a turn of events, Jasper Cloud ends up aboard a derelict soulship WITHOUT Nova in tow. After exploring the ship, he discovers a pale blue woman in a clear observable tube near the back who looks identical to Nova. With most of the soulship destroyed and the habitat infested with monsters, she reveals to Jasper that if he doesn’t help her save Nova… then the entire universe is DOOMED. Resolving himself to save both Nova and this Soulship, Jasper asks the ship to teach him…
[System] The system relies on the user intaking one of three magical sources: essence, qi or mana, with each one providing a different benefit. In most cases a ‘Practitioner’ in this universe can only tap into a single source. It’s explained in the novel that our MC is the only one on the historical record that can draw all three. To balance the magical source within yourself, Practitioners will imagine a ‘Soulscape’ which often takes on the properties of a small item or tool. By making his Soulscape a planetary body, our MC can apply each of the magical sources to a different layer of it and thus cultivate far easier than anyone else in the universe – atmosphere, oceans, and earth (not in that order).
The ranks weren’t introduced until over halfway through the book, but the first stage includes 10 sub-stages. Most people in this universe never breach the tenth substage. Qi condensation is divided into drops, tin mana stage is divided into wisps, and natal essence is divided into cracks. ‘Get ten of the same substage to advance, which will be qi Pool, Copper mana, and Wailing essence.’ It’s unclear what each stage provides but seems to be generalized as strength, speed, perception, and mental fortitude. From the very first step, Jasper appears to be able to use spells and abilities.
There’s no real rhyme or reason to the spells and abilities, being generalized to Shield and Magic Missile primarily. In addition to this, most Practitioners bond with a spirit beast to increase their abilities and affinity with their chosen source. In Jasper’s case, he finds a lifemouse which is one of the BEST available spirit beasts for advancement. This spiritbeast is far less endearing than most, as it frequently uses double words to talk. Mouse-mouse is not a strong-strong character-character.
[Final Thoughts] Did not enjoy this. In the first chapter alone, the two characters go over the entirety of their backstories, dwell on the injustices of the 1968 world, elaborate on an entire romance sub-plot and then violently introduce fantasy, sci-fi and wuxia concepts all within the same few paragraphs. The main character opts out of being a character after the first chapter, instead taking orders and cultivating while being told how overpowered he is. The author also seems to be setting up multiple romance subplots all with the same woman or versions of the same woman. If the book weren’t so fucking boring, I’d be interested to explore that if nothing else – s’different.
Every ounce of this book is provided through exposition between the Soulship (Vessa) and Jasper. The few moments when the Soulscape or spirit beasts come up are interesting, but poorly utilized. Better than Soulhome’s cultivation system, but the story and method of presentation is so terrible I must take points off. Hate to hit on this point, but so very little is shown to us but one or two rooms and one or two planets, while every ounce of the rest of the universe is told to us through Vessa. There’s definitely an interesting character dynamic here, it’s just written in such a shitty bi-polar way.
May 25, 2020
3.5+
There were a few spots where this story kind of stuttered a bit, or seemed to skip a thing or two, but overall I'd say this is a good story that's very light on the romance (if it turns out to be a romance it'll be slow burn but here at the end of book 1 I'm still not sure it will be).
It's an interesting premise. Earth is dystopian, there is a "magic" system, and the MC is definitely cultivating his abilities. Yes, it's a cultivation story and those are great until they stop being great and just start being repetitive. So far I'm sticking with great.
There were a few spots where this story kind of stuttered a bit, or seemed to skip a thing or two, but overall I'd say this is a good story that's very light on the romance (if it turns out to be a romance it'll be slow burn but here at the end of book 1 I'm still not sure it will be).
It's an interesting premise. Earth is dystopian, there is a "magic" system, and the MC is definitely cultivating his abilities. Yes, it's a cultivation story and those are great until they stop being great and just start being repetitive. So far I'm sticking with great.
December 20, 2020
Little bit of everything
This story shows something very rare in modern fantasy, a positive outlook. A genuine belief that there are good people that deserve to be redeemed and uplifted without being ‘preachy’. Wha’ll at the same time I shows what we could become should we not look up and aspire to be more. The magic system was revolutionary. A true blending of cultivation, magic and psionics that came out balanced and believable. This series is going to be great once Nathan catches his stride.
This story shows something very rare in modern fantasy, a positive outlook. A genuine belief that there are good people that deserve to be redeemed and uplifted without being ‘preachy’. Wha’ll at the same time I shows what we could become should we not look up and aspire to be more. The magic system was revolutionary. A true blending of cultivation, magic and psionics that came out balanced and believable. This series is going to be great once Nathan catches his stride.
March 6, 2022
I feel like there's a great story here, but its mired in bad writing. I don't want to read pages of dialogue where the characters are being overly polite, or not actually listening to each other, and nothing gets done. The description talks about repairing the ship. Yeah there's not much of that. The MC undergoes a satisfying progression, I will say that much. But while there are some cool ideas here, there's way too much I don't like or could do without to try the next book.
June 17, 2020
Excellent
Going back to do reviews. Nathan you are an excellent writer. just finished CC series (left want more).so started this series. Learning about Jason and Nova and the earth at their time hope we don’t ever get to that level of evil. I was definitely in the book need to mow the lawn. Nope reading series.
Going back to do reviews. Nathan you are an excellent writer. just finished CC series (left want more).so started this series. Learning about Jason and Nova and the earth at their time hope we don’t ever get to that level of evil. I was definitely in the book need to mow the lawn. Nope reading series.
July 19, 2020
Cultivation
This is a really fun look at a new cultivation world a mix between science-fiction and fantasy that is refreshing and a lot of fun I enjoyed the character development and I really felt just as confused as the main character most of the book but by the end I think that was the fun part.
This is a really fun look at a new cultivation world a mix between science-fiction and fantasy that is refreshing and a lot of fun I enjoyed the character development and I really felt just as confused as the main character most of the book but by the end I think that was the fun part.
November 11, 2020
Super Great!!!!!😁
Yes this story is the best I've read since Covid burned me out of reading back in the summer? It way more exciting with action with a hidden hero that had to learn what his parents trained him for??
Yes this story is the best I've read since Covid burned me out of reading back in the summer? It way more exciting with action with a hidden hero that had to learn what his parents trained him for??
February 21, 2021
Overall, it was a somewhat interesting book. I found the dialogue a little odd and it distracted me from the story, which was also kind strange, and not always internally logical. Still, it was interesting. Not sure if I will read another one.
June 5, 2020
Great book
Stellar work once again from Nathan Thompson! Lots of action and adventure, planets and mysteries. Looking forward to the next one!
Stellar work once again from Nathan Thompson! Lots of action and adventure, planets and mysteries. Looking forward to the next one!
November 16, 2022
This will be a little overall review up to the 5th book, with little to no spoilers.
Okay, So simple this series is a cultivation Wish fulfillment novel of a overpowered MC and a side female romantic partner. Now overpowered is not totally true, it's just he's stronger than anyone at his level and grows faster, so he's often fighting more powerful foes who push him. His female companion is actually stronger than him.
Now the series itself is a fun romp through the galaxy, light and not really hard in depth literature. It's not going to have tons of exposition and developing plot. It jumps from plot point to point , fight to fight at fast pace. So if you want a fun easy to read novel that has cultivation elements then this is for you.
Negatives? Plot armor abounds, unrealistic plot points such as in a whole world, he knows the one person who isn't from earth, (not a spoiler happens in the first 2 chapters) Now someone has to know her right? But his background later shown makes this highly unlikely unless there are reasons later explained.
Also this book does have a little....tad..slightly 'white knight' 'A nice guy' feel. Like some times the author goes into how bad the other males in the universe treat the women and how his character treats them with respect and manners so of course they like him. It comes off sort of creepy at times like the whole 'I'm a nice guy ,so you'll like me' attitude of the fedora wearers. If only slightly
Of course that also covers up the whole 'harem' thing going on. It's like like 20% of the story and doesn't even enter into anything real happening until the 5th book but it's still there. The whole one guy with multiple girls. Until then it's normal harem business of the girls deciding if they can share one guy type thing.
That said it's done in a unique way and it is so light in the story more like fuel he wants to become stronger to protect the women or at least help them for the ones stronger than him that is about it until book 5, perhaps in the 5th book it will get into actual physical romance but up till the 5th book he doesn't even hold hands with his potential harem or even talk to them about it. It's just a 'it's going to happen vibe'.
Now if none of that bothers you, this is a great series to read to get into cultivation, sci fi and is fast pace not getting slogged with tons of talking and interaction. It's mostly battle after battle, going from one place to the next. At most you'll have like 5-10 pages of talking before the next battle happens where in most books you can have chapters and chapters of talking and walking and talking before a fight happens or a climatic event.
All in all, Even as a person who hates romance enough to skip it in books and refuses to read harem books, I'll still read this one. I've literally in audible books skipped 3-6 hours of content of the book because it was all 'I love you' romance and yet I didn't skip a single page in this series. So take that as you will.
This is basically the blockbuster summer action movie compared to the director's cut extended addition Matrix movie where you have to pay attention to every little detail and needs re-watching.
Recommended, if not so nitpicky, just relax and enjoy.
Okay, So simple this series is a cultivation Wish fulfillment novel of a overpowered MC and a side female romantic partner. Now overpowered is not totally true, it's just he's stronger than anyone at his level and grows faster, so he's often fighting more powerful foes who push him. His female companion is actually stronger than him.
Now the series itself is a fun romp through the galaxy, light and not really hard in depth literature. It's not going to have tons of exposition and developing plot. It jumps from plot point to point , fight to fight at fast pace. So if you want a fun easy to read novel that has cultivation elements then this is for you.
Negatives? Plot armor abounds, unrealistic plot points such as in a whole world, he knows the one person who isn't from earth, (not a spoiler happens in the first 2 chapters) Now someone has to know her right? But his background later shown makes this highly unlikely unless there are reasons later explained.
Also this book does have a little....tad..slightly 'white knight' 'A nice guy' feel. Like some times the author goes into how bad the other males in the universe treat the women and how his character treats them with respect and manners so of course they like him. It comes off sort of creepy at times like the whole 'I'm a nice guy ,so you'll like me' attitude of the fedora wearers. If only slightly
Of course that also covers up the whole 'harem' thing going on. It's like like 20% of the story and doesn't even enter into anything real happening until the 5th book but it's still there. The whole one guy with multiple girls. Until then it's normal harem business of the girls deciding if they can share one guy type thing.
That said it's done in a unique way and it is so light in the story more like fuel he wants to become stronger to protect the women or at least help them for the ones stronger than him that is about it until book 5, perhaps in the 5th book it will get into actual physical romance but up till the 5th book he doesn't even hold hands with his potential harem or even talk to them about it. It's just a 'it's going to happen vibe'.
Now if none of that bothers you, this is a great series to read to get into cultivation, sci fi and is fast pace not getting slogged with tons of talking and interaction. It's mostly battle after battle, going from one place to the next. At most you'll have like 5-10 pages of talking before the next battle happens where in most books you can have chapters and chapters of talking and walking and talking before a fight happens or a climatic event.
All in all, Even as a person who hates romance enough to skip it in books and refuses to read harem books, I'll still read this one. I've literally in audible books skipped 3-6 hours of content of the book because it was all 'I love you' romance and yet I didn't skip a single page in this series. So take that as you will.
This is basically the blockbuster summer action movie compared to the director's cut extended addition Matrix movie where you have to pay attention to every little detail and needs re-watching.
Recommended, if not so nitpicky, just relax and enjoy.
December 25, 2021
4 Nature of Madmen Stars
First Orbit is the first book in the Soulship series by Nathan Thompson.
This book is so deliciously consuming. Only and infinitesimal small step from being an unavoidable five stars. Nova, Vessa, Lunei, and more. This terribly confusing and complicated wom(e)n of massively more intricate webs and bottomless potential.
Jasper's parents teachings, the mysterious Glorious State, and unspeakable destruction of the once great library that was Earth. I wonder what profound power earthlings traded for the lack of cultivation. I feel it must have something to do with possessing the entirety of the night sky's knowledge. An even greater inexplicable draw, Jas' parents teachings, and conversations, and glimpses of some great conspiracy they alone guarded against. This hidden facet of the plot is so blindingly intriguing all on its lonesome.
Lunei one of the Shining Maidens of the Sparkling Sky Sect on planet Likwon. I wonder how long until we meet her again. Or even rather, discover whether her sect as well holds such vaunted morality in high regard. If there are perhaps others taken in by the brutality of the likes of the Glorious Star Charter hide in their midst.
And of course, as with any Sci-Fi world yet to be even minutely explored, I am most thrilled to discover more and more creatures and species yet unknown to me.
First Orbit is the first book in the Soulship series by Nathan Thompson.
This book is so deliciously consuming. Only and infinitesimal small step from being an unavoidable five stars. Nova, Vessa, Lunei, and more. This terribly confusing and complicated wom(e)n of massively more intricate webs and bottomless potential.
Jasper's parents teachings, the mysterious Glorious State, and unspeakable destruction of the once great library that was Earth. I wonder what profound power earthlings traded for the lack of cultivation. I feel it must have something to do with possessing the entirety of the night sky's knowledge. An even greater inexplicable draw, Jas' parents teachings, and conversations, and glimpses of some great conspiracy they alone guarded against. This hidden facet of the plot is so blindingly intriguing all on its lonesome.
Lunei one of the Shining Maidens of the Sparkling Sky Sect on planet Likwon. I wonder how long until we meet her again. Or even rather, discover whether her sect as well holds such vaunted morality in high regard. If there are perhaps others taken in by the brutality of the likes of the Glorious Star Charter hide in their midst.
And of course, as with any Sci-Fi world yet to be even minutely explored, I am most thrilled to discover more and more creatures and species yet unknown to me.
August 8, 2022
I'm sticking with this series, but it isn't holding me like others. The LITRPG elements are very understated, and the protagonist seems to both level quickly and struggle with leveling quickly throughout the first book in that the levels provide power-ups but limited extra capabilities. He is always out of his league and still attempting to go one-on-one with limited or no weapons. If the ship can beam people, why can't it beam a gun, for instance? Help seems pretty available but never really considered as an option with no real reason why that is the case. I've started the second book, but if it doesn't get better, the second will be my last. For me, this class is all about seeing how the protagonist levels up and the powers they get coupled with the fights, particularly when it comes to taking the fight to a character that was abusive in the past. It has some of these elements, but they are fleeting and light. We'll see if book two gets better. 4 stars, I got through the book and started the second but...
April 1, 2021
I Love It
So, since this is the first review on Amazon or really ever if my memory serves me. Though it usually doesn't. But I liked the story and would recommend you read it too, it was fun and felt like a bunch of different genres decided to take a world of their own but then someone figured out FTL travel and suddenly all these different worlds were connected, so (spoiler) (seriously if you do not want to read even a minor spoiler stop here) there is magic, xiaxia or cultivation, and a their system which might be from a genre I haven't read before. And if course sci-fi, a shipgirl, a magical girl, a talking mouse, floating screens, and some other magical space shenanigans. So do read it, for it is really an entertaining story, so much so I read it all in one day and lost track of time and even gave up bacon! (Curses, I smelled something tasty but was to enamoured by the story)
So, since this is the first review on Amazon or really ever if my memory serves me. Though it usually doesn't. But I liked the story and would recommend you read it too, it was fun and felt like a bunch of different genres decided to take a world of their own but then someone figured out FTL travel and suddenly all these different worlds were connected, so (spoiler) (seriously if you do not want to read even a minor spoiler stop here) there is magic, xiaxia or cultivation, and a their system which might be from a genre I haven't read before. And if course sci-fi, a shipgirl, a magical girl, a talking mouse, floating screens, and some other magical space shenanigans. So do read it, for it is really an entertaining story, so much so I read it all in one day and lost track of time and even gave up bacon! (Curses, I smelled something tasty but was to enamoured by the story)
August 2, 2021
KU read
So, now amazon is suggesting all the litRPG and wuxia(?) books as recommendations. At a loss of what to do in a traditional British summertime day off (i.e. when when its pouring with rain and I'm trying to run down my annual leave) I picked this up as a suggested read
I must admit, it's wasn't what I'm was expecting from the synopsis. Not much "Deadspace" at all to be honest - but lots of Cradle (Unsouled). It's a nice twist on progression fantasy, I think? I don't really read enough of the genre; but I know enough manwha to spot the tropes (I love Solo Leveling! )
Nestor was definitely my fave character and I enjoyed the world building. No idea where this going, but I'll pick up book 2 to find out!
So, now amazon is suggesting all the litRPG and wuxia(?) books as recommendations. At a loss of what to do in a traditional British summertime day off (i.e. when when its pouring with rain and I'm trying to run down my annual leave) I picked this up as a suggested read
I must admit, it's wasn't what I'm was expecting from the synopsis. Not much "Deadspace" at all to be honest - but lots of Cradle (Unsouled). It's a nice twist on progression fantasy, I think? I don't really read enough of the genre; but I know enough manwha to spot the tropes (I love Solo Leveling! )
Nestor was definitely my fave character and I enjoyed the world building. No idea where this going, but I'll pick up book 2 to find out!
January 1, 2025
Incredible how this author is not more well known mystifies me.
Soulship is arguably just an abridged version of the Challenger’s Call series, but there is enough unique about it that makes it stand out on its own.
While not of the same vein, I sincerely believe that both series by Nathan Thompson stand out in a similar manner as CS Lewis or Tolkien when it comes to an expansive epic that is an epistle to morality, bravery, courage, and heroism.
Few stories really show sacrifice and outstanding character so well, and even fewer could be argued to do it better. These books not only make you want to be a better, kinder person, but they also make you want to recognize, reward, and encourage the kindness of others.
Honestly both series by Nathan Thompson are so good, and so deserving of recognition, it almost angers me that it does not have enough of it.
Soulship is arguably just an abridged version of the Challenger’s Call series, but there is enough unique about it that makes it stand out on its own.
While not of the same vein, I sincerely believe that both series by Nathan Thompson stand out in a similar manner as CS Lewis or Tolkien when it comes to an expansive epic that is an epistle to morality, bravery, courage, and heroism.
Few stories really show sacrifice and outstanding character so well, and even fewer could be argued to do it better. These books not only make you want to be a better, kinder person, but they also make you want to recognize, reward, and encourage the kindness of others.
Honestly both series by Nathan Thompson are so good, and so deserving of recognition, it almost angers me that it does not have enough of it.
February 23, 2022
The world changed completely when the Glorious State took over the entire world. Sweeping changes left Jasper an orphan living on the streets after his parents were executed. When a nightmare out of forbidden stories captured his only friend, Jasper’s entire life changes in a moment.
This is the sci fi cultivation story. It was a really fun change of pace as I have been reading mostly fantasy based stories. There is a very interesting path that cultivators can take depending on the three different types of Source. The characters have been well developed and are believable. I know this is space based, but I’m hoping to hear more about Earth as the story progresses.
Content warning: None
This is the sci fi cultivation story. It was a really fun change of pace as I have been reading mostly fantasy based stories. There is a very interesting path that cultivators can take depending on the three different types of Source. The characters have been well developed and are believable. I know this is space based, but I’m hoping to hear more about Earth as the story progresses.
Content warning: None
April 13, 2023
A nice story idea and the combination of SF and Cultivation could have been fun.
The beginning is nice. Good pace, good tension.
And then the author draws the "explanation" card. and again and again and again.
pages over pages with too much meta description and without story.
Then we get some action again - but wow - could it be more unlikely? Well - unlikely with a warning ahead. It is a whole planet and there is this single one person you should never met. Let us guess who the MC meets half an hour later?!?
But really the biggest caveat is that the author does not understand "show, don't tell". too often and for too much time.
The beginning is nice. Good pace, good tension.
And then the author draws the "explanation" card. and again and again and again.
pages over pages with too much meta description and without story.
Then we get some action again - but wow - could it be more unlikely? Well - unlikely with a warning ahead. It is a whole planet and there is this single one person you should never met. Let us guess who the MC meets half an hour later?!?
But really the biggest caveat is that the author does not understand "show, don't tell". too often and for too much time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2025
This book reads like a checklist of tired tropes. We have a protagonist who is a child prodigy in everything from languages to martial arts, and whose main personality trait is being impossibly handsome. He can't go a chapter without a new woman fawning over him, and he moves on from a "devastating" loss in the span of a single scene.
The plot is driven by supporting characters who are bafflingly incompetent and villains who helpfully explain their own weaknesses. The result is a predictable cycle: someone says "That's impossible!", the hero does it anyway, and everyone looks shocked. My face, however, was one of pure boredom.
The plot is driven by supporting characters who are bafflingly incompetent and villains who helpfully explain their own weaknesses. The result is a predictable cycle: someone says "That's impossible!", the hero does it anyway, and everyone looks shocked. My face, however, was one of pure boredom.
February 17, 2021
Good first book
So this is a good 1st book to a new series. I did enjoy it. Very interesting premise certainly not the normal. How much of this book is about enter personal relationship between the MC and the few characters. A lot of world building however the actual system by which the MC (Jes) gaines power Is not well described and rather nebulous. That doesn't seem to detract at this point from the story but it could be Limiting later in the series. I look forward to the next book.
So this is a good 1st book to a new series. I did enjoy it. Very interesting premise certainly not the normal. How much of this book is about enter personal relationship between the MC and the few characters. A lot of world building however the actual system by which the MC (Jes) gaines power Is not well described and rather nebulous. That doesn't seem to detract at this point from the story but it could be Limiting later in the series. I look forward to the next book.
March 25, 2021
Interesting story. It's a scifi story, which is a good thing (for me), but it has some LitRPG elements to it, though if you don't like LitRPG, you shouldn't be bothered by how it's handled in this story. If you don't like all the stats and level ups that go with most LitRPG stories, you may want to take a look at this one, especially if you're a Scifi fan, because this story does a pretty good job of mixing the two genres without stepping on each other, which makes it a pleasant read.
December 21, 2022
Wow, these were good!
Just finished reading the sixth book in this series and couldn’t read them fast enough. It is a good thing I am retired because if I was still working, would have not gotten much sleep or would have been late to work till I finished all six. At times, in some of the books things got a little slow but if you kept at it then the action picked back up. Liked the comments among the satellites.
Just finished reading the sixth book in this series and couldn’t read them fast enough. It is a good thing I am retired because if I was still working, would have not gotten much sleep or would have been late to work till I finished all six. At times, in some of the books things got a little slow but if you kept at it then the action picked back up. Liked the comments among the satellites.
October 7, 2025
Loved the book. It's another classic from Nathan Thompson that doesn't just tug at the heartstrings but yanks on them and demands you recognize that there is still good in the world. It may be battered, bruised, and bloody, but it hasn't given up and neither should you.
Really enjoyed the interesting take on cultivation here, if you want something that is a change up from the traditional cultivation stories, definitely give it a read!
Really enjoyed the interesting take on cultivation here, if you want something that is a change up from the traditional cultivation stories, definitely give it a read!
February 24, 2021
Enjoyable start
Really enjoyable take on cultivation amongst other genres with some great initial characters and world building.
A little slow to start as we build up the power but based on his challenger series this is a good thing.
Feel it could have been a bit longer but the premise it is expanding on has made me a fan.
Really enjoyable take on cultivation amongst other genres with some great initial characters and world building.
A little slow to start as we build up the power but based on his challenger series this is a good thing.
Feel it could have been a bit longer but the premise it is expanding on has made me a fan.
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