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The Quintessence: Crucible #1
Awakened
Cultivation. Progression. Ascension.
On the world of Crucible, where humanity’s spiritual artists train to fight in a war of universal proportions, Aryc Tal Venn has the potential to be one of the gods.
But when he accidentally unleashes heretical powers during his Challenge, he is forced to flee his home or face the wrath of the Inquisition.
With his sister by his side, Aryc begins a quest to uncover the truth of his own existence.
Only to discover a terrible secret.
A secret with the power to destroy humanity.
Will Aryc master his unnatural powers in time to save the people of Crucible or will he be the harbinger of humanity’s destruction?
Awakened – Book One of The Quintessence: Crucible is the first novel in a new epic LitRPG cultivation universe by C.M. Carney, author of the The Realms that began with Barrow King.
The book is full of Qi cycling, measurable power progression, immortal gods, intriguing characters, deadly mysteries and universe shattering threats. It is perfect for all fans of progression fantasy, including lovers of LitRPG/GameLit, western cultivation, wuxia and xianxia.
On the world of Crucible, where humanity’s spiritual artists train to fight in a war of universal proportions, Aryc Tal Venn has the potential to be one of the gods.
But when he accidentally unleashes heretical powers during his Challenge, he is forced to flee his home or face the wrath of the Inquisition.
With his sister by his side, Aryc begins a quest to uncover the truth of his own existence.
Only to discover a terrible secret.
A secret with the power to destroy humanity.
Will Aryc master his unnatural powers in time to save the people of Crucible or will he be the harbinger of humanity’s destruction?
Awakened – Book One of The Quintessence: Crucible is the first novel in a new epic LitRPG cultivation universe by C.M. Carney, author of the The Realms that began with Barrow King.
The book is full of Qi cycling, measurable power progression, immortal gods, intriguing characters, deadly mysteries and universe shattering threats. It is perfect for all fans of progression fantasy, including lovers of LitRPG/GameLit, western cultivation, wuxia and xianxia.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2020
829 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Carney
20 books243 followersAfter reading an editorial claiming Dungeons and Dragons drove kids to worship dark forces in the sewers, C.M. Carney's mother immediately bought it for him. He was ten, and it's probably a good thing he was afraid of sewers. Since then he has been obsessed with reading, writing and playing all things fantasy and science fiction.
After spending nearly two decades working as a creative executive for an animation and SFX studio, C.M. decided to pursue his lifelong dream of writing and publishing novels and short stories.
He writes sci-fi, fantasy and LitRPG that run the gamut from epic to humorous. His first novel Barrow King: Book One of The Realms was published in February 2018 and has become a #1 Bestseller in Norse and Viking Myths and Legends and a #1 Bestseller in Role Playing and Fantasy Games.
He loves hearing from fans, like minded thinkers and anyone else who shares his dislike of sewers.
Facebook Group: C.M. Carney's Book Room (https://www.facebook.com/groups/15527...)
Email: chris@cmcarneywrites.com.
Website: www.cmcarneywrites.com. Keep up with new releases, other news and the occasional freebies.
After spending nearly two decades working as a creative executive for an animation and SFX studio, C.M. decided to pursue his lifelong dream of writing and publishing novels and short stories.
He writes sci-fi, fantasy and LitRPG that run the gamut from epic to humorous. His first novel Barrow King: Book One of The Realms was published in February 2018 and has become a #1 Bestseller in Norse and Viking Myths and Legends and a #1 Bestseller in Role Playing and Fantasy Games.
He loves hearing from fans, like minded thinkers and anyone else who shares his dislike of sewers.
Facebook Group: C.M. Carney's Book Room (https://www.facebook.com/groups/15527...)
Email: chris@cmcarneywrites.com.
Website: www.cmcarneywrites.com. Keep up with new releases, other news and the occasional freebies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 26, 2021
Humanity was rescued from a dying Earth by the First Ones and brought to Crucible. There humanity trains to harness their Quintessence to help the First Ones battle the Phage.
Awakened was not what I was hoping it was. The most disappointing aspect is that I don't like the main character Aryc Tal Venn. The kid is obnoxious to put it mildly and it's amazing that his family hadn't disowned him by the beginning of the book. It's been a while since I've encountered a main character I just don't care for.
The descriptions of the abilities felt particularly forced. I realized every world has to have an explanation of the aspects of the world, but having the main character simply think things out in detail is disappointing. At times it felt as though there was simply page after page of internal dialogue discussion of the world's abilities.
Awakened in the end unfortunately just wasn't a book for me.
Awakened was not what I was hoping it was. The most disappointing aspect is that I don't like the main character Aryc Tal Venn. The kid is obnoxious to put it mildly and it's amazing that his family hadn't disowned him by the beginning of the book. It's been a while since I've encountered a main character I just don't care for.
The descriptions of the abilities felt particularly forced. I realized every world has to have an explanation of the aspects of the world, but having the main character simply think things out in detail is disappointing. At times it felt as though there was simply page after page of internal dialogue discussion of the world's abilities.
Awakened in the end unfortunately just wasn't a book for me.
May 9, 2020
Sadly Meh
I usually like Carney's books. This one had a decent premise and a cool magic system, but was hard to get through. The characters were difficult to get through and didn't elicit much empathy. For some reason, the plot always felt a bit forced and hard to read. It didn't pull me in or drag me along with the need to go to the next page. On a related note. SO. MANY. FLASHBACKS! An incredible number of flashbacks that were a pain to get through. The end felt rushed and confused and was not satisfying. The characters did not grow or change. Things just happened to them. All in all, I'm a bit disappointed.
I usually like Carney's books. This one had a decent premise and a cool magic system, but was hard to get through. The characters were difficult to get through and didn't elicit much empathy. For some reason, the plot always felt a bit forced and hard to read. It didn't pull me in or drag me along with the need to go to the next page. On a related note. SO. MANY. FLASHBACKS! An incredible number of flashbacks that were a pain to get through. The end felt rushed and confused and was not satisfying. The characters did not grow or change. Things just happened to them. All in all, I'm a bit disappointed.
May 3, 2020
Good story ruined by Mary Sue and stupidity
Great story loved the world, the main two characters could have been straw dummies for all the story impact they have. And the main villain is so vizeer level moustache twirling religious nut it's actually sad.
Great story loved the world, the main two characters could have been straw dummies for all the story impact they have. And the main villain is so vizeer level moustache twirling religious nut it's actually sad.
September 18, 2022
This was really solid and well written for the genre. I like the incorporation of religion--not something you see much in progression/cultivation books.
May 2, 2020
I'll admit it's well written but the plot is so rote and predictable i can't help but be disappointed. Also there are a couple of scenes that are purposely dragged on, which i found almost unbearable.
May 13, 2020
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
August 9, 2023
This fantasy novel series has better character descriptions and other world descriptions than most other fantasy novel series. This is positive. The negative is, that I feel, that this story lacks themes, plot arcs and secondary plot arcs. It's a little short on the action/adventure part of a fantasy novel. This is a fantasy world, where with a lot of training and subsequent awakenings of powers, people can somehow reach divinity (at least in the level of power/not so much in the sense of wisdom or enlightenment). So, the story is a dense and sometimes hard to follow (not because the vocabulary and word usage is complicated) but because the story lacks movement/action and I also feel that most of the characters in this story lack a purpose, I mention this because, without purpose, we don't really know where the story is going. So, main character leaves to try to protect his loved ones...but it's really all left out in the open...Especially if main character, Aryc Tal Venn, doesn't have anywhere to go, anyone to fall back on, and since we don't know much of the geography of this other world, again, everything is just wide open, too wide open for my tastes...
What we do know is that it is a fantasy story about people being scared of an "inquisition-type" of totalitarian regime that purges a lot of its people without really having just cause. So, yes, it is kind of a dystopian-hell-like place. So, having a limitless amount of possibilities in the author's imagination to create a fantasy other world, he creates a hell-like place in a period of Inquisition. Sucks no??
This is also one of those Fantasy novel series where the author is infatuated with a word: In this case, and this book it is the word: Corruption. It usually relates to political corruption (influence peddling/bribing, etc.) from Government officials or elected officials. It is quite a popular term today, if you consider all of the Corruption cases that the Bidens are involved in (all over the World: Ukraine, China, Guatemala, India, Eastern Europe, Africa, etc.) I mention Corruption and it's most common examples, because corruption has a lot of other definitions as well. It could mean "impure", it could mean a deviation from what is expected (error/blemish), it could mean rotten (putrid/spoiled). The last type relevant to this fantasy novel series in relation to corruption would be depravity (in an evil/wicked sense).
The problem with using "Corruption" so many times (77 times if my search bar is precise), is that this author should have replaced the term/word corruption, with synonyms so that his meanings and story could have been easier to follow. If the majority of the readers believe that "corruption" only applies to politics, for instance, then the lack of purity, deviation from the truth, from what is expected should have used other terms (words), so that the readers could understand the novel series better and the author's intent precisely.
This fantasy novel series does not have inside maps. Does not have any inside illustrations. Does not have any character summaries, story summaries, It does have a prologue but the author didn't include a conclusion. He did place some acknowledgements at the end.
What we do know is that it is a fantasy story about people being scared of an "inquisition-type" of totalitarian regime that purges a lot of its people without really having just cause. So, yes, it is kind of a dystopian-hell-like place. So, having a limitless amount of possibilities in the author's imagination to create a fantasy other world, he creates a hell-like place in a period of Inquisition. Sucks no??
This is also one of those Fantasy novel series where the author is infatuated with a word: In this case, and this book it is the word: Corruption. It usually relates to political corruption (influence peddling/bribing, etc.) from Government officials or elected officials. It is quite a popular term today, if you consider all of the Corruption cases that the Bidens are involved in (all over the World: Ukraine, China, Guatemala, India, Eastern Europe, Africa, etc.) I mention Corruption and it's most common examples, because corruption has a lot of other definitions as well. It could mean "impure", it could mean a deviation from what is expected (error/blemish), it could mean rotten (putrid/spoiled). The last type relevant to this fantasy novel series in relation to corruption would be depravity (in an evil/wicked sense).
The problem with using "Corruption" so many times (77 times if my search bar is precise), is that this author should have replaced the term/word corruption, with synonyms so that his meanings and story could have been easier to follow. If the majority of the readers believe that "corruption" only applies to politics, for instance, then the lack of purity, deviation from the truth, from what is expected should have used other terms (words), so that the readers could understand the novel series better and the author's intent precisely.
This fantasy novel series does not have inside maps. Does not have any inside illustrations. Does not have any character summaries, story summaries, It does have a prologue but the author didn't include a conclusion. He did place some acknowledgements at the end.
May 1, 2020
This is a cultivation novel about spiritual artists training to always better themselves to ascend in order to better defend their world, Crucible. This novel is so ambitious in its scope of the world building which goes into Crucible, it’s people and those who also came before the Quarns, it has a touch of sci-fi to it and very courageous and loyal characters amidst those who are zealots and enforcers of church rule. The people of crucible are always held in check by the fear the church doctrine has filled them with, about the Phage and those they go after to destroy, known as the phage-touched. Aryc is a young man, a twin to Nualla who always does her best to keep him in line, as he is a rule breaker and totally different in his approach to life from the others around him. Though his family love him many look askance at Aryc including his elder brother Styvan. Aryc can see all his cores even though no one believes him, he also has a talking aspect and he feels that he loses his QI energy from the top of his head and he would rather use a cheat than train harder, always opting for the easier way out. Through a challenge he tried to win during the trials, he makes use of a skill which is considered heretical, and from thereon he comes to discover that nothing he believed about himself in life was true, so he is forced to go on ia journey n search of who he really is, in order to discover whether he is a savior, or a destroyer of humanity. In this astounding book of ambitious proportions a war between Gods is fought by humans and Aryc seems to be the one chosen to stop the Gods before humanity, like the many other species who lived on crucible before, will in turn be wiped out, but can he take on something so massive? This first book is totally captivating and I am dying to read book 2 hoping against hope that Aryc can defeat the Gods and with the steadfast Nualla by his side I am sure they will.
June 17, 2022
It seems that this year I might be cleaning up my backlog a bit. Had this book for a while, time to finally finish it.
I don't know how I feel about this book. The protagonist's constant greed felt unnatural, and I didn't care for the protagonist himself. I don't know if it's because this book is some semi-religious piece that the author is emphasizing these things, but it just stands out every time.
I also got some huge Cradle Vibes from this book. It just felt like the author drew inspiration from that series.
I don't know if I will continue or not.
This
i will see how it goes in the future, but I didn't enjoy this much.
2.5/5 Stars
I don't know how I feel about this book. The protagonist's constant greed felt unnatural, and I didn't care for the protagonist himself. I don't know if it's because this book is some semi-religious piece that the author is emphasizing these things, but it just stands out every time.
I also got some huge Cradle Vibes from this book. It just felt like the author drew inspiration from that series.
I don't know if I will continue or not.
This
i will see how it goes in the future, but I didn't enjoy this much.
2.5/5 Stars
December 10, 2021
Really promising beginning to a new series. I got a lot of Cradle vibes from this, with the western flavored cultivation system and the mind "spirit". All in all, its well written, with the main characters all decently fleshed out, and the plot was tightly paced and certainly managed to hold my interest.
One nitpick I do have and I feel should be brought up in this review, is that your mileage will really vary regarding the main protagonist. I liked Aryc, he is pretty believable 15 year old kid with all the expected flaws that entails. The fact he was still very likeable is a credit to the author which always, he had personality and it shows amply in the writing. However, Aryc is also a serious blockhead and he also pretty whiny, which can get old really fast. Especially in the last third of the book.
Issues with the protagonist in mind, I hope the author writes some well thought out and satisfying character growth in book 2. Still, I'm hooked so far and will continue with the series for now.
One nitpick I do have and I feel should be brought up in this review, is that your mileage will really vary regarding the main protagonist. I liked Aryc, he is pretty believable 15 year old kid with all the expected flaws that entails. The fact he was still very likeable is a credit to the author which always, he had personality and it shows amply in the writing. However, Aryc is also a serious blockhead and he also pretty whiny, which can get old really fast. Especially in the last third of the book.
Issues with the protagonist in mind, I hope the author writes some well thought out and satisfying character growth in book 2. Still, I'm hooked so far and will continue with the series for now.
May 4, 2020
I enjoy decent cultivation novels. I'm a little biased because I practice chi kung and get sensation from it, so these novels, when done well really speak to part of me.
This one is done well, and I disagree with the "Mary Sue" comment left by another reviewer. The MC isn't overpowered in any way early on at all.
If I have a criticism, I think a fair bit more building of the MC's beginnings would have worked for me. Time spent developing his skills, exploring his childhood and building the world as a whole would have added to this novel. But other authors have actually taken that approach to a bit of an extreme in their own work - patiently, slowly building progression that spanned an entire novel to get only a touch further forward (Tao Wong did this in one of the later Thousand Li tales).
If you like Cultivation based fantasy, this is competently well done and a great start.
This one is done well, and I disagree with the "Mary Sue" comment left by another reviewer. The MC isn't overpowered in any way early on at all.
If I have a criticism, I think a fair bit more building of the MC's beginnings would have worked for me. Time spent developing his skills, exploring his childhood and building the world as a whole would have added to this novel. But other authors have actually taken that approach to a bit of an extreme in their own work - patiently, slowly building progression that spanned an entire novel to get only a touch further forward (Tao Wong did this in one of the later Thousand Li tales).
If you like Cultivation based fantasy, this is competently well done and a great start.
April 22, 2022
Shakey foundations.
A poor disciple with a supportive family is harassed by a young scion and his clan-elder mother who has afforded him every opportunity. The MC, of course, has to fight for every inch, while his "rival" bullies, lies, cheats and goes out of his way to steal the MCs things. Fortunately, the MC lucks into an object of power that might have the power to change his fate. He then beats his rival, who cheated, of course, via "that's impossible" deus ex machina.
Aka every cultivator novel ever.
Also, dear god. How many times can you use the word "phage touched?" Every other gdmn sentence. It doesn't even mean anything. This book takes unreliable narrator to a whole new level, since, apparently, the whole world is part of some giant cult, albeit one that does seem to be supported by actual gods and may be somewhat true. Still, the insecurities of an indoctrinated cultist and the surety of a psycopathic zealot are not solid pillars on which to build a narrative.
A poor disciple with a supportive family is harassed by a young scion and his clan-elder mother who has afforded him every opportunity. The MC, of course, has to fight for every inch, while his "rival" bullies, lies, cheats and goes out of his way to steal the MCs things. Fortunately, the MC lucks into an object of power that might have the power to change his fate. He then beats his rival, who cheated, of course, via "that's impossible" deus ex machina.
Aka every cultivator novel ever.
Also, dear god. How many times can you use the word "phage touched?" Every other gdmn sentence. It doesn't even mean anything. This book takes unreliable narrator to a whole new level, since, apparently, the whole world is part of some giant cult, albeit one that does seem to be supported by actual gods and may be somewhat true. Still, the insecurities of an indoctrinated cultist and the surety of a psycopathic zealot are not solid pillars on which to build a narrative.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2020
Moreso 2.5 stars???
The story just dragged for me. I wanted to drop it 30% through, but decided to keep slogging through it. I found it slow and anticlimactic since I really like the authors other books.
While this is a cultivation book, not a ton of cultivation took place. I found the cultivation system interesting but nothing super special.
The two main characters annoyed me. The MC is whiny, annoying, and boring. His sister is super bossy and that’s about all she has going for her. They make up most of the story. Not a lot to pull you in there.
The only thing the book had going for it in my opinion was the story was kinda interesting. That’s it. Wish I hadn’t read it and looked at reviews first.
The story just dragged for me. I wanted to drop it 30% through, but decided to keep slogging through it. I found it slow and anticlimactic since I really like the authors other books.
While this is a cultivation book, not a ton of cultivation took place. I found the cultivation system interesting but nothing super special.
The two main characters annoyed me. The MC is whiny, annoying, and boring. His sister is super bossy and that’s about all she has going for her. They make up most of the story. Not a lot to pull you in there.
The only thing the book had going for it in my opinion was the story was kinda interesting. That’s it. Wish I hadn’t read it and looked at reviews first.
June 19, 2020
The cultivation genre is rife with badly written books, so I am always very pleased when I find a good one. "Awakened" leans heavily on the tropes of the genre, but subverts expectations in ways that makes it unique in a sea of same.
The point of cultivation books are not so much the plot, but mainly the character power advancement. Carney, however, wrote a plot that added to the enjoyment of the book instead of getting in the way.
My only gripe would be the inclusion of numbers in the magic system. They break the immersion and makes it feel like a video game. I feel the author could have easily removed that element without altering the story at all.
The point of cultivation books are not so much the plot, but mainly the character power advancement. Carney, however, wrote a plot that added to the enjoyment of the book instead of getting in the way.
My only gripe would be the inclusion of numbers in the magic system. They break the immersion and makes it feel like a video game. I feel the author could have easily removed that element without altering the story at all.
April 1, 2025
Awakened
Crucible is a world of conflict that was created for the different races of Sacred Artists to train and get strong enough to join the fight against the Phage. Aryc is a lowly Sacred Artist that discovers that he has vast potential, but his powers are heretical. To make matters worse, an inquisitor has been made aware of him and he’s after Aryc.
This has been an interesting cultivation novel! There is one solid stand alone aspect that only Aryc possesses that really shake up things up. All of the characters are developed really well. I’m looking forward to book 2! Nick Podehl does an excellent job with narration.
Content warning: none
Crucible is a world of conflict that was created for the different races of Sacred Artists to train and get strong enough to join the fight against the Phage. Aryc is a lowly Sacred Artist that discovers that he has vast potential, but his powers are heretical. To make matters worse, an inquisitor has been made aware of him and he’s after Aryc.
This has been an interesting cultivation novel! There is one solid stand alone aspect that only Aryc possesses that really shake up things up. All of the characters are developed really well. I’m looking forward to book 2! Nick Podehl does an excellent job with narration.
Content warning: none
July 7, 2020
Solid 4 stars.
Above average cultivation novel with some interesting novelty. If you're a fan of the genre you'll enjoy this. I'm definitely looking forward to the next in the series.
I couldn't quite give it five stars though. The ending is sort of unsatisfying but the main issue is that there's a pivotal scene where the MC acts in such a frustratingly stupid and unlikely way that I actually stopped to leave myself an ":eyeroll:" note about it. It's like the author thought to himself "what's the easiest possible storytelling option to get where I need to be" and just went with it.
Above average cultivation novel with some interesting novelty. If you're a fan of the genre you'll enjoy this. I'm definitely looking forward to the next in the series.
I couldn't quite give it five stars though. The ending is sort of unsatisfying but the main issue is that there's a pivotal scene where the MC acts in such a frustratingly stupid and unlikely way that I actually stopped to leave myself an ":eyeroll:" note about it. It's like the author thought to himself "what's the easiest possible storytelling option to get where I need to be" and just went with it.
May 2, 2020
Carney is killing it
Fantastic read that touches on a world with endless possibility. I can see this becoming one of my favorite series by far. Fantasy, sci-fi, cultivation..check, check, and check. Great cliff hanger and I have to admit I think Martyn is my favorite character. That ability is fantastic. Aryc needs to step up his game, not very like able. Give the core to Nualla or make him less of a...(insert appropriate term).
Fantastic read that touches on a world with endless possibility. I can see this becoming one of my favorite series by far. Fantasy, sci-fi, cultivation..check, check, and check. Great cliff hanger and I have to admit I think Martyn is my favorite character. That ability is fantastic. Aryc needs to step up his game, not very like able. Give the core to Nualla or make him less of a...(insert appropriate term).
May 30, 2020
Good Read
I enjoyed the general thread of this book. The occasional foul language detracted from the story. Unsure why the author saw a need to include it. Poor writing in that regard.
The main character is good. His penchant for indecision is irritating throughout. His character did not seem to learn/grow in that regard. However, one must realize most of what happens occurs over a short period of time for this 15 years old.
I look forward to the next book in this series.
I enjoyed the general thread of this book. The occasional foul language detracted from the story. Unsure why the author saw a need to include it. Poor writing in that regard.
The main character is good. His penchant for indecision is irritating throughout. His character did not seem to learn/grow in that regard. However, one must realize most of what happens occurs over a short period of time for this 15 years old.
I look forward to the next book in this series.
June 12, 2021
A great foray into GameLit or LitRPG
Carney did not disappoint in this book. It features a compelling story, great characters, and a driving plot. It is a good example of what cultivation novels should be. I'd easily put this on a level with Will Wight's Cradle. The story of the corrupt church and the incorruptible inquisitor gave this book a different feel from many cultivation novels I've read. It was thoroughly enjoyable and I'm sad I have to wait on the next one.
Carney did not disappoint in this book. It features a compelling story, great characters, and a driving plot. It is a good example of what cultivation novels should be. I'd easily put this on a level with Will Wight's Cradle. The story of the corrupt church and the incorruptible inquisitor gave this book a different feel from many cultivation novels I've read. It was thoroughly enjoyable and I'm sad I have to wait on the next one.
June 9, 2020
Deep and rich
This is how LitRPG should be. The elements are consistent with the tropes, but supported by a rich world and solid writing. While there were a few moments of over wrought drama, I solidly enjoyed the novel and look forward to the next.
I read this in KU. I am now going to buy it. *That* is a recommendation.
This is how LitRPG should be. The elements are consistent with the tropes, but supported by a rich world and solid writing. While there were a few moments of over wrought drama, I solidly enjoyed the novel and look forward to the next.
I read this in KU. I am now going to buy it. *That* is a recommendation.
June 23, 2020
Amazing writing as usual, can't wait for more!
I was a bit leery of reading a wuxia book by an author already doing litRPG books that I love. I needn't have worried. Knocked it out of the park, I won't doubt again!
Minor copy errors will need to be fixed but they are very rare and don't detract from the story. Still gets a full 5 stars from me.
I was a bit leery of reading a wuxia book by an author already doing litRPG books that I love. I needn't have worried. Knocked it out of the park, I won't doubt again!
Minor copy errors will need to be fixed but they are very rare and don't detract from the story. Still gets a full 5 stars from me.
January 12, 2021
My first thought after reading this book was "wow!" The novel has a great pacing to it, an intriguing and expansive world, and believable characters ( including a sympathetic and relatable antagonist). It is very light on the LitRPG elements, which actually helps the flow of the narrative. I am quite impressed, and can't wait to read the next book!
May 4, 2020
Nice idea, almost didn't finish
Loved the precept of the story but a lot of it felt contrived instead of the natural flow of a story. I was about 80% done when I just didn't want to read anymore so I skimmed to the end, which is super rare as I hate leaving books unfinished.
Loved the precept of the story but a lot of it felt contrived instead of the natural flow of a story. I was about 80% done when I just didn't want to read anymore so I skimmed to the end, which is super rare as I hate leaving books unfinished.
May 5, 2020
Enjoyed the book! Look forward to book 2
I liked the world built up in this story. The perspective is from people somewhat familiar with a majority of the world, but seeing twists that make them question how things really are make the story enjoyable.
I liked the world built up in this story. The perspective is from people somewhat familiar with a majority of the world, but seeing twists that make them question how things really are make the story enjoyable.
June 6, 2020
Overall, I enjoyed it. It has a cool cultivation system in place. The book is very story driven which helps create a unique and interesting world. The twist at the end was a surprise and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
June 15, 2020
Not Litrpg
This is basic cliche wuxia. The cultivation and op mc are uninspiring and while it does use screens for information it’s decidedly not Litrpg and should not be sold as such.
This is basic cliche wuxia. The cultivation and op mc are uninspiring and while it does use screens for information it’s decidedly not Litrpg and should not be sold as such.
June 22, 2020
Pretty good start to what may be a long series
This one was a bit long for what actually happened in the book but I think its a decent start to what can be a good series. I think I’ll keep an eye out for the next one.
This one was a bit long for what actually happened in the book but I think its a decent start to what can be a good series. I think I’ll keep an eye out for the next one.
September 2, 2020
Fantastic Fantasy
There always has to be an idiot .... Nice that the idiot ... Might just be able to learn to be a hero.
GREAT characters ... And strong characterization ... Exactly what I would expect from this Arthur.
There always has to be an idiot .... Nice that the idiot ... Might just be able to learn to be a hero.
GREAT characters ... And strong characterization ... Exactly what I would expect from this Arthur.
September 8, 2020
Maybe it was the religious zeal of some of the characters that threw me off, or maybe the interactions between the characters, but I got halfway through and realized the book has an interesting premise but I couldn't really get into it.
October 24, 2020
No interest in finishing this one.
The main character is horrible. The background and secondary characters are good and provide a well thought out setting, but without any interest in the main character there is no caring about the plot or story progression so what is the point?
The main character is horrible. The background and secondary characters are good and provide a well thought out setting, but without any interest in the main character there is no caring about the plot or story progression so what is the point?
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