Wow. Just...Wow.
This latest book in a masterpiece cultivation series is a fantastic screaming crescendo of action, plot growth, plot twists, and character development that leaves me stunned. You cascade from one series of events and fighting to another, watching the MC get burned time and again, only to see him improve from it - and not always by winning!
For all that the earlier books took their suh-weet time ramping up to where things are today, there was good reason for it. Firstly, it makes everything much more visceral. You have a front row seat for the pain and sweat that makes our boy what he is today. Secondly, it makes you appreciate that growth. I mean, he’s just made bronze, for Pete’s sake! Other books would have him at Gold already and juggling dragons for fun. Nope: not here. Although that’s not to say that he’s anything like an ordinary Bronze, but he still has to use his wits to compete, or else he has to beat feet.
Technically, the book is excellent. Mostly action, with solid moments of introspection and narration to balance it. Great editing, too. Editing is HARD, y’all! It takes serious dedication and focus to edit a great story, especially one this long. And that’s another thing: for the fourth time you have a nice long book here that takes some time to read and appreciate. This is not some quick-reading fast-income novella that many authors churn out every few weeks. And hey, I’m not saying those are bad necessarily: I get the need for a regular paying gig (I really do), but the flip side is that those authors need to give props to those who lay a down a plate of filet mignon in comparison to great pub burgers and gyros. Nice is nice in different ways and times, and this series folks, is filet all the way.
I give it the best recommendation (14+) possible for a fantasy LitRPG cultivation series. It’s also very manga-like because of that: if you like “Naruto” or “Bleach” then you’re gonna like this. I can’t wait to see what happens next!