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Clanless Cultivator #1
All-Knowing Novice
Knowledge is power. Knowledge is safety. Knowledge is Happiness. But only if you can act on it…
In spite of his best efforts, sixteen-year-old Taryn is an outcast. No one in the city will sully themselves by associating with a Clanless, and without someone to jumpstart his Eco core, he’s unable to fulfill his dream of walking the path of a cultivator. However, his life is turned upside down when he finds a journal belonging to an ancient immortal known only as “the Mourner.”
The journal was enchanted to pass along the memories and knowledge of the old cultivator to their successor. Taryn is ecstatic, as he suddenly has an abundance of knowledge at his fingertips… Unfortunately, he’s unable to make use of that knowledge without Eco. And the Mourner's spirit has begun showing Taryn visions of a possible future—one where his home is destroyed and the only family he knows dies before his eyes.
There’s only one way to prevent this future from coming to pass. The journey will either force him to surpass those who once mistreated him or end in his death, and not even the Mourner has the knowledge of which outcome it will be...
From Kenneth Arant, bestselling author of the Snake’s Life Series, comes a brand-new cultivation adventure perfect for fans of xanxia, demon beasts, and mystic martial arts of all types.
- GenresFantasyMartial Arts
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2021
436 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 23, 2021
Was ok.
Took nearly 40% to get to the plot. MC realizes apocalypse is incoming but chooses to join a quest to be with his girl he fancies. The quest journey starts and immediately cut off for a training montage. We get to the finale and it's not there. We just get an ending with MC promising to explain the finale later.
Despite reading a whole book, none of the characters are defined. MCs mysterious history is unexplained, the antagonists and their mysterious boss is slightly hinted but no details.
The prose was good despite structural and pacing issues and the book had so much potential to set itself apart, but sadly stuck with tropes.
Took nearly 40% to get to the plot. MC realizes apocalypse is incoming but chooses to join a quest to be with his girl he fancies. The quest journey starts and immediately cut off for a training montage. We get to the finale and it's not there. We just get an ending with MC promising to explain the finale later.
Despite reading a whole book, none of the characters are defined. MCs mysterious history is unexplained, the antagonists and their mysterious boss is slightly hinted but no details.
The prose was good despite structural and pacing issues and the book had so much potential to set itself apart, but sadly stuck with tropes.
March 29, 2022
This is a story that does not bother with a coherent plot.
The character choices are ludicrous. At no point do they make any sense, they are all for story advancement. This is an idea with no merit. The plot is a badly written cultivation book, it has bits and pieces thrown together with no real background. This is just badly done.
The character choices are ludicrous. At no point do they make any sense, they are all for story advancement. This is an idea with no merit. The plot is a badly written cultivation book, it has bits and pieces thrown together with no real background. This is just badly done.
January 6, 2022
Book one
Mistakes: While the writing and editing seemed fine to me I found the story lacking.
Plot: A powerless outsider with no power is of course able to find a book that grants all the knowledge of a being thousands of years old. His power is of course unlocked, oh and it seems he got the power of a dragon. Story ended rather abruptly.
Characters: The MC is a clumsy fool that is more lucky than skilled. Other characters have no depth and actually bring very little to the story.
5/10
Mistakes: While the writing and editing seemed fine to me I found the story lacking.
Plot: A powerless outsider with no power is of course able to find a book that grants all the knowledge of a being thousands of years old. His power is of course unlocked, oh and it seems he got the power of a dragon. Story ended rather abruptly.
Characters: The MC is a clumsy fool that is more lucky than skilled. Other characters have no depth and actually bring very little to the story.
5/10
June 16, 2022
Rating 3.5 stars
This has the same flavor as the Unsouled series by Will Wright. A 15 year old guy is not allowed to cultivate as he is an outsider who was adopted into the clan. He is treated poorly as power is the only thing that matters. He finds a book that downloads information from a cultivator who lived for thousands of years into his head.
This has the same flavor as the Unsouled series by Will Wright. A 15 year old guy is not allowed to cultivate as he is an outsider who was adopted into the clan. He is treated poorly as power is the only thing that matters. He finds a book that downloads information from a cultivator who lived for thousands of years into his head.
January 8, 2022
The good parts: I liked all exerts from the Mourner's journal.
I liked the world building and adored the relationship between his grandmother and Taryn. Xia Wei is amazing and I loved him.
The bad parts: I didn't like the romance in here. Not Taryn like a lovesick puppy by Yawen and not Yawen by Gao Feng. The first part should've been treated like infatuation and not love, the second one didn't make a fig of sense.
I disliked the ending so much. It didn't make a nick of sense. Like... Ok, where we go from here? I understand that somethings were left for a next volume but didn't like we got to be hanging waiting for some information or sense.
And apart from the relationship I enjoyed said above, none of the characters did much for me.
I liked the world building and adored the relationship between his grandmother and Taryn. Xia Wei is amazing and I loved him.
The bad parts: I didn't like the romance in here. Not Taryn like a lovesick puppy by Yawen and not Yawen by Gao Feng. The first part should've been treated like infatuation and not love, the second one didn't make a fig of sense.
I disliked the ending so much. It didn't make a nick of sense. Like... Ok, where we go from here? I understand that somethings were left for a next volume but didn't like we got to be hanging waiting for some information or sense.
And apart from the relationship I enjoyed said above, none of the characters did much for me.
January 6, 2022
Good cultivation novel.
Good story overall, and definitely want to read book 2 when it comes out.
The main thing that detracted from the story and broke the magic was when the author decided to make a side character gay. When you try to cater to special interest groups like LGBT, it doesn't add to the wonder and fascination that helps us immerse ourselves in a new world. Instead it pulls our heads out of the clouds and reminds us of ugly things like political trends, the media, and controversial issues.
Don't ruin good stories by dragging us back to the real world!!!
Good story overall, and definitely want to read book 2 when it comes out.
The main thing that detracted from the story and broke the magic was when the author decided to make a side character gay. When you try to cater to special interest groups like LGBT, it doesn't add to the wonder and fascination that helps us immerse ourselves in a new world. Instead it pulls our heads out of the clouds and reminds us of ugly things like political trends, the media, and controversial issues.
Don't ruin good stories by dragging us back to the real world!!!
December 23, 2021
Boring writing style
I found the writing style very boring, and confusing but part of it, was because I found it very difficult, not to skip sentences. But the fights, were very difficult to read, and not very believable.
I found the writing style very boring, and confusing but part of it, was because I found it very difficult, not to skip sentences. But the fights, were very difficult to read, and not very believable.
December 30, 2021
Eh
MC is an idiot who doesn't learn. Side characters were more interesting than the MC. I got tired of the idiot plot about 75% through, skipped to the end and don't feel like I missed a thing.
MC is an idiot who doesn't learn. Side characters were more interesting than the MC. I got tired of the idiot plot about 75% through, skipped to the end and don't feel like I missed a thing.
March 14, 2022
Good book
Good book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Good book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
August 20, 2022
Vastly disappointed. Book started out good and had lots of promise. Then about 1/2 way it doesn't just go downhill, it plunges downhill. I'd have given it one star, but the first half was actually somewhat interesting.
The MC, Taryn, is soon relegated to the category of stupid and whiny child. What's more, he completely becomes a mama's boy ... uh, grandma's boy. Really. No joke.
I spent the rest of the book hoping for redemption. Hoping for the author to kill granny. Instead we get this cutesy quipping couple.
So yeah, if you want a story about a stupid grandma's boy who is supposed to be filled with 4000 years of cultivator's knowledge but can't do diddly, then THIS book is for you!
The MC, Taryn, is soon relegated to the category of stupid and whiny child. What's more, he completely becomes a mama's boy ... uh, grandma's boy. Really. No joke.
I spent the rest of the book hoping for redemption. Hoping for the author to kill granny. Instead we get this cutesy quipping couple.
So yeah, if you want a story about a stupid grandma's boy who is supposed to be filled with 4000 years of cultivator's knowledge but can't do diddly, then THIS book is for you!
February 18, 2022
This book started off really slowly. It wasn't particularly bad but neither was it good. The second half of the book was much better. But then the ending was unsatisfying and gave absolutely no answers.
The protagonist is setup with a mysterious background that even he knows nothing about. Then he discovers the journal and the Mourner which creates even more questions. Then there's the two strangers and their purpose. None of this is explained by the end of the book. The book set ups a lot of questions and no answers.
The protagonist is setup with a mysterious background that even he knows nothing about. Then he discovers the journal and the Mourner which creates even more questions. Then there's the two strangers and their purpose. None of this is explained by the end of the book. The book set ups a lot of questions and no answers.
February 13, 2022
A good beginning of a series!
December 22, 2021
Taryn is an orphan and clanless, but has been adopted and raised by Fan Shun who he calls grandmother, she was a cultivator of the Ukata clan, who still considered Taryn an outcast and ostracised him. She had given up her eco in order to be allowed to adopt him and all he ever dreamt about was becoming a cultivator, but unless someone woke up his eco for him he would never be able to become one. Taryn studied and spied on the other youngsters as they had their eco awakened but no matter how hard he studied he could never become what he wanted to become or could he? He found an old journal of a cultivator who called himself the mourner and through this journal al memories and the knowledge of a thousand years was transmitted to Taryn who was deemed the mourners successor, but without his eco awakening he could do nothing with all that knowledge. Taryn knew from the visions he kept receiving from his predecessor that the future of his family and clan were in danger and that only he could save them. I love books where someone who is bullied and ostracised is given a chance to become someone great and this is what I envision for Taryn, who is courageous and who strives to get what he wants. I also love the character of Fan Shun and the witty banter that goes on between her and Taryn and I look forward to book 2 in this cultivation series which gave us an ending which leaves us crying for more.
January 23, 2022
3.5 stars. It was ok overall, but I wasn't impressed with the MC. His fumbling and inappropriate reactions to dangerous situations can be explained by his youth and inexperience to some extent, so I hope this is just a base for character development.
That said, I didn't really follow the relationship stuff and I don't know where that's supposed to go, if anywhere. Another thing for development in future books I guess.
That said, I didn't really follow the relationship stuff and I don't know where that's supposed to go, if anywhere. Another thing for development in future books I guess.
December 23, 2021
KU Review
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis. I hate trying to define my enjoyment and describe facets of it that would appeal to someone else. It is simply not my style. But for the sake of those fishing for clues:
Character development: good
Game elements: none
Harem elements: none
Tone: interesting take on cultivation with an intriguing storyline
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
As the title says this is a review for Kindle Unlimited and as such is a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis. I hate trying to define my enjoyment and describe facets of it that would appeal to someone else. It is simply not my style. But for the sake of those fishing for clues:
Character development: good
Game elements: none
Harem elements: none
Tone: interesting take on cultivation with an intriguing storyline
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
Cheers
January 28, 2022
3.5 For I Am A Stone, And That Is Not What We Do Stars
All-Knowing Novice is the first book in the Clanless Cultivator series by Kenneth Arant.
There was just enough intrigue and background to keep one yearning to learn more. A slight annoyance, in that there is yet still much of this world and cast of characters that I want to discover. Alas, I must wait until a sequel is released to even glimpse possible understanding into the intricacies of Aurelia and the Tian Clan.
Taryn is amalgamation of mystery. Where did he come from, having been abandoned in a monster infested forest? How does he possess such great inadvertent aptitude towards working with Eco, having just begun? What brought the Mourner's journal into his possession, over anyone else's?
All-Knowing Novice is the first book in the Clanless Cultivator series by Kenneth Arant.
There was just enough intrigue and background to keep one yearning to learn more. A slight annoyance, in that there is yet still much of this world and cast of characters that I want to discover. Alas, I must wait until a sequel is released to even glimpse possible understanding into the intricacies of Aurelia and the Tian Clan.
Taryn is amalgamation of mystery. Where did he come from, having been abandoned in a monster infested forest? How does he possess such great inadvertent aptitude towards working with Eco, having just begun? What brought the Mourner's journal into his possession, over anyone else's?
December 22, 2021
cultivation with a modern twist
Still has a lot of the tropes of eastern cultivation, but the writing and characters are modern/western influenced. The MC and his ‘grandmother’ have a sarcastic relationship, and women have strength based positions of authority.
Clean prose, with few enough errors as to be unremarkable.
I am very interested in the next novel. This was a fun read.
Still has a lot of the tropes of eastern cultivation, but the writing and characters are modern/western influenced. The MC and his ‘grandmother’ have a sarcastic relationship, and women have strength based positions of authority.
Clean prose, with few enough errors as to be unremarkable.
I am very interested in the next novel. This was a fun read.
May 6, 2022
Confusing
Too much mumbo jumbo. l finished the book but it was a struggle. The characters were just arrogant shits who were all forgettable. The princess was unconvincing as a romantic interest and she never even had a conversation with the MC as their interactions were at more than arms length until he asked her to watch his unconscious grandma. I just couldnt get into this and would not read another installment.
Too much mumbo jumbo. l finished the book but it was a struggle. The characters were just arrogant shits who were all forgettable. The princess was unconvincing as a romantic interest and she never even had a conversation with the MC as their interactions were at more than arms length until he asked her to watch his unconscious grandma. I just couldnt get into this and would not read another installment.
May 17, 2022
The plot is all over the place but has a decentpace. This is very much a set-up book without delivery, only 1 plot thread started was actually fulfilled and another 5+ are just up there. The book ends in the middle of nowhere.
Nots sure if this is just an audiobook issue by MC's grandmother's name is Feng Shui and the antagonist's name is Gucci Gang... which sounds like the author was taking the piss a bit.
Nots sure if this is just an audiobook issue by MC's grandmother's name is Feng Shui and the antagonist's name is Gucci Gang... which sounds like the author was taking the piss a bit.
November 22, 2023
This review pertains to the literary work titled "All-Knowing Novice" authored by Kenneth Arant, which is the first installment in the series known as "Clanless Cultivator."
Within the domain of Xianxia, a genre characterised by the pursuit of immortality and power through cultivation, Kenneth Arant's literary work titled "All-Knowing Novice" presents an engaging narrative that delves into themes of self-exploration and triumphing over challenges. The narrative traces the trajectory of Lin Zhao, a youthful individual who, while experiencing social exclusion from his kinship group, exhibits an exceptional capacity for assimilating and retaining information.
Arant's written work has a captivating and immersive quality, effectively captivating the reader's attention and engrossing them in the narrative of Lin Zhao's challenges and accomplishments. The author adeptly depicts the intricacies of the realm of cultivation, wherever acts of treachery, peril, and selflessness are frequently observed. Despite the myriad of obstacles encountered, Lin Zhao's unwavering will to carve out an own trajectory and substantiate his merit remains resplendent.
The concept of being all-knowing refers to possessing complete and comprehensive knowledge about all things. The novella has exceptional proficiency in the construction of its fictional universe and the portrayal of its characters. Arant effectively portrays the Xianxia realm, its complex cultivation framework, and the diverse factions engaged in power struggles. The character of Lin Zhao is shown as the central figure in the narrative, exhibiting a significant level of character development that highlights his transformation from a marginalised farmer to a forceful and influential presence.
Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the narrative rhythm of the work occasionally exhibits a leisurely tempo, accompanied by instances where certain elements of the plot may appear to be reiterated. Furthermore, the inclusion of a romantic subplot, although apparent, fails to exhibit the same level of profoundness and emotional impact as the primary narrative.
In this comprehensive evaluation, I will provide an overview and analysis of the subject matter at hand.
The novel titled "All-Knowing Novice" is a captivating work of Xianxia literature that is likely to resonate with enthusiasts of this particular genre. Arant's written work exhibits qualities that engross and stimulate intellectual contemplation, delving into subjects such as tenacity, adaptability, and the significance of acquiring information. Although there are instances of poor pacing, the narrative as a whole is skillfully constructed and captivating.
Based on the analysis conducted, it is recommended that further research be conducted in order to gain
I would highly suggest the novel "All-Knowing Novice" to enthusiasts of the Xianxia genre who derive pleasure from narratives depicting individuals of humble origins ascending to positions of eminence. The themes of tenacity and resilience explored in the novel are likely to evoke a strong response from readers, while Arant's writing style effectively sustains their interest over the entirety of the work.
The user's text should be rewritten to have an academic tone without adding any additional information.
The novel titled "All-Knowing Novice" is a compelling narrative that explores themes of personal growth and resilience within the context of the Xianxia universe.
The narrative traces the trajectory of Lin Zhao, a youthful individual endowed with an exceptional capacity to assimilate and remember information.
Arant's written work exhibits a captivating quality that effectively captivates the reader, immersing them in the many challenges and accomplishments experienced by Lin Zhao.
The novel "All-Knowing Novice" has a high level of proficiency in the creation of its fictional universe and the growth of its characters. The protagonist is intricately crafted, and the depiction of the Xianxia world is richly detailed and immersive.
The pacing of the narrative occasionally exhibits a leisurely tempo, while the romantic subplot is found to be lacking in intricacy.
In general, the novel titled "All-Knowing Novice" is a captivating work of Xianxia literature that is likely to resonate with enthusiasts of this particular genre.
Within the domain of Xianxia, a genre characterised by the pursuit of immortality and power through cultivation, Kenneth Arant's literary work titled "All-Knowing Novice" presents an engaging narrative that delves into themes of self-exploration and triumphing over challenges. The narrative traces the trajectory of Lin Zhao, a youthful individual who, while experiencing social exclusion from his kinship group, exhibits an exceptional capacity for assimilating and retaining information.
Arant's written work has a captivating and immersive quality, effectively captivating the reader's attention and engrossing them in the narrative of Lin Zhao's challenges and accomplishments. The author adeptly depicts the intricacies of the realm of cultivation, wherever acts of treachery, peril, and selflessness are frequently observed. Despite the myriad of obstacles encountered, Lin Zhao's unwavering will to carve out an own trajectory and substantiate his merit remains resplendent.
The concept of being all-knowing refers to possessing complete and comprehensive knowledge about all things. The novella has exceptional proficiency in the construction of its fictional universe and the portrayal of its characters. Arant effectively portrays the Xianxia realm, its complex cultivation framework, and the diverse factions engaged in power struggles. The character of Lin Zhao is shown as the central figure in the narrative, exhibiting a significant level of character development that highlights his transformation from a marginalised farmer to a forceful and influential presence.
Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the narrative rhythm of the work occasionally exhibits a leisurely tempo, accompanied by instances where certain elements of the plot may appear to be reiterated. Furthermore, the inclusion of a romantic subplot, although apparent, fails to exhibit the same level of profoundness and emotional impact as the primary narrative.
In this comprehensive evaluation, I will provide an overview and analysis of the subject matter at hand.
The novel titled "All-Knowing Novice" is a captivating work of Xianxia literature that is likely to resonate with enthusiasts of this particular genre. Arant's written work exhibits qualities that engross and stimulate intellectual contemplation, delving into subjects such as tenacity, adaptability, and the significance of acquiring information. Although there are instances of poor pacing, the narrative as a whole is skillfully constructed and captivating.
Based on the analysis conducted, it is recommended that further research be conducted in order to gain
I would highly suggest the novel "All-Knowing Novice" to enthusiasts of the Xianxia genre who derive pleasure from narratives depicting individuals of humble origins ascending to positions of eminence. The themes of tenacity and resilience explored in the novel are likely to evoke a strong response from readers, while Arant's writing style effectively sustains their interest over the entirety of the work.
The user's text should be rewritten to have an academic tone without adding any additional information.
The novel titled "All-Knowing Novice" is a compelling narrative that explores themes of personal growth and resilience within the context of the Xianxia universe.
The narrative traces the trajectory of Lin Zhao, a youthful individual endowed with an exceptional capacity to assimilate and remember information.
Arant's written work exhibits a captivating quality that effectively captivates the reader, immersing them in the many challenges and accomplishments experienced by Lin Zhao.
The novel "All-Knowing Novice" has a high level of proficiency in the creation of its fictional universe and the growth of its characters. The protagonist is intricately crafted, and the depiction of the Xianxia world is richly detailed and immersive.
The pacing of the narrative occasionally exhibits a leisurely tempo, while the romantic subplot is found to be lacking in intricacy.
In general, the novel titled "All-Knowing Novice" is a captivating work of Xianxia literature that is likely to resonate with enthusiasts of this particular genre.
April 26, 2022
this book is good. but instead of going over the cons first I have some personal complaints. I don't the troupe of most cultivation books where the Mc finds a girl and falls in love with her for the entire series, but this is basically exactly what happens. then the girl just follows him, honestly I don't really like romance in story's but if your gonna add some make it good. then he also has this entire 4000 years of knowledge in his head and still loses basically every fight he gets into. if your gonna give your mc a awesome boon don't make it to where he doesn't use it properly, it's like if you make your mc overpowered but actively try and make him weaker. those are really all my personal complaints. let's get into the cons. they don't explain the cultivation system, this happens in most cultivation books. they never explain how cultivation works, I personally didn't know where the Mc was in cultivation or how he could advance in his cultivation. I already said something like this but does the girl like him or not? I don't get it. I honestly don't even know if the mc still "loves" her, but like I said the girl and her brother end up following him and I don't get why the mc even let's them, for the whole book there was basically no conversation between them and now there just following him?. but besides that this book feels like a good cultivation series. the world building just isn't there. character progression is tho, I feel like he matured through out the series. I wish there was more fighting, but when there was it was honestly very detailed. those are really all the cons I can think of.
the pros are as put here. the characters especially the ones that were actually active throughout the story are really cool, I like the grandma and the mc. the others aren't as good. the information he has in his head could be used way better but I like the idea. It was executed kinda poorly but it was still good. this book kinda reminds me of the first book of cradle. I do feel like the second addition to this series will be 100 percent times better then this one.
the pros are as put here. the characters especially the ones that were actually active throughout the story are really cool, I like the grandma and the mc. the others aren't as good. the information he has in his head could be used way better but I like the idea. It was executed kinda poorly but it was still good. this book kinda reminds me of the first book of cradle. I do feel like the second addition to this series will be 100 percent times better then this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2022
Very disappointed in this book.
Everything I’ve gotten from this author has been good until this book. The writing was very strong and the premise was extremely good. But the execution was pathetic. The main character might as well have been a Sidekick. He was supposed to gain all of this cultivation knowledge from someone who’s lived for thousands of years and yet he rarely used it and in most cases just ignored it. In the beginning it look like the knowledge was going to help him improve but it proved to be just a hindrance half the time. The main character seem to have the sensibilities of a modern teenager set an ancient cultivation time. A little more than halfway to the book it almost turned into a slapstick comedy. The overall feeling you get from the book is that it was some teen or young adult novel. I really had to force myself to finish it and I came away feeling extremely disappointed in this authors novel. Maybe it’ll get better in future novels but for now I’m really not sure if I’m ever going to get anymore in this series
Everything I’ve gotten from this author has been good until this book. The writing was very strong and the premise was extremely good. But the execution was pathetic. The main character might as well have been a Sidekick. He was supposed to gain all of this cultivation knowledge from someone who’s lived for thousands of years and yet he rarely used it and in most cases just ignored it. In the beginning it look like the knowledge was going to help him improve but it proved to be just a hindrance half the time. The main character seem to have the sensibilities of a modern teenager set an ancient cultivation time. A little more than halfway to the book it almost turned into a slapstick comedy. The overall feeling you get from the book is that it was some teen or young adult novel. I really had to force myself to finish it and I came away feeling extremely disappointed in this authors novel. Maybe it’ll get better in future novels but for now I’m really not sure if I’m ever going to get anymore in this series
February 11, 2024
The protagonist in Clanless Cultivator Book 1 has access to the memories and techniques of a 4,000-year-old cultivator, but they seemingly remain stagnant in both fighting style and personality. While the book mentions a change, I didn't see it reflected in their actions or decision-making. For instance, during the [insert specific fight scene], the character resorted to basic punches and stabs instead of utilizing the advanced techniques hinted at. Additionally, their personality remained largely unchanged throughout the story.
For readers expecting a character who significantly evolves due to their acquired knowledge and experience, this might be a disappointment. However, those who enjoy a more lighthearted cultivation story with a somewhat static protagonist might find it more enjoyable."
For readers expecting a character who significantly evolves due to their acquired knowledge and experience, this might be a disappointment. However, those who enjoy a more lighthearted cultivation story with a somewhat static protagonist might find it more enjoyable."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2022
I've read some bad cultivation novels, but this one is especially shoddy.
- The author misspells "xianxia" as "xanxia", which in itself tells you everything you need to know.
- At one point, three days turn into one; at another, the protagonist owes a crafting blueprint to a blacksmith, but gets sent off before he can pay.
- For absolutely no good reason, Qi is creativelly renamed to Eco. Similarly, the five elements get changed up, in a bad way.
- This is supposed to be a cultivation story. The protagonist's special power is ... turning into a werewolf.
- Strength differences in hugely distinct cultivation levels only apply sometimes.
- Utterly flat characters, with teenage romance drama mixed in for good measure.
- The author misspells "xianxia" as "xanxia", which in itself tells you everything you need to know.
- At one point, three days turn into one; at another, the protagonist owes a crafting blueprint to a blacksmith, but gets sent off before he can pay.
- For absolutely no good reason, Qi is creativelly renamed to Eco. Similarly, the five elements get changed up, in a bad way.
- This is supposed to be a cultivation story. The protagonist's special power is ... turning into a werewolf.
- Strength differences in hugely distinct cultivation levels only apply sometimes.
- Utterly flat characters, with teenage romance drama mixed in for good measure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2021
Received as an ARC from Shadow Alley Press, this is an honest review. Despite the beauty of Haven City, for sixteen year old Taryn being an outsider has left him incapable to partake in the ritual that defines the lives of the children: the establishment of what's called an Eco core and becoming a cultivator... providing important functions in the society. Despite his struggles, a strange discovery of an ancient journal places Taryn in a very important role of saving Haven City from danger only he can see. This beautifully written fast-paced adventure is brimming with memorable, eccentric people that color the unique culture that gives life to their world. Highly recommended.
October 31, 2022
WHAT A WASTE OF TIME
The beginning of the book had promise I guess, outcast with a mysterious background who finds some book that can make him super op. But then the author says "fuck it" and just fucks everything up.
Here's a list of everything wrong with this book
-trash romance that doesn't make any sense
-a quest that turns into a freaking out of place training montage.
-finally that's not a finally
-nothings explained
-the characters are all useless basically I had trouble remembering who's who
All this to say this book was a complete waste of time and I'm never reading anything from this author ever again.
The beginning of the book had promise I guess, outcast with a mysterious background who finds some book that can make him super op. But then the author says "fuck it" and just fucks everything up.
Here's a list of everything wrong with this book
-trash romance that doesn't make any sense
-a quest that turns into a freaking out of place training montage.
-finally that's not a finally
-nothings explained
-the characters are all useless basically I had trouble remembering who's who
All this to say this book was a complete waste of time and I'm never reading anything from this author ever again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2021
Content ratings: Violence - PG13, Profanity - R, Other - PG
Overall this was an enjoyable read. Nothing was particularly novel or notable, but it was enjoyable. The ending was abrupt and not quite satisfying, but it definitely sets the stage for the book to continue. My biggest complaint is that the profanity was unnecessary, and it earned the R rating at 80% in. Also toward the end of the book, it seemed like it grafted in some current social issues. I just didn’t seem natural to the writing or the story.
Overall this was an enjoyable read. Nothing was particularly novel or notable, but it was enjoyable. The ending was abrupt and not quite satisfying, but it definitely sets the stage for the book to continue. My biggest complaint is that the profanity was unnecessary, and it earned the R rating at 80% in. Also toward the end of the book, it seemed like it grafted in some current social issues. I just didn’t seem natural to the writing or the story.
November 9, 2022
I like it
After reading other books by this author I went back to read this series. So far I'm enjoying it the 1st book it is good fun. I'm not totally enamored with the MC at this point but hopefully he grows a pair In the next book. The humorous writing style is what generally draws me to this author's works. So far I've not been disappointed. Definitely upcoming of age book and coming of power. There are some gaps in the Powers descriptions that could be more detailed but overall Enjoyed enjoyable. I look forward to reading the second book.
After reading other books by this author I went back to read this series. So far I'm enjoying it the 1st book it is good fun. I'm not totally enamored with the MC at this point but hopefully he grows a pair In the next book. The humorous writing style is what generally draws me to this author's works. So far I've not been disappointed. Definitely upcoming of age book and coming of power. There are some gaps in the Powers descriptions that could be more detailed but overall Enjoyed enjoyable. I look forward to reading the second book.
September 11, 2022
Characters are inconsistent
Mc goes from practically instantaneous weapon knowledge to bumbling fool, with a weapon he designed. MCs grandma teaches cultivators but always seems to forget giving vital warnings about utilizing techniques. The MC also goes from confident warrior to stumbling idiot in the blink of an eye. FFS Arant pick one or the other and don't change the rules for accessing the knowledge, which the MC was supposedly integrated with, on the fly.
Mc goes from practically instantaneous weapon knowledge to bumbling fool, with a weapon he designed. MCs grandma teaches cultivators but always seems to forget giving vital warnings about utilizing techniques. The MC also goes from confident warrior to stumbling idiot in the blink of an eye. FFS Arant pick one or the other and don't change the rules for accessing the knowledge, which the MC was supposedly integrated with, on the fly.
November 5, 2022
Good read
I reread a lot of books because a lot of the novels on Kindle and in print just suck. A tell in my electronic reader that shows about a hundred pages read let's me know to avoid a bad read. This novel is not one, I started it and then blinked because the book was concluded. Got about 1000 books in my reader and believe this to be one of the best in the last year I have read.
I reread a lot of books because a lot of the novels on Kindle and in print just suck. A tell in my electronic reader that shows about a hundred pages read let's me know to avoid a bad read. This novel is not one, I started it and then blinked because the book was concluded. Got about 1000 books in my reader and believe this to be one of the best in the last year I have read.
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