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First Fist #1
Seventh Bridge to the Heavens Book I
Once a soldier, now an outcast. Luca must overcome fate as he walks the path of a cultivator, seeking the Seventh Bridge to the Heavens.
During his many years in the army, few men served Mindea as faithfully as Luca. Clawing his way into the elite ranks of Ballum's Fist, the man hoped to rouse his dormant core. After every Elixir of Awakening failed, however, he relinquished such dreams in the hopes of returning home.
Yet even that is torn away when he and his men collide with an unexpected fate. Facing a monk from distant Shuya, who wields not one but all of the elements, Luca is forced to question all he knows about cultivation.
Our exiled hero will find a new purpose. Luca must gather allies, battle Mana Beasts, and ascend his core as quickly as possible. For once he has taken this terrible power unto himself, enemies arise from the distant reaches of Andaya.
Through it all, Luca learns one undeniable fact:
Wielding the power of the gods is not for the weak of heart.
During his many years in the army, few men served Mindea as faithfully as Luca. Clawing his way into the elite ranks of Ballum's Fist, the man hoped to rouse his dormant core. After every Elixir of Awakening failed, however, he relinquished such dreams in the hopes of returning home.
Yet even that is torn away when he and his men collide with an unexpected fate. Facing a monk from distant Shuya, who wields not one but all of the elements, Luca is forced to question all he knows about cultivation.
Our exiled hero will find a new purpose. Luca must gather allies, battle Mana Beasts, and ascend his core as quickly as possible. For once he has taken this terrible power unto himself, enemies arise from the distant reaches of Andaya.
Through it all, Luca learns one undeniable fact:
Wielding the power of the gods is not for the weak of heart.
734 pages, ebook
First published March 4, 2022
644 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
T.J. Reynolds
17 books83 followersI'm a lover of fantasy, gaming, film, and most other forms of miraculous escapism.
I have kids, and a flock of baby dragons we are trying to raise to be house trained.
I write LitRPG/Gamelit books... Feel free to message me or reach out at any time!!!
I have kids, and a flock of baby dragons we are trying to raise to be house trained.
I write LitRPG/Gamelit books... Feel free to message me or reach out at any time!!!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
July 29, 2024
Wow, what a disappointment.
This novel starts out with an amazing (for the genre) journey of a veteran soldier through the tragic end to his service. The first 20ish percent is wonderful and sets up the potential for a tremendous redemption story.
Unfortunately, it just sort of dies at that point, and becomes a well-below-average, derivative cultivation tale. Gods get involved, people start doing things for absolutely no logical reason, some cultivation stuff is sketched out, we get some stat sheets that are meaningless within the story, a little power-leveling happens, the snark level goes way up, etc. The only positive is that I didn't notice excessive use of the work "smirk."
I feel almost like two different people wrote this book. Definitely not interested in the next.
This novel starts out with an amazing (for the genre) journey of a veteran soldier through the tragic end to his service. The first 20ish percent is wonderful and sets up the potential for a tremendous redemption story.
Unfortunately, it just sort of dies at that point, and becomes a well-below-average, derivative cultivation tale. Gods get involved, people start doing things for absolutely no logical reason, some cultivation stuff is sketched out, we get some stat sheets that are meaningless within the story, a little power-leveling happens, the snark level goes way up, etc. The only positive is that I didn't notice excessive use of the work "smirk."
I feel almost like two different people wrote this book. Definitely not interested in the next.
March 23, 2022
Great start to the series. I think Luca's going to be one of my favourite main characters 'cause he's so genuine and humble. I felt a panic while reading 'cause I seriously had doubts that Luca would be strong enough to do the things he's done, but his wit and his strong will really gets him through the seemingly impossible situations he finds himself in.
I kinda wish Reynolds would write a WLW main character again like he did with his Eternal Online series, but I guess I'll just endure this for now.
I kinda wish Reynolds would write a WLW main character again like he did with his Eternal Online series, but I guess I'll just endure this for now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2022
Goes off the tracks
It started off great and the author writes amazing characters and dialogue, but for me it lost its way when the cultivation aspect got introduced. It went from this fun book with dynamic characters to hanging out alone in the mountains or later with bobo just explaining mechanics or UI or Herbs which is all fine in moderation, but it completely left all of the other plot points and characters and just wasn't very entertaining unfortunately. If theres going to be a long training arc it needs to be compelling in some way, and I was more interested in wyndfall than the training by far.
It started off great and the author writes amazing characters and dialogue, but for me it lost its way when the cultivation aspect got introduced. It went from this fun book with dynamic characters to hanging out alone in the mountains or later with bobo just explaining mechanics or UI or Herbs which is all fine in moderation, but it completely left all of the other plot points and characters and just wasn't very entertaining unfortunately. If theres going to be a long training arc it needs to be compelling in some way, and I was more interested in wyndfall than the training by far.
June 7, 2022
DNF
Started off great. Really hooked me. Then it all fell apart. Wish I could explain it better but just after the 20% mark it went downhill. I kind of expected the ole broken man redemption arc. I liked the MC at the start. Don’t know what happened.
Started off great. Really hooked me. Then it all fell apart. Wish I could explain it better but just after the 20% mark it went downhill. I kind of expected the ole broken man redemption arc. I liked the MC at the start. Don’t know what happened.
April 11, 2022
The first part was intriguing and promising. I particularly appreciated that the MC was mature with a strong personality, instead of a youngster growing up. However, the rest of the book was disappointing, all the more so that the MC's personality simply disappeared to focus on the LitRPG aspect. Unfortunately, the mix of LitRPG and cultivation was poorly done, it really felt like the MC was in a video game instead of the kind of medieval setting of the first part. This feeling was reinforced by the not enjoyable personality of Leshra. The story plot, after the first part, was quite predictable and repetitive, and as it advanced, there was less and less to hold my interest.
March 13, 2022
well developed
More LitRPG than Cultivation. A lot of ground-work laid for future events.
The time MC spent as a soldier felt ‘real’, with strong underpinnings of comradery.
Even the throwaway characters had sufficient depth to add flavor beyond their obvious purpose.
Looking forward to the next book.
More LitRPG than Cultivation. A lot of ground-work laid for future events.
The time MC spent as a soldier felt ‘real’, with strong underpinnings of comradery.
Even the throwaway characters had sufficient depth to add flavor beyond their obvious purpose.
Looking forward to the next book.
March 25, 2022
Very Well Edited, Heartfelt Start to an Epic Adventure
First Fist is, at its core, a cultivation novel crossed with litrpg (the litrpg aspect takes significant time to appear, but it’s worth the wait if that’s a major draw). But what sets it above are the characters and their realness. It’s not often I get hit by major feels reading progression fantasy novels, but I was struck numerous times by poignant scenes.
Another plus is that the prose was in the vein of high fantasy but wasn’t purple. It was easy to read but felt more sophisticated than other genre reads, and was as well edited as traditionally published works.
Looking forward to the next.
First Fist is, at its core, a cultivation novel crossed with litrpg (the litrpg aspect takes significant time to appear, but it’s worth the wait if that’s a major draw). But what sets it above are the characters and their realness. It’s not often I get hit by major feels reading progression fantasy novels, but I was struck numerous times by poignant scenes.
Another plus is that the prose was in the vein of high fantasy but wasn’t purple. It was easy to read but felt more sophisticated than other genre reads, and was as well edited as traditionally published works.
Looking forward to the next.
September 3, 2024
I think people like to describe books like this as "slow burn." It took over one-third of the book to get to the cultivation, (inciting incident?). There was a lot of exposition. Long stretches felt forced – the plot was on rails.
I liked the protagonist and found him to be sympathetic. However, most of the other characters are shallow. There's little originality to be found in the world-building. It's a cultivation story set in a European mold... 'nough said.
Things pick up in the final third. In fact, it was good enough to make me want to continue reading. Realistically, I'll probably have forgotten that positive feeling by the time Book Two is published.
I liked the protagonist and found him to be sympathetic. However, most of the other characters are shallow. There's little originality to be found in the world-building. It's a cultivation story set in a European mold... 'nough said.
Things pick up in the final third. In fact, it was good enough to make me want to continue reading. Realistically, I'll probably have forgotten that positive feeling by the time Book Two is published.
April 18, 2022
I guess you can maybe call this cultivation, because you do have your typical misogynistic testosterone infused and penis measuring contests just about every damn chapter. Nothing is ever explained, like the world or even the skills. It's just, oh you talked back to me ( you must be seeking death BS ), I need to prove to everyone, so I must smash your head in, oh you dared to cross my path or breath the same air. I must smash your head in.
March 29, 2022
Ok so this book came out of nowhere for me, I saw the author giving out free Audible codes and I'm not one to refuse a free book. Since it was free though, I felt obliged to listen to it and post a review as thanks for the author's generosity; now off with the review.
This book leans heavily of the fantasy part of progression fantasy which strangely enough is a breath of fresh air in this genre. I've read quite a few progression fantasies and litrpgs that simply go through the motions and feel more of a fanfic rather than a well constructed book with compelling characters and world.
The fact that the first third of this book was mainly world and character building made me infinitely more interested in the story in general.
Another thing that I loved is the main character, my usual experience with this genre is, most of the time, great world, shit or bland main character. Not with this one, I absolutely love Luca. He's as much of a rugged and experienced soldier as he is a caring person who genuinely cares about the people around and not just running for the next power-up.
Regarding the progression aspect, I'd say this book is fantasy first and progression second, all the bells and whistles are here but it feels more of a tool to move the plot rather than the end goal of the story, maybe that's why the book feels so well written.
In conclusion, I was really surprised with this book that came out of nowhere for me and how much I loved it, I absolutely recommend it to anyone who likes this genre or fantasy in general, this is progression fantasy at it's finest.
5/5
This book leans heavily of the fantasy part of progression fantasy which strangely enough is a breath of fresh air in this genre. I've read quite a few progression fantasies and litrpgs that simply go through the motions and feel more of a fanfic rather than a well constructed book with compelling characters and world.
The fact that the first third of this book was mainly world and character building made me infinitely more interested in the story in general.
Another thing that I loved is the main character, my usual experience with this genre is, most of the time, great world, shit or bland main character. Not with this one, I absolutely love Luca. He's as much of a rugged and experienced soldier as he is a caring person who genuinely cares about the people around and not just running for the next power-up.
Regarding the progression aspect, I'd say this book is fantasy first and progression second, all the bells and whistles are here but it feels more of a tool to move the plot rather than the end goal of the story, maybe that's why the book feels so well written.
In conclusion, I was really surprised with this book that came out of nowhere for me and how much I loved it, I absolutely recommend it to anyone who likes this genre or fantasy in general, this is progression fantasy at it's finest.
5/5
July 15, 2024
dear spellbook
A surprisingly solid fantasy cultivation lit-rpg that reads like a book instead of a web serial.
Luca is a skilled and loyal warrior of a border garrison of the northern kingdom Mindea. He regrets failing to awaken his core (and thus get magic powers), but his skill and determination has let him keep up with most of his brigade. It was supposed to be his last season, after which he’d retire to his fiancé, rich from spoils of war, but a last battle cripples him physically and spiritually, resulting in his exile. It’s on the exile Wylish island that he has a chance at new beginnings and even a chance to awaken a core that would surpass what he thought possible. I thought this was a very strong lit-rpg in that it read like an actual book, the early war camp sections reading a lot like Stormlight’s Kaladin’s time in bridge four. I really enjoy Luca as a character and frankly didn’t need the late addition of the lit-rpg numbers. They weren’t poorly incorporated, but I think a softer magic system would have been smoother and more accessible (named tiers could have still been maintained, but a 89/100 mana bar didn’t have a story impact). I think this story was at its best with character interactions and Luca wrestling with his place in the world. I’m excited to read the next book, as the sect building was really gaining momentum at the end of book one.
Recommended if you want a progression fantasy with bridge four vibes.
A surprisingly solid fantasy cultivation lit-rpg that reads like a book instead of a web serial.
Luca is a skilled and loyal warrior of a border garrison of the northern kingdom Mindea. He regrets failing to awaken his core (and thus get magic powers), but his skill and determination has let him keep up with most of his brigade. It was supposed to be his last season, after which he’d retire to his fiancé, rich from spoils of war, but a last battle cripples him physically and spiritually, resulting in his exile. It’s on the exile Wylish island that he has a chance at new beginnings and even a chance to awaken a core that would surpass what he thought possible. I thought this was a very strong lit-rpg in that it read like an actual book, the early war camp sections reading a lot like Stormlight’s Kaladin’s time in bridge four. I really enjoy Luca as a character and frankly didn’t need the late addition of the lit-rpg numbers. They weren’t poorly incorporated, but I think a softer magic system would have been smoother and more accessible (named tiers could have still been maintained, but a 89/100 mana bar didn’t have a story impact). I think this story was at its best with character interactions and Luca wrestling with his place in the world. I’m excited to read the next book, as the sect building was really gaining momentum at the end of book one.
Recommended if you want a progression fantasy with bridge four vibes.
April 26, 2022
We're gonna break this book into start, middle, end, because of how long it is.
Start. The start of this series is really good, the reason of that is because we get alot of backstory and most people might not like that but it's something most books like this lack, that meaning (I don't usually get books where the Mc is 30) usually in books where the Mc has already trained ect we don't get a backstory, so we're basically in the dark for the whole series on what the Mc can and can't do. But if the Mc is younger well you know what he can do and what he can't do. But this story takes it to another level with its backstory, characters, and world building, there's only one pov through out the whole story ( which i love). Another thing which is so good about this book is he gets a new start a clean slate, where he's not a warrior, or some cold hearted beast.
Middle. The middle of this book is probably the worst part (not as in bad) I feel like the middle got repetitive with how long the book was. The fighting was superb in the middle portion. The characters good.. plot was lacking but it picked up in the end. Also alot of character progression in the middle
The end is probably the best of the book. The fighting awesome. Book awesome. Ending awesome.
If you like litrpg fighting mcs or are "old" and use the spear this book is for you.
Start. The start of this series is really good, the reason of that is because we get alot of backstory and most people might not like that but it's something most books like this lack, that meaning (I don't usually get books where the Mc is 30) usually in books where the Mc has already trained ect we don't get a backstory, so we're basically in the dark for the whole series on what the Mc can and can't do. But if the Mc is younger well you know what he can do and what he can't do. But this story takes it to another level with its backstory, characters, and world building, there's only one pov through out the whole story ( which i love). Another thing which is so good about this book is he gets a new start a clean slate, where he's not a warrior, or some cold hearted beast.
Middle. The middle of this book is probably the worst part (not as in bad) I feel like the middle got repetitive with how long the book was. The fighting was superb in the middle portion. The characters good.. plot was lacking but it picked up in the end. Also alot of character progression in the middle
The end is probably the best of the book. The fighting awesome. Book awesome. Ending awesome.
If you like litrpg fighting mcs or are "old" and use the spear this book is for you.
August 13, 2022
Started off strong…
Part 1 was really well written and a joy to read. The author clearly has talent at character and fantasy world building, along with a good handle on military culture. He made me care about the fate of not just the main character, but many of the supporting characters as well. The backdrop of exotic cultures with their gods and varying wuxia systems also made me want to dive deeper into the story to learn more.
Then at about 30% in the writing quality takes a dip. It’s might be that a different author or editor was involved. Without spoiling the details, the hero in Part 2 is faced with significant new hardships and opportunities. This is a fine premise and an interesting growth arc. It’s just a matter of implementation.
The issue is the main character’s personality doesn’t line up with the first act. It’s almost as if Part 1 was edited for publishing to spice things up, but not all the nuances for Luca were carried forward. But much worse is how the story tone and dialogue shifts with the introduction of Leshra. It’s so jarring and bad, like something out of a modern juvenile drama.
I lost all interest in the story at this point. The start was so promising. It’s a real shame the author wasn’t able to carry it through the whole story, because that’s a book I really want to read.
Part 1 was really well written and a joy to read. The author clearly has talent at character and fantasy world building, along with a good handle on military culture. He made me care about the fate of not just the main character, but many of the supporting characters as well. The backdrop of exotic cultures with their gods and varying wuxia systems also made me want to dive deeper into the story to learn more.
Then at about 30% in the writing quality takes a dip. It’s might be that a different author or editor was involved. Without spoiling the details, the hero in Part 2 is faced with significant new hardships and opportunities. This is a fine premise and an interesting growth arc. It’s just a matter of implementation.
The issue is the main character’s personality doesn’t line up with the first act. It’s almost as if Part 1 was edited for publishing to spice things up, but not all the nuances for Luca were carried forward. But much worse is how the story tone and dialogue shifts with the introduction of Leshra. It’s so jarring and bad, like something out of a modern juvenile drama.
I lost all interest in the story at this point. The start was so promising. It’s a real shame the author wasn’t able to carry it through the whole story, because that’s a book I really want to read.
March 30, 2022
Fantastic read
Well truth be told, I saw this book, but had placed it far down on my to read list as it did not immediately spark an interest. Then, a bad 1-star review of it was shown on FB. The review was utterly ridiculous. It basically bad mouthed everything you what had to do with this genre of writing. Totally uncalled for. So, I immediately moved the book to the top of my to read list. I am glad that I did. The story telling was superb. The hero is not a young kid that happens upon fame and fortune, but rather a military vet that has to undergo numerous trials and losses before their path to power begins. That power is not immediate nor is it easy. Great world building, fantastic characters, wonderful path to glory or failure, and an intriguing layout for future books. Some flaws, but overall a very good read.
Well truth be told, I saw this book, but had placed it far down on my to read list as it did not immediately spark an interest. Then, a bad 1-star review of it was shown on FB. The review was utterly ridiculous. It basically bad mouthed everything you what had to do with this genre of writing. Totally uncalled for. So, I immediately moved the book to the top of my to read list. I am glad that I did. The story telling was superb. The hero is not a young kid that happens upon fame and fortune, but rather a military vet that has to undergo numerous trials and losses before their path to power begins. That power is not immediate nor is it easy. Great world building, fantastic characters, wonderful path to glory or failure, and an intriguing layout for future books. Some flaws, but overall a very good read.
April 1, 2022
An exiled combat veteran accidentally becomes the champion of a trickster god.
I think a lot about the differences between good, average, and bad litRPG. I think the good ones most often stand out by taking the time to do the non-combat portion well.
This author invests a lot of time into developing Luca as a character before he dumps a bunch of magic powers into Luca. We see Luca first as a soldier with a variety of bonds to his comrades and as someone with future plans for when his enlistment is over. After Luca is exiled the author then spends more time developing the exile community - who are the main inhabitants and what are the relationships between people. Finally when we get to the magic and combat and leveling up, each combat has a specific purpose rather than being endless mindless dungeon delves or endless mindless random encounters.
I think a lot about the differences between good, average, and bad litRPG. I think the good ones most often stand out by taking the time to do the non-combat portion well.
This author invests a lot of time into developing Luca as a character before he dumps a bunch of magic powers into Luca. We see Luca first as a soldier with a variety of bonds to his comrades and as someone with future plans for when his enlistment is over. After Luca is exiled the author then spends more time developing the exile community - who are the main inhabitants and what are the relationships between people. Finally when we get to the magic and combat and leveling up, each combat has a specific purpose rather than being endless mindless dungeon delves or endless mindless random encounters.
May 3, 2022
Wow just awesome. I want more..
This book was a pleasure to read. Definitely one of my top 10 series maybe top 5. The book starts with the MC in the military and his final campaign. This sets up the MCs great life change. 25% of this book is dedicated to this to give the MC backstory and context. Then there is the change for the Hero and for the readers. The book becomes a cultivation novel and hints of other rpg staples like base building. There are no stats(yet) just basic info on base and personnel/enemies. The book and story flow and grow organically and are fun to read. I found all the secondary characters to be different and fun to read about. The story is just beginning and i expect awesome follow-up books. This book was fairly long but a great value. It never felt padded or stretched plus i enjoyed every page you will too.
This book was a pleasure to read. Definitely one of my top 10 series maybe top 5. The book starts with the MC in the military and his final campaign. This sets up the MCs great life change. 25% of this book is dedicated to this to give the MC backstory and context. Then there is the change for the Hero and for the readers. The book becomes a cultivation novel and hints of other rpg staples like base building. There are no stats(yet) just basic info on base and personnel/enemies. The book and story flow and grow organically and are fun to read. I found all the secondary characters to be different and fun to read about. The story is just beginning and i expect awesome follow-up books. This book was fairly long but a great value. It never felt padded or stretched plus i enjoyed every page you will too.
March 8, 2022
What a Tale!
The story was great from start to finish and doesn't leave you on some big cliffhanger but sets you up to get excited for when book two comes around.
The pace of the writing was good, I never wished for it to slow down or to speed up, the author kept the pace set very well.
There are light LitRPG/GameLit elements in this book, and they're well thought out and not info dumpy at all, they work well with the world and the unique creatures and beasts really give you something new to imagine and create inside your mind as you read.
I've read other books by this author but this one is currently my new favourite.
I'd definitely recommend you give it a read.
The story was great from start to finish and doesn't leave you on some big cliffhanger but sets you up to get excited for when book two comes around.
The pace of the writing was good, I never wished for it to slow down or to speed up, the author kept the pace set very well.
There are light LitRPG/GameLit elements in this book, and they're well thought out and not info dumpy at all, they work well with the world and the unique creatures and beasts really give you something new to imagine and create inside your mind as you read.
I've read other books by this author but this one is currently my new favourite.
I'd definitely recommend you give it a read.
March 21, 2022
if you hated Guild Core, you’ll love this
A big round of applause for Mr. Reynolds.
Having read Guild Core and abandoned it halfway due to…well everything, this latest book is a testament that not only do the characters climb the levels of progression but so do the authors.
The character development, world building, and magic system were very well done.
Be warned it’s a slowish start but in the best way. This doesn’t jump into powerleveling the mc right away, it takes its time to set up a world and a reason for you to care.
My only issue, the ending could’ve been better. Something a bit more exciting? It wasn’t bad but everything else was done so well I just expected something with more stakes to occur.
A big round of applause for Mr. Reynolds.
Having read Guild Core and abandoned it halfway due to…well everything, this latest book is a testament that not only do the characters climb the levels of progression but so do the authors.
The character development, world building, and magic system were very well done.
Be warned it’s a slowish start but in the best way. This doesn’t jump into powerleveling the mc right away, it takes its time to set up a world and a reason for you to care.
My only issue, the ending could’ve been better. Something a bit more exciting? It wasn’t bad but everything else was done so well I just expected something with more stakes to occur.
April 19, 2022
Good start
Now it depends on the development from here. Unfortunately, the cultivation genre tends to get repetitive quickly as the MC ends up doing things in an almost dies multiple times rush for power along with the entire peak, false, half step, etc. crap that comes along at higher cultivation levels to keep differentiating power levels. Base building has similar problems.
Right now, the character development is still driving the plot and the need for six core disciples to be trained may spread the load as long as it doesn't start consuming the plot lines.
I'll definitely read the next one.
Now it depends on the development from here. Unfortunately, the cultivation genre tends to get repetitive quickly as the MC ends up doing things in an almost dies multiple times rush for power along with the entire peak, false, half step, etc. crap that comes along at higher cultivation levels to keep differentiating power levels. Base building has similar problems.
Right now, the character development is still driving the plot and the need for six core disciples to be trained may spread the load as long as it doesn't start consuming the plot lines.
I'll definitely read the next one.
April 26, 2022
Thanks
I am a dragon inquisition gamer and a Amazon unlimited reader. It doesn't stop there I am 85 yrs old. I like my fiction and read a book about every 2days. I enjoyed this sort very much and as the sissies good on you! You weave a good story line and kept it flowing. Some can do this like r a Jordan where I got my taste of a good fiction writer and continued. With good fiction writers. So that no very much for this enjoyable book looking forward to book 2 jerry voice whoops looked above that's Aussie say goo on you big fingers small keys that's my story and l am sticking to it. Good bye have a good day
I am a dragon inquisition gamer and a Amazon unlimited reader. It doesn't stop there I am 85 yrs old. I like my fiction and read a book about every 2days. I enjoyed this sort very much and as the sissies good on you! You weave a good story line and kept it flowing. Some can do this like r a Jordan where I got my taste of a good fiction writer and continued. With good fiction writers. So that no very much for this enjoyable book looking forward to book 2 jerry voice whoops looked above that's Aussie say goo on you big fingers small keys that's my story and l am sticking to it. Good bye have a good day
June 3, 2022
Truly, a hidden gem of a book.
This book itself is an example of how a good cultivation story develops. The first third is a well written military adventure, life before cultivation. The second third is the introduction of cultivation previously unknown, the wonder and discovery one goes through when they find their cultivation path. The final third is digging deeper into the path, a grand tale of overcoming adversity through pushing one’s boundaries and involving the right partners.
Stories like this are uncommon yet beautiful for their rarity. This one will be a treasured part of my collection going forward.
This book itself is an example of how a good cultivation story develops. The first third is a well written military adventure, life before cultivation. The second third is the introduction of cultivation previously unknown, the wonder and discovery one goes through when they find their cultivation path. The final third is digging deeper into the path, a grand tale of overcoming adversity through pushing one’s boundaries and involving the right partners.
Stories like this are uncommon yet beautiful for their rarity. This one will be a treasured part of my collection going forward.
March 20, 2022
Yet another
Yet another really great series for me to follow, the story started off with a new character, the introduction was handled well you got to know the protagonist, he got to know his motivations, you got to actually see and feel for his situation. Then, you got to watch him grow from what it was. The entire thing is beautifully written, well thought out, appears to be meticulously planned and executed. All the characters are very enjoyable and relatable. I can't wait for more!
Yet another really great series for me to follow, the story started off with a new character, the introduction was handled well you got to know the protagonist, he got to know his motivations, you got to actually see and feel for his situation. Then, you got to watch him grow from what it was. The entire thing is beautifully written, well thought out, appears to be meticulously planned and executed. All the characters are very enjoyable and relatable. I can't wait for more!
June 6, 2022
Well worth the read
Pretty good book! Interesting magic system, characters with some depth and feel to them. The storyline is good as well. It starts off a bit slow but grows pretty well.
There are times when the fight descriptions can be worded in a way that makes them hard to visualize, and that contributes to feeling like even when the characters are in a fight for their lives, them not really being in danger?
It’s hard to describe, but even with that flaw, the book is pretty good and I’m intrigued enough to continue reading the series.
Pretty good book! Interesting magic system, characters with some depth and feel to them. The storyline is good as well. It starts off a bit slow but grows pretty well.
There are times when the fight descriptions can be worded in a way that makes them hard to visualize, and that contributes to feeling like even when the characters are in a fight for their lives, them not really being in danger?
It’s hard to describe, but even with that flaw, the book is pretty good and I’m intrigued enough to continue reading the series.
March 18, 2022
good book
A very good book. Would have give. It five stars, but I feel some of the pacing was off. The author kept into a depth of relationship between characters I didn’t feel was built appropriately. This, for me, distracted from the story. Not a love at first sight, but a closeness between characters without the proper build up of a relationship. Great story arc, pacing and supporting character developments. Worth the read.
A very good book. Would have give. It five stars, but I feel some of the pacing was off. The author kept into a depth of relationship between characters I didn’t feel was built appropriately. This, for me, distracted from the story. Not a love at first sight, but a closeness between characters without the proper build up of a relationship. Great story arc, pacing and supporting character developments. Worth the read.
December 25, 2022
Great introduction to an interesting world and character
I enjoyed this world and the progression that Luca has begun. The history of human civilization is fascinating and I am excited to see how the Jackal Clan will be able to avoid being purged by Shuyan, and thrive.
I am a bit confused by the fact that the cultivators outside of Shuyan haven’t heard of the feats of Shuyanese cultivation and tried to emulate it. Maybe they have, and we just never heard about it…
I enjoyed this world and the progression that Luca has begun. The history of human civilization is fascinating and I am excited to see how the Jackal Clan will be able to avoid being purged by Shuyan, and thrive.
I am a bit confused by the fact that the cultivators outside of Shuyan haven’t heard of the feats of Shuyanese cultivation and tried to emulate it. Maybe they have, and we just never heard about it…
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April 13, 2023Did not finshed therefore no rating.
Man without magic talent in a magical army gets tainted with "bad" magic and therefore be banned on an island where he will become the first disciple of a goddess.
I really like the other books of this author but this wasn't for me. The whole story drags along. The goddess gots on my nerves very fast. Maybe the dialogues were ment to be funny - well not my kind of humor.
Man without magic talent in a magical army gets tainted with "bad" magic and therefore be banned on an island where he will become the first disciple of a goddess.
I really like the other books of this author but this wasn't for me. The whole story drags along. The goddess gots on my nerves very fast. Maybe the dialogues were ment to be funny - well not my kind of humor.
March 12, 2022
The first part of the book sets the world in a great way. It was a bit jarring when the litrpg elements were introduced in part 2, in my opinion it could've done without and just gone progression style, but I works when you continue reading.
I like the setting and characters and would highly recommend this to people who enjoy the genre.
I like the setting and characters and would highly recommend this to people who enjoy the genre.
March 19, 2022
I wasnt sure at first....
Ive always like TJs books. This one hit different and i honestly wasnt sure i was going to finish it. The first 20% or so fidnt sync with me. Im glad i stuck with it. The rest of the book was amazing and interesting. I am now looking forward to the second. Well done yet again!
Ive always like TJs books. This one hit different and i honestly wasnt sure i was going to finish it. The first 20% or so fidnt sync with me. Im glad i stuck with it. The rest of the book was amazing and interesting. I am now looking forward to the second. Well done yet again!
March 24, 2022
A different sort of great
I mostly read fantasy and sci-fi so this was a bit out of my normal zone but it was amazing. The main character is flawed in such a human way that they are realistic. The gods and world building are fun and fleshed out. But most importantly it is a fun read and I can't wait to find out what happens next.
I mostly read fantasy and sci-fi so this was a bit out of my normal zone but it was amazing. The main character is flawed in such a human way that they are realistic. The gods and world building are fun and fleshed out. But most importantly it is a fun read and I can't wait to find out what happens next.
April 14, 2022
Wow
Great first book. The character development was amazing and the background and lore fit perfectly. Splendid combat and the magic flowed with the story instead of feeling like endless repetition of the same abilities I read before. Ability were cool as well. Can't wait for the next book!!!
Great first book. The character development was amazing and the background and lore fit perfectly. Splendid combat and the magic flowed with the story instead of feeling like endless repetition of the same abilities I read before. Ability were cool as well. Can't wait for the next book!!!
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