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Destiny Cycle #5
Threads of Destiny: Volume 2
The peace of the Sect has been broken. Incursions come from the nomadic tribes of the southern mountains, and from deep underground. Against these foes of the Empire both old and new, Ling Qi and her allies will be set to test themselves. It is said that conflict is the great whetstone of talent, but war may devour the genius and the common talent alike without differentiation. What is to be gained and what is to be lost as the fires grow?
617 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2023
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47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 1, 2025
It was an enjoyable well written book as always. However progression story wise was lacking compared to previous books.
Ling Qi growth seems to be slowed down to a snails pace now. And most of her story is about politicking. And while it is interesting and enjoyable, it is definitely not as satisfying to see her power growth.
Most characters have been sidelined unfortunately. Bei Meizhen, Gu Xiulan and Li Suyin, all important characters as friend to Ling Qi barely appear in book. And when they do briefly it is of little importance. And it’s definitely noticeable. The camaraderie that was so prevalent in previous books to be without in this one makes it feel a bit emotionally empty. And while I’ve said I love Ling Qi’s growing bond with Cai Renxiang, it is still only growing. It is still very stiff and formal. So it was disappointing to have so many characters that have emotional impact with our main character to be of no matter to story. I have loved this series more slice of life moments, so to have meaningful characters interactions cut down to bare minimum is very disappointing.
While the overarching story was well enjoyable and had interesting high stakes, it was also sort of bland emotionally. I don’t know how else to describe it. There was tension as Ling Qi was out of her depth against such high level cultivators, but it didn’t make it feel as intense as previous encounters she has had with other antagonists. I think because there’s no personal drive for her to overcome, it’s just a mission she’s been assigned.
I feel like the writing has strayed from what initially was. A simple concept of being a cultivator in a sect trying to improve themselves. The world building, while well written and interesting, has started to take over the story, and politics seems to be more important now.
In future novels I won’t find these changes necessarily bad because our girl Ling Qi does have to grow up and step out into this world as a royal now, but only if it’s more balanced more of the emotions our previous street urchin used to express rather than her choosing every damn word so carefully, and if the other interesting and fun to watch grow characters can have a place in story again.
I still really enjoyed this despite its issues. It’s very well written. So I’m hopeful for future books.
Ling Qi growth seems to be slowed down to a snails pace now. And most of her story is about politicking. And while it is interesting and enjoyable, it is definitely not as satisfying to see her power growth.
Most characters have been sidelined unfortunately. Bei Meizhen, Gu Xiulan and Li Suyin, all important characters as friend to Ling Qi barely appear in book. And when they do briefly it is of little importance. And it’s definitely noticeable. The camaraderie that was so prevalent in previous books to be without in this one makes it feel a bit emotionally empty. And while I’ve said I love Ling Qi’s growing bond with Cai Renxiang, it is still only growing. It is still very stiff and formal. So it was disappointing to have so many characters that have emotional impact with our main character to be of no matter to story. I have loved this series more slice of life moments, so to have meaningful characters interactions cut down to bare minimum is very disappointing.
While the overarching story was well enjoyable and had interesting high stakes, it was also sort of bland emotionally. I don’t know how else to describe it. There was tension as Ling Qi was out of her depth against such high level cultivators, but it didn’t make it feel as intense as previous encounters she has had with other antagonists. I think because there’s no personal drive for her to overcome, it’s just a mission she’s been assigned.
I feel like the writing has strayed from what initially was. A simple concept of being a cultivator in a sect trying to improve themselves. The world building, while well written and interesting, has started to take over the story, and politics seems to be more important now.
In future novels I won’t find these changes necessarily bad because our girl Ling Qi does have to grow up and step out into this world as a royal now, but only if it’s more balanced more of the emotions our previous street urchin used to express rather than her choosing every damn word so carefully, and if the other interesting and fun to watch grow characters can have a place in story again.
I still really enjoyed this despite its issues. It’s very well written. So I’m hopeful for future books.
March 27, 2023
Carries on a lot of the issues from the last book, although the combat is a bit more meaningful. It's mostly held up buy it's interesting characters and magic system.
Biggest issue IMO is the constant and all consuming exposition. It's something like 90% exposition or dialogue. Barely anything is actually shown. It's something to expect with this series and I doubt that the author is going to change their style any time soon. It's not bad per se, just no where near as engaging as actually showing.
Progression takes a backseat once again to character interaction, being almost entirely done by exposition after the fact. There aren't any more of the classroom sessions, or one on one training of skills.
There's constant windows into the MC's thoughts, although that's part is somewhat alleviated by the spirit in her head that converses with her.
Overall, I think it's a bit better than the last one. It leans in to it's strength (characters) and has more going on in terms of plot. And even improves a bit in the weakest point by having more in the way of stakes for combat and not having the MC just stomp all opponents.
Biggest issue IMO is the constant and all consuming exposition. It's something like 90% exposition or dialogue. Barely anything is actually shown. It's something to expect with this series and I doubt that the author is going to change their style any time soon. It's not bad per se, just no where near as engaging as actually showing.
Progression takes a backseat once again to character interaction, being almost entirely done by exposition after the fact. There aren't any more of the classroom sessions, or one on one training of skills.
There's constant windows into the MC's thoughts, although that's part is somewhat alleviated by the spirit in her head that converses with her.
Overall, I think it's a bit better than the last one. It leans in to it's strength (characters) and has more going on in terms of plot. And even improves a bit in the weakest point by having more in the way of stakes for combat and not having the MC just stomp all opponents.
March 22, 2023
good book but not the best in the series
I’m a big fan of all these books and I enjoyed this book very much. I like Li Qing as the MC. She’s ambitious and strong, unsure and an underdog because of her humble backstory, but never the less, she’s committed to taking control of her life and still being a good person for her family, friends and wider world. I especially liked how this book developed her relationship with her spirt family (big sis, Mom, etc.). The main conflict in the story was okay, but a little confusing. Barbarians, mutant cave people, empire sycophants, rebels, or whoever gets in the way of Li Qing is hard to follow. I had a hard time following what the hell was happening over the last 15 chapters. I didn’t really know who or what was doing this or that, so I lost interest by the end. It’s all a big mess of monsters and Ji Rong’s leige’s dragon granny and what do any of these groups of people want? It’s a mess.
I’m a big fan of all these books and I enjoyed this book very much. I like Li Qing as the MC. She’s ambitious and strong, unsure and an underdog because of her humble backstory, but never the less, she’s committed to taking control of her life and still being a good person for her family, friends and wider world. I especially liked how this book developed her relationship with her spirt family (big sis, Mom, etc.). The main conflict in the story was okay, but a little confusing. Barbarians, mutant cave people, empire sycophants, rebels, or whoever gets in the way of Li Qing is hard to follow. I had a hard time following what the hell was happening over the last 15 chapters. I didn’t really know who or what was doing this or that, so I lost interest by the end. It’s all a big mess of monsters and Ji Rong’s leige’s dragon granny and what do any of these groups of people want? It’s a mess.
December 28, 2023
I’ve never listened to a cultivation story before this series and now I worry about trying others because I love this series so dearly I worry that none others will measure up. If you like a lot of detail in your fantasy, wholesomeness but also challenges in battles and emotions, great character growth and relationships, and a TON of battles, magic, and magical beings and spirits.
This is the type of cozy fantasy I’m into—you get a ton of cozy feels by getting to know the characters so deeply and the depth of magic in the world as well as journeying with the MC throughout her day to day life. But it’s not cozy at all in the sense that there’s still tons of fighting and battles, challenges, quests, etc. Cozy with a ton of adventure and VERY extensive battle scenes.
Finally, Natalie Naudus’s narration of this is excellent. Her narration style is really suited to this story.
This is the type of cozy fantasy I’m into—you get a ton of cozy feels by getting to know the characters so deeply and the depth of magic in the world as well as journeying with the MC throughout her day to day life. But it’s not cozy at all in the sense that there’s still tons of fighting and battles, challenges, quests, etc. Cozy with a ton of adventure and VERY extensive battle scenes.
Finally, Natalie Naudus’s narration of this is excellent. Her narration style is really suited to this story.
November 17, 2025
I’ve never read this style of fantasy before. Actually, I’ve never heard of progression fantasy before. I find I enjoy it. I’m guessing this gaming feel is not particular to this series but instead to this genre. As I said it’s new to me, but I will repeat myself and say that I truly do enjoy it. I’ve read quite a few fantasy series and I always felt I needed a break in between books but not now this one has me drawn in so I feel I need to go all the way to the very end of this series this time without a break, (mind you I took a break but it was only a short story.).
February 15, 2024
Not gonna lie … I had a very difficult time getting through this one. It often felt like there was a lot of “filler” to make the book longer. Pretty sure a lot of fluff could have been cut to keep a good pace going. Not sure I’ll be interested in another instalment but this instalment clearly ends with a lead to another. We’ll see …
May 15, 2023
Book Twenty Nine of 2023: oh Ling Qi I'm sorry but this one was kinda boring
August 9, 2023
great story!
Gonna check out royal road and see if there is more. Cool story. Politics arnt really my thing but there written painlessly in the story
Gonna check out royal road and see if there is more. Cool story. Politics arnt really my thing but there written painlessly in the story
February 6, 2024
Another great entry!
June 29, 2024
Ling Qi's first battle of the war left her with much things to think about. She does not want to be lonely, but she also wants to grow and the faster she grows the more people she leaves behind. To add insult to injury, how do her protective instincts clash with the fact that her friends and family are people on their own who can defend themselves and who are hurt when Ling Qi sacrifices her own well being for them. Of course, against this internal struggle, there is still a war going on and there is always the need to get stronger both in her cultivation art and her social base in the province.
Much like previous volumes I enjoy the training and soul searching, especially those moments that involve interaction with friends and enemies. The world slowly gets more complicated, and the characters develop and have flaws. On the other hand, it is still slow paced (which should not come as a surprise by volume 5), and I personally find the fighting at times being dragged on, although I suspect for others it is the fighting that is great and the soul searching that is taking too much time. I do feel that there should be a name list added to the book, preferably at the start. I am beginning to have trouble remembering all the names and how they relate to Qi Ling.
All in all, a great continuation of the series and I am curious were things are going to in the next parts.
Much like previous volumes I enjoy the training and soul searching, especially those moments that involve interaction with friends and enemies. The world slowly gets more complicated, and the characters develop and have flaws. On the other hand, it is still slow paced (which should not come as a surprise by volume 5), and I personally find the fighting at times being dragged on, although I suspect for others it is the fighting that is great and the soul searching that is taking too much time. I do feel that there should be a name list added to the book, preferably at the start. I am beginning to have trouble remembering all the names and how they relate to Qi Ling.
All in all, a great continuation of the series and I am curious were things are going to in the next parts.
July 29, 2024
Series continues to be fun!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews