Unsouled

This book is probably my favorite cultivation novel out there, and for good reason. If you’re not aware what cultivation is, it’s a system of fantasy and magic inspired by eastern Taoist philosophies and chinese stories about reaching immortality and feature a lot of those themes.

It’s an entire genre and one I enjoy quite a bit, and Cradle, to me, is the very pinnacle of this genre. The book manages to bring a very fresh and exciting tale of cultivation that’s also still quite friendly to new readers just getting into the genre. It’s well beloved by the… show more.

Unsouled is probably the book on my this list that most directly inspired how I approached the magic system within my own story.

It follows Lindon, a boy with only limited access to magic, who sets off on a journey to power up enough to save his homeland. I loved how each of the characters developed their own set of unique skills specific to them, which they then had to figure out how to level up over time as well as apply in various situations, many of which aren’t always obvious.

Given his initially weak access to magic, Lindon is… show more.

On the opposite end of the spectrum from LitRPGs are cultivation books, which pattern themselves after Chinese wuxia novels: martial arts, Dao inspirations, and worlds of constant conflict.

Unsouled takes this concept and makes it accessible. In a world where everyone can cultivate their soul to grow stronger, Lindon is unique in lacking a soul at all.

Derided as useless by his clan, he struggles to find his own path to power.

I love how determined Lindon is, first in trying to make up for his handicap with cleverness and tricks, and then in trying to turn that weakness into… show more.

Unsouled (Cradle #1) by Will Wight has extremely clear, strong, and defined characters. I love characters. No story is good for me unless I love the cast, and thankfully, this book delivers. The progression of Lindon's (the main character) soul throughout the Cradle series is key to the story and thoroughly thought out. His counterpart, Yerin, has less progression, but is extremely key in teaching and protecting Lindon (and their gradual love subplot is perfect!). 

There are epic fights, great mentors (I’m looking at you, Eithen), and an amazing tournament. By the 10th book in the series, you’re hooked… show more.