Hello there! Long time no post. It’s been a while since I last shared something here, and today, I want to talk about something different from art.
One of my biggest passions, aside from drawing, is reading. I mainly enjoy fantasy and science fiction, but lately, I’ve been craving something new. That’s when I stumbled upon LitRPG, a genre I had never explored before.
What is LitRPG?
From my understanding, LitRPG (Literary Role-Playing Game) is a subgenre where stories take place in fantasy or sci-fi worlds but incorporate game-like mechanics. The characters level up, acquire new skills, and grow stronger as they progress through the story—much like playing a video game where you unlock abilities, upgrade stats, and develop new powers.
At first, I was skeptical. I wasn’t sure if LitRPG could match the depth and complexity of traditional fantasy or sci-fi. I assumed it might be a downgrade, just a gimmicky imitation of those genres. However, with its rising popularity and frequent recommendations from booktubers, I decided to give it a shot.
That’s how I found Cradle, a series by Will Wight, and started with Unsouled, the first book.
Review of Unsouled
The first book in the Cradle series follows Lindon, a boy born as an Unsouled—someone forbidden from practicing the sacred arts of his family. In this world, being Unsouled means having no affinity for the known magics, which makes one unfit for any kind of training. Society sees training such individuals as a waste of time and resources that could be better spent on more promising talents. As a result, Lindon is deemed unworthy and is strictly forbidden from practicing any form of sacred arts.
What I Liked
✅ Multiple Points of View – The story isn’t limited to Lindon’s perspective. Instead, we get glimpses into different characters’ motives and struggles, making them feel more alive and well-developed.
✅ Well-Written Fight Scenes – Will Wight excels at writing action sequences. Some fights had me grinning, while others gave me chills or left me eager to see what happened next. The pacing and descriptions are dynamic and immersive.
✅ Engaging World-Building – Although the story starts slow, it lays the groundwork for a much larger adventure. The book familiarizes you with the world’s structure, power hierarchy, and secrets, making you eager to continue the journey.
Minor Drawbacks
⏳ Slow Start – Since this book is more of an introduction, the pacing might feel a bit slow at first. However, given that Cradle is a 12-book series (plus a side story), this is understandable. Fortunately, the fast-paced action and well-crafted progression make up for it.
⏳ Short Length – Unsouled is a relatively quick read. It took me about two days to finish, which left me wanting more. Thankfully, the sequels are readily available!
Final Thoughts: Is Unsouled Worth Reading?
If you enjoy anime, progression-based storytelling, or just love a good fantasy with solid world-building and exciting action, Unsouled is definitely worth checking out. It’s a great entry point into the Cradle series and the LitRPG genre as a whole. I’ve already started the second book and can’t wait to see where Lindon’s journey takes him!
Have you read Unsouled or any other LitRPG books? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
