You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.

1.64k reviews for:

Unsouled

Will Wight

3.88 AVERAGE

adventurous inspiring tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: N/A
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I hope to continue the Cradle series because I see a lot of potential with this first book, but unfortunately there were a handful of things about this story that I didn't quite like.

I think consuming this through audiobook was the right option for me because it made the story more enjoyable. If I noticed something that I didn't like, I could breeze through it relatively mindlessly.

My biggest issue here was that the use of magic felt like a plot convenience. I absolutely do not need a rule-oriented, hard magic system in order for me to buy into a fantasy story, but I still want the fantasy elements to be executed in a believable way. Without getting into spoilers, there was a scene where this deific being came to help Lindon, but I just couldn't wrap my head around why. Because he's unsouled? What's so special about him that made the aforementioned deific being cherry pick Lindon of all people? It all just seemed like poor plot armor; I wasn't given a reason why some sort of deific being came out of nowhere to specifically be a saving grace for Lindon.

Speaking of Lindon, I am interested in where he ends up, but that solely is because I'm a sucker for these underdog stories in general; Lindon being an underdog was frankly the only thing about him that garnered any investment out of me. He essentially cheats his way to the top, and the resourcefulness needed for doing so is quite admirable in itself I guess, but really, no one else ever thought of these loopholes other than him? And going back to my previous point, the magic always seemed to assist him in a way that felt convenient. It was just so painfully obvious to me that Lindon was getting through most of the hurdles he encountered because he's the main character. Once again, the plot armor was too heavy.

Again, I see a lot of potential with this first book because I think the magic can be fleshed out further so that it makes more sense, and I also see room for improvement with Lindon's characterization. I hope the next installments fare better for me.


It's pretty good. Not a fan of "system" mechanics in fantasy, so I didn't like the second half of the novel as much as the first. I also don't believe that in Sacred Valley, where honour is so important, that Lindon would so consistently be allowed to cheat his way through. Really ruined the immersion of light-throwing, wing-bearing, sword-limb-having, Sacred Artists for me.

Intriguing! Had a rough start, where I was periodically a little bored with the story, but then came the seven-year festival and now I am invested after that ending!
adventurous fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous dark tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I thought the caste system was interesting and the overtones of the God's intriguing. The magic system was unique, but much more development needed past book 1. A lot of explaining took place during fight sequences which was distracting from the action. The best part was the protagonist was smart and clever with little self pity that haunts most developing main characters as they mature.
adventurous tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

2,75