“Unsouled” is the first book in the “Cradle” series by Will Wight. The theme is like martial arts mixed with epic fantasy. The story follows our young MC Wei Shi Lindon, who is labeled as an “Unsouled”- That’s the universe’s way of saying, “Oops, my bad.”

Wei Shi Lindon goes on a journey to become a sacred artist and prove everyone wrong. Along the way, he makes some friends and a lot of enemies (everyone hates the MC), and we see magic, battles, and very interesting world-building. You will like it if you are into Asian-type progression fantasy books/novels.

World-Building and Setting of Unsouled

The world-building in Unsouled is interesting. It blends in with: anime, manga, Asian-inspired fantasy, etc. If you are looking for a non-western setting with a mysterious world hidden in secrets. In that case, pick up the Cradle Series. Will Wight masterfully crafts an incredible world full of secrets and mysteries.

Sacred Valley

The story begins in a place called Sacred Valley. It is a remote and protected region surrounded by mountains and home to various clans, schools, and ancient legends.

Sacred Arts and Power System

• Madra: Madra is a form of energy (think of it as magic). Every person has their own form of madra. They use madra to create techniques, artifacts, etc.
• Paths: Paths are specific styles or ways. It’s like picking a major in college, but you can’t change it once you choose. Each Path has its own unique techniques and abilities, which makes the battles and challenges super engaging.
• Stages: Stages are progression system. Everyone starts at Foundation stage and they climb, Copper, Iron, and Gold, each offering increased power and abilities.

Culture and Values

The culture is all about cultivation, and cultivation level determines their status. And people value honor, ambition, and proving themselves in a world where only strength matters.

Plot of Unsouled

The beginning of the book is slow and straightforward, but soon, it introduces unexpected events that make things hard to predict. The characters are all well-crafted.
The plot of “Unsouled” revolves around Lindon’s journey. A young boy trying to find his place in his society, his character really hits home for anyone who’s felt like they didn’t quite fit in (the pressure, expectations, and everything). His journey is relatable and keeps you hooked.
So, for a good part of the book, I was just hanging out with Lindon in the Sacred Valley, learning about the sacred arts, the various levels of power, and understanding how the magic system works. The initial part of the book mainly centers on introducing the world and its magic system, and it’s only after that the story truly begins to unfold.

Final Thoughts

“Unsouled, Cradle – Book #1” is a must-read for fantasy fans. Like most series, the first book starts off a bit slow while setting the stage, but once it picks up, the story gets really good. Will Wight does a great job at crafting a world that’s incredibly immersive. I highly recommend diving into the Cradle series. Overall, the book is all about persistence, self-discovery, and personal growth.
If you’ve ventured into Sacred Valley with Lindon, share your thoughts below!

*Cradle is now complete! This 12-book series begins here with Unsouled and concludes with Waybound*

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