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Law of the Jungle #2
Law of the Jungle (Book 2): A Wuxia Progression Fantasy Adventure Series
The next books of the series!
Law of the Jungle (Book 3):
Law of the Jungle (Book 4):
Law of the Jungle (Book 5):
The law of the jungle it's every man for himself! This principle applies not only to the human world, but also the domain of their greatest adversaries—the demons.
Their world's Tier Zero differs little from the Tier Zero of the human world. The resources are just as scarce, the creatures just as vicious, and the absence of law just as blatant.
Yet the Heavens show no mercy when the push comes to shove. When it's time to conquer the Tier Zero of an alien world, retreat is not an option. For the privilege of ascending to immortality is reserved only for the strong.
Law of the Jungle (Book 3):
Law of the Jungle (Book 4):
Law of the Jungle (Book 5):
The law of the jungle it's every man for himself! This principle applies not only to the human world, but also the domain of their greatest adversaries—the demons.
Their world's Tier Zero differs little from the Tier Zero of the human world. The resources are just as scarce, the creatures just as vicious, and the absence of law just as blatant.
Yet the Heavens show no mercy when the push comes to shove. When it's time to conquer the Tier Zero of an alien world, retreat is not an option. For the privilege of ascending to immortality is reserved only for the strong.
- GenresFantasy
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 13, 2024
200 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Vasily Mahanenko
83 books1,104 followersBe the first to know when Vasily Mahanenko’s next book is available! Follow him at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/v-mah... to get an alert whenever he has a new release, preorder, or discount!
Vasily Mahanenko is a fantasy author working in the new genre of LitRPG - the MMO-based fantasy and sci fi. His Way of the Shaman series took Russian literature by storm in 2012.
Vasily dipped into his college-days insider knowledge as a hardcore gamer in order to create a believable world of the virtual-reality MMO game. His bestselling series combines fiction and video games, telling the story of Shaman and his friends stuck in the ruthless reality of Barliona. He used his more than ten years' experience as an ERP implementation project manager to approach his writing in a well-organized manner, working to a strict schedule, a set of deadlines and even a budget. At the moment, the series boasts six novels with the seventh one in the works - this time the author expands on stories of Shaman's companions and those who helped and supported him in his trials and tribulations.
The first book of the series has already been translated into English, with more translations to follow, aiming to make the Way of the Shaman series available to the English-language reader in its entirety.
Vasily's other passion is space exploration which is why he now works on a follow-up series entitled Galaktiona. Set in a space-simulator based world, the first book of the series in already finished while Vasily works on its sequel.
Vasily Mahanenko is a fantasy author working in the new genre of LitRPG - the MMO-based fantasy and sci fi. His Way of the Shaman series took Russian literature by storm in 2012.
Vasily dipped into his college-days insider knowledge as a hardcore gamer in order to create a believable world of the virtual-reality MMO game. His bestselling series combines fiction and video games, telling the story of Shaman and his friends stuck in the ruthless reality of Barliona. He used his more than ten years' experience as an ERP implementation project manager to approach his writing in a well-organized manner, working to a strict schedule, a set of deadlines and even a budget. At the moment, the series boasts six novels with the seventh one in the works - this time the author expands on stories of Shaman's companions and those who helped and supported him in his trials and tribulations.
The first book of the series has already been translated into English, with more translations to follow, aiming to make the Way of the Shaman series available to the English-language reader in its entirety.
Vasily's other passion is space exploration which is why he now works on a follow-up series entitled Galaktiona. Set in a space-simulator based world, the first book of the series in already finished while Vasily works on its sequel.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 4, 2025
Plot and StructureLaw of the Jungle (Book 2) by Vasily Mahanenko continues its steady ascent through the ranks of the Wuxia-inspired progression fantasy subgenre. Rich in worldbuilding and character growth, this sequel further refines the elements introduced in Book 1 and shows that Mahanenko is not merely following trends—he’s contributing to them.
This installment picks up where Book 1 left off, with our protagonist continuing his journey of cultivation in a jungle realm fraught with danger, internal strife, and ancient mysteries. The plot balances personal development with external conflict: clan rivalries, trials, and deeper exploration into the lore of the realm.
Mahanenko structures the novel effectively—momentum builds naturally, and while some parts lean heavily into exposition, it’s all in service of broader thematic and power system development. The narrative is linear but layered, and it respects the reader's patience by offering meaningful payoffs.
Character Progression and CultivationThe cultivation system continues to be a highlight. Rather than relying on repetitive tropes or shallow power-ups, Mahanenko injects logic, strategy, and consequence into each breakthrough. The protagonist's journey is physically and emotionally demanding, with each leap forward feeling earned rather than granted.
Side characters get more development here as well, particularly those who challenge or complicate the hero’s path. There's a richer web of alliances, rivalries, and betrayals than in the first book, adding moral ambiguity and depth to the narrative.
Thematic ExplorationLaw of the Jungle lives up to its name, emphasizing harsh survival, strength-based hierarchies, and the personal cost of ambition. The book doesn't shy away from portraying the brutality of the world it creates—but unlike more nihilistic titles, it pairs this with a sense of disciplined growth and personal honor, in line with traditional Wuxia themes.
While it remains a fantasy at its core, the series also examines ideas of leadership, loyalty, and what it means to evolve—not just in power, but in principle.
Comparative AnalysisWhen placed alongside contemporary titles such as Cradle by Will Wight or Iron Prince by Bryce O'Connor and Luke Chmilenko, Law of the Jungle holds its own with a grittier tone and more grounded combat mechanics. While Wight leans toward elegant prose and mythic resonance, Mahanenko focuses on rugged detail and a survivalist atmosphere that will appeal to readers who prefer substance over spectacle.
Compared to other LitRPG and progression fantasy works—like Re: Level 1 or He Who Fights with Monsters—Mahanenko’s Wuxia fusion feels more traditional, methodical, and less reliant on system-based humor or genre subversion. It’s serious, immersive, and adheres closely to the core tenets of cultivation fantasy.
Final VerdictLaw of the Jungle (Book 2) delivers a stronger, more focused sequel with robust development across narrative, character arcs, and thematic resonance. While it occasionally lingers on repetitive cultivation descriptions and could benefit from more dynamic pacing in the middle act, the overall experience is rewarding for fans of structured, character-driven progression fantasy.
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Recommended for:
Fans of traditional Wuxia and cultivation fantasy Readers who enjoyed Cradle, Iron Prince, or A Thousand Li Those looking for deep progression systems without excessive humor or satireIf you're looking for a fantasy series where effort, resilience, and martial philosophy matter more than cheats or shortcuts, Mahanenko's jungle might be worth exploring.
November 10, 2025
I'm not clear how the demon dimension is sustainable but time will hopefully clear things up.
While the plot jumps around too much in this book, I was happy with the character development, and the foreshadowing. It'll take a lot to shake me off this series as its hooks have sunk deep.
While the plot jumps around too much in this book, I was happy with the character development, and the foreshadowing. It'll take a lot to shake me off this series as its hooks have sunk deep.
February 23, 2026
4 Stars
The Law of the Jungle series by Vasily Mahanenko proved to be a gripping blend of wuxia-inspired progression fantasy and survival-driven adventure. It takes the familiar “might makes right” premise and builds it into a richly layered world where Qi cultivation, territorial dominance, and personal ambition all collide.
From the very first book, the stakes are clear: in this world, strength isn’t just an advantage, it’s the only currency that truly matters. Mr. Mahanenko crafts a setting divided into zones, each brimming with danger, opportunity, and the constant threat of betrayal. The pacing is brisk, with battles and breakthroughs coming in satisfying waves, yet there’s enough breathing room for character growth and moral dilemmas to take root.
If you enjoy fast-paced progression fantasy with a martial arts flair, morally complex characters, and a world where every victory comes at a cost, you will definitely want to add the ‘Law of the Jungle’ series to your TBR, it is well worth diving into.
Happy Reading…
The Law of the Jungle series by Vasily Mahanenko proved to be a gripping blend of wuxia-inspired progression fantasy and survival-driven adventure. It takes the familiar “might makes right” premise and builds it into a richly layered world where Qi cultivation, territorial dominance, and personal ambition all collide.
From the very first book, the stakes are clear: in this world, strength isn’t just an advantage, it’s the only currency that truly matters. Mr. Mahanenko crafts a setting divided into zones, each brimming with danger, opportunity, and the constant threat of betrayal. The pacing is brisk, with battles and breakthroughs coming in satisfying waves, yet there’s enough breathing room for character growth and moral dilemmas to take root.
If you enjoy fast-paced progression fantasy with a martial arts flair, morally complex characters, and a world where every victory comes at a cost, you will definitely want to add the ‘Law of the Jungle’ series to your TBR, it is well worth diving into.
Happy Reading…
April 20, 2024
I received a review copy of this book.
Law of the Jungle book2 An excellent continuation of the series. We see more characters enter the storyline, many many enemies eliminated, a few new situations arrise, pointing toward all kinds of interesting things in future books in the series, and of course, more enemies are exposed. This is an excellent series, and one of which I can't wait to read more. If you're even a moderate LitRpG fan, then you simply must add this book (or the whole series) to your read list. You won't be sorry.
Law of the Jungle book2 An excellent continuation of the series. We see more characters enter the storyline, many many enemies eliminated, a few new situations arrise, pointing toward all kinds of interesting things in future books in the series, and of course, more enemies are exposed. This is an excellent series, and one of which I can't wait to read more. If you're even a moderate LitRpG fan, then you simply must add this book (or the whole series) to your read list. You won't be sorry.
June 13, 2025
About as good as it gets! Review for books one and two.
I rarely rate anything this high. 4.2 rating Highly Recommended!
Only two minor negatives came to mind as I listened to this story.
1. The mc's shifting, somewhat awkwardly, between high competence and mental denseness.
2. The audio narrator at times slipping into over emotionality/tone drama especially for the mc.
Vasily Mahanenko ranks as No.1 for me of all the current day Russian authors who's books/stories I have read. It is sort of sad how great a gap in quality there is between his work and his contemporaries.
I rarely rate anything this high. 4.2 rating Highly Recommended!
Only two minor negatives came to mind as I listened to this story.
1. The mc's shifting, somewhat awkwardly, between high competence and mental denseness.
2. The audio narrator at times slipping into over emotionality/tone drama especially for the mc.
Vasily Mahanenko ranks as No.1 for me of all the current day Russian authors who's books/stories I have read. It is sort of sad how great a gap in quality there is between his work and his contemporaries.
September 25, 2025
Death to a demon overlord
This is the second book in the Wuxia Progression series. The apprentices finish up their initial training in this one. But, not without a lot of passion and suffering. Interesting concept of their lives being directed by an unseen force along with a responsibility to act when we find ourselves in an unexpected situation or at least one that we would not have chosen. Excited to see how things develop as the mentor character slides into the background. On to book 3.
This is the second book in the Wuxia Progression series. The apprentices finish up their initial training in this one. But, not without a lot of passion and suffering. Interesting concept of their lives being directed by an unseen force along with a responsibility to act when we find ourselves in an unexpected situation or at least one that we would not have chosen. Excited to see how things develop as the mentor character slides into the background. On to book 3.
April 26, 2024
Too short
I really like the series. Not a huge fan of the bait and switch tactic of having the first book on kindle unlimited then the rest of the series not. If the book was a lot longer then I would have been fine paying for the book but not sure if I’ll continue the series because I just didn’t feel like the price justified the amount of entertainment I got.
I really like the series. Not a huge fan of the bait and switch tactic of having the first book on kindle unlimited then the rest of the series not. If the book was a lot longer then I would have been fine paying for the book but not sure if I’ll continue the series because I just didn’t feel like the price justified the amount of entertainment I got.
October 1, 2024
great book
The world building is great and I love how the power systems work! Looking forward to the school arch and I’m anxious to ensure all the treasures in tier 0 are collected before they go to tier 1. I love a book that makes me want to buy the next book in the series immediately! This is the last one this month!
The world building is great and I love how the power systems work! Looking forward to the school arch and I’m anxious to ensure all the treasures in tier 0 are collected before they go to tier 1. I love a book that makes me want to buy the next book in the series immediately! This is the last one this month!
November 13, 2025
The story did not go as I expected--in the best way. The characters grew in ways that were both surprising and believable. And the world kept expanding to reveal new secrets and new adventures.
There's much more nuance to the story than I expected from the description of book one and I'm really enjoying this series.
There's much more nuance to the story than I expected from the description of book one and I'm really enjoying this series.
April 16, 2024
Really fun cultivation style in these books. Everything seems to be stacking up against our protagonists and the next book promises explosive action. However, we’ve barely even tapped into the OP inheritance promised at the start of book one. Impatiently waiting to see how that plays out.
April 26, 2024
good read
I’m giving 4 stars because the story was short, so short in fact I feel cheated by my purchase. I will read the next one but if it’s just as short I won’t finish the series.
I’m giving 4 stars because the story was short, so short in fact I feel cheated by my purchase. I will read the next one but if it’s just as short I won’t finish the series.
November 16, 2025
Good
It's good just like the first book. The hooking point is that nothing was handed to the apprentices on a silver spoon. They had to think and fight for it.
Cheat/artifact making was on the background just like the first book and I want more of that.
It's good just like the first book. The hooking point is that nothing was handed to the apprentices on a silver spoon. They had to think and fight for it.
Cheat/artifact making was on the background just like the first book and I want more of that.
April 15, 2024
Amazing second book
I am loving the growth of the characters and the book to the stage I want to know more of what the future holds. 5 Stars.
I am loving the growth of the characters and the book to the stage I want to know more of what the future holds. 5 Stars.
April 29, 2024
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
November 6, 2024
Lost 2 stars for NOT writing a Recap.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
I think every reader needs to start doing this to force authors to write a quick Recap chapter, which readers can skip if they remember, and those who don't won't stop reading the series.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews