Law of the Jungle (Book 9): A Wuxia Progression Fantasy Adventure Series

Law of the Jungle #9

by Vasily Mahanenko

The next books of the series!
Law of the Jungle (Book 10):
Law of the Jungle (Book 11):
Law of the Jungle (Book 12):
Law of the Jungle (Book 13):

The law of the jungle is straightforward—all means are justified in one's pursuit of ascension. After all, it's the result that matters—not how you achieve it.

And yet the end doesn’t always justify the means—especially when the ascension of one requires the suffering of hundreds. The Heavens do not take kindly to such acts.

And so it came to pass that the Seekers have been forced to take matters into their own hands, bringing light to places where it had never shone before. However, the Bohao Cult has turned out to be far stronger than initially thought, with roots deeply embedded in both the human and demon worlds.

But who cares? The stronger the enemy, the better the spoils! The Seekers live by that principle alone!

Genres: Fantasy

339 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2024

About the author

Be 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.

Reviews

[Akshay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Law of the Jungle (Book 9): A Wuxia Progression Fantasy Adventure Series by Vasily Mahanenko

 
A fast-paced but divisive installment that delivers on loot and cultivation battles but frustrates some readers with convenient deus ex machina plot devices and a perceived decline in narrative complexity. 

Plot and Character Progression:
Book 9 continues the Seekers' ascension with a familiar rhythm: intense battles, finding mentors, and acquiring loot. The story sees the team clashing with the Bohao Cult, whose influence runs deeper than expected. Key character beats include finding the mentor Guerlon, taking on a new apprentice, and resolving the arc of the beast. While some readers appreciate seeing the characters finally standing up to bullies, others feel the protagonist's development has stalled or become reliant on lucky breaks.

Mechanics:
A major point of contention in this volume is the author's use of The Heavens as a narrative crutch. Random events and questionable decisions are often justified simply by Heaven's will, which can rob the characters of agency and lower the stakes. The law of the jungle theme—that results justify the means—is present, but the moral complexity often feels flattened by these convenient plot devices.

Specific Plot Points (Spoilers):
The ending is described as a banger by fans, involving the return of the beast and a setup for the next arc that has loyal readers pre-ordering immediately. However, the lack of a recap chapter for a nine-book series is a specific frustration for returning readers who feel lost in the details. The book is notably shorter than previous entries (under 300 pages), which contributes to the sense that it is a fast read but perhaps lacking the depth of earlier installments.

Verdict:
Law of the Jungle (Book 9) is a rollicking good time for die-hard fans who just want more action and cultivation growth. However, for those looking for tight plotting and character agency, the reliance on divine intervention and repetitive tropes might signal a dip in quality.

 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✩✩ (3.0/5) — Action-packed and satisfying for completionists, but marred by convenient plotting and a shorter runtime. 

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

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…

[Scott Wozniak · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book got even worse than the last few!

The main character decides what to do because he just has a feeling--both in the macro plot on what goals to pursue and in micro moments like what to say. He even does breakthrough things in magic that others say is impossible just because he goes with his feelings. We aren't explained why or how he ways work. This makes for a very random-feeling story. He also has become very arrogant and harsh, even to his wife, so I don't like him anymore.

And then he changes his mind after 8 books of being adamant that he wants only one wife to start a harem. It's not explicit in the scenes, but it didn't make sense and I don't like those kinds of stories.

I'm done with this series.

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a review copy of this book.
Interesting path the story has taken. Not really any different to what would have happened if the previous world change hadn't happened, so the story is progressing as one would expect. It's going well for the main characters (mostly), backbones seem to be developing, so that's always a good thing. Like to see characters stand up to those trying to bully/take advantage. I'm liking this series, and will await more books in the series, it seems there's still plenty of this world to explore, so if you're liking the series, don't be shy, jump right in and add this book to your collection.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m
kidding! I’ll just beat you until you’re
unconscious, but no need to tear
anything off. Who’d want to waste a
healing capsule on such a brainless
mule?”
The next books of the series!

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.

[Joseph D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second wife or not?

The ninth book in the Wuxia Progression series. This one takes us another leap forward. We reunite with an old friend and some roles are reversed if only shortly. This is a little different move in the Hero’s Journey plot structure, but that said it fits well and is quickly resolved. Overall, a fun read and really setting up for the next step in their journey. This book does take a significant progression forward and shouldn’t be missed. ​

[Queen Suga · Rating 5 out of 5]

a rollicking good time!

Every nook just gets better than the last one! At this point I’ve just preordered all I can so they can pop up like Christmas presents! We learn more about be cultists, find mentor Guerlon, take a new apprentice, find a girl crush,
And return the beast. So many great moments happen and we end on banger! I can’t wait for the next book !

[Johnny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished my ARC of this book. I found two small mistakes and one large one. A sentence that just seemed to end without actually reaching its end.
It's a good fast read, not even 300 pages.
Plenty of action and loot is crammed in there though as well as growth for the characters.

7/10 mainly because I like longer books.

[Jason W · Rating 2 out of 5]

can’t read these any longer

This was my last book. The series started off very promising, but has gone downhill. The author’s reliance on the Heaven’s to justify decisions and random happenings has ruined the story.

[Louella · Rating 4 out of 5]

needs edit

Love this series but this book had a few things that threw me off that need to be edited to match the previous book.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest review.

I hate finishing books that have sequels, when I can’t put them down.
It’s book nine….who is still reading reviews?

This is my second time finishing the book, however I usually reread the last book in the series prior to starting the next one. This series is one of my top reads currently, yes it replays many used tropes over again. But they are all enjoyable and love the character development and the story!! Can’t wait to start book 10 now. 13 minutes after midnight (glad I don’t work today!)