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VeilVerse: Cultivating Chaos #2
Cultivating Chaos 2
Ash’s life is anything but normal these days.
Having unlocked his Dantian, he’s grown in power. Grown to the point where he has others that depend on him for that power.
In this world of martial arts, only the strong and the ruthless survive.
Everyone else is merely a stepping stone on their path of Cultivation, or an obstacle to be overcome.
Or knocked down.
A world where the strong rule, and the weak die.
Utilizing the Hall, the voice in his head that calls itself Locke, and all the powers available to him, Ash has begun his own journey of Cultivation.
Except that as a Fated One, his journey is a narrow and winding path between two cosmic forces. Each one vying for dominance.
And that has nothing to do with what Locke has planned for him.
This is his second step in his life as a Cultivator. Overcoming his first tribulation, and solidifying his Dantian.
This is a VeilVerse novel.
Warning and minor spoiler: This novel contains graphic violence, undefined relationships/a full harem, unconventional opinions/beliefs, and a hero who is tactful as a dog at a cat show. Read at your own risk.
Having unlocked his Dantian, he’s grown in power. Grown to the point where he has others that depend on him for that power.
In this world of martial arts, only the strong and the ruthless survive.
Everyone else is merely a stepping stone on their path of Cultivation, or an obstacle to be overcome.
Or knocked down.
A world where the strong rule, and the weak die.
Utilizing the Hall, the voice in his head that calls itself Locke, and all the powers available to him, Ash has begun his own journey of Cultivation.
Except that as a Fated One, his journey is a narrow and winding path between two cosmic forces. Each one vying for dominance.
And that has nothing to do with what Locke has planned for him.
This is his second step in his life as a Cultivator. Overcoming his first tribulation, and solidifying his Dantian.
This is a VeilVerse novel.
Warning and minor spoiler: This novel contains graphic violence, undefined relationships/a full harem, unconventional opinions/beliefs, and a hero who is tactful as a dog at a cat show. Read at your own risk.
407 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2020
571 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
May 22, 2020
Rating 4.0 stars
Much like the first book, the only thing that is really lacking is a grand design. Ashley's story continues. In the first book he joined the sect just to help out his family. His adopted brother turned on him and his sister left at the end of the book. This leads me to ask "Why is Ashley still with the sect?" Sects were joined to protect people against other sects. At least that is what I assumed. In this book Ashley is attacked relentlessly from other members of his own sect. So again I have to ask the question "Why doesn't he just leave and join another sect? Take all the people with him that are loyal. What are they going to do? Try and kill him? They already are!
Everything else is great. I love the day to day action. I love the character progression. I love how Ashley keeps getting more and more women to join his harem, even though he doesn't want a harem. ( That's the main difference between Randi Darren story and William D. Arand story. In Randi Darren story, the MC doesn't fight having a harem and just goes with it. In the Arand stories the MC fights having one for a long time until he finally breaks down and accepts that all these women want him).
Overall if you enjoyed the first book, you will enjoy this one.
Much like the first book, the only thing that is really lacking is a grand design. Ashley's story continues. In the first book he joined the sect just to help out his family. His adopted brother turned on him and his sister left at the end of the book. This leads me to ask "Why is Ashley still with the sect?" Sects were joined to protect people against other sects. At least that is what I assumed. In this book Ashley is attacked relentlessly from other members of his own sect. So again I have to ask the question "Why doesn't he just leave and join another sect? Take all the people with him that are loyal. What are they going to do? Try and kill him? They already are!
Everything else is great. I love the day to day action. I love the character progression. I love how Ashley keeps getting more and more women to join his harem, even though he doesn't want a harem. ( That's the main difference between Randi Darren story and William D. Arand story. In Randi Darren story, the MC doesn't fight having a harem and just goes with it. In the Arand stories the MC fights having one for a long time until he finally breaks down and accepts that all these women want him).
Overall if you enjoyed the first book, you will enjoy this one.
April 13, 2023
A lot more of book one but somehow there is no tension anymore. The MC will just overcome every enemy and has just the right allies and it just flows in a long slice of live river of boredom.
Not badly written, some interesting characters but - well... the return of invest of reading time versus excitement is on the wrong side of the scale.
Not badly written, some interesting characters but - well... the return of invest of reading time versus excitement is on the wrong side of the scale.
May 13, 2023
okay
I was going to rate this one low because our MC keeps being extremely foolish, but I’m glad towards the end of the book he started to see reason and decided to be more firm and ditch his pacifist ways and destroy all enemies first and foremost as they present themselves and not wait for his women and his alliance members to be hurt. Also I’m very glad he’s decided to stop running from the women in his harem. Like what else do these women have to do for you? Also if you think about it they’ve pledged themselves to him… that means no boyfriends Ashley, that means you have a duty to serve your alliance members that have pledged themselves to you fully. Otherwise it’s just being selfish. I hope Yue starts to be more aggressive and I’m glad things worked out for her on the back end. Also without spoilers i always knew a certain person couldn’t be trusted. Another thing Trav, what’s the deal? I have an idea but we know nothing about that guy. Well, im glad there was some closure there as well. I’m interested to see the blackmail with jias brother. It will be epic 😂. Onwards lads!
I was going to rate this one low because our MC keeps being extremely foolish, but I’m glad towards the end of the book he started to see reason and decided to be more firm and ditch his pacifist ways and destroy all enemies first and foremost as they present themselves and not wait for his women and his alliance members to be hurt. Also I’m very glad he’s decided to stop running from the women in his harem. Like what else do these women have to do for you? Also if you think about it they’ve pledged themselves to him… that means no boyfriends Ashley, that means you have a duty to serve your alliance members that have pledged themselves to you fully. Otherwise it’s just being selfish. I hope Yue starts to be more aggressive and I’m glad things worked out for her on the back end. Also without spoilers i always knew a certain person couldn’t be trusted. Another thing Trav, what’s the deal? I have an idea but we know nothing about that guy. Well, im glad there was some closure there as well. I’m interested to see the blackmail with jias brother. It will be epic 😂. Onwards lads!
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July 20, 2024 On hold / I'll get back to it
Why I quit:
Become the evil that you just fought aginst.
The MC spends all of book 1 fighting corruption. Right from the start of book 2 the MC replaces that corruption (classic William D. Arand). This aggravated the sh*t out of me.
Other aggravations were the MC standing silently by as supporting characters created false impressions & misunderstanding in the minds of others and a myriad of other problems for the future as the MC passively watched, -but says Nothing.
That's sloppy, lazy writing, and it aggravates the hell out of me. I'm gonna go cool down for a book or two and maybe come back and finish this one day.
I liked book 1 if that wasn't clear. Wish this one had kept the tone & vibe of book 1 instead of turning into it's evil twin.
Why I quit:
Become the evil that you just fought aginst.
The MC spends all of book 1 fighting corruption. Right from the start of book 2 the MC replaces that corruption (classic William D. Arand). This aggravated the sh*t out of me.
Other aggravations were the MC standing silently by as supporting characters created false impressions & misunderstanding in the minds of others and a myriad of other problems for the future as the MC passively watched, -but says Nothing.
That's sloppy, lazy writing, and it aggravates the hell out of me. I'm gonna go cool down for a book or two and maybe come back and finish this one day.
I liked book 1 if that wasn't clear. Wish this one had kept the tone & vibe of book 1 instead of turning into it's evil twin.
May 9, 2020
Not as engaging as I'd hoped
Having read some of the author's previous works, I find the reluctant harem MC very dull. Makes it easier to have a fade to black style harem when the MC mostly rejects the harem. Another issue I have is there is a very decent amount of content in this book, but I don't really recall all that happened. Similar to the Otherlife and Super Sales on Super Heroes trilogies I've read, there is just a lot of (I guess) slice of life style stuff or very short action interludes that serve no real purpose in the story. It just makes it very hard to invest in the story line when so much happens that is of little consequence. I enjoy the Veilverse books, but this one just took some effort to read until the end.
In terms of cultivation style novels, I can't help but compare to the Cradle series which I feel has a much more solid foundation for its world mechanics. I feel like the first Cultivating Chaos book was more coherent in its mechanics than this book.
I'll probably give book three a go, but if it's more of the same like this book I'll likely stop this particular story line in the Veilverse.
Having read some of the author's previous works, I find the reluctant harem MC very dull. Makes it easier to have a fade to black style harem when the MC mostly rejects the harem. Another issue I have is there is a very decent amount of content in this book, but I don't really recall all that happened. Similar to the Otherlife and Super Sales on Super Heroes trilogies I've read, there is just a lot of (I guess) slice of life style stuff or very short action interludes that serve no real purpose in the story. It just makes it very hard to invest in the story line when so much happens that is of little consequence. I enjoy the Veilverse books, but this one just took some effort to read until the end.
In terms of cultivation style novels, I can't help but compare to the Cradle series which I feel has a much more solid foundation for its world mechanics. I feel like the first Cultivating Chaos book was more coherent in its mechanics than this book.
I'll probably give book three a go, but if it's more of the same like this book I'll likely stop this particular story line in the Veilverse.
May 16, 2020
Worse than the first book.
The previous book was written, I think, before Arand consolidated his writing style, and thus still had a little bit of room for maneuver when it came to plot and characters. This book has none of that. If you've read a book by this author before, don't expect anything different.
The MC is bitter, when previously he wasn't. In the first book all he wanted was to help his family, in this one... I don't even know, he is always angry just like every other MC by this author. In the previous book he introduced a lot of characters to the gang, which I don't like because it makes it harder to have any meaningful development; in this book he goes above and beyond, every chapter a new character, because who the fuck cares about character development anyways? Some characters that were important in the last book didn't even show up in this one. The plot is thin at best.
All of this coupled with some annoying quirks for the genre (talking spirits: Locke) and underwhelming action and dialogue made me drop this book. At least there were not pages and pages filled with stats, I guess.
The previous book was written, I think, before Arand consolidated his writing style, and thus still had a little bit of room for maneuver when it came to plot and characters. This book has none of that. If you've read a book by this author before, don't expect anything different.
The MC is bitter, when previously he wasn't. In the first book all he wanted was to help his family, in this one... I don't even know, he is always angry just like every other MC by this author. In the previous book he introduced a lot of characters to the gang, which I don't like because it makes it harder to have any meaningful development; in this book he goes above and beyond, every chapter a new character, because who the fuck cares about character development anyways? Some characters that were important in the last book didn't even show up in this one. The plot is thin at best.
All of this coupled with some annoying quirks for the genre (talking spirits: Locke) and underwhelming action and dialogue made me drop this book. At least there were not pages and pages filled with stats, I guess.
January 31, 2021
I didn't read book one in years, so it's taking me some time to accustom myself to the characters (and remember how the last book ended).
Sadly, it seems the author doesn't put much effort into making different characters.
All his protagonists are angry, and all his women are the same, just wearing a different "sprite and palette".
I'm sure I remember book one being different than this. Now it seems like a "gotta catch em all" harem novel. I'm sure the protagonist had more depth than being angry, and wasn't some vehicle for a voice in his head (like Monster's Mercy) to drive him around picking up women.
I know the author is known as the "Harem King" in self publishing circles, but can't he write a story that doesn't focus so much on the harem?
I know he tried something in Monster's Mercy and the entire book crumbled because sex wasn't the main motivator of the plot, but I'm sure if the author puts in the time he can make it work.
He is talented, just needs less harem (which are all resembling each other), they are becoming the author's own self made tropes that he follows. All of them seem the same.
At this point of falling quality, it seems like a sunk cost fallacy, and I'm just completing because I want to see how it ends.
2.5/5 Stars
Sadly, it seems the author doesn't put much effort into making different characters.
All his protagonists are angry, and all his women are the same, just wearing a different "sprite and palette".
I'm sure I remember book one being different than this. Now it seems like a "gotta catch em all" harem novel. I'm sure the protagonist had more depth than being angry, and wasn't some vehicle for a voice in his head (like Monster's Mercy) to drive him around picking up women.
I know the author is known as the "Harem King" in self publishing circles, but can't he write a story that doesn't focus so much on the harem?
I know he tried something in Monster's Mercy and the entire book crumbled because sex wasn't the main motivator of the plot, but I'm sure if the author puts in the time he can make it work.
He is talented, just needs less harem (which are all resembling each other), they are becoming the author's own self made tropes that he follows. All of them seem the same.
At this point of falling quality, it seems like a sunk cost fallacy, and I'm just completing because I want to see how it ends.
2.5/5 Stars
June 15, 2020
Decent but a sophomore slump
Overall I enjoyed the book, the action and the world itself is pretty fun. Unfortunately I don't think it is as good as book 1 for a few reasons.
The author decided to take a full leap into Harem building, which is kinda sad because the world and premise is big enough to actually write something interesting rather than have half the book be full of girlfriends wanting to have sex with the MC and be his wife. I don't necessarily hate harems, but prefer them to be a much much smaller element of the story. To make it a centerpiece as it is here, shows immaturity as a writer, and the inability to properly plot and flesh out a full story.
Secondly, the author could have massively benefitted from a few passes by a developmental editor. Over reliance on the harem (main plot line basically), over used phrasing that diminished impact, character development limited to harem plot, and a jumpy and fractured overall plot that never seemed to build adequate tension.
Overall I liked the book, but nearly quit about a quarter of the way through. Think Cradle, without quite capturing the magic of Cradle when it had all the potential to do so or even exceed it. The first book had some flaws but overall I thought it was great, so I'm hoping things will clean up for the 3rd installment.
Overall I enjoyed the book, the action and the world itself is pretty fun. Unfortunately I don't think it is as good as book 1 for a few reasons.
The author decided to take a full leap into Harem building, which is kinda sad because the world and premise is big enough to actually write something interesting rather than have half the book be full of girlfriends wanting to have sex with the MC and be his wife. I don't necessarily hate harems, but prefer them to be a much much smaller element of the story. To make it a centerpiece as it is here, shows immaturity as a writer, and the inability to properly plot and flesh out a full story.
Secondly, the author could have massively benefitted from a few passes by a developmental editor. Over reliance on the harem (main plot line basically), over used phrasing that diminished impact, character development limited to harem plot, and a jumpy and fractured overall plot that never seemed to build adequate tension.
Overall I liked the book, but nearly quit about a quarter of the way through. Think Cradle, without quite capturing the magic of Cradle when it had all the potential to do so or even exceed it. The first book had some flaws but overall I thought it was great, so I'm hoping things will clean up for the 3rd installment.
October 10, 2024
Way too much posing, an ever growing harem and no cultivation
This book is a huge let down so far. After the "Glorious" idea to send a demon to his own family in the last book #rofl#, Ash now increases the numbers of his harem. If necessary even by force. Despite remaining quite pathetic himself (mostly due to totally ignoring the benefits his class would give for fair duels), being overtaken in cultivation by his friends , Ash confronts vastly overpowered antagonists (why would they be outer sect members of weak sects?) in ever escalating poser duels. At 29% i struggled heavily to continue i decided that the story lost it's way irredeemably.
Due the ever increasing characters and the readily available cheat codes, cultivation lost most of it's meaning. One day after the "reprogramming " the girls turn into the power puff girls, swear undying loyalty and are eager to do EVERYTHING to further Ash's progress.. i think Ah is Justin Beaver just with less singing #rofl#.. It is hilarious to see Ash struggle with the concept of the harem and sex while seemingly only being able to find and recruit sexy, slim, young and single female geniuses.. Unfortunately, the story seems to devolve more and more into quite annoying groupie management..
Criticism and comments:
The author's imagination knows no bounds. After the families Deng and Sheng he now introduces Deng.. #rofl#
This book is a huge let down so far. After the "Glorious" idea to send a demon to his own family in the last book #rofl#, Ash now increases the numbers of his harem. If necessary even by force. Despite remaining quite pathetic himself (mostly due to totally ignoring the benefits his class would give for fair duels), being overtaken in cultivation by his friends , Ash confronts vastly overpowered antagonists (why would they be outer sect members of weak sects?) in ever escalating poser duels. At 29% i struggled heavily to continue i decided that the story lost it's way irredeemably.
Due the ever increasing characters and the readily available cheat codes, cultivation lost most of it's meaning. One day after the "reprogramming " the girls turn into the power puff girls, swear undying loyalty and are eager to do EVERYTHING to further Ash's progress.. i think Ah is Justin Beaver just with less singing #rofl#.. It is hilarious to see Ash struggle with the concept of the harem and sex while seemingly only being able to find and recruit sexy, slim, young and single female geniuses.. Unfortunately, the story seems to devolve more and more into quite annoying groupie management..
Criticism and comments:
The author's imagination knows no bounds. After the families Deng and Sheng he now introduces Deng.. #rofl#
May 26, 2020
Excellent Roundabout Narrative
Another wandering narrative that meanders around the plot, demanding and investing your attention and interest in characters that parade onto the stage. Often you get so caught up in what’s happening at the moment that you forget that there actually is a plot. And all that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s pretty amazing, really. (You’ll get a better view of the plot advancement at the end of the book. Promise.)
The only downside is the pace and the detail. Firstly, read the first book (again, if needed) right before this one, because it picks up just after the first book - although it’s been a while. I hadn’t, and it was a pretty rough restart.
Secondly, events and characters happen very quickly in here: they’re practically tossed at you as a juggling act. Don’t tense up, just roll with it. Some of them are handled quickly, others will be handled in time. Think of it like an action movie, and just take it all in. Then, if you want, re-read it to catch other details.
At the end I was happy with everything, and maybe just a little dizzy: A lot like walking away from an intense action flick. Definitely recommended (15+), but really: read book one just beforehand. Enjoy.
Another wandering narrative that meanders around the plot, demanding and investing your attention and interest in characters that parade onto the stage. Often you get so caught up in what’s happening at the moment that you forget that there actually is a plot. And all that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s pretty amazing, really. (You’ll get a better view of the plot advancement at the end of the book. Promise.)
The only downside is the pace and the detail. Firstly, read the first book (again, if needed) right before this one, because it picks up just after the first book - although it’s been a while. I hadn’t, and it was a pretty rough restart.
Secondly, events and characters happen very quickly in here: they’re practically tossed at you as a juggling act. Don’t tense up, just roll with it. Some of them are handled quickly, others will be handled in time. Think of it like an action movie, and just take it all in. Then, if you want, re-read it to catch other details.
At the end I was happy with everything, and maybe just a little dizzy: A lot like walking away from an intense action flick. Definitely recommended (15+), but really: read book one just beforehand. Enjoy.
May 10, 2020
I really wanted to give this a 5, but the MC's constant temper tantrums and failure to "put out" for the women who so explicitly wanted it spiked it for me. I don't need an all-knowing Mar(t)y Sue, but I couldn't for the life of me see what all of these women saw in him personally. Power-wise, certainly, but he struck me as a petulant jerk.
Maybe I need to read it again, but this is my review AFTER sleeping on it. I recognize that this is a difficult line to walk with an MC in a "harem" book, as I don't like the smirking entitled ones either. A character's ability to adapt to his circumstances is key for me. Ash ignoring the requests of the very attractive women around him and even the voice in his head was frustrating. Culture shock is a very real thing, but when in Rome... He also honestly didn't seem too bright overall which doesn't raise my opinion of him.
I see what the author is doing with the team aspect of the harems, but a bit more competence on the part of the MC wouldn't go amiss. Overall a good book, as much as cultivation isn't my favourite thing, and fairly typical for the author (as WDA) though not in my opinion his best work.
Maybe I need to read it again, but this is my review AFTER sleeping on it. I recognize that this is a difficult line to walk with an MC in a "harem" book, as I don't like the smirking entitled ones either. A character's ability to adapt to his circumstances is key for me. Ash ignoring the requests of the very attractive women around him and even the voice in his head was frustrating. Culture shock is a very real thing, but when in Rome... He also honestly didn't seem too bright overall which doesn't raise my opinion of him.
I see what the author is doing with the team aspect of the harems, but a bit more competence on the part of the MC wouldn't go amiss. Overall a good book, as much as cultivation isn't my favourite thing, and fairly typical for the author (as WDA) though not in my opinion his best work.
January 7, 2021
Ugh... unless you're really into nonsensical harem stories, give this one a pass.
It gets pretty ridiculous with "justifications" for why it's OK to have hordes of female slaves/servants that constantly throw themselves at you. It just keeps ramping up and although this is not a "graphic" harem story, it just gets more cloying as you go along.
The "logic" is also rather thin...
"having sex with servants to cement the relationship is totally normal and fine and a benefit to both parties. Don't feel bad about the rapey vibes, it's the way things are done here and we're all cheering you along" - Simplified excerpt.
Yeah, riiiight. Good thing he doesn't have any male/ugly/fat/old/disabled slaves/servants then? Didn't really think the prepubescent hedonistic fantasies through methinks.
DNF about 3/4 though. Won't be reading any more VeilVerse stuff.
It gets pretty ridiculous with "justifications" for why it's OK to have hordes of female slaves/servants that constantly throw themselves at you. It just keeps ramping up and although this is not a "graphic" harem story, it just gets more cloying as you go along.
The "logic" is also rather thin...
"having sex with servants to cement the relationship is totally normal and fine and a benefit to both parties. Don't feel bad about the rapey vibes, it's the way things are done here and we're all cheering you along" - Simplified excerpt.
Yeah, riiiight. Good thing he doesn't have any male/ugly/fat/old/disabled slaves/servants then? Didn't really think the prepubescent hedonistic fantasies through methinks.
DNF about 3/4 though. Won't be reading any more VeilVerse stuff.
April 11, 2021
I have mixed feelings about the book. Some of the conversations made me smile and I agree with many of the points about cultivation culture Ash makes giving me an enjoyable cultivation novel. With the exception of the main character people are a bit flat - a bit of a returning flaw for the the author in that there are too many harem members.
Having said that, being a smart ass has no repercussions which I always disliked in books - true for both Ash and Locke. There are too many side characters and as always with cultivation novels I wonder whether cultivation damages one's humanity. Finally, I had some hope the author would step away from his usual books, but that does not seem to be the case: one man with dozens of women worshipping his every step.
Still, I enjoyed reading it and I am looking forward to the next part.
Having said that, being a smart ass has no repercussions which I always disliked in books - true for both Ash and Locke. There are too many side characters and as always with cultivation novels I wonder whether cultivation damages one's humanity. Finally, I had some hope the author would step away from his usual books, but that does not seem to be the case: one man with dozens of women worshipping his every step.
Still, I enjoyed reading it and I am looking forward to the next part.
May 11, 2020
Epic as always!!
Chances are you've already read some of William D Arand's books or those by Randi Darren. On the off chance that you haven't, what are you waiting for? You're missing out on one of the greater joys in life when it comes to his stories. This is a book and concept series that I highly enjoy and I think would be awesome to see more of. I like Arand's storyline especially, and his writing style keeps you hooked until it's over. And then you're likely wanting another fix and probably scrounging the bookstore to see if he's released any more and you just happen to miss them. Can't wait for the next one to release.
Chances are you've already read some of William D Arand's books or those by Randi Darren. On the off chance that you haven't, what are you waiting for? You're missing out on one of the greater joys in life when it comes to his stories. This is a book and concept series that I highly enjoy and I think would be awesome to see more of. I like Arand's storyline especially, and his writing style keeps you hooked until it's over. And then you're likely wanting another fix and probably scrounging the bookstore to see if he's released any more and you just happen to miss them. Can't wait for the next one to release.
May 16, 2020
Another one out of the ball park!
Arand has become my favorite author, simply by writing book after remarkable book. Cultivating Chaos takes on the Hong Kong kung fu genre with panache and intrigue, while giving us the kind of character driven story we have come to love from the author. The harem aspect is delightfully different enough to be truly fresh with the ladies in Ash's life courting and pursuing him in competition as our main character tries to understand what the heck is going on, both with the ladies and within the greater story arc. A wonderful read that I couldn't put down. Five easy stars.
Arand has become my favorite author, simply by writing book after remarkable book. Cultivating Chaos takes on the Hong Kong kung fu genre with panache and intrigue, while giving us the kind of character driven story we have come to love from the author. The harem aspect is delightfully different enough to be truly fresh with the ladies in Ash's life courting and pursuing him in competition as our main character tries to understand what the heck is going on, both with the ladies and within the greater story arc. A wonderful read that I couldn't put down. Five easy stars.
May 21, 2020
Broad ideas
It's really good quality william d arand work, very enjoyable and a lot of cool stuff going on particular the cult growing around him. Suffers from the same drawbacks, with so many main characters and different books it blends together and characters start to sound the same. So much big picture stuff lessens the attention that can be put into the details. Like the sect hierarchy and power rankings make no sense AT ALL it's basically always explained away as the main character or someone he knows being able to beat the other person up. However who they can beat up and who has power at any given time seems basically random and based on convenience to the story.
It's really good quality william d arand work, very enjoyable and a lot of cool stuff going on particular the cult growing around him. Suffers from the same drawbacks, with so many main characters and different books it blends together and characters start to sound the same. So much big picture stuff lessens the attention that can be put into the details. Like the sect hierarchy and power rankings make no sense AT ALL it's basically always explained away as the main character or someone he knows being able to beat the other person up. However who they can beat up and who has power at any given time seems basically random and based on convenience to the story.
June 28, 2020
Intrigue upon Intrigue plus assassins!
So we pick up where book one left off. He’s brought down the corrupt Deng family. But how does he move forward without becoming just like him? While he’s powerful for his age there are still plenty of people who can knock him down a peg and all of those people are suddenly interested in removing him as an obstacle- permanently. Throw that onto his budding harem- that he’s trying to avoid physically claiming, magical growing pains AND monsters that rip holes into the very fabric of reality and we have a solid book 2 and an anxious reading waiting for book 3
So we pick up where book one left off. He’s brought down the corrupt Deng family. But how does he move forward without becoming just like him? While he’s powerful for his age there are still plenty of people who can knock him down a peg and all of those people are suddenly interested in removing him as an obstacle- permanently. Throw that onto his budding harem- that he’s trying to avoid physically claiming, magical growing pains AND monsters that rip holes into the very fabric of reality and we have a solid book 2 and an anxious reading waiting for book 3
September 14, 2025
Lame not really cultivation/harem series
The characters are good the fights scenes when are are any are great but the mc has a not harem which im cool with but dear god there is so much sequel tension and then no resolve....lame and the mc is handed a item that makes him so op he can beat anyone while still being clueless timid timmy and used his item to beat any problem that arises and what about the plot you say?!?........yes well that plot is there is no plot. so there is no reason to overlook the cheat power he has or his not harem so solid pass on this book and the series.
The characters are good the fights scenes when are are any are great but the mc has a not harem which im cool with but dear god there is so much sequel tension and then no resolve....lame and the mc is handed a item that makes him so op he can beat anyone while still being clueless timid timmy and used his item to beat any problem that arises and what about the plot you say?!?........yes well that plot is there is no plot. so there is no reason to overlook the cheat power he has or his not harem so solid pass on this book and the series.
May 16, 2020
Hmmmmm
Great writing and characters as usual. Grsat story and universe. Great action and intrigue. However, the mc is a big meanie to his harem. 20 chapters of denseness or meanness? They pledge all of themselves to him. Run his life and make it better and he denies them his bed. Literally runs away to take a nap. 1 or 2 chapters I can understand his trepidation. 20 and I wanted to kill him off or skip pages. How can someone be so dense or cruel? What were they going to do? Live irritated and sexless lives? Aside from that, great book and story.
Great writing and characters as usual. Grsat story and universe. Great action and intrigue. However, the mc is a big meanie to his harem. 20 chapters of denseness or meanness? They pledge all of themselves to him. Run his life and make it better and he denies them his bed. Literally runs away to take a nap. 1 or 2 chapters I can understand his trepidation. 20 and I wanted to kill him off or skip pages. How can someone be so dense or cruel? What were they going to do? Live irritated and sexless lives? Aside from that, great book and story.
May 23, 2020
Excellent
Plenty of action, twists and turns, unpredictable plot changes and great evolution of the main characters. The annoying part is the prude stupidity if the MC. A harem if girls throws themselves at him, swears themselves to him, wants him in the bed, le likes them, wants them but somehow is too much of a prude or better said imbecile to do it because it's not the American way, even though he is in another world where this is the norm, is expected of him, asked of him and he constantly fantasizes about it.
Plenty of action, twists and turns, unpredictable plot changes and great evolution of the main characters. The annoying part is the prude stupidity if the MC. A harem if girls throws themselves at him, swears themselves to him, wants him in the bed, le likes them, wants them but somehow is too much of a prude or better said imbecile to do it because it's not the American way, even though he is in another world where this is the norm, is expected of him, asked of him and he constantly fantasizes about it.
July 23, 2020
Rushed, Jumpy
The first book was excellent, with strong characters, pacing, and world building. By contrast, this volume jumps through four or five plot lines, and handles all of them in about one month total - only ten or so days ignoring travel. None of the plots get time to breathe, none get to properly develop, and the story points crash together chaotically.
The characters still develop, most have strong personalities, and most grow in reasonable ways.
Enjoyable, but the flaws are a problem.
The first book was excellent, with strong characters, pacing, and world building. By contrast, this volume jumps through four or five plot lines, and handles all of them in about one month total - only ten or so days ignoring travel. None of the plots get time to breathe, none get to properly develop, and the story points crash together chaotically.
The characters still develop, most have strong personalities, and most grow in reasonable ways.
Enjoyable, but the flaws are a problem.
April 2, 2022
Annoying
The start of this book was good but the more Ash interacted the more I started to dislike him. He's acts like a child and it gets old fast. Then Locke being a constant as***** with nothing good to offer besides to say to have sex with someone or give little tidbits of information that he won't expound upon. It just gets old. It would be nice to see Ash actually make good decisions instead of just shooting from the hip or just ignoring problems altogether. Ash is just a little bit** with the way he acts at this point
The start of this book was good but the more Ash interacted the more I started to dislike him. He's acts like a child and it gets old fast. Then Locke being a constant as***** with nothing good to offer besides to say to have sex with someone or give little tidbits of information that he won't expound upon. It just gets old. It would be nice to see Ash actually make good decisions instead of just shooting from the hip or just ignoring problems altogether. Ash is just a little bit** with the way he acts at this point
May 8, 2020
Damn this is a good series
Another great book by William. I can’t wait to listen to it when the audio book comes out. The pacing is great, character development is good. The MC is powerful but not like damn!!! I am kind of hoping since this is not in the same universe as his other books it will get more then three books. Thanks for the great read and can’t wait to see what you do with the next one.
Another great book by William. I can’t wait to listen to it when the audio book comes out. The pacing is great, character development is good. The MC is powerful but not like damn!!! I am kind of hoping since this is not in the same universe as his other books it will get more then three books. Thanks for the great read and can’t wait to see what you do with the next one.
May 14, 2020
Ahhh another great story
Mr. Arand has pretty much turned into ome of my top 3 favorite authors. I know, I know, so what? Lol well it's big for me cause I read a lot. Anyways, I like the style of writing , he keeps the pace fluid, and there's always a surprise coming at ya. Ash`s delay about accepting the harem is irritating ,but realistic considering the whole different culture thing. All in all great sequel, can't wait till next book.
Mr. Arand has pretty much turned into ome of my top 3 favorite authors. I know, I know, so what? Lol well it's big for me cause I read a lot. Anyways, I like the style of writing , he keeps the pace fluid, and there's always a surprise coming at ya. Ash`s delay about accepting the harem is irritating ,but realistic considering the whole different culture thing. All in all great sequel, can't wait till next book.
May 28, 2020
Very addictive
This book is as good or better than the first in the series. The story is fast paced and Ash must hurry to gain power and support as it seems someone is always after him. His harem is growing but he seems to not want to indulge even if the ladies are fighting over him. I love the story arc so far and obviously there is a lot left to do as the Chosen One.... Chosen for what??... Can't wait for the next book.
This book is as good or better than the first in the series. The story is fast paced and Ash must hurry to gain power and support as it seems someone is always after him. His harem is growing but he seems to not want to indulge even if the ladies are fighting over him. I love the story arc so far and obviously there is a lot left to do as the Chosen One.... Chosen for what??... Can't wait for the next book.
June 15, 2020
Good book
I enjoyed the book even though the plot and progress felt disjointed. Ash continues to gather a clan, of all women, and add to his harem. He gains in power and battles in several seemingly random encounters. I dropped one star due to the constant discussion and angst ash has over his harem. At least a third of all the dialog in the bok is ash and locke debating the harem. Too much! With that said, I'm still looking forward to the next book.
I enjoyed the book even though the plot and progress felt disjointed. Ash continues to gather a clan, of all women, and add to his harem. He gains in power and battles in several seemingly random encounters. I dropped one star due to the constant discussion and angst ash has over his harem. At least a third of all the dialog in the bok is ash and locke debating the harem. Too much! With that said, I'm still looking forward to the next book.
January 15, 2021
Good read, better than what I expected actually. It's a pity that nothing is perfect, in this case one of the things that bothered me is his Harem, the fact that our hero as no control over it, it just keeps adding and even though he denies it at the beginning. The other thing is that our Mc has the beginnings of a fu****g idealist (savior of the world) which is strange because hes Harem just keep growing.
November 20, 2023
Ash is like a grown man child throwing a temper tantrum. Cries about woman throwing themselves at him. He wants to change the world but cries about doing that as well, basically he just whines about everything even though he knows he's a a chosen one. Come on authors I know you are trying to make this entertaining but make it make sense. Stop making the MC should a fucking crybaby about everything.
June 8, 2024
Good series, fun and fast paced.
Enjoyable and fun, the series has good characters and a clear logical plot. The dialogue is a problem that could be solved with better editing, as the reader loses the conversation in reference of who's speaking at any given time. It slows the pace of a reading as you're not sure who said what, again editing is the only issue I seem to have otherwise I'm enjoying the story very much.
Enjoyable and fun, the series has good characters and a clear logical plot. The dialogue is a problem that could be solved with better editing, as the reader loses the conversation in reference of who's speaking at any given time. It slows the pace of a reading as you're not sure who said what, again editing is the only issue I seem to have otherwise I'm enjoying the story very much.
May 8, 2020
Please please please
I hope we can be the next installment in the series in less than a year as I am enjoying the veilverse world and hope Blaise finds and holds onto his Muse so his writing speed doesn’t take a hit and he and willie d can work out each other’s cross story interactions to get the next book out sooner
I hope we can be the next installment in the series in less than a year as I am enjoying the veilverse world and hope Blaise finds and holds onto his Muse so his writing speed doesn’t take a hit and he and willie d can work out each other’s cross story interactions to get the next book out sooner
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