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Death Cultivator #1
Death Cultivator
Fight for your Death.
When regular high schooler Grady Hake is mistakenly taken by the Angel of Death, he thinks his life is over. Then he wakes up on a prison shuttle bound for Van Diemann’s Planet, a penal colony run by brutal gangs of criminal cultivators. This is his life now, and if he wants to survive it, he’ll have to learn to harness his unique Death Spirit, make friends with alien outcasts, appease a band of hungry ghosts, and fight his way into one of the strongest gangs on the planet.
When regular high schooler Grady Hake is mistakenly taken by the Angel of Death, he thinks his life is over. Then he wakes up on a prison shuttle bound for Van Diemann’s Planet, a penal colony run by brutal gangs of criminal cultivators. This is his life now, and if he wants to survive it, he’ll have to learn to harness his unique Death Spirit, make friends with alien outcasts, appease a band of hungry ghosts, and fight his way into one of the strongest gangs on the planet.
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2020
About the author
Eden Hudson
54 books322 followersI am being forced against my will by Goodreads to have a capital E at the beginning of my name, even though the correct spelling is "eden." So there's that.
But also . . .
I am invincible. I am a mutant. I have 3 hearts and was born with no eyes. I had eyes implanted later. I didn't have hands, either, just stumps. When my eyes were implanted they asked if I would like hands as well and I said, "Yes, I'll take those," and pointed with my stump. But sometimes I'm a hellbender peeking out from under a rock. When it rains, I live in a music box.
But I'm also a tattoo addict, coffee junkie, drummer, and aspiring skateboarder. Jesus actually is my homeboy.
But also . . .
I am invincible. I am a mutant. I have 3 hearts and was born with no eyes. I had eyes implanted later. I didn't have hands, either, just stumps. When my eyes were implanted they asked if I would like hands as well and I said, "Yes, I'll take those," and pointed with my stump. But sometimes I'm a hellbender peeking out from under a rock. When it rains, I live in a music box.
But I'm also a tattoo addict, coffee junkie, drummer, and aspiring skateboarder. Jesus actually is my homeboy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 30, 2022
Death Cultivator
(Death Cultivator #1)
by eden Hudson
Narration by Travis Baldree
I loved her Jubal series! I was very eager to start this but it started a bit slow but built up later and got really good then. Its about a teen that is always bullied, lives with his grandfather because his dad is in prison. Due to a mess up by a grim reaper/angel, he is killed and taken for crimes and sent to a prison world and not the criminal who attacked him. (Who has a name similar to his.)
This planet has all species of creatures from all planets and they are mostly criminals. He meets friends right away and he also gets in trouble right away. This is his story of learning to survive on this planet as a death cultivator and fighter.
The narration is a pure delight because Baldree is preforming! One of my favorites!
Lots of action. Great characters. Great narration! What's not to like?
(Death Cultivator #1)
by eden Hudson
Narration by Travis Baldree
I loved her Jubal series! I was very eager to start this but it started a bit slow but built up later and got really good then. Its about a teen that is always bullied, lives with his grandfather because his dad is in prison. Due to a mess up by a grim reaper/angel, he is killed and taken for crimes and sent to a prison world and not the criminal who attacked him. (Who has a name similar to his.)
This planet has all species of creatures from all planets and they are mostly criminals. He meets friends right away and he also gets in trouble right away. This is his story of learning to survive on this planet as a death cultivator and fighter.
The narration is a pure delight because Baldree is preforming! One of my favorites!
Lots of action. Great characters. Great narration! What's not to like?
September 27, 2020
Started ok...
This book is....boring and irritating. I abhor stupid MCs. This MC is DUMB. There are some funny moments, but the dude just gets beat up left and right, and keeps licking out and staying alive. The beginning didn’t make sense either. It feels like a beta trying to be an alpha.
This book is....boring and irritating. I abhor stupid MCs. This MC is DUMB. There are some funny moments, but the dude just gets beat up left and right, and keeps licking out and staying alive. The beginning didn’t make sense either. It feels like a beta trying to be an alpha.
June 25, 2021
eden Hudson cultivation stories bring out a Sarah Lin vibe that is quite refreshing to see in this genre.
While there are things that are over the top, they are kept to just enough to keep the story moving along, which in turns allows the read to keep their eyes on the page as opposed to rolling them around their heads everytime something dramatic takes place.
Good job, great story, already started book 2.
While there are things that are over the top, they are kept to just enough to keep the story moving along, which in turns allows the read to keep their eyes on the page as opposed to rolling them around their heads everytime something dramatic takes place.
Good job, great story, already started book 2.
September 16, 2020
Grady Hake was just a high school student struggling against bullying at school and living in a trailer with his grandfather when he is suddenly taken by the angel of death by mistake. He finds himself on a prison shuttle on its way to Van Diemann’s planet, a penal colony run by brutal gangs of criminal cultivators. In order to survive he has to learn everything from scratch as he has no idea how things work so far from Earth, and he makes a few mistakes right from the start which turn his life into a living hell. He needs to learn fast if he is to survive in this dog eat dog environment but he makes friends with twin siblings Kest and Rali who are indigenous to the planet and who show him the ropes. Hake starts to learn how to cultivate energy known as spirit, learns that he has a mortal affinity, with a death spirit which was rare and much sought after. Hake and the twins end up fighting for their lives both against the hordes of hungry ghosts as well as the multitude of fighting gang members. In order to survive they had to get chosen by one of the big five gangs and to do this they had to excel in the fighting arena during the championships. This is a sci-fi, wuxia novel, which has quite a bit of cruelty thrown at poor Hake which made my stomach churn and why he risked his own life and that of the only two friends he had, to save the bully Warcry, the man who had tormented him since his arrival on Van Diemann is beyond me, however this novel is full of action, as well as great fighting moves and practices and I must admit I love the hungry ghosts. I would love to read the next book in this new series.
August 5, 2021
Rating: 4.6/5
Review: Eden Hudson mixes fantasy with scifi extremely well. What begins with normalcy quickly transforms into fantasy riding on the back of aliens into the farthest regions of the galaxy (universe?).
Some reviewers thought that the MC was dumb/depressing because he makes poor decisions. WTF? Was no one, like ever not making stupid choices when they were getting their hormones? I thought the turn of events in Hakes life mirrored much of my own. Sometimes you just can't help yourself.
Each character is unique and finely tuned to interact in a story line rife with possibilities. The movement never grinds but continues to usher in creative instances that build and grow each character as they are revealed. You can literally imagine yourself walking through the Shut-in with Kest, treasure hunting for oddments.
The worst thing about this book is the cover art. Looks like a bad manga.
On to the next!
Review: Eden Hudson mixes fantasy with scifi extremely well. What begins with normalcy quickly transforms into fantasy riding on the back of aliens into the farthest regions of the galaxy (universe?).
Some reviewers thought that the MC was dumb/depressing because he makes poor decisions. WTF? Was no one, like ever not making stupid choices when they were getting their hormones? I thought the turn of events in Hakes life mirrored much of my own. Sometimes you just can't help yourself.
Each character is unique and finely tuned to interact in a story line rife with possibilities. The movement never grinds but continues to usher in creative instances that build and grow each character as they are revealed. You can literally imagine yourself walking through the Shut-in with Kest, treasure hunting for oddments.
The worst thing about this book is the cover art. Looks like a bad manga.
On to the next!
September 20, 2020
Hidden gem
Honestly when I started this this afternoon I didn't have high hopes. However its now 3am and I finished the book. Truly wonderful and I cannot wait for the next book.
Honestly when I started this this afternoon I didn't have high hopes. However its now 3am and I finished the book. Truly wonderful and I cannot wait for the next book.
December 31, 2021
This book surprised me. I love the writing style to begin with. For a sci-fi, martial arts, space epic, it is so outside my normal reading that I didn't expect to like it. But instead I loved it. The voice of the main character was coherent but personalized, he felt like a real person instead of a genetic farmer boy. His humor got me a couple times and he was generally a character I just inherently liked. He was a dumb teenager at times, but who isn't a dumb teenager at one point?
Next thing I loved was the emotional link-backs. We are introduced with a trailer boy getting beat up who had a rough life but tried his best to care for those he loved. And while I would've preferred a more elaborate mourning of losing his grandfather and previous life, it was still mentioned throughout the book in authentic ways. It never felt forced that Hake was remembering his old life. I still wanted to see more expression of loss, but that's preference.
I also really like that Hake doesn't just... become the strongest ever. He still looses. Even when he basically learned the Death Grip hand thing, it still didn't win him the fight. That makes it more believable but also more interesting in longer series.
The side characters!!! Ok first, I can't find their names spelled out anywhere. But I love the twins and the other characters. From the distillery bull guy to the Bailiff to Warcry. I loved each of their personalities and really liked when the story gave them nuance. Starting from the least impactful, I like the angel 11. The idea that she made a mistake and tried to cover it up. And then her return. It really gave the impression that even in the afterlife, the world isn't going to magically fix everything because they can make mistakes too. Then the space shuttle guy. It made sense that he'd be rough to the criminals, and Hake by pushing him out of the shuttle. But the driver didn't beat Hake up or something. It's so common that anyone who isn't on the MC's side is just an outright villain, so to Not do that, I only have praise. The guy even gave Hake actual, honest directions and information.
Same with the distillery bull guy. Imagine a teenager coming up to you and basically asking you how to eat food. In a world where everyone, and I mean everyone, cultivates and has magic, to have an almost adult ask you how? It showed that the distiller wasn't just an evil boss of greed. He actually humored Hake and did teach him. Even finding out what Hake's affinity was. The Bailiff too, was nuanced. He was a jerk, but he was intelligent. He saw opportunity and took advantage of it. He recruits and trains his recruits to better himself in an intelligent way, even if it is deplorable.
The twins are, they are just perfect ok. I love them. I love both of their personalities and their affinities and I just enjoyed every aspect of their involvement. Raleigh was the joking on the surface but hidden Genius that kept the humor and humanity. And Crest was the super literal, socially awkward nerd who was perfect and reliable. Both showed a range of emotions and humanity that had me rooting for them the entire time.
And then... Warcry. If there's one character I just could not care about, it's him. He isn't the worst character in the world, but he just got old after a while. He's consistently just a big angry guy picking fights he really isn't prepared for. Whereas I like the rare times Hake acted immature in the moment, Warcry just acted like a big dumb idiot all of the time. It's a little boring. And even tho he joined the group in the end, it was just kinda lame. Why would Hake leave the twins to go help Warcry of all people? That part made no sense to me. Had he already been there when the fight broke out, I could see Hake trying to help, but for Hake to run into battle? Nah. I'm hoping Warcry gets better in the next two books.
Now onto the other stuff. Like the art. So. One thing I don't like, is the art cover for the book. I don't like it. Mostly because it has a ton of spoilers on it, so it's kinda annoying to see that obviously something is going to happen bc of the cover. But I also don't like the cover because the art makes this look like a weird He-man space comic from the 80s. I don't know why Hake would have platinum blonde he-man hair, or how a 16 year old would look like Rambo despite the audience being told how constantly hungry and weak he is. This is a consistent thing at least, as the next 2 covers also have spoilers on them and look like He-man fanfiction. But, yeah.
The magic. I do love the magic system, and more than that, I like that it isn't explained to us like a textbook. We are given little pieces of the system throughout the book. We first see Crest using her magic to weld metal and that there's a metal type. But that's about it. Hake just kinda thinks that's an alien thing, and only she can do it. But we learn a bit more, and a bit more, and oh the MC is gonna have a type, and there's different classifications, and you can specialize, and you gotta compartmentalize to cultivate and do other things, etc. Instead of being shoved an entire system, the author gradually pulls in more information as the main character grows. It feels a lot more natural too. I've always thought it weird that in fantasy cultivation stories, there always seems to be a single character that just word vomits the entire magical system to the reader or something. Who does that? Someone who is old enough to know better asks you for the entire foundation of your cultivation and history? And they just have an entire lecture prepared? Wtf?
So I loved that Hake learns gradually, and he uses his own resources to figure things out too. He searched the web, he got help from Raleigh, he found out more during the tournament, he overheard about specialization. He learned from the books and practice. It just felt natural and easier to understand.
I also liked the world building. The part with the former death Cultivator and the spirits of the former colonies was interesting and felt like a great tie in to the setting. Like there was a purpose beyond "creepy spooky shadow things." It made the world feel more lived in.
So in short, I'm really happily surprised with this book. I'm definitely going to read the other books in the series, and probably the other stuff by this author.
Next thing I loved was the emotional link-backs. We are introduced with a trailer boy getting beat up who had a rough life but tried his best to care for those he loved. And while I would've preferred a more elaborate mourning of losing his grandfather and previous life, it was still mentioned throughout the book in authentic ways. It never felt forced that Hake was remembering his old life. I still wanted to see more expression of loss, but that's preference.
I also really like that Hake doesn't just... become the strongest ever. He still looses. Even when he basically learned the Death Grip hand thing, it still didn't win him the fight. That makes it more believable but also more interesting in longer series.
The side characters!!! Ok first, I can't find their names spelled out anywhere. But I love the twins and the other characters. From the distillery bull guy to the Bailiff to Warcry. I loved each of their personalities and really liked when the story gave them nuance. Starting from the least impactful, I like the angel 11. The idea that she made a mistake and tried to cover it up. And then her return. It really gave the impression that even in the afterlife, the world isn't going to magically fix everything because they can make mistakes too. Then the space shuttle guy. It made sense that he'd be rough to the criminals, and Hake by pushing him out of the shuttle. But the driver didn't beat Hake up or something. It's so common that anyone who isn't on the MC's side is just an outright villain, so to Not do that, I only have praise. The guy even gave Hake actual, honest directions and information.
Same with the distillery bull guy. Imagine a teenager coming up to you and basically asking you how to eat food. In a world where everyone, and I mean everyone, cultivates and has magic, to have an almost adult ask you how? It showed that the distiller wasn't just an evil boss of greed. He actually humored Hake and did teach him. Even finding out what Hake's affinity was. The Bailiff too, was nuanced. He was a jerk, but he was intelligent. He saw opportunity and took advantage of it. He recruits and trains his recruits to better himself in an intelligent way, even if it is deplorable.
The twins are, they are just perfect ok. I love them. I love both of their personalities and their affinities and I just enjoyed every aspect of their involvement. Raleigh was the joking on the surface but hidden Genius that kept the humor and humanity. And Crest was the super literal, socially awkward nerd who was perfect and reliable. Both showed a range of emotions and humanity that had me rooting for them the entire time.
And then... Warcry. If there's one character I just could not care about, it's him. He isn't the worst character in the world, but he just got old after a while. He's consistently just a big angry guy picking fights he really isn't prepared for. Whereas I like the rare times Hake acted immature in the moment, Warcry just acted like a big dumb idiot all of the time. It's a little boring. And even tho he joined the group in the end, it was just kinda lame. Why would Hake leave the twins to go help Warcry of all people? That part made no sense to me. Had he already been there when the fight broke out, I could see Hake trying to help, but for Hake to run into battle? Nah. I'm hoping Warcry gets better in the next two books.
Now onto the other stuff. Like the art. So. One thing I don't like, is the art cover for the book. I don't like it. Mostly because it has a ton of spoilers on it, so it's kinda annoying to see that obviously something is going to happen bc of the cover. But I also don't like the cover because the art makes this look like a weird He-man space comic from the 80s. I don't know why Hake would have platinum blonde he-man hair, or how a 16 year old would look like Rambo despite the audience being told how constantly hungry and weak he is. This is a consistent thing at least, as the next 2 covers also have spoilers on them and look like He-man fanfiction. But, yeah.
The magic. I do love the magic system, and more than that, I like that it isn't explained to us like a textbook. We are given little pieces of the system throughout the book. We first see Crest using her magic to weld metal and that there's a metal type. But that's about it. Hake just kinda thinks that's an alien thing, and only she can do it. But we learn a bit more, and a bit more, and oh the MC is gonna have a type, and there's different classifications, and you can specialize, and you gotta compartmentalize to cultivate and do other things, etc. Instead of being shoved an entire system, the author gradually pulls in more information as the main character grows. It feels a lot more natural too. I've always thought it weird that in fantasy cultivation stories, there always seems to be a single character that just word vomits the entire magical system to the reader or something. Who does that? Someone who is old enough to know better asks you for the entire foundation of your cultivation and history? And they just have an entire lecture prepared? Wtf?
So I loved that Hake learns gradually, and he uses his own resources to figure things out too. He searched the web, he got help from Raleigh, he found out more during the tournament, he overheard about specialization. He learned from the books and practice. It just felt natural and easier to understand.
I also liked the world building. The part with the former death Cultivator and the spirits of the former colonies was interesting and felt like a great tie in to the setting. Like there was a purpose beyond "creepy spooky shadow things." It made the world feel more lived in.
So in short, I'm really happily surprised with this book. I'm definitely going to read the other books in the series, and probably the other stuff by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2022
As ben and Bradley have said before me this MC is awful. What happens to him is awful. I couldn't finish it. If the second half of the books is totally unlike the first half of the book and redeems everything let me know.
MC gets beat up for making terrible choice..
MC gets beat up and knifed.
MC gets beat up.
MC gets beat up for making terrible choice.
MC gets beat up.
MC gets beat up for making terrible choice..
MC gets beat up and knifed.
MC gets beat up.
MC gets beat up for making terrible choice.
MC gets beat up.
November 28, 2020
Depressing
Couldn't finish, I hope the book was good or got better but I got 30% in and the mc was getting bashed in the teeth so much that I couldn't read it anymore.
I seriously don't like writing reviews on books I don't finish, it was that depressing.
Couldn't finish, I hope the book was good or got better but I got 30% in and the mc was getting bashed in the teeth so much that I couldn't read it anymore.
I seriously don't like writing reviews on books I don't finish, it was that depressing.
January 27, 2021
DNF
Depressing, and another idiot MC who does nothing but make bad choices over and over.
Depressing, and another idiot MC who does nothing but make bad choices over and over.
August 9, 2023
I found this series based on my love of LitRPG. This series is what I would call Progression (The Cradle Series is a good example of Progression and highly recommended). I kind of think that Progression is adjacent to LitRPG as a genre.
I consider LitRPG as the equivalent of B Movies. B movies are fun but a 5 star B Movies is not the same as say LOTR Movies (a true 5 star movie IMHO).
This is a fun story about Progression in a Sci-Fi environment It is over the top and a lot of fun to read. I often read books like this in-between other fantasy novels as kind of a palate cleanser.
I see some reviewers wrote that the story is dumb and so on. It is a B Movie type of book! It doesn't have to make complete sense. It has teenagers who are not going to make the best decisions. I love Godzilla! There is a movie called Son of Godzilla. Where did the son come from? Was there a Mrs. Godzilla? Who cares! It is fun escapism.
I will say that things happen during the story that I did not expect. People get injured. There are prices to be paid.
The series is available on Kindle Unlimited so if you subscribe regularly or like me when sales appear give it a try.
I consider LitRPG as the equivalent of B Movies. B movies are fun but a 5 star B Movies is not the same as say LOTR Movies (a true 5 star movie IMHO).
This is a fun story about Progression in a Sci-Fi environment It is over the top and a lot of fun to read. I often read books like this in-between other fantasy novels as kind of a palate cleanser.
I see some reviewers wrote that the story is dumb and so on. It is a B Movie type of book! It doesn't have to make complete sense. It has teenagers who are not going to make the best decisions. I love Godzilla! There is a movie called Son of Godzilla. Where did the son come from? Was there a Mrs. Godzilla? Who cares! It is fun escapism.
I will say that things happen during the story that I did not expect. People get injured. There are prices to be paid.
The series is available on Kindle Unlimited so if you subscribe regularly or like me when sales appear give it a try.
April 26, 2022
This series is so good. The cons of the book are really non existent. The first thing I don't like is this is supposed to be a cultivation book, but it doesn't give me any of the cultivation aspects. I barely know how cultivation works in this new world, and that's really it, all the other cons are so trivial I don't even wanna add them ( I mean small stuff like why that guy doesn't fight? or why is the reaper chasing him after it was her fault?) I do wish he got more abilities tho.
The pros. I really like the start of the book. If I were to give a ranking It'd be: Start 1st, End 2nd, Middle 3rd. The characters are awesome, each one has a unique personality like there real people. ( I don't like the warcry guy) the villains are annoying and all villainy. The world building is lacking, the character progression was good at the start bur started lacking toward the end.
This book is for you If you like cultivation fantasy books. I like to think this is a book you'd get when you have nothing else to get but then it becomes your favorite series. 😍
The pros. I really like the start of the book. If I were to give a ranking It'd be: Start 1st, End 2nd, Middle 3rd. The characters are awesome, each one has a unique personality like there real people. ( I don't like the warcry guy) the villains are annoying and all villainy. The world building is lacking, the character progression was good at the start bur started lacking toward the end.
This book is for you If you like cultivation fantasy books. I like to think this is a book you'd get when you have nothing else to get but then it becomes your favorite series. 😍
September 24, 2020
It was a good book. I really liked the depth of the characters, and the main MC (Hake) was intriguing enough.
My only critique to this book is the reluctance of the MC to protect himself at all cost. I am all for non lethal battles, but i couldn't wrap my head around the MC fighting in death-matches, against stronger opponents but somehow fighting with half measures so he doesn't kill anyone. That was a bit unbelievable to me because, if his opponents are indeed stronger than he was, and were fighting with the intent on killing him, then there should be no way for him to survive any fights with him holding back.
Also, i really, really, REALLY hate narratives where the MC fights to save a "friend" who does not reciprocate the same feeling.
But i guess i could attribute my pet peeves in this book to a staple in YA (young adult novels), so i gave this book 4 stars
My only critique to this book is the reluctance of the MC to protect himself at all cost. I am all for non lethal battles, but i couldn't wrap my head around the MC fighting in death-matches, against stronger opponents but somehow fighting with half measures so he doesn't kill anyone. That was a bit unbelievable to me because, if his opponents are indeed stronger than he was, and were fighting with the intent on killing him, then there should be no way for him to survive any fights with him holding back.
Also, i really, really, REALLY hate narratives where the MC fights to save a "friend" who does not reciprocate the same feeling.
But i guess i could attribute my pet peeves in this book to a staple in YA (young adult novels), so i gave this book 4 stars
June 8, 2021
Alert
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
(Yep...hit with the banhammer.)
Cheers
“This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. I am simply saying that I liked it. I would like you to read it and make your own decision. After all, you are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
I will happily discuss the book with you on Goodreads if you are so inclined. As always, I am open to debates and arguments, but also vain enough to seek acknowledgement, so feel free to roast me or applaud my efforts. Either is acceptable, because if you are paying attention to me then you are at least considering the book. And THAT my friends is exactly why you see my comments here.
(Yep...hit with the banhammer.)
Cheers
November 9, 2025
Oh, this is so fun!
When I heard my favorite author was currently working on book 4 of this series, I figured it was time to read it. I'm so glad I did.
eden's affinity is in full swing here, crafting complex, wildly unique characters that draw out every emotion they feel into the reader.
The world is beautifully defined, a prison planet full of desperate ambition, danger and mysterious chaos creatures that are more than mindless killers, they've got a secret.
Do yourself a favor, read this. The tone is fun with a nice dark infection of what eden does best... impending consequences.
No hard cursing or other adult stuff outside the high stakes, so it's definitely recommended for younger, but mature readers.
Can't wait any longer. It's 4 am and I can't sleep. Book 2 starts now.
When I heard my favorite author was currently working on book 4 of this series, I figured it was time to read it. I'm so glad I did.
eden's affinity is in full swing here, crafting complex, wildly unique characters that draw out every emotion they feel into the reader.
The world is beautifully defined, a prison planet full of desperate ambition, danger and mysterious chaos creatures that are more than mindless killers, they've got a secret.
Do yourself a favor, read this. The tone is fun with a nice dark infection of what eden does best... impending consequences.
No hard cursing or other adult stuff outside the high stakes, so it's definitely recommended for younger, but mature readers.
Can't wait any longer. It's 4 am and I can't sleep. Book 2 starts now.
September 15, 2020
Above Average Cultivation Story
The angel of death mistakes our MC for someone with the same name and kills him. This lands him on a nasty penal colony where he is forced to cultivate for a criminal gang. Apart from landing him in a setting with a rare cultivation speciality he wouldn't usually have had, the setting doesn't really have much influence on the story at least so far.
The book includes just enough on cultivation to make sense but thankfully concentrates more on the story. We thus skip pages and pages of breathing so common to cultivation novels. Instead we get lots of action and interesting story which was unexpected.
One of the better cultivation novels and worth reading if you enjoy them.
The angel of death mistakes our MC for someone with the same name and kills him. This lands him on a nasty penal colony where he is forced to cultivate for a criminal gang. Apart from landing him in a setting with a rare cultivation speciality he wouldn't usually have had, the setting doesn't really have much influence on the story at least so far.
The book includes just enough on cultivation to make sense but thankfully concentrates more on the story. We thus skip pages and pages of breathing so common to cultivation novels. Instead we get lots of action and interesting story which was unexpected.
One of the better cultivation novels and worth reading if you enjoy them.
January 2, 2023
It's YA... and very much so.
Picture this:
A guy on your team betrays you and everyone else causing several deaths, and then tries to kill you as well, but you manage to defeat him.
Then faced with killing him or death, you refuse. Not only that, you also go out of your way to save him while escaping, which puts some of your actual friends in increased mortal danger.
Yeah... no, I think this will be DNF for me.
Author has read too many Batman comics, or similar stories, with unyielding killing-is-wrong-no-matter-what moralizing backed up by nonsense plot armor.
When I read crap like this I find myself wishing the MC would get a reality check... like friends dead by the hand of the moron he just had to save, and getting his face rubbed in it.
Picture this:
A guy on your team betrays you and everyone else causing several deaths, and then tries to kill you as well, but you manage to defeat him.
Then faced with killing him or death, you refuse. Not only that, you also go out of your way to save him while escaping, which puts some of your actual friends in increased mortal danger.
Yeah... no, I think this will be DNF for me.
Author has read too many Batman comics, or similar stories, with unyielding killing-is-wrong-no-matter-what moralizing backed up by nonsense plot armor.
When I read crap like this I find myself wishing the MC would get a reality check... like friends dead by the hand of the moron he just had to save, and getting his face rubbed in it.
December 6, 2021
It's a case of mistaken identity when Grady Hake's soul is reaped and sent to a penal colony populated by alien races and cutthroat gangs. To survive, he has to learn to cultivate. A brother and sister teach him the basics, but Grady has to contend with indentured servitude, hungry ghosts, and a truly cranky rival.
Cultivation-style sci-fantasy. I'm new to this genre. Of all I've sampled, this is my favorite so far. I listened to this story in audio format. Travis Baldree's narration is excellent. Highly recommended.
Cultivation-style sci-fantasy. I'm new to this genre. Of all I've sampled, this is my favorite so far. I listened to this story in audio format. Travis Baldree's narration is excellent. Highly recommended.
July 3, 2021
Very different. Sort of an isekai, some cultivation, and a dash of sci-fi. Was sure what I thought at first but it definitely grew on me and I enjoyed it.
I always struggle with MCs that make dumb emotional decisions but I guess that’s ok because it makes them more human and gives room for growth. Just annoying in the moment.
I like the death cultivation focus and the interesting execution. Left tons of room for cool future growth. Also liked that the MC is a cold hearted ruthless killer.
I always struggle with MCs that make dumb emotional decisions but I guess that’s ok because it makes them more human and gives room for growth. Just annoying in the moment.
I like the death cultivation focus and the interesting execution. Left tons of room for cool future growth. Also liked that the MC is a cold hearted ruthless killer.
March 12, 2024
Weak and boring
DNF at 60%
The protagonist is a learning resistant, rash, foul-mouthed fool.
He mouths of and gets beaten. He attacks someone and gets killed. He mouths of and gets beaten again and again and again..
The setting of the prison planet shows the intended target audience. People try to survive in the desert, looting rotting corpses and killing each other but - of course- they have ice coffee and access to galaxy wide internet all the time....
DNF at 60%
The protagonist is a learning resistant, rash, foul-mouthed fool.
He mouths of and gets beaten. He attacks someone and gets killed. He mouths of and gets beaten again and again and again..
The setting of the prison planet shows the intended target audience. People try to survive in the desert, looting rotting corpses and killing each other but - of course- they have ice coffee and access to galaxy wide internet all the time....
September 19, 2020
Great adventure
Although the book reads as for older teens/young adults I enjoyed the concept, the adventures, blood, gore and monsters. I’m patiently awaiting Jubal Van Zand installment so this book was filling my time. The author is very talented with an imagination and gift for painting pictures with words and spinning the tales that intrigue and delight.
Although the book reads as for older teens/young adults I enjoyed the concept, the adventures, blood, gore and monsters. I’m patiently awaiting Jubal Van Zand installment so this book was filling my time. The author is very talented with an imagination and gift for painting pictures with words and spinning the tales that intrigue and delight.
May 21, 2021
Lost a star for some crudeness
It took a chapter or two for this to grab me, but before long, I could hardly put it down and found myself caring about the characters. The book didn’t focus on stats and levels as others have pointed out, yet it still feels like LitRPG. On to book 2!
It took a chapter or two for this to grab me, but before long, I could hardly put it down and found myself caring about the characters. The book didn’t focus on stats and levels as others have pointed out, yet it still feels like LitRPG. On to book 2!
December 16, 2021
Solid juvenile
MC is a teenager and shows it by his thoughts and actions, but it doesn’t read like many teenage novels. Not a whole lot of cultivation specific stuff, more of a learn-as-you-go type.
I like the characters, especially as they define their stereotype without being subsumed by it.
Going to buy the next book now. That’s my recommendation.
MC is a teenager and shows it by his thoughts and actions, but it doesn’t read like many teenage novels. Not a whole lot of cultivation specific stuff, more of a learn-as-you-go type.
I like the characters, especially as they define their stereotype without being subsumed by it.
Going to buy the next book now. That’s my recommendation.
March 26, 2025
Son recommend, Mother approved
WOW, totally awesome book. I kept texting my son to thank him for recommending it to me. It’s not just the characters, but the writing that is so impactful. I called my son to lament that grappa wouldn’t know what happened to the last person he loved. What an author.
WOW, totally awesome book. I kept texting my son to thank him for recommending it to me. It’s not just the characters, but the writing that is so impactful. I called my son to lament that grappa wouldn’t know what happened to the last person he loved. What an author.
June 11, 2026
This is a fun, creative addition to the cultivation genre. There's nothing suuuper noteworthy about the writing, but the characters are believable and entertaining and there's no moments of "really? You did that?" In their decisions. The fights are fun, although at times difficult to follow in audio. Overall, it's a great time and I will absolutely be continuing the series.
September 20, 2020
Good read
Typical fish out of water story, but with a mc and supporting characters that are likeable and enough plot twists to keep things interesting and enjoyable. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
Typical fish out of water story, but with a mc and supporting characters that are likeable and enough plot twists to keep things interesting and enjoyable. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
September 25, 2020
Good change of pace
This is a really good book that allows for the growth of the characters. S lot of books have the hero/focus of the book, growing by huge leaps and bounds at a loss to the story. Steady is better than POW! here I am!
This is a really good book that allows for the growth of the characters. S lot of books have the hero/focus of the book, growing by huge leaps and bounds at a loss to the story. Steady is better than POW! here I am!
May 24, 2021
Delightfully unique. I'm a fan of Travis Baldree, and that's what got me onto the book on audible. But I'm staying for the story and author. It's easy to read and hard to put down, kudos to the author for starting a great series.
February 20, 2022
This is a review for the series:
Not bad but it goes on and on a bit much about morality and takes a pretty stupid stance given the circumstances. Most of the social interactions are pretty unrealistic too.
Not bad but it goes on and on a bit much about morality and takes a pretty stupid stance given the circumstances. Most of the social interactions are pretty unrealistic too.
May 24, 2022
great book
Eden did a great job building the characters and their backgrounds and now I am excited to read the other two books. Which makes me mad that I have to now go read those instead of starting a few other books in my queue.
Eden did a great job building the characters and their backgrounds and now I am excited to read the other two books. Which makes me mad that I have to now go read those instead of starting a few other books in my queue.
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