The Cradle Series - Will Wight [January 2, 2022]

[Nirkatze]

Finished yesterday but didn't get around to updating. Processing my thoughts. :) It was a fun and different read.

[Yanique, Thread Master]

Well that was short and dramatic... It was nice but I'm a bit underwhelmed.

[Soo]

It's the setup book. It was good enough hook to get me into #2 and that's where I was truly engaged to zoom along the series.

[Yanique, Thread Master]

As I was reading it just really made me want to read/watch Bleach (manga/anime) 😅 I may continue on but right now I’m not sure. But knowing it picks up in book two is incentive for sure.

[Soo]

Yeah! The story does make me envision anime too. Naruto may be closer to Cradle. Though the fights in Bleach would fit well too. =)

[Yanique, Thread Master]

Soo wrote: "Yeah! The story does make me envision anime too. Naruto may be closer to Cradle. Though the fights in Bleach would fit well too. =)"

I can see the Naruto comparison, but Bleach was a much closer for me. At least with this first book.
It made me think of the Soul Society ARC where Ichigo just kept meeting stronger and stronger opponents are he was trying to find Rukia. And the fact that he didn't know the scope of things and how ignorant he was until he arrived there.

[Nirkatze]

I was definitely thinking Naruto first too, @Soo,--but I can see what you're saying about Bleach, @Yanique. Definitely a shounen anime-style story!

[Choko]

Just started. Two chapters in and it does remind me of a litRPG , but I see how Olivia calls it Progression Fantasy. I am intrigued, let's see what happens...

[Soo]

All my anime refs are old! I think I'm behind by like... 10 years. Hahahah! Another thing to binge on at some point. =D

Choko, you're gonna like Lindon & his sis. =)

[Nirkatze]

Soo wrote: "Choko, you're gonna like Lindon & his sis. =)"

His sis is pretty chill. I would love to have a sib like that.

[Soo]

Nirkatze, you should join the (crazy dark side) and read the Wandering Inn. Hehehe

[[deleted user]]

Yanique wrote: "Soo wrote: "Yeah! The story does make me envision anime too. Naruto may be closer to Cradle. Though the fights in Bleach would fit well too. =)"

I can see the Naruto comparison, but Bleach was a m..."

Yeah reading this reminds me of some Manhua( Chinese "manga") like Tales of Deamons and Gods or Martial Peak. even the cycling or cultivation as they translate in many Manhua

[[deleted user]]

Soo wrote: "Nirkatze, you should join the (crazy dark side) and read the Wandering Inn. Hehehe"

That is a web novel right?

[Munira]

I just saw this buddy read (I'm interested in reading along) and looks like there's a lot to catch up on in the comments. Are you discussing the first or second book now?

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

Wandering Inn is a webnovel turned audiobook…

Here, some of us have read Unsouled so far… waiting for more people to finish and maybe read some other stuff before doing book 2…

[Nirkatze]

Soo wrote: "Nirkatze, you should join the (crazy dark side) and read the Wandering Inn. Hehehe"

Just added to TBR. Oh gods, what have I gotten myself into? Will there at least be cookies?

[Veronica]

Finished. I'm going to be one and done with this series, I'm afraid. I still feel zero investment in the story and characters. But it checks off a reading challenge for me so there's that!

I'm glad the rest of you have enjoyed it so have fun with the rest of the series!

[Soo]

Veronica, I'm sorry you didn't enjoy Cradle as much, but glad it worked to help with a challenge! At least it's short. =D

Munira, currently on Unsouled #1. Some of us have finished and others are in process of reading it. Feel free to join!

Filipe, yeah! Martial Peak is a good comparison. I was about to say the dramatic power plays in MP are not like Cradle and then had to delete. LOL

I haven't read the novel for Martial Peak, but got pretty far in the comic.

Wandering Inn is a webserial. It's free to read on the website. Volumes 1 to 4 (Part 1) ebooks on Amazon and audiobooks on Audible. The audiobooks are great and that's how I got into the Innverse. I listened to Vol1 and read the rest on the website. Love the narration by Andrea Parsneau and get the audiobooks as they release.

Back to Cradle, I'm having fun seeing what people think. It's nice to share thoughts on what works and what doesn't. =D

[Choko]

Ch. 5 duel was pretty cool! Interesting the father's explanation that only an Unsouled or with s pure as possible Madra he could have gotten away with the Empty Palm...

[Choko]

Filipe and Nirkatze, you guys should join us in reading the Wandering inn as soon as you can! This way you will see if it is something you would be interested in continuing with us:) We just started...

[Tammie]

I just finished and overall it was still just an ok read for me. This did feel very much like an anime in novel form, and I'm not a huge fan of anime, although I've enjoyed watching a few of them. I'm leaning toward not continuing right now. I wanted so badly to love this because my daughter loves this series. She's going to be disappointed that I don't, but there are other books that we both enjoy.

[Soo]

That's cool that your daughter enjoys the series. =D

[Rob]

I finished earlier today as well. It was ok, not great. I'll stick with it for now. I found the last 1/3 to 1/2 of the book far more interesting than the first half and had some interesting twists and turns. Since its an easy read, I'll see where it is going. Must be something there for it last 10 or so books.

[Soo]

Which parts did you enjoy?

[Choko]

I finished as well... I liked it overall. I am in the minority, liking the first 1/3 of the book more than the last. I am interested in finding out everything about the world and the different creatures. Like the background of the different masters, actually, I like when there is more detail. So, although I wasn't wowed, I am intrigued and I will like to delve deeper into the characters. The epilogue promises some interesting stuff coming up, so I am in for the ride:)

I understand V's issue with why did (view spoiler)[ Suriel intervene for him, when she was given a ton of other choices, giving her an opportunity to save millions of lives. I get that she is there for the underdog, but he wasn't the only underdog in mortal peril on the world at the time. I know of course, that without her making this choice, we don't get a story, but it is a nagging question... I also think, that if he wasn't an underdog and somewhat of a decent person, some of the tricks he is pulling I would not be cool with, and even would call the person pulling them a cheat and a villain, but he is absolved mostly by the rules previously stated, so I guess I have to accept them... Beside that, I have no particular issues with the way the book is written, I just need more time with the characters to be fully invested and to start to care more about their faith. I am letting the author lead:):):) (hide spoiler)]

[Soo]

The first book was one that I didn't appreciate as much on the 1st read. I've re-read the books a few times (they're pretty short for me on audio), and it was on the re-reads that I enjoyed Unsouled more. It's more obvious how the characters are established and stay true to character from the start.

Choko, yeah! Some of the stuff is shady as heck, right? =D (view spoiler)[I am guessing it has to do with the fact that Lindon was the only one that was Unsouled. He was the only one there with power but no focus. A clean slate with more potential is my guess about why Suriel picked him over others. (hide spoiler)]

[Choko]

Soo wrote: "The first book was one that I didn't appreciate as much on the 1st read. I've re-read the books a few times (they're pretty short for me on audio), and it was on the re-reads that I enjoyed Unsoule..."

Makes sense, And I can see how I could love it more, once I truly get to know the characters. As I said,, once I care for them, I start loving the books:)

[Nirkatze]

Y'all bring up interesting points! I didn't original blink an eye at (view spoiler)[Suriel helping Lindon. (hide spoiler)] I can see what @Choko & Veronica are saying though. And I hadn't thought about your point, @Soo, about the (view spoiler)[Unsouled being a clean slate. (hide spoiler)] I remember thinking that (view spoiler)[Suriel came to Cradle in part because her universe had big problems that she didn't know how to solve, and so was looking for something she could do to compensate, as like, interim therapy. Once she was at the tournament, Lindon's situation intrigued her. I remember thinking that he maybe reminded her of her friend who had gone missing. And that her helping Lindon was less about him, and more about her. That she was feeling depressed, and unsure, and didn't know what to do to make her world and her life better, but she could do this one thing, and make a big difference in someone else's life. And the person for whom she could make the biggest difference is the person who has the least. (hide spoiler)] Maybe I'm just reading into it too much. :)

[Soo]

Nirkatze, those are good points in that last spoiler and a part of what happened. =)

[[deleted user]]

Soo wrote: "Veronica, I'm sorry you didn't enjoy Cradle as much, but glad it worked to help with a challenge! At least it's short. =D

Munira, currently on Unsouled #1. Some of us have finished and others are ..."

Yeah, i also kept to the comics.

The Wandering Inn sounds cool but i already went down a rabbit hole with SCP and it took way too much time :D

But i will check it out.

As to Cradle, Unsouled was a nice set up book and i am now half way in Soulsmith

[Soo]

Filipe, what do you think of Soulsmith? The first few books in the series are quick reads.

[[deleted user]]

Soo wrote: "Filipe, what do you think of Soulsmith? The first few books in the series are quick reads."

So far i like it. If Unsouled is a set-up book, this feels more like a "here is a sneak peak of what is to come" but i am only on Chapter 11 and it seems to be ramping up a bit

[Narilka]

I finished. I like this a lot.

I agree with Nirkatze about Suriel (view spoiler)[she used helping Lindon to help her self when she was frustrated about lack of progress in her own work. Like therapy. Why Lindon? Well, that's where the story is! :D (hide spoiler)]

Other thoughts. (view spoiler)[Really glad for Yerin's explanation at the end about the soul magic. Everyone can do everything and the clans in the Valley are quite backwards, hampering their own growth. I wonder if part of Lindon's arc will be to bring this knowledge back to his tribe so they all start their ascension process. (hide spoiler)]

Based on previous comments here, we don't get to find out more about the outside universe in Cradle? I need to go look through the author's catalog. That has me interested too. (view spoiler)[I hope we keep getting tidbits on Suriel's progress though. Would be nice to not let that thread dangle. (hide spoiler)]

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

We get outside info in drips and drabs until the newest book

[Choko]

Nerilka and Nirkatze, I totally agree that this had a lot to do with where her head was at the time. She does seem overwhelmed and even her artificial intelligence ghost thingy was upset that she didn't choose to just relax and recharge... And it definitely has something to do with her friend being born there. As I said, I enjoyed it quite a bit, I am waiting to get more details about everything. This book was like an initial sketch for a painting. Waiting for the next layer.

[Narilka]

That's a great description Choko.

I decided to round down on my rating for now. It's a solid 3.5 in my book. I'm looking forward to book 2.

[Miche]

Nirkatze wrote: "Y'all bring up interesting points! I didn't original blink an eye at [spoilers removed] I can see what @Choko & Veronica are saying though. And I hadn't thought about your point, @Soo, about the [s..."

Very good points Nirkatze. That was how I took Suriel's action too.

[Soo]

Part of the answer you guys are seeking was in the convo between Suriel and Lindon. She was in mild instructor mode at the time. Yay for re-reads. Lots of answers and more questions lie ahead in later books. =D

[Nirkatze]

Choko wrote: "This book was like an initial sketch for a painting. Waiting for the next layer."

Oooh, nice simile!

Narilka wrote: "Based on previous comments here, we don't get to find out more about the outside universe in Cradle?"

It's interesting getting a series setup with the main character at the bottom of the ladder--then getting a glimpse of what is at the top--on the 311th floor. And each chapter is one floor. Almost Sword Art Online-y. Ultimately, Lindon has to be involved in helping Suriel solve her problems, right? I'm just wondering if there's going to be another twist, and another set of ladders and bigger problems after that.

Also @Narilka, re: Yerin & soul magic at end--me too! @Soo--is that what you were referring to earlier about expectations in message 64?

Soo wrote: "[Suriel] was in mild instructor mode at the time.
I can see that! Very much sensei material.

[Soo]

Re message 64: Had to go back & read what I wrote. Ha!

Valley vs others (Suriel/Yerin): The story explores common knowledge and expectations. How tradition and what is taken for granted is 'known' and that knowledge is shared, taught. (view spoiler)[Lindon and everyone in the valley have a limited view of the world and how it works. It raises several questions. Some of which gets answered later. The arrival within the story of Suriel & Yerin opens the world up more. Each of them have a different knowledge/experience base. Lindon gets a tiny glimpse of that and it wows him. Shakes the foundations of what he took for granted and jump starts the hope of potential could be.

The story progression adds to the setting and characters. I like the way the reader's knowledge is setup to learn, hedged to expect certain things, some expectations are tossed over the cliff and story base grows with each addition & reveal.

Each viewpoint is shown from that character's understanding. Whether it's true, incomplete, fluffy lie, etc are shown in parts as the story unfolds. I like that. It's like life in the way we may learn. I think most learning is easy. A matter of getting the basics & doing it. It's going outside of skillset/know how that makes learning hard. Or a smack in the face because you don't want to do it, accept it, etc. (hide spoiler)]

[[deleted user]]

Soo wrote: "Re message 64: Had to go back & read what I wrote. Ha!

Valley vs others (Suriel/Yerin): The story explores common knowledge and expectations. How tradition and what is taken for granted is 'known'..."

Yes the valley is (view spoiler)[a closed "ecossistem" that has evolved isolated from the rest with only a bit of knowledge of wht the arts are and how to use them. That is why they have the belif that one can only use one type. I bet it will, latter on, serve as a baseline to show how Lindon evolved by contrasting him and the people of the Valley.
(hide spoiler)]

I have finished Soulsmith and i almost picked the next book :D

[Soo]

Hi-5 Filipe

Glad you're having fun with the series. =D

Feel free to spoiler & chat about the other books.

[Rob]

Wondering if we want to start a thread for each book in the series? This way anyone joining late doesn't get spoiled on the following books or have to dig too much?

[Julian]

I think that would be the best way moving forward. Some of us will move faster or slower with the books than others. Isn't the current plan a book each month?

[Rob]

Julian Viso wrote: "I think that would be the best way moving forward. Some of us will move faster or slower with the books than others. Isn't the current plan a book each month?"

Yep there is a schedule a the top of the thread.

[Rob]

I requested separate threads for the next 3 or so books. If we're all in, I'll request more of the series (all start the first of the month).

[Julian]

I'm in for the next book in the series! The first one was a short read

[Narilka]

Soo wrote: "Re message 64: Had to go back & read what I wrote. Ha!

Valley vs others (Suriel/Yerin)..."

Oh. a little like Plato's cave. That makes a lot of sense actually.

[Narilka]

I'm definitely in for Book 2. I wanted to start it as soon as I finished book 1 :)

[Timelord Iain, Tech Support]

This is definitely a series I binged more than most...