The first book in the Cradle series, Unsouled, by Will Wight, ushers readers into a relatively familiar and vividly engaging world of martial arts, cultivation, and self-improvement. Wight, indeed, has an amazing understanding of what readers like and makes up a plot that has hints of fantasy, action, and coming-of-age in it. But, generally, even though at times the book slides into somewhat stereotypical ideas, the depth of character relatability and just overall enjoyment is enough to carry it.
Set in the world of Cradle, where people vie in growing themselves to ascend to higher levels of power, Unsouled follows the story of Lindon, born without the ability to channel the sacred arts—the fundamental power that is in the universe. Lindon, despite his handicap, still remains indomitable and refuses to accept the fate that the heavens had bestowed upon him but instead takes on a journey of defying expectations and creating his path towards greatness. One of the things in Unsouled that makes it outstanding is the set of characters in it. Despite the very tropes infusing the genre, Wight manages to keep his protagonists feeling authentic and real. Lindon's struggles with inadequacy and the determined need to overcome limitation resonate to a powerful degree with readers — making him a protagonist worth cheering for. And with a supporting cast that includes the enigmatic Elder Whisper and fiercely independent Yerin, there is something to keep readers hooked every step of the way.
Although it treads into predictable territory once in a while—self-discovery, underdog triumph — Wight manages to throw in enough twists and turns to keep the story fresh and compelling. From the sudden betrayals to unforeseen truths about the nature of the Cradle world, Unsouled is packed with surprises that will keep the readers on their toes. The fast action pacing and detailed world-building are the solid base for the story, making the readers feel completely enveloped into the vivid universe.
For all its heavy formulaic reliance on genre conventions, the book manages to succeed at the end of the day in telling a story that resonates emotionally to many, founded on themes of perseverance and belief in oneself. The journey of Lindon becomes a clear reflection that greatness is achieved not only based on the innate talents but with strong will and determination to make it through against all odds. Unsouled is a message of hope and inspiration to everybody, of all ages, living in a world where too often the line between success and failure is hazy.
Basically, while Unsouled may not break new ground within the genre, its strong characterizations, compelling plot, and themes of the heart meld together to make it a book that belongs on any fantasy-lover's bookshelf. So every page of reading, the reader is handed out that sense of relatability and enjoyment again, which Mr. Wight is actually quite good at understanding what the readers enjoy. For this purpose, Unsouled is a must-read if it has to be registered among the titles of fantasy spanning the globe, appealing to lovers of martial arts epics as well as coming-of-age stories.
Rating: 3/5
Series: Cradle #1