SOULSMITH (CRADLE #2) BY WILL WIGHT | BOOK REVIEW

TITLE : Soulsmith (Cradle #2)

AUTHOR : Will Wight

GENRE : YA/NA Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, High FantaYa sy, Asian-Inspired, Progression/Cultivation Fantasy

FR RATING : ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4 – 4 .5 Stars)

DATE OF PUBLISHING :  September 26th 2016

If you would like to check out my review for Unsouled (Cradle #1) Click Here

FR REVIEW

Soulsmith by Will Wight is the second book in the Cradle series. We are buddy reading the whole series and had a blast reading Unsouled. While I was a bit slow to start, I still had a ton of fun reading it with our Goodreads group. Everyone had interesting things to say and new insights to provide. Highly recommend buddy reading any fantasy series as it not only helps in discussing the book and ideas but also helps in catching up to elements that we might have missed or glossed over and also makes it easier to keep track of all the details.

In Soulsmith, we follow Lindon and Yerin as they travel through the dangerous terrains of the forest outside of the Valley. Lindon reaches copper and is in grave danger from new enemies who dwell in the forests. As they battle the enemies and remnants while also trying to stay safe, they encounter dreadbeasts that plan to attack them. A mysterious event happens, luring all of the remnants and dreadbeasts away from Lindon and Yerin. They follow the path of the beasts to discover that an ancient ruin has risen from the earth attracting sacred artists from around the world. There are all these stories of treasures long lost and a powerful weapon, circulating around. This intrigues Yerin and Lindon and they decide to shadow the different groups to learn more. As they stay in the ruins Lindon discovers the new power levels and how wide and expansive the world outside of Valley is. Tensions arise, and new characters get introduced with interesting backgrounds and a few surprises that will keep the readers rooted in the story till the end.

I absolutely loved how the world got expanded in this one and the exploration of the different power levels was equally fascinating. While Jade was the highest in Valley, we see that different levels of Gold happen to be the common power level for the clans who reside in the ancient ruins. The different factions, clans, and their ongoing politics are quite captivating as well. Also, the different levels of sacred artists and their differences in paths, the way their appearance begins to change as they get to higher levels of power, and the level of complexity for achieving them were all interesting to see and learn.

Yerin and Lindon’s dynamic is definitely something I really enjoyed. While Lindon is so eager to learn and move forward with his training Yerin is the one cautioning him and giving him a reality check when needed. She is very protective of Lindon and often acts like a mama bear when it comes to him. I loved seeing their dynamics and the progression of their friendship as well.

Lindon, Yerin, Jai Long, Gesha, and Eithan all added to the book wonderfully. With each new character and new levels of power introduced the complexities and the stakes increased. Regardless of how much Lindon works hard to progress he still is at the lowest level of the power structure in comparison to the rest of the group and everyone he encounters. I love that he doesn’t let anything get him down and is willing to take the losses to move forward. His journey is very inspiring and get’s better with each step he takes. The rigorous training and hard work he puts into every aspect of his learning is a testament to his hunger for more and his drive. We get to see Yerin without revenge being the guiding force in her life. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for her and the mysteries surrounding her life.

Overall, the pacing is good and the story progresses forward at a believable pace. While Lindon might be the main character, the side characters were also layered and had so much to offer to the story. I loved how exceptionally skilled Wight is in creating this incredible magic system that is not only complex but also quite unique to the traditional fantasy genre. The plot progression, wonderfully complex characters, great world, and intriguing surprises and reveals all make for an addictive series. If I wasn’t committed to other series buddy reads, I would be binge-reading the heck out of this series.

If you love Asian-inspired fantasy, with a unique magic system, complex characters, and quick pacing with the ultimate underdog MC then you need to look no further. I present to you The Cradle Series by Will Wight. Although I haven’t read the rest of the series, I have high hopes for them, as I have been assured by my fellow buddy reading friends that this series gets better from book 3. Having enjoyed the first 2 and liking the 3rd one so far, I can guarantee the truthfulness of the claim. I highly recommend checking it out. I gave the book 4 – 4.5 stars.

SYNOPSIS

Outside Sacred Valley, ancient ruins rise from the earth, drawing sacred artists from miles around to fight for the treasures within. 

Lindon has reached Copper, taking the first step on the road to power, but the warriors of the outside world are still far beyond him. 

To advance, he turns to the arcane skills of the Soulsmiths, who craft weapons from the stuff of souls. With new powers come new enemies, and Lindon soon finds himself facing an entire sect of Golds. 

Source : Goodreads