This is a very creative take on the cultivation genre. The setting is basically modern America if cultivation was a real thing. It’s fascinating to see the mix of normal tech side by side with “lucrim” magic.
I understand some other reviewers didn’t like the pacing of the novel, or the fact that the main character has such a rough time through most of the book. It’s important to realize that this is the first volume in a series, possibly a long one. I think it’s helpful to adjust expectations and not think that every problem in the main character’s life is going to be quickly resolved.
It’s good to note that this isn’t an epic story. There’s no world-threatening crisis, the main character isn’t the forgotten heir to incredible power. It’s more like a slice of life. It’s a guy who is starting off with two strikes against him, and his hardscrabble journey to the top. In some Chinese cultivation stories, the main character works his way up in a sect. Well, in this story he’s working his way up on his own because he couldn’t join a sect.
This is the opening part of Rick’s journey. He has his victories for sure, but at the end of the book he’s not a world-beating badass. He’s just more of a badass than when he started, and he has a looong way to climb yet. And I’m more than fine with that, I eagerly await future volumes.
And special shout out to narrator Travis Baldree, who does a terrific job as usual.