Ghostwater (Cradle Book 5)
This world, known as Ghostwater, housed some of his most valuable experiments. Now, it has been damaged by the attack of the Bleeding Phoenix, and a team of Skysworn have been sent to recover whatever they can from the dying world.
Now, Lindon must brave the depths of this new dimension, scavenging treasures and pushing his skills to new heights to compete with new enemies.
Because Ghostwater is not as empty as it seems.
Reviews (400)
Higher Danger, Feels almost like a Dungeon Crawl
I was lucky enough to beta read for this book. It's a fantastic addition to the Cradle series. Stylistically, I feel like it's closest to the very first book, with Lindon spending a considerable amount of time exploring and learning about a part of the world virtually on his own. This style has advantages and disadvantages, but most importantly it means that he doesn't have the benefit of powerful allies that can intervene and save him at any moment. This lends a real element of risk and tension to the book, and that helps to allow Lindon to grow. We also get some great moments with other characters, including some much needed development for Mercy and my personal favorite Cradle character, Yerin. All in all, it's a great book and I strongly recommend it.
Lindon grows in amazing ways, and we have a new partner!
Book 5 in Lindon's tale is with us, and it's a doozy. I'll start by saying I didnt start this series until book 4 was a few weeks from coming out, and really fell in love with the story and style about halfway through the first book. If you haven't started this series, I recommend getting started now. This books little sense otherwise. Although if you are looking at book 5, I am sure you know what I am talking about. We start off shortly after where book 4 left off, with Lindon and Yerin being used and scrutinized by the Skysworn. They are taken by their 2 guards off on a special mission that should keep them out of the public eye for a while, since the empire is still trying to keep panic down after the Bleeding Phoenix has made it's appearance, and Lindon's Blackflame path is getting stronger. They are taken to the titular Ghostwaters research facility, created by the Northstrider, to attempt to salvage whatever they can from this crumbling facility that is essentially a underwater pocket world made into a lab. Immediately upon arrival they are greeted by a open doorway they do not expect, and Lindon is taken in with his Skysworn guard while Yerin remains outside along with Mercy and their guard. Once inside things kick off to a startling and bloody beginning that as usual does not bode well for Lindon's survival. He survives and manages to stumble on a building with what appears to be trash only, and behaving in his usual fashion, manages to make some startling discoveries. I wont describe more of the story from here on out because you really owe it to yourself to read the book. What I will say is that this book takes Lindon on an amazing path, and the ending is surprising and satisfying. Yerin also does advance but this story is very much Lindon centric, so her part is much smaller, and focuses on her efforts to try to save Lindon. Mercy, meanwhile, being new to the group I suppose, is somewhat relegated to a curious but mostly sideline part. I've started to re-read the book already to soak it in, but if you felt satisfaction in book 2 when he gets his bloodforged body, or book 3 as he advances his Blackflame path in the testing grounds, you will really like this story.
Amazing Fifth Volume with great plot development and world building, also Orthos is there so it’s even better
So I loved this book. This is my favorite book in the series so far, not only do we learn more of the Monarch factions and what happened after a certain disaster we get to see character development for the main characters, genuinely hilarious moments, and most importantly we see Lindon and Yerin grow and quite literally advance. The introduction of new allies along with new enemies made along the way also set up great plot line for future novels as the deadline Lindon faces grows steadily closer whilst the powerful all begin plans for a new competition between them that can cost thousands their lives If I may mention my only dislike about the book, its pretty simple. Two certain characters despite having a somewhat important focus in the previous book are basically shoved into a dark closet and are basically rarely mentioned for the rest of the Volume. This irks me because... well it’s hard to say without spoilers but it’s strange how abruptly they both leave the plot. However that is only a minor flaw in my eyes. If you are a fan of the series read this book. If you’ve never heard of this series before in your life read the previous ones and then read this book. If you are like me and believe Orthos is the one true god, read this.
A Great Addition to the Series
The Cradle series is one of my new favorites. I recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy novels. The latest book in the series absolutely adds to the mythos of the world. If you liked the previous novels, this one will definitely build upon a strong base. My only two complaints about this book are that it's not longer and that the next one will take so long to publish.
An amazing addition to the series
I need the next book.... Compelling story, great character growth and development, and twists that make you go WOW. If you picked up just this book, go read the ones before it. If you are caught up except for this one, well what are you waiting for?! If you are all caught up, including this book, wanna help me kidnap the author and keep him locked in a bedroom so he can just keep writing? And we can read the books as he finishes the chapters! No bashing feet with sledge hammers, promise!
Half Skysworn, Half Blackflame/Soulsmith/Unsouled
Out of 18 chapters total, the starting 10 or so chapters (about 2.5 hours out of 4 hours of reading?) felt very similar to Skysworn. If you felt that the previous fourth book felt different than the others in tone/pacing/whatever, it does it again in my opinion. However, halfway through Lindon gets back to a familiar self-improvement section of story, and the whole thing just started to feel better to me. Maybe it felt like it slowed down? I'm not sure, but I'm glad I fought to keep reading to get to the reward which was a satisfying payoff. Also, there's something new and amusing at the end for a little extra value.
Back on track
After the slight misstep that was Skysworn, Will gets back on track with Ghostwater. This one may even be my favorite. Never boring, but also never shallow. The perfect balance of action, character development, story advancement, and a new character. The usual insanely imaginative storytelling that I have come to expect from Will. He got this one out of the park. Loved it. It's starting to feel like Lindon is starting to feel like he is going to be able to accomplish his goal of saving his village.
I can't wait for the next book in the series! A good return to form for Mr Wight IMO!
This was a pretty good book especially compared to the last book in the series which was a little bit of a let down to me. Blitzed through it once already, although I'll probably re-read it again a couple times. I can't wait for the next book in the series! I liked the almost "dungeon" like setting of this book along with the multi-level advancements of both the main and secondary protagonists of these stories. Lindon as always goes through a lot and comes through as much by luck as by ingenuity (let's also give him credit for the tremendous amount of effort he puts in) and he does take a number of significant strides in this book. Yerin does the same and both advance in a satisfying if somewhat too brisk manner but it's all well written. I'm personally waiting for the time when Lindon and Yerin go back to his home valley. Hopefully the author hasn't forgotten about their goal to go back to get revenge among other things. With how strong they've become, I really can't wait to read the reactions of everyone back in the valley :-)
Always the underdog
A common theme in this series, is that the MC is always playing catchup to everyone else, and then faces a situation where he needs to survive (preferably win) a fight against an enemy who's at least a level stronger than he currently is. This plot type repeats throughout the series, but the world building constantly evolves to create new settings and situations to keep things interesting. There's also a new character who was introduced in the previous book that we're still learning about. Overall, while the plot line is predictable (the underdog MC wins to fight another day), it's still an enjoyable journey, with a fascinating world and original magic system.
They have always been fun, but wow
I don't do reviews often, but this was a brilliant bit of story telling. I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
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