Unsouled

I hope to continue the Cradle series because I see a lot of potential with this first book, but unfortunately there were a handful of things about this story that I didn't quite like.

I think consuming this through audiobook was the right option for me because it made the story more enjoyable. If I noticed something that I didn't like, I could breeze through it relatively mindlessly.

My biggest issue here was that the use of magic felt like a plot convenience. I absolutely do not need a rule-oriented, hard magic system in order for me to buy into a fantasy story, but I still want the fantasy elements to be executed in a believable way. Without getting into spoilers, there was a scene where this deific being came to help Lindon, but I just couldn't wrap my head around why. Because he's unsouled? What's so special about him that made the aforementioned deific being cherry pick Lindon of all people? It all just seemed like poor plot armor; I wasn't given a reason why some sort of deific being came out of nowhere to specifically be a saving grace for Lindon.

Speaking of Lindon, I am interested in where he ends up, but that solely is because I'm a sucker for these underdog stories in general; Lindon being an underdog was frankly the only thing about him that garnered any investment out of me. He essentially cheats his way to the top, and the resourcefulness needed for doing so is quite admirable in itself I guess, but really, no one else ever thought of these loopholes other than him? And going back to my previous point, the magic always seemed to assist him in a way that felt convenient. It was just so painfully obvious to me that Lindon was getting through most of the hurdles he encountered because he's the main character. Once again, the plot armor was too heavy.

Again, I see a lot of potential with this first book because I think the magic can be fleshed out further so that it makes more sense, and I also see room for improvement with Lindon's characterization. I hope the next installments fare better for me.