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Cradle
Threshold: Stories from Cradle
Cradle isn’t over yet.
Lindon’s journey may have ended, but there are still more tales to tell.
The stories in this collection will show you the world after Cradle, those left behind, and even some legends from long ago. If you’ve read the main series but you still want more, these are for you.
Witness the first Uncrowned King tournament. Visit the Monarchs and their voyages in the lands beyond. Get to know the Abidan in their homes, and meet the people of new worlds as they cross paths with familiar faces.
And, of course, check in on some old friends.
See them once again…across the Threshold.
Lindon’s journey may have ended, but there are still more tales to tell.
The stories in this collection will show you the world after Cradle, those left behind, and even some legends from long ago. If you’ve read the main series but you still want more, these are for you.
Witness the first Uncrowned King tournament. Visit the Monarchs and their voyages in the lands beyond. Get to know the Abidan in their homes, and meet the people of new worlds as they cross paths with familiar faces.
And, of course, check in on some old friends.
See them once again…across the Threshold.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2025
1313 people are currently reading
1167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 243 reviews
August 4, 2025
Threshold tells stories of Cradle from before, during, and after the book series. Most interestingly to me is that it takes a look at the Abidan and their attitudes.
My thoughts on the Abidan:
The Abidan as a whole blame Ozriel leaving for all their problems, with no regard to what being a Reaper of Worlds does to a person. Seeing the way the Abidan treat Ozriel once he decided to stop killing for them makes me understand why he said he should have burned the Abidan to the ground. They've passed that blame to the newest Reapers. The Abidan as a whole don't want Reapers, they want mindless killing machines that keep their hands clean. The Abidan are as callous to the killing they forced Ozriel to do as the Monarchs were to the devastation the Dreadgods caused. If only Ozriel, or maybe Lindon in time, could hold a mirror up to the Abidan and make them look into it. He could then explain the reason the Executors always failed is in that mirror. There is an excellent story waiting to be told about the crew from Cradle post ascension, I hope Will Wight chooses to write it someday.
Below is a small review of each short story or Threshold. If you aren't looking for that sort of detail, I'd stop reading at this point.
The First Uncrowned King
The First Uncrowned King is an origin story of sorts for Reigan Shen. Reigan witnessed the Dread War in his youth and it helped form him into the Lion he becomes. Even in his youth, his arrogance makes a character like Vegeta seem humble.
4 out of 5 stars
A Light Chat in a Dark Place
A Light Chat in a Dark Place is the conversation between Eithan and the hunger echo of Ozmanthus Arelius in Reaper. It is brief and poignant. Seeing Eithan converse with his past self was a moment I didn't know I needed.
5 out of 5 stars
Anagi's Regret
Anagi's Regret features backstory on Yan Shoumei during Wintersteel along with information on what happened to her after Waybound. We also get to meet Yan Shoumei's adversary Anagi. If you liked Yan Shoumei or were interested in Anagi you'll enjoy this. Any Cradle fan should read this because some unexpected events unfold before the end.
4 out of 5 stars
Testing Northstrider
The Monarch Northstrider has decided to join the Abidan. He does not care for inefficiency or fools and he encounters both with the Abidan.
I was surprised by Testing Northstrider, but I really enjoyed it. There are some fun call backs to earlier in the series and Northstrider remains one of the most interesting characters in the Cradle series
5 out of 5 stars
A Bloody End
The Way between worlds is long and leads to many Iterations. In this Iteration lies become truth and a team seeks to stop the summoning of a Goddess of Blood and War.
A Bloody End introduces us to an Iteration we have yet to encounter with powers that differ greatly from any Iteration we have encountered before. The story felt as though it didn't fit in Threshold until it's excellent conclusion.
3.5 out of 5 stars
The Wolf and The Reaper
Mercy takes on a mission to investigate some anomalies on a Pioneer world with her half brother Fury.
The Wolf and The Reaper is exactly what I'd expect from a team up between Mercy and Fury. Fury wants to fight and Mercy is concerned with those around her. We get to see The Reaper of Worlds himself which is welcome. The sibling dynamic between Mercy and Fury was instructive and fun. Fury is trying to instill his centuries of knowledge to Mercy, but they're simply different people.
5 out of 5 stars
Threshold
After Lindon ascended, Eithan assigned him a mission. He quickly learned that things in the Heavens aren't too different than they used to be on Cradle.
I will speak for myself when I say that Threshold is the type of story I was hoping to see most in the book. We see a post ascension Lindon sent out on a mission. He faces the attitudes of the Abidan toward Ozriel and his Reaper division while learning more about the Heavens themselves. Threshold was so good and I love seeing Lindon getting to put his power on display.
5 out of 5 stars
Daughter of Dread
Wei Shi Kelsa's whole life flipped upside down shortly after her brother Lindon left for Heaven's Glory. Now after he has rid the world of Dreadgods and Monarchs, her life still doesn't reflect reality in her mind. Powerful people teach her and seek her advice, not because she's an incredible Sacred Artist, but because of her brother.
Kelsa is in a familiar spot that anyone with a famous family member has felt, undeserving. Kelsa has privilege she didn't earn and she can't even engage in true battle to challenge herself. I feel somewhat bad for her because life since Lindon returned has to be inconceivable. Literally everything she knows changed. This is a story of how Kelsa gained some perspective.
3.5 out of 5 stars
The Return of the Prince
Seishen Daji was taken by the Akura for his part in the attempted assassination of Akura Mercy and Pride. The Akura in their mercy decided to return him.
The Return of the Prince tells the fate of the Seishen Kingdom after the events of Bloodline. It is a sad story told from Riyusai Meira's perspective. It brings back the fear that Orthos had of the Akura way back in Skysworn. The Akura take prisoners and occasionally they give them back.
3.5 out of 5 stars
A Day in the Life of Akura Pride
Pride left Cradle with Lindon when he ascended. Unfortunately Pride isn't yet strong enough to join the Abidan yet. This story depicts how he spends his days.
A Day in the Life of Akura Pride shows the interesting perspective of Pride among the Abidan. He mostly spends time training while learning about the politics of the Abidan including the Reapers being a pariah among them. Pride is still Pride and willing to challenge anything and anyone who disrespects those he cares for, especially Mercy.
4 out of 5 stars
Harness
Ziel, Orthos, Little Blue, and their collective Dross travel to Iteration 151: Harness to save it from destruction. On this Iteration people train and fight monsters that hold the real power. There is a monster that could annihilate the Iteration all by itself.
Harness was an overall nice story. Ziel and the others have veiled their power so as not to alter Harnesses fate. Unsurprisingly things don't go according to plan. Ziel finds himself looking after a local who knows suffering and Ziel feels for him while maintaining the Iterations fate in this Pokemon style tale.
3.5 out of 5 stars
The Gang Created a World
The Gang Created a World shows us the Reapers sometime after Waybound. Suriel speaks with Ozriel and contemplates the future of the Abidan and the Reapers. Suriel's heart is in the right place, but it increasingly seems the Abidan, at least the judges, aren't all that different from the Monarchs on Cradle. They appear to be arrogant, self interested, and possibly corrupt. I hope we see Ozriel, Suriel, and the Reapers set the Abidan and the Heavens right.
The second half of the story shows the gang doing a team building activity to create a world. It was fascinating because I never imagined Abidan being able to create Iterations or Pioneer worlds.
4 out of 5 stars
Homecoming
Homecoming is a slice of life short story. Lindon and Yerin return to Cradle to visit Yerin's home. It is nice and heartwarming opportunity to see the softer side of Lindon and Yerin.
5 out of 5 stars
How Cradle Should Have Ended
All I'll say is if you typically enjoyed the bloopers at the end of the Cradle books, you'll enjoy How Cradle Should Have Ended.
My final thoughts on Threshold:
Threshold was a great collection of short stories. It included stories I expected and some I couldn't imagine. The only things I wish would have been included were:
1. Seeing the Phoenix Sword and the Wandering Titan weapon made for Ziel in action.
- I really want to see these weapons in action and I'm surprised they weren't included
2. Seeing Cassias Arelius, Fisher Geisha, and the Arelius family again.
- I always enjoy seeing Cassias and Geisha.
- I'd love to know what state of the Arelius family is as Lindon ascends. I have to imagine they've recovered quite a bit with Reigan Shen's death, but I'd love to know for sure.
I hope this isn't the last I see of the Reapers from Cradle and their friends. If it is, I will always remember them fondly, but I truly hope it isn't.
4.5 out of 5 stars
My thoughts on the Abidan:
The Abidan as a whole blame Ozriel leaving for all their problems, with no regard to what being a Reaper of Worlds does to a person. Seeing the way the Abidan treat Ozriel once he decided to stop killing for them makes me understand why he said he should have burned the Abidan to the ground. They've passed that blame to the newest Reapers. The Abidan as a whole don't want Reapers, they want mindless killing machines that keep their hands clean. The Abidan are as callous to the killing they forced Ozriel to do as the Monarchs were to the devastation the Dreadgods caused. If only Ozriel, or maybe Lindon in time, could hold a mirror up to the Abidan and make them look into it. He could then explain the reason the Executors always failed is in that mirror. There is an excellent story waiting to be told about the crew from Cradle post ascension, I hope Will Wight chooses to write it someday.
Below is a small review of each short story or Threshold. If you aren't looking for that sort of detail, I'd stop reading at this point.
The First Uncrowned King
The First Uncrowned King is an origin story of sorts for Reigan Shen. Reigan witnessed the Dread War in his youth and it helped form him into the Lion he becomes. Even in his youth, his arrogance makes a character like Vegeta seem humble.
4 out of 5 stars
A Light Chat in a Dark Place
A Light Chat in a Dark Place is the conversation between Eithan and the hunger echo of Ozmanthus Arelius in Reaper. It is brief and poignant. Seeing Eithan converse with his past self was a moment I didn't know I needed.
5 out of 5 stars
Anagi's Regret
Anagi's Regret features backstory on Yan Shoumei during Wintersteel along with information on what happened to her after Waybound. We also get to meet Yan Shoumei's adversary Anagi. If you liked Yan Shoumei or were interested in Anagi you'll enjoy this. Any Cradle fan should read this because some unexpected events unfold before the end.
4 out of 5 stars
Testing Northstrider
The Monarch Northstrider has decided to join the Abidan. He does not care for inefficiency or fools and he encounters both with the Abidan.
I was surprised by Testing Northstrider, but I really enjoyed it. There are some fun call backs to earlier in the series and Northstrider remains one of the most interesting characters in the Cradle series
5 out of 5 stars
A Bloody End
The Way between worlds is long and leads to many Iterations. In this Iteration lies become truth and a team seeks to stop the summoning of a Goddess of Blood and War.
A Bloody End introduces us to an Iteration we have yet to encounter with powers that differ greatly from any Iteration we have encountered before. The story felt as though it didn't fit in Threshold until it's excellent conclusion.
3.5 out of 5 stars
The Wolf and The Reaper
Mercy takes on a mission to investigate some anomalies on a Pioneer world with her half brother Fury.
The Wolf and The Reaper is exactly what I'd expect from a team up between Mercy and Fury. Fury wants to fight and Mercy is concerned with those around her. We get to see The Reaper of Worlds himself which is welcome. The sibling dynamic between Mercy and Fury was instructive and fun. Fury is trying to instill his centuries of knowledge to Mercy, but they're simply different people.
5 out of 5 stars
Threshold
After Lindon ascended, Eithan assigned him a mission. He quickly learned that things in the Heavens aren't too different than they used to be on Cradle.
I will speak for myself when I say that Threshold is the type of story I was hoping to see most in the book. We see a post ascension Lindon sent out on a mission. He faces the attitudes of the Abidan toward Ozriel and his Reaper division while learning more about the Heavens themselves. Threshold was so good and I love seeing Lindon getting to put his power on display.
5 out of 5 stars
Daughter of Dread
Wei Shi Kelsa's whole life flipped upside down shortly after her brother Lindon left for Heaven's Glory. Now after he has rid the world of Dreadgods and Monarchs, her life still doesn't reflect reality in her mind. Powerful people teach her and seek her advice, not because she's an incredible Sacred Artist, but because of her brother.
Kelsa is in a familiar spot that anyone with a famous family member has felt, undeserving. Kelsa has privilege she didn't earn and she can't even engage in true battle to challenge herself. I feel somewhat bad for her because life since Lindon returned has to be inconceivable. Literally everything she knows changed. This is a story of how Kelsa gained some perspective.
3.5 out of 5 stars
The Return of the Prince
Seishen Daji was taken by the Akura for his part in the attempted assassination of Akura Mercy and Pride. The Akura in their mercy decided to return him.
The Return of the Prince tells the fate of the Seishen Kingdom after the events of Bloodline. It is a sad story told from Riyusai Meira's perspective. It brings back the fear that Orthos had of the Akura way back in Skysworn. The Akura take prisoners and occasionally they give them back.
3.5 out of 5 stars
A Day in the Life of Akura Pride
Pride left Cradle with Lindon when he ascended. Unfortunately Pride isn't yet strong enough to join the Abidan yet. This story depicts how he spends his days.
A Day in the Life of Akura Pride shows the interesting perspective of Pride among the Abidan. He mostly spends time training while learning about the politics of the Abidan including the Reapers being a pariah among them. Pride is still Pride and willing to challenge anything and anyone who disrespects those he cares for, especially Mercy.
4 out of 5 stars
Harness
Ziel, Orthos, Little Blue, and their collective Dross travel to Iteration 151: Harness to save it from destruction. On this Iteration people train and fight monsters that hold the real power. There is a monster that could annihilate the Iteration all by itself.
Harness was an overall nice story. Ziel and the others have veiled their power so as not to alter Harnesses fate. Unsurprisingly things don't go according to plan. Ziel finds himself looking after a local who knows suffering and Ziel feels for him while maintaining the Iterations fate in this Pokemon style tale.
3.5 out of 5 stars
The Gang Created a World
The Gang Created a World shows us the Reapers sometime after Waybound. Suriel speaks with Ozriel and contemplates the future of the Abidan and the Reapers. Suriel's heart is in the right place, but it increasingly seems the Abidan, at least the judges, aren't all that different from the Monarchs on Cradle. They appear to be arrogant, self interested, and possibly corrupt. I hope we see Ozriel, Suriel, and the Reapers set the Abidan and the Heavens right.
The second half of the story shows the gang doing a team building activity to create a world. It was fascinating because I never imagined Abidan being able to create Iterations or Pioneer worlds.
4 out of 5 stars
Homecoming
Homecoming is a slice of life short story. Lindon and Yerin return to Cradle to visit Yerin's home. It is nice and heartwarming opportunity to see the softer side of Lindon and Yerin.
5 out of 5 stars
How Cradle Should Have Ended
All I'll say is if you typically enjoyed the bloopers at the end of the Cradle books, you'll enjoy How Cradle Should Have Ended.
My final thoughts on Threshold:
Threshold was a great collection of short stories. It included stories I expected and some I couldn't imagine. The only things I wish would have been included were:
1. Seeing the Phoenix Sword and the Wandering Titan weapon made for Ziel in action.
- I really want to see these weapons in action and I'm surprised they weren't included
2. Seeing Cassias Arelius, Fisher Geisha, and the Arelius family again.
- I always enjoy seeing Cassias and Geisha.
- I'd love to know what state of the Arelius family is as Lindon ascends. I have to imagine they've recovered quite a bit with Reigan Shen's death, but I'd love to know for sure.
I hope this isn't the last I see of the Reapers from Cradle and their friends. If it is, I will always remember them fondly, but I truly hope it isn't.
4.5 out of 5 stars
January 16, 2025
Some of these stories are rough and some are gems but by the end I felt sated. I miss Cradle so much it was good to return even a little bit. I know I’ve given this 5 stars that’s just because I’ve missed this series so much. It’s honestly probably a 4 stars.
January 8, 2025
tasty
I figure someone else used ‘Gratitude’ for their review title.
This reminds me to go reread the series. Again.
1 more word.
I figure someone else used ‘Gratitude’ for their review title.
This reminds me to go reread the series. Again.
1 more word.
May 12, 2025
3.5/5
i love authors doing post-canon stuff and this was a fun collection - unsurprisingly, lindon's POV chapters were the best, especially the gang building a world together. i liked how the lore and scope of possibilities continued to expand, even in a silly little short story collection. kinda disappointed by yerin not getting a POV chapter of her own but we move.
i love authors doing post-canon stuff and this was a fun collection - unsurprisingly, lindon's POV chapters were the best, especially the gang building a world together. i liked how the lore and scope of possibilities continued to expand, even in a silly little short story collection. kinda disappointed by yerin not getting a POV chapter of her own but we move.
January 17, 2025
Reread 2025 - 4.5/5 Stars
Normally I wouldn’t reread a book so soon, but the audiobook just released and I just finished the series reread, so the context will never be more fresh than it is now, and it certainly helped a ton. I loved these stories. Some of the things that bugged me really didn’t bug me at all this time, and I think most of it is that I just didn’t remember any of the details from my first read through. This is definitely best enjoyed directly after finishing the series, though there are certainly some fun stories regardless of the context.
One story I really enjoyed more on the reread was the stories with Akura Pride, Fury, Daji and Yan Shomei. For one, I totally misunderstood the Lindon/Daji interaction on my first read, thinking Lindon was somehow preserving Daji for some noble reason, when in reality it’s much darker as he’s basically consigning him to years of torture, which is confirmed here. The other stories do a great job showing what life is like post-ascension and I really like the characters involved. I like that Lindons power is still huge regardless of his ascension, though I’m still a little confused on how it works. Like, shouldn’t his consume technique no longer work since hunger madra is a perversion of normal madra? Or something like that. And I would think his powers would die away with the absence of the monarchs just like the other dread gods, since that’s the power he has. Oh well, I’m not that concerned because I like him being powerful.
——————
Original reading 2024 - 4/5 stars
***Minor spoilers for the full Cradle series following***
When I think of more Cradle, I can't help but think of this blooper from Blackflame -
--- Eithan’s eyes gleamed. “But it doesn’t have to end there! I say, your journey can be longer than that! Much longer!”
"I don’t know if I want—”
“Why not fifteen parts, Lindon? Or twenty? How far can this road take us? Lindon and Yerin and Eithan, marching on into the future, forever! A hundred years, and two hundred installments! Let us all turn old and gray and keep marching, until all joy and wonder has left our lives! Forever, Lindon! This could be us forever!”
- Blackflame, bloopers ---
If you had asked me a year ago if I wanted more Cradle, I would have unapologetically consumed another 200 installments, just like Eithan proposed, no questions asked. Now that I see the likely direction the series would have taken, I'm not quite as enthused about the idea. That's not to say I didn't enjoy all these stories of our characters at the height of their powers. I loved them! But would I read 200 books of this? No. One is probably good. Maybe more if it focuses on the stuff I like.
I think when I imagine future Cradle books, i'd want them to be set in Cradle or a similar world. I love the shonen anime influence with the Asian inspired rural villages and magical kung fu. It's obviously not my place to tell the author where to go with this, and if there were more story to tell with Lindon, I'd welcome it. I'm just not sure that there is. But if he were to take on a role similar to that of Eithan, the mentor, on another world similar to Cradle for a new set of heroes? I think there's so much story to tell in this universe without being tied to these specific characters or rehashing their rise to power but in space.
For now though, I'll take these stories piece by piece since the quality of them varies quite a bit.
- The first uncrowned king - 2.5/5 Stars - I don't know why we needed this story. Not sure what it added, though I like learning a bit more about the advancement of sacred beasts vs humans.
- A Light Chat in a Dark Place - 5/5 Stars - Wow, when they announced the book was going to be a collection of short stories, I was expecting some little fights, a few comedic sketches, but nothing like this. This kind of self-reflective character work is not what I come to Cradle for, but I'm 100% in. It kills me this side story isn't in the main novel Reaper, but I get that it would have spoiled the big end reveal. Maybe in the directors cut we can include it as a flashback after the main story is concluded or something, I dunno.
- Anagis regret - 2/5 - This follows a character I can't remember for the life of me. There's a couple of fun moments, but I really don't remember anything about her. Id probably like this more if I read it just after Wintersteel.
- Testing Northstrider - 4/5 stars - I enjoyed this one and it gives some insight into the macro level problems that exist within this universe. And Northstrider is basically Kratos. The line "Organize yourself" made me bust up laughing. I'll have to get a Tshirt with that on it. Also some cool power scaling stuff that I love in Cradle.
- A Bloody End - 4/5 stars - A much darker story for most of it that has kind of a weird change in tone near the end. The way it was set up made me think we were seeing some kind of new big bad for the Cradleverse and maybe it was setting up a new series of books. Nope, at least not that I can tell. It was a cool story, but it left me wanting a bit more. I did laugh at the end but I was looking to feel something else I guess.
- The Wolf and the Reaper - 1.5/5 stars - It's like the Captain all over again. A bunch of wacky space fighting that I just can't bring myself to care about. I even like Mercy, but this kind of story does absolutely nothing for me. This one short story took me about a week to get through because I couldnt read more than a couple paragraphs without falling asleep. Granted I read before bed to make me sleepy so in that sense it did it's job.
- Threshold - 3/5 stars - I love spending more time with Lindon at his full power, but I can't help but I feel that he was kind of useless here. It was an interesting story that I think didn't live up to what it could have been. Instead of Lindon doing anything out of the ordinary, it's a bunch of Abidan being dumb and Eithan being clever. In fact, Lindon getting captured and needing to be rescued was kind of pathetic. Also I'm sad I didn't get to hear what happened to the bad titans. Did Lindon show mercy or not? Eh I'm just left wanting more at the end of it.
- Daughter of Dread - 2.5/5 - I still think Kelsa is one of the most underutilized characters in the whole series. I really loved her in the main cradle story and I appreciate what she's trying to do here, but this whole story was a bit of a dud. It was cool seeing other people practicing the path of the twin stars, but the story just didn't have a purpose from what I could tell. The message it seems it was supposed to have just didn't land for me. And it's kind of a bummer because I would read an entire book following Kelsa if we got one.
- The Return of the Prince - 2/5 stars - I thought that this story would resolve one of the loose threads I complained about when I finished the initial cradle series, which was the fate of Daji. It's implied that Lindon showed Wisdom in sparing his life, but I guess not? I'm not even really sure what the point of this story was. It seems like it could have been summarized in one of those mind spirit reports since there's not any real story here. And I still don't understand what the weird foreshadowing was that we got back in Bloodline with Daji, unless there's even more involving him in a later book that hasn't been announced yet. I was under the impression that this collection of short stories would try to wrap up some unresolved things, but some of them feel more like a prologue to a new Cradle series. Don't get me wrong, Id love to see a new series. But it's just weird reading this when one hasn't been announced.
- A Day in the Life of Akura Pride - 2.5/5 stars - Again, another story where I don't really see the point. Aside from a sick Orthos appearance, I don't really see why this needed to be included. I suppose I like seeing why people hate Ozriel and the Reapers so much, but it just feels like set up for a new story and ends like am early chapter of a book rather than resolving anything.
- Harness - 3/5 stars - There's some neat stuff here. I love getting to be in the perspective of someone who must have felt like Eithan trying to veil his power to not cause some kind of catastrophe and it makes Eithan getting beat up in the first few books more believable. It's also a fun mission Ziel goes on that introduces us more to the conflicts of the worlds that are visited without just being a series of Kaiju space battles. There's a little bit of mystery about the threat which is fun, but I could have used a lot more. Overall it's fun.
- The Gang Creates a World - 5/5 stars - This is top tier cozy end game material. I love spending time with our characters after the main threat has ended and they can just be themselves and do something both important and non-violent while still being funny and creative. Also I'll never not like a reference to "it's always sunny"
- Homecoming - 5/5 stars - More good vibes, happily-ever-after Cradle stuff. I could read a whole book of this. Actually, I guess I just kind of did.
- How It Should Have Ended - 5/5 stars - Basically more bloopers of the bloopers were allowed to spoil the entire series. These are brilliant just like the bloopers and I wish all authors would include silly stuff like this. I'm currently reading through each one after I finish my reread of the book. My only complaint is I wish there were more of these!
Overall I'm really glad this collection of stories exists and it's an excellent reward for those who backed the Kickstarter.
Normally I wouldn’t reread a book so soon, but the audiobook just released and I just finished the series reread, so the context will never be more fresh than it is now, and it certainly helped a ton. I loved these stories. Some of the things that bugged me really didn’t bug me at all this time, and I think most of it is that I just didn’t remember any of the details from my first read through. This is definitely best enjoyed directly after finishing the series, though there are certainly some fun stories regardless of the context.
One story I really enjoyed more on the reread was the stories with Akura Pride, Fury, Daji and Yan Shomei. For one, I totally misunderstood the Lindon/Daji interaction on my first read, thinking Lindon was somehow preserving Daji for some noble reason, when in reality it’s much darker as he’s basically consigning him to years of torture, which is confirmed here. The other stories do a great job showing what life is like post-ascension and I really like the characters involved. I like that Lindons power is still huge regardless of his ascension, though I’m still a little confused on how it works. Like, shouldn’t his consume technique no longer work since hunger madra is a perversion of normal madra? Or something like that. And I would think his powers would die away with the absence of the monarchs just like the other dread gods, since that’s the power he has. Oh well, I’m not that concerned because I like him being powerful.
——————
Original reading 2024 - 4/5 stars
***Minor spoilers for the full Cradle series following***
When I think of more Cradle, I can't help but think of this blooper from Blackflame -
--- Eithan’s eyes gleamed. “But it doesn’t have to end there! I say, your journey can be longer than that! Much longer!”
"I don’t know if I want—”
“Why not fifteen parts, Lindon? Or twenty? How far can this road take us? Lindon and Yerin and Eithan, marching on into the future, forever! A hundred years, and two hundred installments! Let us all turn old and gray and keep marching, until all joy and wonder has left our lives! Forever, Lindon! This could be us forever!”
- Blackflame, bloopers ---
If you had asked me a year ago if I wanted more Cradle, I would have unapologetically consumed another 200 installments, just like Eithan proposed, no questions asked. Now that I see the likely direction the series would have taken, I'm not quite as enthused about the idea. That's not to say I didn't enjoy all these stories of our characters at the height of their powers. I loved them! But would I read 200 books of this? No. One is probably good. Maybe more if it focuses on the stuff I like.
I think when I imagine future Cradle books, i'd want them to be set in Cradle or a similar world. I love the shonen anime influence with the Asian inspired rural villages and magical kung fu. It's obviously not my place to tell the author where to go with this, and if there were more story to tell with Lindon, I'd welcome it. I'm just not sure that there is. But if he were to take on a role similar to that of Eithan, the mentor, on another world similar to Cradle for a new set of heroes? I think there's so much story to tell in this universe without being tied to these specific characters or rehashing their rise to power but in space.
For now though, I'll take these stories piece by piece since the quality of them varies quite a bit.
- The first uncrowned king - 2.5/5 Stars - I don't know why we needed this story. Not sure what it added, though I like learning a bit more about the advancement of sacred beasts vs humans.
- A Light Chat in a Dark Place - 5/5 Stars - Wow, when they announced the book was going to be a collection of short stories, I was expecting some little fights, a few comedic sketches, but nothing like this. This kind of self-reflective character work is not what I come to Cradle for, but I'm 100% in. It kills me this side story isn't in the main novel Reaper, but I get that it would have spoiled the big end reveal. Maybe in the directors cut we can include it as a flashback after the main story is concluded or something, I dunno.
- Anagis regret - 2/5 - This follows a character I can't remember for the life of me. There's a couple of fun moments, but I really don't remember anything about her. Id probably like this more if I read it just after Wintersteel.
- Testing Northstrider - 4/5 stars - I enjoyed this one and it gives some insight into the macro level problems that exist within this universe. And Northstrider is basically Kratos. The line "Organize yourself" made me bust up laughing. I'll have to get a Tshirt with that on it. Also some cool power scaling stuff that I love in Cradle.
- A Bloody End - 4/5 stars - A much darker story for most of it that has kind of a weird change in tone near the end. The way it was set up made me think we were seeing some kind of new big bad for the Cradleverse and maybe it was setting up a new series of books. Nope, at least not that I can tell. It was a cool story, but it left me wanting a bit more. I did laugh at the end but I was looking to feel something else I guess.
- The Wolf and the Reaper - 1.5/5 stars - It's like the Captain all over again. A bunch of wacky space fighting that I just can't bring myself to care about. I even like Mercy, but this kind of story does absolutely nothing for me. This one short story took me about a week to get through because I couldnt read more than a couple paragraphs without falling asleep. Granted I read before bed to make me sleepy so in that sense it did it's job.
- Threshold - 3/5 stars - I love spending more time with Lindon at his full power, but I can't help but I feel that he was kind of useless here. It was an interesting story that I think didn't live up to what it could have been. Instead of Lindon doing anything out of the ordinary, it's a bunch of Abidan being dumb and Eithan being clever. In fact, Lindon getting captured and needing to be rescued was kind of pathetic. Also I'm sad I didn't get to hear what happened to the bad titans. Did Lindon show mercy or not? Eh I'm just left wanting more at the end of it.
- Daughter of Dread - 2.5/5 - I still think Kelsa is one of the most underutilized characters in the whole series. I really loved her in the main cradle story and I appreciate what she's trying to do here, but this whole story was a bit of a dud. It was cool seeing other people practicing the path of the twin stars, but the story just didn't have a purpose from what I could tell. The message it seems it was supposed to have just didn't land for me. And it's kind of a bummer because I would read an entire book following Kelsa if we got one.
- The Return of the Prince - 2/5 stars - I thought that this story would resolve one of the loose threads I complained about when I finished the initial cradle series, which was the fate of Daji. It's implied that Lindon showed Wisdom in sparing his life, but I guess not? I'm not even really sure what the point of this story was. It seems like it could have been summarized in one of those mind spirit reports since there's not any real story here. And I still don't understand what the weird foreshadowing was that we got back in Bloodline with Daji, unless there's even more involving him in a later book that hasn't been announced yet. I was under the impression that this collection of short stories would try to wrap up some unresolved things, but some of them feel more like a prologue to a new Cradle series. Don't get me wrong, Id love to see a new series. But it's just weird reading this when one hasn't been announced.
- A Day in the Life of Akura Pride - 2.5/5 stars - Again, another story where I don't really see the point. Aside from a sick Orthos appearance, I don't really see why this needed to be included. I suppose I like seeing why people hate Ozriel and the Reapers so much, but it just feels like set up for a new story and ends like am early chapter of a book rather than resolving anything.
- Harness - 3/5 stars - There's some neat stuff here. I love getting to be in the perspective of someone who must have felt like Eithan trying to veil his power to not cause some kind of catastrophe and it makes Eithan getting beat up in the first few books more believable. It's also a fun mission Ziel goes on that introduces us more to the conflicts of the worlds that are visited without just being a series of Kaiju space battles. There's a little bit of mystery about the threat which is fun, but I could have used a lot more. Overall it's fun.
- The Gang Creates a World - 5/5 stars - This is top tier cozy end game material. I love spending time with our characters after the main threat has ended and they can just be themselves and do something both important and non-violent while still being funny and creative. Also I'll never not like a reference to "it's always sunny"
- Homecoming - 5/5 stars - More good vibes, happily-ever-after Cradle stuff. I could read a whole book of this. Actually, I guess I just kind of did.
- How It Should Have Ended - 5/5 stars - Basically more bloopers of the bloopers were allowed to spoil the entire series. These are brilliant just like the bloopers and I wish all authors would include silly stuff like this. I'm currently reading through each one after I finish my reread of the book. My only complaint is I wish there were more of these!
Overall I'm really glad this collection of stories exists and it's an excellent reward for those who backed the Kickstarter.
November 23, 2024
It's only been a year since Cradle ended but I'm already so nostalgic about this story and its characters. I'm not sure if I want a continuation (I at least don't need it). The Abidan sections were always something I felt worked best in small doses. However I would drop everything else for a new adventure set on Cradle.
This collection was a great surprise, filled with more stories than I expected and I enjoyed every one.
This collection was a great surprise, filled with more stories than I expected and I enjoyed every one.
November 22, 2024
I got early access because I backed the animation Kickstarter. I loved this book and it was good to see my favorite characters back again.
May 12, 2025
Gratitude, Will Wight.
November 30, 2024
Spoilers for the whole series:
A collection of short stories, mostly taking place after Waybound. It revisits the best characters from the main series of novels. While it may not have the same feel as the novels, it was still fun and entertaining.
It was cool to learn more about the Abidan divisions and follow characters like Fury, Ziel, Reigan, Northstrider, and Pride, with multiple appearances from characters like Lindon, Yerin and Eithan.
The First Uncrowned King- 5.0 stars
Reigan Shen vs. Tiberian Arelius - the reader sees where the rivalry started
A Light Chat in a Dark Place- 4.0 stars
Scissors and Broom- two sides of the same coin, having an enlightening conversation
Anagi’s Regret- 4.5 stars
Yan Shoumei of Redmoon Hall backstory, from Uncrowned to post-Waybound
Testing Northstrider- 4.5 stars
Dealing with the Abidan after ascending in typical Northstrider fashion
A Bloody End- 4.0 stars
With mysterious beginning, this story follows a death cult revolving around the spider of death
The Wolf and the Reaper- 5.0 stars
Mercy and Fury team up against a fiend
Threshold- 5.0 stars
Lindon and his Dreadgod weapons vs. a division of Hounds
Daughter of Dread- 4.5 stars
Follows Wei Shi Kelsa after Waybound as she navigates the new Sacred Valley
The Return of the Prince- 3.5 stars
Taking place after Waybound, Seishan Daji & Riyusai Meira reunite for the first time since Wintersteel
A Day in the Life of Akura Pride- 3.5 stars
Follows Pride in the Wolf division of the Abidan
Harness- 5.0 stars
Ziel, Orthos, Litte Blue and Dross on an Abidan mission to a world with companion monsters that battle instead of sacred artists
The Gang Creates a World- 5.0 stars
The five members of the Reaper division use their Icons to make a new planet for refugees
Homecoming- 4.0 stars
Lindon and Yerin try to sneak to Yerin’s childhood hometown, but get bombarded by supporting characters from the series
How Cradle Should Have Ended- 5.0 stars
These were close to Wight’s usually bloopers after the books, but this story had 12 sections, one from the last scene of each book, rewritten in an ironic or humorous way to make you think “what if” things unfolded differently?
A collection of short stories, mostly taking place after Waybound. It revisits the best characters from the main series of novels. While it may not have the same feel as the novels, it was still fun and entertaining.
It was cool to learn more about the Abidan divisions and follow characters like Fury, Ziel, Reigan, Northstrider, and Pride, with multiple appearances from characters like Lindon, Yerin and Eithan.
The First Uncrowned King- 5.0 stars
Reigan Shen vs. Tiberian Arelius - the reader sees where the rivalry started
A Light Chat in a Dark Place- 4.0 stars
Scissors and Broom- two sides of the same coin, having an enlightening conversation
Anagi’s Regret- 4.5 stars
Yan Shoumei of Redmoon Hall backstory, from Uncrowned to post-Waybound
Testing Northstrider- 4.5 stars
Dealing with the Abidan after ascending in typical Northstrider fashion
A Bloody End- 4.0 stars
With mysterious beginning, this story follows a death cult revolving around the spider of death
The Wolf and the Reaper- 5.0 stars
Mercy and Fury team up against a fiend
Threshold- 5.0 stars
Lindon and his Dreadgod weapons vs. a division of Hounds
Daughter of Dread- 4.5 stars
Follows Wei Shi Kelsa after Waybound as she navigates the new Sacred Valley
The Return of the Prince- 3.5 stars
Taking place after Waybound, Seishan Daji & Riyusai Meira reunite for the first time since Wintersteel
A Day in the Life of Akura Pride- 3.5 stars
Follows Pride in the Wolf division of the Abidan
Harness- 5.0 stars
Ziel, Orthos, Litte Blue and Dross on an Abidan mission to a world with companion monsters that battle instead of sacred artists
The Gang Creates a World- 5.0 stars
The five members of the Reaper division use their Icons to make a new planet for refugees
Homecoming- 4.0 stars
Lindon and Yerin try to sneak to Yerin’s childhood hometown, but get bombarded by supporting characters from the series
How Cradle Should Have Ended- 5.0 stars
These were close to Wight’s usually bloopers after the books, but this story had 12 sections, one from the last scene of each book, rewritten in an ironic or humorous way to make you think “what if” things unfolded differently?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2024
Oh. I remember this feeling.
I’ve missed you, Cradle. I’ve missed Lindon, and Yerin, and Eithan, and Ziel, and Orthos, and the whole Scooby Gang. This entirely dangerous and uncompromising but unbelievably FUN universe absolutely packed with characters I love.
I never thought I’d get another Cradle book again. Just like I’ll never get another Wheel of Time, and at some point I’ll never get another Stormlight Archive. Will stuck his landing with a perfect 10, and I settled myself in for a lifetime of re-reads.
But then he gave us this, and it was like reuniting with old friends. What a freaking fun and awesome book.
Thanks, Will. Anything you write, I’ll read. But if you wanted to keep dipping back into these waters, I mean, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. You know?
I’ve missed you, Cradle. I’ve missed Lindon, and Yerin, and Eithan, and Ziel, and Orthos, and the whole Scooby Gang. This entirely dangerous and uncompromising but unbelievably FUN universe absolutely packed with characters I love.
I never thought I’d get another Cradle book again. Just like I’ll never get another Wheel of Time, and at some point I’ll never get another Stormlight Archive. Will stuck his landing with a perfect 10, and I settled myself in for a lifetime of re-reads.
But then he gave us this, and it was like reuniting with old friends. What a freaking fun and awesome book.
Thanks, Will. Anything you write, I’ll read. But if you wanted to keep dipping back into these waters, I mean, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. You know?
February 20, 2025
It was so much fun revisiting Cradle! I didn't realize how much I missed the crew! I'd love to see a sequel.
Combined Rating: 4.29 (Rounded to 5 for the joy of revisiting favorites.)
The First Uncrowned King ~ 3 Stars ~ While the statement would enrage him, this story humanizes Reigan Shen a little.
A Light Chat in a Dark Place ~ 3 Stars ~ The conversation was amusing, but I do not remember the scene well enough to appreciate its meaning.
Anagi's Regret ~ 4 Stars ~ This story had nothing to do with Lindon, yet he stole the show! :)
Testing Northstrider ~ 5 Stars ~ Impressive! I don't remember particularly liking him in the series. But I liked him in this story.
A Bloody End ~ 5 Stars ~ I spent 90% of this story wondering who in the world Zeth was and why I should care. Then, the goddess appeared - LOL - Silly priests! - LOL
The Wolf and the Reaper ~ 5 Stars ~ Throughout the series, I grew to love Mercy! This story is a reminder as to why.
Threshold ~ 5 Stars ~ Also known as FA&FO!
Daughter of Dread ~ 4 Stars ~ Nice to see what Kelsa is up to.
The Return of the Prince ~ 4 Stars ~ Suprising and seriously intense. Lesson to all - don't mess with the Akura clan!
A Day in the Life of Akura Pride ~ 3 Stars ~ The Wolves anti-Reaperness is getting old. It took some of the focus away from Pride (although it was good to see him stand up for his sister). I wish we could see him with Fury instead.
Harness ~ 5 Stars ~ It was great watching Ziel, Orthos, and Little Blue working as a team!
A Gang Creates a World ~ 5 Stars ~ Very cool! But will we get to learn how it evolved!?
Homecoming ~ 4 Stars ~ Sweet.
How Cradle Should Have Ended ~ 5 Stars ~ LOL!
Combined Rating: 4.29 (Rounded to 5 for the joy of revisiting favorites.)
The First Uncrowned King ~ 3 Stars ~ While the statement would enrage him, this story humanizes Reigan Shen a little.
A Light Chat in a Dark Place ~ 3 Stars ~ The conversation was amusing, but I do not remember the scene well enough to appreciate its meaning.
Anagi's Regret ~ 4 Stars ~ This story had nothing to do with Lindon, yet he stole the show! :)
Testing Northstrider ~ 5 Stars ~ Impressive! I don't remember particularly liking him in the series. But I liked him in this story.
A Bloody End ~ 5 Stars ~ I spent 90% of this story wondering who in the world Zeth was and why I should care. Then, the goddess appeared - LOL - Silly priests! - LOL
The Wolf and the Reaper ~ 5 Stars ~ Throughout the series, I grew to love Mercy! This story is a reminder as to why.
Threshold ~ 5 Stars ~ Also known as FA&FO!
Daughter of Dread ~ 4 Stars ~ Nice to see what Kelsa is up to.
The Return of the Prince ~ 4 Stars ~ Suprising and seriously intense. Lesson to all - don't mess with the Akura clan!
A Day in the Life of Akura Pride ~ 3 Stars ~ The Wolves anti-Reaperness is getting old. It took some of the focus away from Pride (although it was good to see him stand up for his sister). I wish we could see him with Fury instead.
Harness ~ 5 Stars ~ It was great watching Ziel, Orthos, and Little Blue working as a team!
A Gang Creates a World ~ 5 Stars ~ Very cool! But will we get to learn how it evolved!?
Homecoming ~ 4 Stars ~ Sweet.
How Cradle Should Have Ended ~ 5 Stars ~ LOL!
January 13, 2025
A full book length collection of stories featuring mainly the primary characters of the Cradle series. A few very good stories and the rest are excellent. Recommended highly for fans of the Cradle series, not recommended at all for anyone who has not read it yet as there are major spoilers.
February 28, 2025
Read/listened to this while fighting the flu and it warmed my soul more than any bowl of soup could. I miss my Reaper clan friends.
March 28, 2025
Solid collection of short stories. Some really good, some just ok. Let's you see more of what happened after the end of Cradle.
February 26, 2025
A fitting epilogue, though it's mostly fan service.
April 18, 2025
3.5 overall rating, but it swings hard in both directions.
Some of these stories just didn’t need to exist, but entries like Anagi’s Regret, Threshold, and Harness are the real diamonds of this set that shine through all the other mediocre garbage. I get there is probably a live stream comment section archive asking for “closure” on characters like Northstrider, Pride, and Daji and yet their stories just felt so profoundly unnecessary that it reminded me that the Cradle series as a whole is also a mismatch of highest highs and lowest lows. My only regret is rereading the entire series for this short story collection as I’m saddened to confirm my opinion on the finale is indeed lackluster.
Some of these stories just didn’t need to exist, but entries like Anagi’s Regret, Threshold, and Harness are the real diamonds of this set that shine through all the other mediocre garbage. I get there is probably a live stream comment section archive asking for “closure” on characters like Northstrider, Pride, and Daji and yet their stories just felt so profoundly unnecessary that it reminded me that the Cradle series as a whole is also a mismatch of highest highs and lowest lows. My only regret is rereading the entire series for this short story collection as I’m saddened to confirm my opinion on the finale is indeed lackluster.
June 15, 2025
Maaan did I miss the gang, so seeing them again was like coming back to my old room in our old house, which is nostalgic as fawk.
Loved everything about this book, the different POVs, the different timelines and the various storylines.
Cool moments:
Loved everything about this book, the different POVs, the different timelines and the various storylines.
Cool moments:
January 8, 2025
Jan 2025
Kindle edition
Now these are the anthologies I like. Second guessed it when the first story is R Shen. Bleh. Was nice to see what Lindon and the gang were up to. Was curious about the unknown one and the spider goddess. That it was Yerin, made me laugh. It's amusing every time someone underestimates Lindon. Lots of Dross to go around. Surprisingly my fave part was Northstrider finding his way, the planet creation and the Cradle loved ones gate crashing their alone time. Eithan's presence made me shudder. Great fun.
Kindle edition
Now these are the anthologies I like. Second guessed it when the first story is R Shen. Bleh. Was nice to see what Lindon and the gang were up to. Was curious about the unknown one and the spider goddess. That it was Yerin, made me laugh. It's amusing every time someone underestimates Lindon. Lots of Dross to go around. Surprisingly my fave part was Northstrider finding his way, the planet creation and the Cradle loved ones gate crashing their alone time. Eithan's presence made me shudder. Great fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2025
4.5, and few so-so short stories but some really fantastic ones as well. I'm glad to have read this, but also really bummed out that there is no more cradle for me to consume. This series took me three years to read, only because I read unsouled and wasn't impressed, then I continued on two more times until it clicked. It's now one of my favorite series. Do yourself a favor and give it a chance, I am glad I gave it 3
April 13, 2025
It was nice to go back to the world of Cradle, and to get to experience Wight’s writing style again. However, the slice of life short story format didn’t quite do the trick for me; the progression fantasy elements were what made the series so appealing to me, but here the characters had no drive for progressing, which made it all feel a bit static.
November 25, 2024
I usually get nostalgic when finishing a series. Saying goodbye to characters that have grown on you is hard.
Of course rereading is always an option, but there’s a certain sense of finality to knowing that you will never learn anything new from them again. Threshold is a balm for that feeling for the Cradle series.
The chance to revisit some of my favorite characters from my favorite series was delightful, and I’m really happy I got to do it.
Of course rereading is always an option, but there’s a certain sense of finality to knowing that you will never learn anything new from them again. Threshold is a balm for that feeling for the Cradle series.
The chance to revisit some of my favorite characters from my favorite series was delightful, and I’m really happy I got to do it.
January 13, 2025
Book - 4.5/5
Narration - 5/5
Worth prefacing this review with the, probably obvious, fact that I'm an enormous Cradle fan, especially alongside the narration. So needless to say as soon as I heard Travis Baldree's voice I was grinning ear to ear.
I've broken down the review against the many short stories that make up the book.
The narration as always is spectacular, I particularly liked a character from the "Threshold" short story - whipping out a very impressive Irish accent.
The First Uncrowned King - 4/5
Following Reigan Shen on his journey to winning the Uncrowned King tournament. Interesting insight into this character, who honestly has similarities with Lindon that I suspect neither of them would have guessed at - although perhaps unsurprising in 2 powerful monarchs.
Covered some of the tensions between Tiberius and Reigan, and also teased a super cool character that appeared to utilise 2 opposing spirits in her fighting style - would be cool to see more of her at some point!
A Light Chat in a Dark Place:
Super short, but a funny insight into the conversation Eithan has with himself in the Labyrinth. Funny that they both appeared equally as frustrated with one another.
Anagi's Regrets - 3/5
Offered a glimpse into a character that I must admit appeared (at least to me) from nowhere in Underlord/Wintersteel, that being Yan Shoumei. I wasn't hugely enamoured with her character but the stories were enjoyable and I'll never turn my nose up at Lindon obliterating snooty people.
Testing Northstrider - 4/5
Really fun look at Northstrider finding his ideal home in the Abaddon, I particularly enjoyed him explaining to the Ghost teacher that he was doing a bad job.
A Bloody End - 4/5
Absolutely and wholeheartedly confused, I spent 80% of this story trying to decide if the whole point of it was that the characters were meant to mirror the original cast... Only for the reveal to have me rolling my eyes in the best way possible. Queue Yarrin "I bet Ziel doesn't have to deal with death cults in his name".
The Wolf and the Reaper - 5/5
Loved the reunion between mercy and Fury, very cute and we even had Uncle Ozriel take out the bad Fiend for messing with Mercy.
Threshold - 6/5
God I really can't get enough of Lindon being an absolute powerhouse - inject it into my veins. The highlight being the ambushing squad of Abaddon realising quite how badly they had fucked up.
Daughter of Dread - 5/5
More Kelsa, no complaints from me - felt her character has come such a long way. Really embodies a lot of what made London great - loved getting a glimpse of more people from the Twin Star sect too and the alternating paths they've chosen.
The Return of the Prince - 3/5
More of a sombre story, with the shithead prince being returned to his family by the Akura clan - Changed for the better, but arguably too late having already ruined his family. Somewhat bittersweet.
A Day in the Life of Akura Pride - 4/5
Pride is truly an unshakable character, I enjoyed the interaction with Orthos - highlighting that ultimately his own pride is really his downfall in terms of his progression.
Harness - 5/5
Ziel becomes a Pokémon trainer, need I say more... Oh and Dross Dross.
The Gang Creates a World - 4/5
Very cute, no complaints about getting to see the gang interacting together. Honestly I particularly enjoyed the debatably sentient "OTEP" that Ziel and Lindon were attempting to disect.
Homecoming - 5/5
Loved getting to see Yarrin making more happy memories with Lindon. Just such a wholesome concept with a quiet date being mercilessly crashed by sages, family and Larian (admittedly it took far too long for it to click as to who on earth she was - but when it did I had a good chuckle).
How Cradle Should Have Ended - 4/5
As the name suggests funny little alternative endings to each of the Cradle books, except Ghostwater that was perfect.
My favourite being whichever one involved all the cannons!
Narration - 5/5
Worth prefacing this review with the, probably obvious, fact that I'm an enormous Cradle fan, especially alongside the narration. So needless to say as soon as I heard Travis Baldree's voice I was grinning ear to ear.
I've broken down the review against the many short stories that make up the book.
The narration as always is spectacular, I particularly liked a character from the "Threshold" short story - whipping out a very impressive Irish accent.
The First Uncrowned King - 4/5
Following Reigan Shen on his journey to winning the Uncrowned King tournament. Interesting insight into this character, who honestly has similarities with Lindon that I suspect neither of them would have guessed at - although perhaps unsurprising in 2 powerful monarchs.
Covered some of the tensions between Tiberius and Reigan, and also teased a super cool character that appeared to utilise 2 opposing spirits in her fighting style - would be cool to see more of her at some point!
A Light Chat in a Dark Place:
Super short, but a funny insight into the conversation Eithan has with himself in the Labyrinth. Funny that they both appeared equally as frustrated with one another.
Anagi's Regrets - 3/5
Offered a glimpse into a character that I must admit appeared (at least to me) from nowhere in Underlord/Wintersteel, that being Yan Shoumei. I wasn't hugely enamoured with her character but the stories were enjoyable and I'll never turn my nose up at Lindon obliterating snooty people.
Testing Northstrider - 4/5
Really fun look at Northstrider finding his ideal home in the Abaddon, I particularly enjoyed him explaining to the Ghost teacher that he was doing a bad job.
A Bloody End - 4/5
Absolutely and wholeheartedly confused, I spent 80% of this story trying to decide if the whole point of it was that the characters were meant to mirror the original cast... Only for the reveal to have me rolling my eyes in the best way possible. Queue Yarrin "I bet Ziel doesn't have to deal with death cults in his name".
The Wolf and the Reaper - 5/5
Loved the reunion between mercy and Fury, very cute and we even had Uncle Ozriel take out the bad Fiend for messing with Mercy.
Threshold - 6/5
God I really can't get enough of Lindon being an absolute powerhouse - inject it into my veins. The highlight being the ambushing squad of Abaddon realising quite how badly they had fucked up.
Daughter of Dread - 5/5
More Kelsa, no complaints from me - felt her character has come such a long way. Really embodies a lot of what made London great - loved getting a glimpse of more people from the Twin Star sect too and the alternating paths they've chosen.
The Return of the Prince - 3/5
More of a sombre story, with the shithead prince being returned to his family by the Akura clan - Changed for the better, but arguably too late having already ruined his family. Somewhat bittersweet.
A Day in the Life of Akura Pride - 4/5
Pride is truly an unshakable character, I enjoyed the interaction with Orthos - highlighting that ultimately his own pride is really his downfall in terms of his progression.
Harness - 5/5
Ziel becomes a Pokémon trainer, need I say more... Oh and Dross Dross.
The Gang Creates a World - 4/5
Very cute, no complaints about getting to see the gang interacting together. Honestly I particularly enjoyed the debatably sentient "OTEP" that Ziel and Lindon were attempting to disect.
Homecoming - 5/5
Loved getting to see Yarrin making more happy memories with Lindon. Just such a wholesome concept with a quiet date being mercilessly crashed by sages, family and Larian (admittedly it took far too long for it to click as to who on earth she was - but when it did I had a good chuckle).
How Cradle Should Have Ended - 4/5
As the name suggests funny little alternative endings to each of the Cradle books, except Ghostwater that was perfect.
My favourite being whichever one involved all the cannons!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 4, 2025Through no fault of my own, I have a terrible memory. Though I treasure stories as I read them, days or weeks later they slip away from my mind - months or a year later, I could re-read it and enjoy the plot twists all over again.
So, I was worried about picking up Threshold. I loved Cradle! Wait, who is Mercy again? Dreadgod Cults? What do you mean there aren't monarchs on Cradle anymore?
These are just a few of the times I was scratching my head through Threshold.
Thankfully, Will Wight held the reader's hand throughout the story. Chapter openings and gentle nudges along the way helped me untangle my memories and immerse myself back into the world of Cradle.
My own issues aside, this is a wonderful conclusion to the series. Each character's story was fleshed out just that little bit more, giving you more insight into their motivations or where they've ended up.
Yerin's story was a highlight, giving us insight into a totally new world with different systems of magic and cultures - I hope that we'll get a chance to see more from this world in the future.
So, I was worried about picking up Threshold. I loved Cradle! Wait, who is Mercy again? Dreadgod Cults? What do you mean there aren't monarchs on Cradle anymore?
These are just a few of the times I was scratching my head through Threshold.
Thankfully, Will Wight held the reader's hand throughout the story. Chapter openings and gentle nudges along the way helped me untangle my memories and immerse myself back into the world of Cradle.
My own issues aside, this is a wonderful conclusion to the series. Each character's story was fleshed out just that little bit more, giving you more insight into their motivations or where they've ended up.
Yerin's story was a highlight, giving us insight into a totally new world with different systems of magic and cultures - I hope that we'll get a chance to see more from this world in the future.
January 20, 2025
1/20/25: 3 stars. This was a delightful and fun short story collection in the world of Cradle exploring the lives of characters mostly after the end of the series (though a few stories took place before the end of the series). Two of the stories here ("The Gang Creates a World" and "Homecoming") were genuinely very touching; the rest were fun, though nothing particularly memorable, but still worth reading for any Cradle fan. Those two standout stories are located almost at the end of the collection, and were a wonderful way to say farewell to a series I love.
March 25, 2025
Yay for getting to spend a little bit more time in the world of Cradle!
Boo for the stories being a bit shallow.
Some were a little too on point and were basically commentary on the creation and usage of ChatGPT, but oh well, such is life.
It was rather amusing to watch Yerin become worshiped as a spider goddess and to watch Ziel have to write a tax code, so I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. I just wanted a full length novel is all.
Boo for the stories being a bit shallow.
Some were a little too on point and were basically commentary on the creation and usage of ChatGPT, but oh well, such is life.
It was rather amusing to watch Yerin become worshiped as a spider goddess and to watch Ziel have to write a tax code, so I thoroughly enjoyed reading them. I just wanted a full length novel is all.
January 13, 2025
Essentially an extended epilogue to the main series, told in various short stories following different members of the merry band of misfits from Cradle. Also, all of these stories are just plain fun (and funny). Any excuse to spend more time in this series is welcome, and this should be read after the main series to avoid spoilers.
August 20, 2025
This was not for me, I just wanted to read Lindon but I only got so little of my boy, and it was paired with Yerin, we I tolerated for the duration of 12 books.
well, until I binge read the series again, and maybe I'll finally be able to stomach the romance, I doubt that though, anyhow, nice stories I suppose, didn't really enjoy them much, but that was a me thing, hence my five stars
well, until I binge read the series again, and maybe I'll finally be able to stomach the romance, I doubt that though, anyhow, nice stories I suppose, didn't really enjoy them much, but that was a me thing, hence my five stars
February 5, 2025
This series remains one of the most genuinely fun things I've read. I've always wished I could jump back into a fantasy world and see where all the characters ended up after the ending, and it's great to be able to do that for Cradle. Some of the stories get kind of silly, but they also make some great pop culture references. The iteration that's basically pokemon was especially good.
February 20, 2025
Nice one :)
Enjoyable read for sure. So many interesting follow ups to few sort of unfinished situations in the series. Plus alternative endings to each book in series as bonus - great stuff.
Enjoyable read for sure. So many interesting follow ups to few sort of unfinished situations in the series. Plus alternative endings to each book in series as bonus - great stuff.
February 26, 2025
Just short stories which take place in different times/locations compared to the main series timeline.
And this book felt like meeting my old friends again after a long time.
Some are still annoying but I still love them
And some are lovely as I once knew them
And this book felt like meeting my old friends again after a long time.
Some are still annoying but I still love them
And some are lovely as I once knew them
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