Book review of Runic Ocean

by Jay Krauss (Author)

Updated at: 02/03/2025

In Jay Krauss's Runic Ocean, the sequel to Steel Foundations, Leon Jäger continues his perilous journey through a world blending Western fantasy and Chinese cultivation. Relocating to the cliffside city of Wavecrest, Leon faces new challenges and dangers. A close friend's disappearance plunges him into a treacherous investigation, uncovering city-wide power struggles and enemies far exceeding his capabilities. Haunted by past trauma and grappling with Qi Deviation, a dangerous imbalance threatening his cultivation and sanity, Leon must navigate deceit, betrayal, and brutal battles. This LitRPG adventure throws Leon into a relentless storm, forcing him to evolve or be consumed by the very power he seeks to master. Prepare for a deeper dive into the mystical world of Qi and the gods.

4.7 / 1,879 ratings

Review Runic Ocean

Runic Ocean, the second book in the Will of the Immortals series, kept me hooked from start to finish! It seamlessly picks up where Steel Foundations left off, smoothly transitioning Leon Jäger further into the fascinating world of Qi, magic, and gods. The cliffside city of Wavecrest provided a captivating new setting, brimming with intrigue and danger, perfectly complementing the already established rich world-building. I found myself completely engrossed in Leon's desperate search for his missing companion, a quest that led him down a twisting path of political machinations and powerful enemies.

The characters, both familiar and new, are genuinely likeable and well-developed. I appreciated the continued growth of Leon, even as he faced setbacks and the debilitating effects of Qi Deviation. His struggles felt real, adding a layer of depth that made him more relatable despite his sometimes frustrating tendency to rush headlong into danger. This impulsiveness, coupled with his seemingly overpowered stats, did occasionally pull me out of the immersion, as some reviews pointed out. While it's true that Leon sometimes relies more on luck and his incredible stats than honed skill in combat, it's also a fun element that adds to the overall thrilling pace of the story. I also noticed a few minor editing inconsistencies—the occasional misspelling or awkward phrasing—but they were far from detracting. The modern slang used by a fantasy character felt a little jarring at times, but it didn't significantly disrupt the narrative flow.

What truly shines through in Runic Ocean is the immersive blend of genres. The fusion of western fantasy elements with Chinese cultivation and LitRPG mechanics creates a unique and captivating reading experience. The cultivation system itself feels well-developed, though not entirely unique, and the inclusion of blacksmithing elements—something I personally appreciated—added a nice layer of authenticity. The pacing is excellent; the story unfolds at a brisk pace without feeling rushed, keeping the reader consistently engaged. Humorous moments peppered throughout the narrative added a welcome touch of levity, perfectly balancing the more serious aspects of the plot. The overarching narrative arc is compelling, leaving the reader eager to know what comes next.

I particularly enjoyed the satisfying karmic comeuppance dished out to pompous nobles, a recurring theme that provided some delightful moments of vicarious satisfaction. The power struggles and betrayals kept me guessing until the very end. While Leon sometimes gets battered quite a bit in fights (seriously, how many times does he get hit in the back of the head?!), this also adds a sense of realistic vulnerability despite his powerful status. It highlights the ever-present danger and keeps the stakes high.

Overall, Runic Ocean is a fantastic sequel. It’s a fun, enjoyable read that successfully builds upon the foundation laid in Steel Foundations. I’m already eagerly anticipating the next installment and wholeheartedly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a blend of fantasy, cultivation, and LitRPG elements with a touch of humor and a good dose of thrilling adventure. The characters are engaging, the world is immersive, and the story is a gripping page-turner.

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