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River of Fate #1
The Jade Scripture
A Cultivation Progression Epic by the Author of Guardian of Aster Fall.
In a world of cultivators, Verse will become a legend.
Ages ago, the world was filled with mythical beasts and cultivators who could shake the heavens. Whispers say they are searching for a way home, but an ancient enemy has blocked the path.
After passing through the River of Fate, Verse’s memories are fragmented and mixed with others. Only by exploring a world on the verge of destruction will he be able to discover who he is and claim his destiny.
This is a xianxia immortal cultivation story. It focuses on reincarnation, jade and sunset magic, and primordial bloodlines.
In a world of cultivators, Verse will become a legend.
Ages ago, the world was filled with mythical beasts and cultivators who could shake the heavens. Whispers say they are searching for a way home, but an ancient enemy has blocked the path.
After passing through the River of Fate, Verse’s memories are fragmented and mixed with others. Only by exploring a world on the verge of destruction will he be able to discover who he is and claim his destiny.
This is a xianxia immortal cultivation story. It focuses on reincarnation, jade and sunset magic, and primordial bloodlines.
Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2020
553 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
David North
16 books189 followersGlad to meet you. I'm David North, author of Guardian of Aster Fall and River of Fate, which are available on Amazon Kindle.
You can also find me on Patreon as Riverfate. Drafts of new books I'm working on and artwork for them are usually on there.
You can also find me on Patreon as Riverfate. Drafts of new books I'm working on and artwork for them are usually on there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
August 15, 2024
A good but unremarkable Cultivation/Progression fantasy epic.
Its got intricate lore and world-building told with a bit of a LitRPG slant to it; it has a well outlined main character that could have been better or even great and its got very good writing, although the plot was a bit so so.
Considering I liked the author's other series and this is his debut, I'll give it a pass. Interested in continuing on with the rest of the series, so I'll recommend this one.
Its got intricate lore and world-building told with a bit of a LitRPG slant to it; it has a well outlined main character that could have been better or even great and its got very good writing, although the plot was a bit so so.
Considering I liked the author's other series and this is his debut, I'll give it a pass. Interested in continuing on with the rest of the series, so I'll recommend this one.
June 19, 2022
DNF
A lot of people might love this book. It just wasn’t for me. Nothing truly wrong with it, just forgettable. Nothing different or creative, just cultivation like in any cultivation novel ever written.
When you have read a ton of Wuxia and western cultivation novels you get to the point where you need a little something extra. This didn’t have it. I put it down and picked it back up multiple times. I just couldn’t finish it.
A lot of people might love this book. It just wasn’t for me. Nothing truly wrong with it, just forgettable. Nothing different or creative, just cultivation like in any cultivation novel ever written.
When you have read a ton of Wuxia and western cultivation novels you get to the point where you need a little something extra. This didn’t have it. I put it down and picked it back up multiple times. I just couldn’t finish it.
November 24, 2021
Not a story
I wouldn't call this a story. To get fair to the author it has the structure of a story and the main character even goes through some limited growth. But it reads more like a series if plot points designed to power up the mc. And unsurprisingly the mc is amazingly talented and possesses unique skills.
On the plus side the mc is not a murderhobo so ilthe book has that going for it.
I wouldn't call this a story. To get fair to the author it has the structure of a story and the main character even goes through some limited growth. But it reads more like a series if plot points designed to power up the mc. And unsurprisingly the mc is amazingly talented and possesses unique skills.
On the plus side the mc is not a murderhobo so ilthe book has that going for it.
October 24, 2020
Did not finish. I don't know what it is, but I never got interested enough to get past the beginning. Maybe its the fact that the MC is reborn anew and already has complete knowledge of how to do everything and starts off rank 5 instead of 1.
September 13, 2021
Great story
I enjoyed the character and how he came to be, and developed in the story. The author's taking familiar concepts and making them his own. Very well written, and worth the read!
I enjoyed the character and how he came to be, and developed in the story. The author's taking familiar concepts and making them his own. Very well written, and worth the read!
December 4, 2023
Recap.. MC catches a rebirth in a fully grown body. Saves a local boy who under compulsion tries to sacrifice him to his dead elder. The elder ghost drains the kid but is unable to the same to MC and gets shunted behind a seal on his shoulder and acts as an AI thereafter. Gets picked up by a sect but on the induction gets kidnapped along with a bunch of other initiatives by the witch. Breaks out of her cage and brings back the sect elders and city lord to rescue the kids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2021
Outstanding
This was a truly outstanding read. Rarely do you find an author who is able to present such a story so well. Many are the stories that combine various elements of character well, it is exceptional author who makes a character so complex and living. This is the first time that I have found such a character within a story since Melanie Rawn put out the Dragon Prince.
This was a truly outstanding read. Rarely do you find an author who is able to present such a story so well. Many are the stories that combine various elements of character well, it is exceptional author who makes a character so complex and living. This is the first time that I have found such a character within a story since Melanie Rawn put out the Dragon Prince.
November 2, 2021
Damn good read
I'm not one much for cultivation novels, but decided to give this one a try. I'm glad I did. I enjoyed the writing style and the origin was quite interesting. The author does a great job going into descriptive detail and I learned a few new words. I'm eager to read the next in the series.
I'm not one much for cultivation novels, but decided to give this one a try. I'm glad I did. I enjoyed the writing style and the origin was quite interesting. The author does a great job going into descriptive detail and I learned a few new words. I'm eager to read the next in the series.
June 17, 2020
What an epic book.
Wow.
What an epic book, I was enthralled in the story.
I need the next ten books please.
Thank you
Wow.
What an epic book, I was enthralled in the story.
I need the next ten books please.
Thank you
January 11, 2022
Fun book
Nice blend of cultivation and fantasy. Good pacing with an interesting take on the whole reborn concept. Definitely will read the next in the series.
Nice blend of cultivation and fantasy. Good pacing with an interesting take on the whole reborn concept. Definitely will read the next in the series.
February 1, 2022
Pleasantly Amazed
Very good story line with good character development. Enjoyed reading this book and will read book 2. I read many genres and this I enjoyed as relaxation!
Very good story line with good character development. Enjoyed reading this book and will read book 2. I read many genres and this I enjoyed as relaxation!
March 24, 2023
When I first picked this book up, I thought it would be a standard wuxia story. And there are elements of that, but there's a lot more.
Verse died after spending his life fighting out in the universe for the leaders of a tech-magic world. He enters the aether only for a God to demand that he be reborn. He ends up on a wuxia fantasy world that is lower in mana than his previous world, but he also has memories of a third world where he was part of the Jade Scripture sect.
All of these elements come together is a really nice way. The book is action oriented from the start, when he meets Teris, a brain addled boy. From there he moves to a city where the Sect selection process is starting. I won't spoil what happens next.
Along with the action there is plenty of cultivation and meditation. Because Verse's soul is unique after being reborn, he has memories of different techniques he used on other worlds. Sometimes these are clear memories, and sometimes they're fuzzy and unclear. Regardless, his cultivation takes some strange turns along the way.
If you can't tell already, I really enjoyed this. The book is straightforward action with a certain amount of blood lust at times, and then the cultivation slows things down again as he consolidates his gains. I can't remember who recommended this to me, but they got it exactly right.
The editing is decent to slightly above average, and while there aren't any stats, there are plenty of abilities to keep track of along the way. The characters are well drawn with clear motivations. There are more than a few good vs. evil scenes which is standard for the genre.
5/5* and I'm already reading book two.
Verse died after spending his life fighting out in the universe for the leaders of a tech-magic world. He enters the aether only for a God to demand that he be reborn. He ends up on a wuxia fantasy world that is lower in mana than his previous world, but he also has memories of a third world where he was part of the Jade Scripture sect.
All of these elements come together is a really nice way. The book is action oriented from the start, when he meets Teris, a brain addled boy. From there he moves to a city where the Sect selection process is starting. I won't spoil what happens next.
Along with the action there is plenty of cultivation and meditation. Because Verse's soul is unique after being reborn, he has memories of different techniques he used on other worlds. Sometimes these are clear memories, and sometimes they're fuzzy and unclear. Regardless, his cultivation takes some strange turns along the way.
If you can't tell already, I really enjoyed this. The book is straightforward action with a certain amount of blood lust at times, and then the cultivation slows things down again as he consolidates his gains. I can't remember who recommended this to me, but they got it exactly right.
The editing is decent to slightly above average, and while there aren't any stats, there are plenty of abilities to keep track of along the way. The characters are well drawn with clear motivations. There are more than a few good vs. evil scenes which is standard for the genre.
5/5* and I'm already reading book two.
March 10, 2024
Hmm not for me
I've read tons of cultivation stories including xianxia, wuxia and lit RPG. I was hoping the story would be a bit better than it was. I think it tried to distinguish itself by having two isekai rebirth origin stories for one character. That actually made it even more confusing as a an intro there were several paragraphs that were just nonsensical. I kept reading all the way until the end and in the first few chapters I started to get into it, but it started to get vague and the main character just kept thinking about his past lives and waffling on every single decision he was going to make. He doesn't know if he's going to kill the dude that's with him, he doesn't know if he's going to try and kill the dude who's inside of him and he still doesn't know by the end of his the book. There's a villain that's introduced who's the biggest bad of all and she's confronted and not defeated by the end of the book. He's made an enemy of the people who are already technically his enemy because he saved someone in the beginning.. it is somehow felt like not really anything happened to move the plot along he's almost near where he started... So he hasn't defeated any of the enemies he's made he hasn't won any fights of any importance and he hasn't grown enough to feel like he has any power or agency. I won't continue reading.
I've read tons of cultivation stories including xianxia, wuxia and lit RPG. I was hoping the story would be a bit better than it was. I think it tried to distinguish itself by having two isekai rebirth origin stories for one character. That actually made it even more confusing as a an intro there were several paragraphs that were just nonsensical. I kept reading all the way until the end and in the first few chapters I started to get into it, but it started to get vague and the main character just kept thinking about his past lives and waffling on every single decision he was going to make. He doesn't know if he's going to kill the dude that's with him, he doesn't know if he's going to try and kill the dude who's inside of him and he still doesn't know by the end of his the book. There's a villain that's introduced who's the biggest bad of all and she's confronted and not defeated by the end of the book. He's made an enemy of the people who are already technically his enemy because he saved someone in the beginning.. it is somehow felt like not really anything happened to move the plot along he's almost near where he started... So he hasn't defeated any of the enemies he's made he hasn't won any fights of any importance and he hasn't grown enough to feel like he has any power or agency. I won't continue reading.
May 29, 2020
I enjoyed this cultivation novel for the most part. It has most of the familiar tropes - getting stronger, MC is special through some quirk of fate, fights, sects/schools, buying and selling things related to weapons/cultivation, etc. The MC here doesn't hesitate to take decisive action for the most part, which I liked too.
The magic system is well thought out and divided into stages, with 10 advancements per stage. However, the details were a bit too much and I didn't try too hard to understand and remember them. There's an appendix chapter as well with details for those interested in that sort of stuff. The overly detailed description extended to MC's thinking and his experiences too. About halfway, I just started skimming such details.
The other major complaint for me was support characters and lack of lighter moments. There are other POVs and a few characters who do get some character development. But, the majority of the book is about the MC, his past, training, etc. There are hints that it can change in the next book and I hope that is the case.
The magic system is well thought out and divided into stages, with 10 advancements per stage. However, the details were a bit too much and I didn't try too hard to understand and remember them. There's an appendix chapter as well with details for those interested in that sort of stuff. The overly detailed description extended to MC's thinking and his experiences too. About halfway, I just started skimming such details.
The other major complaint for me was support characters and lack of lighter moments. There are other POVs and a few characters who do get some character development. But, the majority of the book is about the MC, his past, training, etc. There are hints that it can change in the next book and I hope that is the case.
February 27, 2023
good story not really a bright MC.
Good story, good world building, not so much of a good MC. In fact, in my opinion, the MC is not very likable, or very coolheaded, just a quick example why would you align yourself with somebody who is basically another, a betrayer who tried to kill you. This alignment causes problems for the MC during the book. Possibly causing his team which he has adopted to become injured. The character has too much introspection and circular logic going on throughout the book, I know his memories are fragmented, but as a soldier, you don’t leave enemies behind you. As you read the book, you see how flawed his decision making is. As I said, the story is good, and I will go on and read the next book. The MC is not as charming or likable as the authors MC in guardian.
Good story, good world building, not so much of a good MC. In fact, in my opinion, the MC is not very likable, or very coolheaded, just a quick example why would you align yourself with somebody who is basically another, a betrayer who tried to kill you. This alignment causes problems for the MC during the book. Possibly causing his team which he has adopted to become injured. The character has too much introspection and circular logic going on throughout the book, I know his memories are fragmented, but as a soldier, you don’t leave enemies behind you. As you read the book, you see how flawed his decision making is. As I said, the story is good, and I will go on and read the next book. The MC is not as charming or likable as the authors MC in guardian.
June 30, 2024
A series worth reading
I love these books I love the character I love how the author slowly feeds us the backstory to the character There's a lot of depth here it's a great start to the series Very exciting to see where he goes with this Getting ready to read the second book now And really looking forward to it I'm not 1 to leave reviews To try to support the authors that I enjoy Kindle unlimited is a great program and being able to read these amazinKindle unlimited is a great program and being able to read these amazing stories In such an affordable way The least that I can do is leave a review And I'm sorry it took me years to figure that out So excuse the poor All of that and give this story a shot It's worth it
I love these books I love the character I love how the author slowly feeds us the backstory to the character There's a lot of depth here it's a great start to the series Very exciting to see where he goes with this Getting ready to read the second book now And really looking forward to it I'm not 1 to leave reviews To try to support the authors that I enjoy Kindle unlimited is a great program and being able to read these amazinKindle unlimited is a great program and being able to read these amazing stories In such an affordable way The least that I can do is leave a review And I'm sorry it took me years to figure that out So excuse the poor All of that and give this story a shot It's worth it
January 3, 2023
Too much of everything Dropped at book 2
First book started fine until it started mixing in too much. There is mention of reincarnation, demon, devil , beast kin, elves, nanotechnology, dragon, ghosts etc etc.
There is no progress in cultivation and character, just some random events and stuff with spell and items that’s are more ridiculous than the next.
Book 2 even steps everything up with a even more ridiculous thing about the MC that just makes me not care at all and I DNF the book and gonna drop the series. Just hate when a cultivation series start with a ok plot that just grows likes chaos.
First book started fine until it started mixing in too much. There is mention of reincarnation, demon, devil , beast kin, elves, nanotechnology, dragon, ghosts etc etc.
There is no progress in cultivation and character, just some random events and stuff with spell and items that’s are more ridiculous than the next.
Book 2 even steps everything up with a even more ridiculous thing about the MC that just makes me not care at all and I DNF the book and gonna drop the series. Just hate when a cultivation series start with a ok plot that just grows likes chaos.
January 9, 2023
Cultivation novel--whack--hit out of the park.
A progression adventure cultivation novel written masterfully. Beware, the adventure cake is topped with adventure icing! Sometimes the book is merely good, the usual kind of progression cultivation fantasy. And sometimes, at the end, it will soar. David North knows how to end a novel. (I'm so jealous)... the punch endings that takes a novel (or a set of novels) to a new level reminds me of the GREAT novelists like C. J. Cherryh or David Gemmell. Somebody needs to tell David North--you don't have to be that good! But please keep writing.
A progression adventure cultivation novel written masterfully. Beware, the adventure cake is topped with adventure icing! Sometimes the book is merely good, the usual kind of progression cultivation fantasy. And sometimes, at the end, it will soar. David North knows how to end a novel. (I'm so jealous)... the punch endings that takes a novel (or a set of novels) to a new level reminds me of the GREAT novelists like C. J. Cherryh or David Gemmell. Somebody needs to tell David North--you don't have to be that good! But please keep writing.
September 15, 2021
Good story bogged done with unnecessary details
It's good when he's not whining about his past lives or waxing lyrics about his cultivation. Unfortunately that is 30-40% of the book. I started skipping chunks towards the end because he was mentioning something from two lives ago that was affecting his decision making for the twentieth time or going on about the heart of his sunset powers for the tenth time. Supposedly he's resolved his feelings about his past lives so hopefully the next book will skip all that. If not I probably won't finish it.
It's good when he's not whining about his past lives or waxing lyrics about his cultivation. Unfortunately that is 30-40% of the book. I started skipping chunks towards the end because he was mentioning something from two lives ago that was affecting his decision making for the twentieth time or going on about the heart of his sunset powers for the tenth time. Supposedly he's resolved his feelings about his past lives so hopefully the next book will skip all that. If not I probably won't finish it.
December 17, 2021
Ok its official.. I HATE this author.......... No Really !! :P :P
Why do you ask? Because... He has captured my imagination with two series he is writing.. And
THEY ARE NOT DONE YET !!
:P ::P :P
Looking forward to more books in both of his series... Well worth the read.
FYI.. If your the type that can't look past a few typo's and other minor issues .. Then this authors books are not for you. There are minor word issues and mistakes here and there. It did not really bother me at all though. But i do suggest a editor take a second look through any more books before publishing.
Why do you ask? Because... He has captured my imagination with two series he is writing.. And
THEY ARE NOT DONE YET !!
:P ::P :P
Looking forward to more books in both of his series... Well worth the read.
FYI.. If your the type that can't look past a few typo's and other minor issues .. Then this authors books are not for you. There are minor word issues and mistakes here and there. It did not really bother me at all though. But i do suggest a editor take a second look through any more books before publishing.
November 30, 2023
A forgettable novel.
Couldn't get into this cultivation novel. I found the MC not very interesting or likable and most of the story felt flat to me. One thing this book could do without is Old Yuan. This character is more annoyance than enjoyment, doesn't add a whole lot to the story that couldn't be otherwise added and is just a pain in the ass to read about. I was hoping that this would be a terrific new cultivation series, something some reviewers have hinted at, but sad to say it's probably not for me.
Couldn't get into this cultivation novel. I found the MC not very interesting or likable and most of the story felt flat to me. One thing this book could do without is Old Yuan. This character is more annoyance than enjoyment, doesn't add a whole lot to the story that couldn't be otherwise added and is just a pain in the ass to read about. I was hoping that this would be a terrific new cultivation series, something some reviewers have hinted at, but sad to say it's probably not for me.
January 24, 2025
fun…
Character dies at the same time a baby is magically transported to safety and their souls merge. He gets possessed he gets possessed by an old ghost. He defeat some bandits. Goes to town and joins a contest to get evaluated to join an organization. He gets kidnapped by a big evil person, escapes, and participates in the rescue efforts.. They succeeded in rescuing all the kidnapped and what’s next is yet undetermined.
I found it to be a convenient listen, with a great narrator, the story was interesting, please enjoy
Character dies at the same time a baby is magically transported to safety and their souls merge. He gets possessed he gets possessed by an old ghost. He defeat some bandits. Goes to town and joins a contest to get evaluated to join an organization. He gets kidnapped by a big evil person, escapes, and participates in the rescue efforts.. They succeeded in rescuing all the kidnapped and what’s next is yet undetermined.
I found it to be a convenient listen, with a great narrator, the story was interesting, please enjoy
January 8, 2023
1 ) Transmigration , Check
2 ) Protagonist easy accepting being kidnaped from there world. , Check
3 ) Protagonist fighting against people and monsters way above their own level, Check.
4 ) No world building
5 ) No explanation of any powers
This is supposed to be a cultivation, but its really not. Its just stuff happening and this MC running around beyond his abilities. Terrible cliches at the end and j
2 ) Protagonist easy accepting being kidnaped from there world. , Check
3 ) Protagonist fighting against people and monsters way above their own level, Check.
4 ) No world building
5 ) No explanation of any powers
This is supposed to be a cultivation, but its really not. Its just stuff happening and this MC running around beyond his abilities. Terrible cliches at the end and j
December 11, 2023
Original
Well it is a Chinese cultivation story with sects and everything. However, the story itself is a bit unique. I honestly couldn’t predict what would happen next. So if you like this genre then this story might feel like bit of fresh air.
Other than that the story follows the general pattern of cultivate, fight, cultivate, fight and so on. I also like this since it doesn’t waste time with other potentially boring stuff.
Well it is a Chinese cultivation story with sects and everything. However, the story itself is a bit unique. I honestly couldn’t predict what would happen next. So if you like this genre then this story might feel like bit of fresh air.
Other than that the story follows the general pattern of cultivate, fight, cultivate, fight and so on. I also like this since it doesn’t waste time with other potentially boring stuff.
January 20, 2024
The blurb didn't appeal to me, but I picked this up because I love the author's other work. The beginning was both bizarre and captivating. The way Verse is connected to his previous lives was astonishing and, to me, original. I'm not a fan of the ghost, but he did help some. Teris just made me sad. The ending felt like both an ending and a beginning, because a balance formed. I'm curious on what will happen next. Read with Kindle Unlimited. Review did not sync from Amazon.
May 20, 2020
Good
Liked it, well developed main character, no bumbling naive or super powered main protagonist, the whole story was very well done, zero complaints, liked the characters the storyline and the fact that it's a full complete story no cliffhanger or two hundred page novella that you get through in a couple of hours. Very much looking forward to the next one.
Liked it, well developed main character, no bumbling naive or super powered main protagonist, the whole story was very well done, zero complaints, liked the characters the storyline and the fact that it's a full complete story no cliffhanger or two hundred page novella that you get through in a couple of hours. Very much looking forward to the next one.
September 22, 2021
if you like Silver Fox, Cradle you will love this one
I took up the book as I liked the description and the book did not disappoint. If you like a MC rising from zero to build his cultivation then this is the book for you. This falls in the Western Cultivation category. The pace of the book is great, the MC relatable. The book will live up to its reviews.
I took up the book as I liked the description and the book did not disappoint. If you like a MC rising from zero to build his cultivation then this is the book for you. This falls in the Western Cultivation category. The pace of the book is great, the MC relatable. The book will live up to its reviews.
November 19, 2021
A good tale
A bit of revenge. A little redemption. Second (third?) chances. Pretty entertaining. I liked the MC progression, the gradual inclusion of his memories elimination of the rage.
There are quite a few instances of misplaced or misused words but otherwise pretty good technically. Way to much exposition with a lot of it breaking up the more exciting bits.
A bit of revenge. A little redemption. Second (third?) chances. Pretty entertaining. I liked the MC progression, the gradual inclusion of his memories elimination of the rage.
There are quite a few instances of misplaced or misused words but otherwise pretty good technically. Way to much exposition with a lot of it breaking up the more exciting bits.
June 23, 2022
It's okay, but after reading the first two books I'm not a fan of this series. (1) It is all-in on the trope of main character continually gets more magic powers without earning them. (2) It is all-in on the trope of as long as you can handle the pain, you can fight perfectly well with broken arms, broken ribs, broken legs, etc.
June 16, 2020
A very entertaining story
I am entirely satisfied with this offering, the story was good and kept me entertained. Now that I have interest in Verse, I am awaiting the next installment.
I am entirely satisfied with this offering, the story was good and kept me entertained. Now that I have interest in Verse, I am awaiting the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews