LitRPG and Wuxia novels have been growing in popularity lately. If you're not familiar with these genres, they both involve a mix of fantasy and science fiction elements.
In a LitRPG novel, the protagonist usually enters a virtual reality world where they must use their skills to survive. Wuxia novels are set in an ancient China-like setting, and often follow the story of a martial artist who seeks to become stronger and more powerful.
If you're looking for something new to read, then I suggest checking out some of the best LitRPG and Wuxia novels out there. Here is my list of the top 10 best books in these genres.
Force Cultivation (The Heavenly Throne Book 1): A LitRPG Wuxia Series
By Yuri Ajin
Summary
A young man loses everything he loves and must start again in a new world where martial arts reign supreme.
Review
Solid characterization and a story that is really building towards something powerful. It has something for everyone including mystery and intrigue.
Let's be honest, some translated books turn into a mangled mess, but not this book. The editing and translation are top-notch.
Some people rag on the fact that the revenge plot is too violent and off-base but they would be wrong. Revenge is a powerful motor that powers the underlying plot of thousands of books. These people are just being whiny.
That being said, the main character doesn't mess around and at one point he almost even went too far for my comfort.
Some might say he is too bull-headed. And oh man does he become OP quick. Which is fair enough, but I didn't like how he kept revealing powers that he had all along. It would have been much more satisfying if they had been hinted at earlier.
And now for the truly bad. I hate to say it but there are some serious inconsistencies in this book that are hard to miss. And while the world is huge, I'd love to see more development of it. Finally, the LitRPG mechanics seem under utilized are too light for my taste.
Stone Will (Dragon Heart #1)
By Kirill Klevanski
Summary
This novel is about a man who is willing to wage a war against the whole world to bring everything back that was taken away from him. Another great book filled with top martial arts action combat and magic.
Review
One of the top rated books in the Wuxia LitRPG genre. It has self-reportedly been read over 30,000,000 times. Which is about 30 million more times than my book has been. And apparently he already has the whole colossal thing planned out. Based on that alone, you need to pick up his books to be schooled in project management.
That being said, people have complained about the logistics of how battles have been setup, claiming it isn't realistic, but I find that to be a silly complaint. It's a story, not a military simulation.
Other people think it's a ridiculous idea to have the main character be reincarnated with all his memories into a baby's body and physically train, but I find it hilarious. Don't read the book for the perfect prose, read it for the exhilarating combat and thrills.
A book very light on LitRPG mechanics which will be a big plus or a negative depending on how chunky you like your stats.
You need to be patient, this is the start to a massive series and so the first half of it is a very slow burn. Be patient and you'll be rewarded. It reads like a modern Greek tragedy that takes place in a dark and twisted world, with a underdog main character you can't help but root for.
Reborn: Apocalypse (Volume 1): (A LitRPG/Wuxia Story)
By L. M. Kerr
Summary
A Time-travel, LitRPG, Apocalyptic story.
Micheal Care would go back and fix all his mistakes if he could, because Humanity's Last Army failed to reach Heaven. His memories have been transported back into his past self, and he must now become a hero to save the future.
Review
This baby is a straight-shot roller-coast. Bam. Bam. Bam. This book never lets up and doesn't get bogged down in endless stat screens. I gobbled this sucker down in one evening. Its a fun and fluffy read that demands that you sit up and pay attention.
Unfortunately, the character development is just not there for the main character.
Honestly, Michael has the depth and complexity of a drained kiddy pool. Hopefully this changes in later books. And weirdly, the author has this nasty tic where he has his characters exclaim out loud exactly what they are thinking and feeling, which in the real world is a great way to get fired from your job and have your wife file for divorce.
Outside of that some word repititions began to bug me out. I know its trivial but come on.
The Two Week Curse: A LitRPG Fantasy Series (The Ten Realms Book 1)
By Michael Chatfield
Summary
In a world of magic and ten realms, Erik and Rugrat have to train hard to be prepared for what's coming.
Review
This book is packed with RPG stats. With a great pace set, but with that comes some small, but notable leaps in logic. There are real stakes in this world, with death being permanent.
Great character development throughout. You really feel like you get to know the main characters Erik and Rugrat and their developing friendship.
Unfortunately, there are some massive info dumps that could have been handled better. Moreover, the editing is abysmal, some of the OCD among you will be tearing your hair out by the end of the book.
Edge of Eons: A Cultivation Novel (The Adept Archives: Book 1)
By Darren Hultberg Jr
Summary
In the realm of Eon, strength is the law of the land and those who are powerful make up the ruling class. There is a balance between light and dark forces, which is only kept stable by those who are strong and cunning. Many people perish before reaching their potential, falling victim to the realm's many perils.
Review
This is a bombastic cliche-storm that will appeal to readers that aren't looking for something original but know exactly what they want. It's not terrible. It's competently written with likable enough characters.
If you're looking for something to switch your brain off and just be entertained with some magic and action, then this is the book for you.
Overall, a solid new entry in the LitRPG wuxia genre. You'll need to get past the fact that the characters are bland cardboard cutouts. Each person in the team is a easily recognizable type, like the author paged through TVtropes and picked a few charactizeration tropes and ran with them.
The First Step: A LitRPG Cultivation Series (Cultivator vs. System Book 1)
By Valerios
Summary
A man decides to ignore the system in order to cultivate his own way. This is a story about a character who needs to get stronger and wiser to overcome the tribulations of the system, but first he has to get past the town guard. This series follows a cultivator in a LitRPG setting as he increases his powers and carves out a new home.
Review
A comedic take on the wuxia genre. Fast-paced action throughout makes this a very enjoyable read. The LitRPG elements are well done and integrate nicely with the cultivatoin and wuxia elements.
Together it all combines into a satisfying stew. Written with a likable and capable main character you can get behind. If you're looking for something light and fun to read, then this book is definitely worth checking out.
Azyl Academy: A Portal Cultivation Fantasy Saga (Elemental Gatherers Book 1)
By Chris Vines
Summary
A student dies saving a little girl, but is chosen by a deity to save another world. The protagonist has to learn everything about his new world, including magic, after he wakes up in it with no memories.
Review
This book is basically a slice-of-life take on the wuxia genre. It's not as fast-paced as some of the other entries on this list, but it makes up for it with interesting themes and character development. A slow burn that's worth sticking with.
Unforunately, all the juicy conflict that is setup is resolved too easily. It's as if the author was pulling his punches the entire book. Maybe he was too in love with his main character?
Either way, this book is still worth reading if you're looking for something different in the LitRPG wuxia genre. And it's a great start to a series for people that don't mind an overpowered main character and have the patience to let the story develop.
Pilgrim
By Harmon Cooper
Summary
A new beginning awaits an assassin that is trying to leave his past behind. Pilgrim is a bestselling progression fantasy/cultivation series inspired by the Witcher books, John Wick films, the Inuyasha anime, the Preacher comics, and the movie Yojimbo. The Pilgrim series is a story that blends Eastern cultivation with Japanese mythology.
Review
What starts out as a fairly cliche story transforms into a moving story of someone with a dark past learning to be a better man. The main character has the classic anti-hero qualities of being brooding and dark, but he's also got a great deal of depth to him.
Character growth is easily measurable from book to book. If you're looking for something that's more than just action and fighting, then this is definitely a series worth checking out. Over the course of the novel, you learn more and more of his backstory, which makes for several exciting reveals.
And don't get me wrong, the main character is incredibly powerful but never to the point where you feel like he is invincible and all suspense is lost.
Written in a writing style that has a poetic quality, the dialogue and prose are very easy to follow and flow well.
I've yet to read another wuxia book that is so faithful the book is to Japanese folklore. This author really knows his stuff. It's a well-researched and well-written series.
That being said, the plot is well-paced but could use more focus. At times it feels like the author is wandering around from chapter to chapter without a clear direction of where things should be headed.
Silver Fox & The Western Hero: Warrior Reborn
By M.H. Johnson
Summary
Alex was willing to do whatever it took to beat his cancer and cheat death, even if it means being frozen alive and waking up in a dangerous situation. Now he must choose between a life of peace or power and begins a journey that will determine the fate of an entire realm. A book filled with deadly adversaries, exotic adventures, and mighty cultivators fighting for the power to topple kingdoms.
Review
The author tries write poetically but the book strains itself into purple prose territory. The main character is incredibly powerful and doesn't face much in the way of adversity. He is too overpowered for my tastes. Although it does have a coming-of-age feel to it that gives this series a great start to develop the main character further.
Interesting fight scenes abound, but the training montages really make the book feel like it's dragging on in some parts. This springs from the repetitive nature of several of the chapters of the book.
And going forward, the book becomes pretty formulaic and predictable. You can see the twists coming a mile away. It's not going to change your life but it's a fun little romp.
I would recommend this book to people that are looking for a light, fun read. It's nothing earth-shattering but it's an enjoyable way to pass the time.
Reincarnation: A Xianxia Cultivation Series (Threads of Fate Book 1)
By Michael Head
Summary
Jim was thrust back in time to when he started cultivating, and must now fix the mistakes that doomed him in his first life. He is trying to find a way to prevent the future he saw, where the world ends, without drawing attention of those who would want to stop him.
Review
The premise has been done to death, with an old cultivator being sent back in time into the body of a child's version of himself, but the author writes it in a way that makes it an enjoyable read.
It's not for everyone though. There is a certain creep factor to it. The hero is mentally over 600 years old but is ogling teenage girls. I get it that the protagonist is trapped in a 10-year-olds body but its still just wrong to me, the guy is old. Old old. Although I suppose if people can excuse that kind of behavior in the Twilight books, this isn't much further out of bounds.
Beyond that, the weirdest thing about the book was that the author's style seems to change from chapter to chapter, with some being very well done and others feeling amateurish. It's a jarring contrast that can be difficult to get past. Moreover, the relationships between the cast of characters just aren't there.
FAQ
What is Wuxia LitRPG
Wuxia litRPG novels are a subgenre of cultivation fantasy that combines the elements of both genres. In these stories, the protagonists are often martial artists who use their skills to fight against evil forces. The stories typically take place in ancient China, and they often involve magical powers and mystical creatures.
If you're looking for a fast-paced and exciting read, wuxia litRPG might be the perfect genre for you. Whether you're a fan of Asian fantasy or RPGs, there's something to love in this unique and fascinating genre. So why not give it a try today?
How Do You Pronounce Wuxia?
Ooh-Cha
Is Wuxia a Fantasy Genre?
Wuxia is a uniquely Chinese genre of literature that focuses on heroes with remarkable abilities, whether they be magical or simply highly skilled and knowledgeable. This genre often centers around action-packed tales of adventure in which the heroes must brave long odds and battle fearsome enemies in the name of justice. Unlike other types of fantasy, however, wuxia introduces elements of traditional Chinese culture into its stories, making it a fascinating blend of East and West. Whether you're interested in martial arts, mystical powers, or awe-inspiring battles against evil forces, wuxia is sure to have something for you. So if you're looking for a thrilling tale filled with unparalleled heroism and magic, start reading some wuxia today!
What's the Difference Between Wuxia and Xianxia?
In the wuxia genre, heroes use their martial arts skills to move the plot forward. Whether it's tearing down an entire army single-handedly or rescuing a loved one from a villain's clutches, the martial arts are always at the forefront of the story.
In xianxia, on the other hand, the focus is more on the cultivation of an inner strength. The protagonists of xianxia stories often have to undergo rigorous mental training in order to control their abilities. Thus, the focus is more on inner growth than outer conflict.
Despite their differences, however, these two genres are both full of action and adventure that fans around the world love to read.
Is There Anything Similar To Wuxia In The West?
Although wuxia is a uniquely Chinese genre, there are certainly other stories in the West that share some similarities. For example, the Arthurian legend of King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table has many of the same elements as a wuxia story, such as heroic battles against overwhelming odds.
Additionally, the popular Harry Potter series also shares some similarities to wuxia. In both stories, the protagonists must overcome great evil with the help of their friends and allies. Moreover, both stories make use of magic and martial arts in order to defeat their enemies.
What is Cultivation Fantasy?
Cultivation fantasy is a Chinese genre of fantasy that focuses on the training and transcendence of characters. In cultivation fantasies, the protagonist often starts out as a normal person but becomes more powerful through hard work and training. This type of story is popular in China because it captures the idea of self-improvement and personal growth.
Other names for cultivation fantasy include xianxia and wuxia. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they technically refer to slightly different genres of cultivation fantasy. Xianxia is more focused on the power of the characters, while wuxia is more focused on the martial arts aspect of the story.
Is Wuxia Kung Fu?
Although wuxia is often associated with kung fu, it's important to understand that these two concepts are not synonymous. Kung fu refers to the actual art of Chinese martial arts, whereas wuxia is a genre of fantasy fiction that often involves highly skilled warriors using martial arts to defeat powerful enemies.
While many wuxia stories do involve kung fu, they are not limited to this one particular art.
How Does Cultivation Work in Wuxia?
In wuxia, cultivation is the process of refining one's inner strength in order to become more powerful. This can be done through training, meditation, and other methods. The goal of cultivation is to reach a state of enlightenment or transcendence, at which point the practitioner will have access to great power.
Cultivation is a central element in many wuxia stories, as it provides a way for the protagonist to become strong enough to overcome the challenges they face.
What is Qi?
In Chinese culture, qi (pronounced “chee”) is an invisible life force that flows through all living things. In wuxia stories, qi is often used as a way to power magical abilities and martial arts techniques. Thus, qi is seen as an important element of both wuxia and xianxia stories.
Is Qi a Real Thing?
Although qi is a fictional concept that was created for the purpose of these stories, some people in China do believe that it exists. Thus, many wuxia and xianxia stories are based on real cultural beliefs about qi that have developed over hundreds or even thousands of years.
How Do You Grow Qi?
Since qi is a fictional concept, there is no one correct way to grow it in wuxia stories. However, many cultivation fantasies involve characters using magical or martial arts techniques to improve their qi and become more powerful. Others may focus on training or meditation as methods of growing qi.
Is Kung Fu Panda Wuxia?
Kung Fu Panda is a popular movie that features elements of wuxia. In the film, the main character Po must Kung Fu to save his village from an evil villain. While Kung Fu Panda is not a traditional wuxia story, it does share some similarities with the genre, such as the use of martial arts and the focus on personal growth.
Is Mdzs Wuxia or Xianxia?
Mdzs is a popular Chinese web novel that is often categorized as xianxia. The story follows the journey of the protagonist, Wei Wuxian, as he trains to become a powerful sorcerer. Mdzs features many elements of wuxia, such as cultivation and martial arts, but it is ultimately classified as xianxia
Is the Untamed Wuxia?
Although the Untamed does feature martial arts, it is primarily focused on the protagonist's journey of self-discovery. Thus, it falls more closely in line with xianxia stories than wuxia.
Is Shang Chi Wuxia?
Yes. Shang Chi is a Marvel comic book character who is often classified as a wuxia hero. He uses martial arts to fight his enemies and protect the innocent, making him one of the most iconic characters in the wuxia genre.
Is Mortal Kombat Wuxia?
Mortal Kombat is not part of the Wuxia genre. It's way too violent for the genre. I mean, come on, the entire point of Wuxia is to have martial arts fights that are so over the top and gravity-defying that they become balletic and beautiful. Mortal Kombat is just a bunch of dudes punching each other in the face until someone's skull explodes. Wuxia it is not.
And don't even get me started on the whole “fatality” thing. That's just gratuitous violence for the sake of violence and it has no place in a Wuxia book.
So, in conclusion, Mortal Kombat is not part of the Wuxia genre because it's way too violent and lacks the graceful elegance that is essential to the genre.
Is Dragon Ball a Cultivation Story?
Although Dragon Ball is often classified as shonen, it does share some elements with wuxia and xianxia. In particular, its focus on training and cultivation make it a kind of cultivation story. Some fans also see Goku's journey to becoming the strongest fighter in the world as an example of personal growth that is common in wuxia.
What are the levels of cultivation?
There is no one correct answer to this question, as levels of cultivation can vary greatly from story to story. However, in general, there are three main levels of cultivation:
- Body Refinement: This is the most basic level of cultivation and usually involves training the body to be stronger and more agile.
- Qi Condensation: This level of cultivation involves training the body to better control qi.
- Transcendence: This is the highest level of cultivation and usually involved mastering both the body and qi.
Is Dragon Ball a cultivation story?
Yes, Dragon Ball can be classified as a cultivation story. This is because the plot of the series focuses on the characters training and becoming stronger in order to defeat their enemies. In addition, the levels of cultivation in Dragon Ball are similar to those found in other wuxia stories.
How do you write a cultivation novel?
There is no one correct way to write a cultivation novel. However, there are some elements that are commonly found in these stories. Typically, cultivation novels follow the journey of a protagonist as they train to become stronger. This journey often includes challenges and obstacles that must be overcome. In addition, many cultivation novels focus on the growth of the protagonist, both physically and mentally.
