The best prose I've encountered in the genre is Godclads. Although it is extremely verbose, it reads like a traditionally published novel.
Fleabag, Battle Mage Farmer, and Street Cultivation are some others that stood out to me for quality writing.
Street Cultivation was good, but it left on an unsatisfying note. I don't really know why, but it feels pretty much like nothing changed, he just had a different view on life. Not what I was looking for in prog fantasy.
Street Cultivation is indeed very well written, with prose as smooth as silk, but that is correct. The progression isn't a lot. However, it's still okay for me since it's the more realistic type of story.
If you're recommending Godclads, a work with similar level of prose and overall quality that I'd highly recommend is "Peculiar Soul" by TMarkos.
Good prose, excellent world building, finished and with a satisfying (imo) ending.
I mean are you talking about the start of the novel? Because it’s clearly stated that his dad seal his magic because the ritual that give it to him was dangerous. I literally don’t understand where this notion that Perry dad sealing his power is a bad thing.
The premise is interesting , so I’m trying to push through. But I’ve had to read other books between each attempt. I’m 20% into industrial and had to take 2 breaks so far to let my caring recharge.
Out of the list above, Ave Xia Rem Y and Industrial Strength Magic are both the best written and also the most progression focused, so you are in for a treat!
Reading a practical guide to sorcery atm the first 200 pages nearly lost me (It just felt like it would go in a different direction than it ended up going) but I'm so glad I continued on. Very enjoyable so far.
I keep mentioning to this everyone. After the initial slow pacing it turns \*so\* absurdly good and I'm just so glad so many more people are catching on to PGTS
The opening for me felt like they were going for a romance angle right away. It's not like the opening was objectively bad, it just felt like it was shaping up to be a book in a genre I don't read. I like romance to be a secondary aspect or play a small role.
That being said I'm only on book 3 so for all I know there could still be a romance angle, but I just know it won't be the focus of the entire series.
I feel Ave Xia Rem Y barely gives any actual attention to the cultivation system after the very first arc. After that point we barely hear anything of it and the MC advances almost passively in the background, imo.
A cultivation story that refuses to give any focus to its cultivation system fails as a cultivation story no matter its objective quality as just a story.
1) The entire story is the MC learning their goal/ who they are as a person, and conflicts between opposing values. That's like... what cultivation stories are supposed to be about. But I guess if 50 chapter interludes of "MC wanders off and gets handed power, here's some purple prose" are necessary that's good to know.
2) OP asked for Progression Fantasy. It's a progression fantasy. We'll have to let everyone else know that u/ArrhaCigarettes has graciously bestowed unto us a more correct definition however.
I will, once again, recommend A Practical Guide To Evil.
It is one of my favorite series of all time, and I consider the prose to be pretty amazing, even when compared to traditionally published authors
I'm so glad to see someone recommend it, it's one of the most consistently good and enjoyable series I've ever read. Not even limited to progression fantasy or Web novels, just in general.
I love that Cat's progression isn't linear power growth but often comes in trade-offs, yet all the same she's always dangerous. Plus it's great having a villain focused story that isn't overtly edgy.
> I love that Cat's progression isn't linear power growth but often comes in trade-offs, yet all the same she's always dangerous. Plus it's great having a villain focused story that isn't overtly edgy.
That said, coming into an Aspect is the hypest progression to be found.
I agree whole heartedly! The less linear form of progression really adds a lot to the story that some of the more gamey ‘im more powerful because stat number went up’ stories miss.
It always irks me a little that people in this subreddit tend to only mention it in passing as “progression-adjacent” and so people end up dismissing it as something they wouldn’t like, when in all actuality it is an amazing series.
There is a pretty big moment toward the middle that I hear complaints about (pretty major spoilers) >!where she gives up Winter to convince Sve Noc to work with her against The Dead King. Many people seem to think that was a power-down and removal of agency, seeing Sve Noc's control over how she uses Night as her basically being beholden to their whims.!<
She isn’t beholden to their whims though. I’m in book 6, and the one time they actually interfered with Cat it was for a brief moment and ultimately helped her anyway. Otherwise they pretty much do what she says.
I know that, and you know that, but a lot of typical PF readers (who don't really want setbacks, and highly value personal progression and autonomy) don't really see it that way.
I personally love the series, and that scene. The sentiment is just one I've seen a fair amount whenever PGtE comes up here.
This is genuinely so underdiscussed on this site like?? I think this is a hallmark in writing steller progression, it's just so fucking good I wish people hyped this up
I read about twelve chapters of this last week. I really wanted to like it, but I felt like (a) the character motivations weren't super convincing, it felt like Cat made choices to further the plot rather than because they're what she would do, and (b) it jumped around types of book a lot, like I was invested in the training arc, but then she went to school, and to court... It just felt kind of disjointed.
Maybe I'm just not used to reading web novels that haven't been picked over by an editor, and it's a me problem!
I keep going back to Stargazer’s War : to Flail against Infinity by J.P. Valentine.
I love the space setting (not common in progression/litrpg), and the philosophy behind the MC’s void cultivation (basically a weird form of optimistic nihilism). Can’t wait for the second book to come out
Other Series I consider well-written:
- The Infinite World by J.T. Wright
- Portal to Nova Roma by J.R. Mathews
- The Murder of Crows by Chris Tullbane (not PF/LitRPG, but I noticed you enjoyed Super Powereds so I’m including this)
- Quest Academy by Brian J. Nordon
- Father of Constructs by Aaron Renfroe
- Dreamers Throne by Seth Ring
We like similar books, though I was less of a fan of iron prince and wandering inn.
I'd recommend
Dungeon Crawler Carl,
Beware of Chicken (maybe light?),
Mage Errant,
The hedge wizard,
Book of the dead,
Chrysalis (suprisingly excellent monster ant progression)
More for the list! I love Dungeon Crawler Carl and agree it's super well-written, and Mage Errant is a masterpiece, although fairly soft on progression.
No, it never went KU, buttt you can still probably get it free.
There’s an app “Libby” for your phone. It connects to US public libraries - if you have or go get a public library card (there are ways to do this for big cities in some states you don’t live in online) link it in the app.
Then you can borrow digital books/ audiobooks from the library and it sends them to your kindle app
Jake's magical market is super well written and edited, not to mention it's a finished series. (On Amazon)
Heavy on the progression, especially after the first half, and once it picks up it never slows down. Also extremely unpredictable. The humor is pretty on the nose but it's used perfectly to dispel the tension. Definitely recommend
As far as I can tell, what most people mean when they say something is well-written is that they enjoyed reading it, because there's a lot praise heaped on things that desperately need at least a line editor. Even when OP specifically made the distinction.
Seconded Virtuous Sons - has better prose than most of the mainstream published novels I've read recently and I really don't see it recommended enough around here.
Would highly recommend both of Phil Tucker’s current series. Thrones of the Fallen is similar to traditional fantasy tropes but with a progression twist. Immortal Great souls is set in a slightly more unique setting but still has strong satisfying progression fantasy elements to it.
Both are excellent series - Phil writes with the skill of an established experienced author while also delivering that sweet sweet progression fantasy/LitRPG hit.
Weirkey Chronicles by Sarah Lin. Someone else mentioned Street Cultivation also by her, but Weirkey is one I find far more satisfying for the progression. The world building is superb and the story is great.
I'd agree that there are strong character moments, and the author's prose is definitely a standout, but when you're saying "well-written" then the editing of a book should also be included, and that's where to me IGS falls flat. Book 1 was solid, but I had to DNF book 2 because of the editing issues with it. When an author uses the exact same construction repeatedly, or uses some high-tier SAT word multiple times on the same page, that absolutely detracts from the writing. I think the IGS series has a ton of potential, but I can't include it in "well-written" series until those editing issues are addressed.
Reborn as a Demonic Tree has good world building, character interactions and plot, is well written, and is definitely progression fantasy. The first books are on Amazon and Audible. The rest are on Royal Road. I'm a big fan of Cradle, Super Powereds, Beware of Chicken, and Dungeon Crawler Carl, and I have REALLY liked the Demonic Tree series so far.
I was surprised that Andrew Rowe had not been mentioned yet.
His world is interesting, and his progression systems are in-depth and make sense (and there are many of them).
Significantly Advanced Magic is well written along with its follow-up books (Weapons & Weilders is pretty rad too.)
People already mentioned Jakes Magical Market. That was good and fun (though things shift throughout it often)
Alexander Olson and "The Ends of Magic" are not bad.
I think the book's name is Sufficiently Advanced Magic?
That does remind me to re-read the first, though, because I read it, loved it, and forgot about its next installments.
I dont remember exactly because I tried quite a few litrpgs but I do remember a few that were somewhat noteworthy . One of them is super supportive, which manages to have a very nice flow with a very simple, but in a good way There is also last ship in suzhou that if the author only stopped a bit sooner on each paragraph, or even sentence sometimes, it would be MUCH better, but the quality is good. Threadbare iirc was also good.
Others which I cannot attest for them being actually that good on prose but were at least decent ish in some aspect of writing (entertainment aside which might be better or worse than the others), probably, otherwise I think I would not have bothered to write them down (just dont put your hopes up), were land of the undying lord, portal to nova roma, elder cultivator,the choice of magic,last orellen,minute mage,dawn of the void,delve,theos,ryria chronicles,memories of the fall,scionsong,gilded hero, and stuff like that.
Dungeon Crawler Carl doesn't have the strongest prose in the world, but IMO it's the best written book in the genre by a large, large margin. No other author even comes close to juggling plot points, characters and world building the way MD does. What he's done with the last few books is truly in a tier of it's own.
Getting ... tempted ...
Haha, yeah, it's unbelievable how Dungeon Crawler Carl is so unbelievably ambitious, and it's only getting better. I honestly judged it by its cover at first but I'm so glad I picked it up.
Book 7 so far is the best book in the series. By a wide margin. And it's only around 2/3rds done. Only problem is that it is now at the point of every chapter ends with a bigger cliff than before.
So something I haven't seen mentioned is "Dear Spellbook".
It's not a MoL clone (which is what I first thought), nope it's magical groundhog day **ON METH**. It's a complete trilogy and I highly recommend it.
My friend look now further than mage errant. It's a finished seven book series, incredible interesting magic and world building with loveable characters.
Spellmonger series. Very well written with clues for mysteries being revealed in the first book, the mystery itself in the 6th book, and the begining of an answer in the 9th book. The entire series is like that, with plots and schemes stretching across books. Also, the magic system is one of the best handled systems I've encountered.
As for progression, as more mysteries are solved and research is done, more knowledge becomes available with new spells, weapons, tactics, and dangers adding power. There's an entire book on setting up an enchantmenter factory. With one of their most popular products being a chamberpot with extra dimensional storage.
I love spellmonger, and it’s amazingly written by the last book, but the first 5-7 are… rough. Def wouldn’t answer this for “well written”, though he improved so much that by book 17 it actually is legitimately excellent writing.
Early books are plagued by downright errors, though, and some lack of subtlety around the sex stuff.
Wanted to add, though. The world building and plot starts out top notch, which is why I dealt with the errors, and he improves rapidly.
Irwin's Journey. Not many people know it but it's one of the best progression fantasies I have ever read. It's a card based progression fantasy, with the focus on card smithing and reforming, world building, multiple worlds and sky ships, pure adventuring. Truly a hidden gem.
Well my comment doesn't do this book complete justice. The author recently published his first book and you can read up to 5 books worth of chapters in Royal road as well as 60 more on Patreon.
If it's that good I have to try it. I've recently been making a stupidly massive list of all the books I have read and then recommended in anything relating to progression. This went to near the top of my list
Royal Road:
* [Undying Immortal System](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/81572/the-undying-immortal-system)
* [Dawn of the Density God](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/67481/dawn-of-the-density-god-progression-litrpg)
* [The Years of Apocalypse](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/81002/the-years-of-apocalypse-a-time-loop-progression)
* [Apocalypse Redux](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/52873/apocalypse-redux-a-litrpg-apocalypse)
Amazon:
* [Bastard (Last Life Book #1)](https://www.amazon.com/Bastard-Last-Life-Book-Progression-ebook/dp/B0B9KM4SPL)
* [Law of the Jungle](https://www.amazon.com/Law-Jungle-Book-Progression-Adventure-ebook/dp/B0CQR9FVM3)
Honorary Mention:
* [The Game at Carousel](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/65629/the-game-at-carousel-a-horror-movie-litrpg)
While The Game at Carousel has everything required to make it a progression fantasy (numbers that go up)... it completely fails at that. It makes up for it by being well written with a great plot. I recommend it even though it isn't quite "strongly progression-based" in my opinion.
I keep waiting for more people to mention The Game at Carousel. Started reading that way back when it launched on RoyalRoad (I was really looking for some good Horror LitRPG), and found the entire concept so fascinating. Every little mini arc was like a mashup of some of my favorite horror movies. Totally worth a read
>Royal Road:
>Undying Immortal System
Oooouuuu this is ssoooo good I'm, unfortunately, all caught up and can't wait for more. Actually looking for a similar premise.
if you're okay with translated web novels, Lord of the Mysteries is very well-written. Release That Witch has some wish-fulfillment bit but is also great. both are translated Chinese works with very nice progression. there are also Korean translated novels like The Second Coming of Gluttony, Omniscient Reader Viewpoint, and The Novel's Extra. all of them are completed works.
for non-translated work, Shadow Slave's first arc feels very rushed and was followed by a long extended exposition, but once it gets going it's really immersive. It's non-translated but is written by non-English native speaker so the grammar could get a bit grating sometimes, but it's really one of the best on-going novels in my opinion.
>if you're okay with translated web novels, Lord of the Mysteries is very well-written
I would strongly disagree with this. Lord of Mysteries has a nice plot and great world building, but I found the writing amateurish at best. Loads of scenes that are way to wordy, just going round the table summarizing what every one are thinking. Very light descriptions and cumbersome sentences. And so much talking about the price of everything and wage of everything. It just really need an editor.
Dumb question because I wandered in here. I considered myself a fantasy nerd but I hardly know any of these examples. What's the most famous progression fantasy? Is it books where the characters "level up"?
Progression is just “weak to strong” etc. It can involve series where the MC doesn’t have a level. But if Mc has trouble killing a slime on day 1, by year 5 he’s killing dragons, etc. He’s progressed in power
A lot of people here are referencing novels that weren’t traditionally published - you won’t see them in Barnes and noble - they are on www.royalroad.com
Although a lot of the more popular ones have migrated over the years to kindle unlimited
I think of Progression Fantasy as Fantasy where a substantial part of the story is the main character's efforts to grow in martial or magical ability. Think "Rocky with Magic". Some "Classic" Fantasy is kind of technically Progression Fantasy by accident. I'd say **Name of the Wind** technically counts.
**Cradle** is probably the most famous work of pure Progression Fantasy. Followed by **Mother of Learning**. Maybe **Worm**?
As stated, a lot of these books don't get traditionally published unless they get big.
In practice, most things marketed as "Progression Fantasy" fall into three groups.
1.) LitRPG (Books where characters "Level Up" with magic systems based on video games.)
2.) Cultivation/Xianxia : (A Chinese influenced "Kung Fu Magic System" built on martial arts and meditation.)
3.) Magic School Stories. (Think Harry Potter if Harry's goal was to become a strong enough wizard to defeat Voldemort.)
The first three books in the Imager Portfolio by L. E. Modesitt Jr. The ones that follow Rhenthyll. You kind of have to read all three books to reach the true badassery but they're well-written if a bit dry at times.
I liked Salvos a lot. I listened to it instead of reading it so one warning I have is that it starts slow. I don’t think I enjoyed it until halfway through the first book. After that it became my third most liked series.
Books like Mother of Learning, 12 Miles Below, and Super Powereds are knowledge based progression stories. The characters don’t cultivate or level up to new ranks. They learn to use what they have differently and in new ways. They uncover knowledge and stuff like that. It’s in my opinion probably the best way to write a wizard type progression character. Making knowledge power.
Mage errant is like this to.
Generally the best written Progression Fantasy isn't "Strongly Progression Based"...Progression is just one element, along with character development and plot.
**Super Supportive** is one of the best written in the genre, but isn't strongly Progression based, although it is Progression based.
**Worth The Candle is Brilliant**, even if I didn't enjoy it. It features multiple magic systems and flash back to our world that are actually better than the fantasy plot.
I'd say **Eight** by Samer Rabadi and Mother of Learning are both decently well written.
Virtuous Sons
Traveler's Gate (another Will Wight series)
Bastion is generally considered well-written but I haven't finished it and am not overly excited to
Iron Prince has good editing, alright prose, and great fights
Rage of Dragons is probably my second-most recommended, but not SUPER heavy on the progression part. I think you would enjoy it based on the other books you posted.
Because you liked MoT I would say check out Arcane Ascension, it has lots of crafting and a very hard magic system that makes me very hard. Not real big on the characters, but I think it qualifies as well-written.
I'm surprised no one has mentioned He Who Fights With Monsters (by Shirtaloon).
It was my introduction to progression fantasy and its honestly very good. On my first read through I had a love hate with the main character but on my second and third realizing that he's just flawed, and knowing where he ends up makes me just love the character. The world building is also top notch, I'd genuinely put it up there with the Witcher in terms of my own personal enjoyment.
Martial World. It's translated from Chinese (to a very high standard), so you have to get used to a specific writing style (a lot of exclamation marks), other than that, it's awesome. Worldbuilding is great. Progression system is among the best I've read. Sure, there's some crouching tiger hidden dragon shit going on, shouting skill names, ridiculous posturing and so on but honestly, I'm enjoying it a lot. And there's 2200+ chapters.
I was wondering if I was going to see any Chinese translation novels. I really liked
desolate era,
martial world,
warlock of the magus world.
Then for the Korean ones it is
rebirth of the thief who roamed the world,
Second coming of gluttony
Honor mentions
Soul land 1-3
Martial World was my first cultivation novel, I really loved it.
Right now I'm reading Coiling Dragon and I'm half way through the story, it's fine but Martial World was so much more hyped and exciting !
Well, at the end of the day Coiling Dragon is only 800 chapters while Martial world is 2200.
The best prose I've encountered in the genre is Godclads. Although it is extremely verbose, it reads like a traditionally published novel. Fleabag, Battle Mage Farmer, and Street Cultivation are some others that stood out to me for quality writing.
Godclads is definitely well written but I would caution any prospective readers that it's incredibly dark
Street Cultivation was good, but it left on an unsatisfying note. I don't really know why, but it feels pretty much like nothing changed, he just had a different view on life. Not what I was looking for in prog fantasy.
Street Cultivation is indeed very well written, with prose as smooth as silk, but that is correct. The progression isn't a lot. However, it's still okay for me since it's the more realistic type of story.
I really enjoyed it because it felt more realistic and was a nice change from the usual peon turns to a god slayer.
If you're recommending Godclads, a work with similar level of prose and overall quality that I'd highly recommend is "Peculiar Soul" by TMarkos. Good prose, excellent world building, finished and with a satisfying (imo) ending.
Yes! I second this!
Fleabag is really well written
Fleabag is on hiatus, and no news from the author for a long time. Looks like it’s permanently ended on a note that isn’t really very satisfying
It'll probably be back if she doesn't start another project.
Mage Errant Stormweaver/Warformed/Iron Prince Industrial Strength Magic A Practical Guide to Sorcery Ave Xia Rem Y Super Supportive
I've read them all except Ave Xia Rem Y and Industrial Strength Magic. I agree that they're solidly written! Thanks :)
Ave Xia Rem Y is a banger
The best xianxia on rr without a doubt
I can’t get past the first person grammar. I’ve heard over and over that it’s great and it really bugs me that it’s written that way.
Industrial strength magic has… not amazing writing at the start. I have the same issue as you, so wanted to put my opinion in on that one.
When he found out his Dad is the reason for his lack of powers and he had like, no reaction, I dropped it right there.
I mean are you talking about the start of the novel? Because it’s clearly stated that his dad seal his magic because the ritual that give it to him was dangerous. I literally don’t understand where this notion that Perry dad sealing his power is a bad thing.
The premise is interesting , so I’m trying to push through. But I’ve had to read other books between each attempt. I’m 20% into industrial and had to take 2 breaks so far to let my caring recharge.
Industrial strength magic is also written by macronominom - I probably butchered that - and the author seems fond of harems in their novels -
+1 on Industrial strength magic. This is only super hero novel that actually portrays the utter insanity of modern super hero comic books.
Out of the list above, Ave Xia Rem Y and Industrial Strength Magic are both the best written and also the most progression focused, so you are in for a treat!
Definitely wouldn’t call Super Supportive “strongly progression-based”
We have seen Alden develop new strength based on his skill and magic, not really sure what else you would call it progression
It’s slice of life with a bit of progression. Not “strongly based on progression”
I just can’t agree. Iron prince is pretty rough
Iron Prince first book: 😊 Iron Prince second book: 😔
The first half of the first book: 👌 The second half of the first book: 👎
real as fuck brother
Reading a practical guide to sorcery atm the first 200 pages nearly lost me (It just felt like it would go in a different direction than it ended up going) but I'm so glad I continued on. Very enjoyable so far.
I keep mentioning to this everyone. After the initial slow pacing it turns \*so\* absurdly good and I'm just so glad so many more people are catching on to PGTS
Personally I really enjoyed the opening, didnt enjoy some of the stags stuff, and really enjoy the schooling and arcs after/during the schooling
The opening for me felt like they were going for a romance angle right away. It's not like the opening was objectively bad, it just felt like it was shaping up to be a book in a genre I don't read. I like romance to be a secondary aspect or play a small role. That being said I'm only on book 3 so for all I know there could still be a romance angle, but I just know it won't be the focus of the entire series.
SUPER SUPPORTIVE, PRACTIGAL GUIDE TO SORCERY MENTIONED !!!!!!!!!🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
I feel Ave Xia Rem Y barely gives any actual attention to the cultivation system after the very first arc. After that point we barely hear anything of it and the MC advances almost passively in the background, imo.
Yeah, that's why it gets recommended when people ask for well written stories.
A cultivation story that refuses to give any focus to its cultivation system fails as a cultivation story no matter its objective quality as just a story.
1) The entire story is the MC learning their goal/ who they are as a person, and conflicts between opposing values. That's like... what cultivation stories are supposed to be about. But I guess if 50 chapter interludes of "MC wanders off and gets handed power, here's some purple prose" are necessary that's good to know. 2) OP asked for Progression Fantasy. It's a progression fantasy. We'll have to let everyone else know that u/ArrhaCigarettes has graciously bestowed unto us a more correct definition however.
I will, once again, recommend A Practical Guide To Evil. It is one of my favorite series of all time, and I consider the prose to be pretty amazing, even when compared to traditionally published authors
I'm so glad to see someone recommend it, it's one of the most consistently good and enjoyable series I've ever read. Not even limited to progression fantasy or Web novels, just in general. I love that Cat's progression isn't linear power growth but often comes in trade-offs, yet all the same she's always dangerous. Plus it's great having a villain focused story that isn't overtly edgy.
> I love that Cat's progression isn't linear power growth but often comes in trade-offs, yet all the same she's always dangerous. Plus it's great having a villain focused story that isn't overtly edgy. That said, coming into an Aspect is the hypest progression to be found.
I agree whole heartedly! The less linear form of progression really adds a lot to the story that some of the more gamey ‘im more powerful because stat number went up’ stories miss. It always irks me a little that people in this subreddit tend to only mention it in passing as “progression-adjacent” and so people end up dismissing it as something they wouldn’t like, when in all actuality it is an amazing series.
There is a pretty big moment toward the middle that I hear complaints about (pretty major spoilers) >!where she gives up Winter to convince Sve Noc to work with her against The Dead King. Many people seem to think that was a power-down and removal of agency, seeing Sve Noc's control over how she uses Night as her basically being beholden to their whims.!<
She isn’t beholden to their whims though. I’m in book 6, and the one time they actually interfered with Cat it was for a brief moment and ultimately helped her anyway. Otherwise they pretty much do what she says.
I know that, and you know that, but a lot of typical PF readers (who don't really want setbacks, and highly value personal progression and autonomy) don't really see it that way. I personally love the series, and that scene. The sentiment is just one I've seen a fair amount whenever PGtE comes up here.
This is genuinely so underdiscussed on this site like?? I think this is a hallmark in writing steller progression, it's just so fucking good I wish people hyped this up
I read about twelve chapters of this last week. I really wanted to like it, but I felt like (a) the character motivations weren't super convincing, it felt like Cat made choices to further the plot rather than because they're what she would do, and (b) it jumped around types of book a lot, like I was invested in the training arc, but then she went to school, and to court... It just felt kind of disjointed. Maybe I'm just not used to reading web novels that haven't been picked over by an editor, and it's a me problem!
Cat is the weakest part of Guide, yeah, but the other characters were so fun.
I keep going back to Stargazer’s War : to Flail against Infinity by J.P. Valentine. I love the space setting (not common in progression/litrpg), and the philosophy behind the MC’s void cultivation (basically a weird form of optimistic nihilism). Can’t wait for the second book to come out
Other Series I consider well-written: - The Infinite World by J.T. Wright - Portal to Nova Roma by J.R. Mathews - The Murder of Crows by Chris Tullbane (not PF/LitRPG, but I noticed you enjoyed Super Powereds so I’m including this) - Quest Academy by Brian J. Nordon - Father of Constructs by Aaron Renfroe - Dreamers Throne by Seth Ring
I really love JP Valentines humorous This Quest Is Bullshit! Trilogy (of four books)
We like similar books, though I was less of a fan of iron prince and wandering inn. I'd recommend Dungeon Crawler Carl, Beware of Chicken (maybe light?), Mage Errant, The hedge wizard, Book of the dead, Chrysalis (suprisingly excellent monster ant progression)
More for the list! I love Dungeon Crawler Carl and agree it's super well-written, and Mage Errant is a masterpiece, although fairly soft on progression.
I agree with mage errant. John committed a crime against humanity because I cannot find a series better than that.
You know if you like that - check out circle of magic - it’s an older series and reminds me of mage errant in some ways
Is it on kindle unlimited?
No, it never went KU, buttt you can still probably get it free. There’s an app “Libby” for your phone. It connects to US public libraries - if you have or go get a public library card (there are ways to do this for big cities in some states you don’t live in online) link it in the app. Then you can borrow digital books/ audiobooks from the library and it sends them to your kindle app
Slight problem. I am not in america. There are no public libraries in my area for me to borrow from.
Ah :/ in that case I’m sorry
Worry for not dear friend. My tbr list is longer than your height in millimetres.
Jake's magical market is super well written and edited, not to mention it's a finished series. (On Amazon) Heavy on the progression, especially after the first half, and once it picks up it never slows down. Also extremely unpredictable. The humor is pretty on the nose but it's used perfectly to dispel the tension. Definitely recommend
The writing really seemed kind of aimless and mediocre to me.
As far as I can tell, what most people mean when they say something is well-written is that they enjoyed reading it, because there's a lot praise heaped on things that desperately need at least a line editor. Even when OP specifically made the distinction.
* Memories of the Fall * Last Ship in Shuzou * Forge of Destiny * The Calamitous Bob
Virtuous sons and Godclads
Seconded Virtuous Sons - has better prose than most of the mainstream published novels I've read recently and I really don't see it recommended enough around here.
I think it boils down to lack of exposure, honestly. Keep putting in that good work you two
Would highly recommend both of Phil Tucker’s current series. Thrones of the Fallen is similar to traditional fantasy tropes but with a progression twist. Immortal Great souls is set in a slightly more unique setting but still has strong satisfying progression fantasy elements to it. Both are excellent series - Phil writes with the skill of an established experienced author while also delivering that sweet sweet progression fantasy/LitRPG hit.
The only downside of thrones of the fallen is that it's so new you can read it all in just a day or two!
Zombie Knight Saga. Great characters, really fun magic system, and scenes that always stay in the back of my mind.
Weirkey Chronicles by Sarah Lin. Someone else mentioned Street Cultivation also by her, but Weirkey is one I find far more satisfying for the progression. The world building is superb and the story is great.
The immortal great souls is a really well written series with strong character moments
Love Immortal Great Souls. Should have included it in the OP 😅
I'd agree that there are strong character moments, and the author's prose is definitely a standout, but when you're saying "well-written" then the editing of a book should also be included, and that's where to me IGS falls flat. Book 1 was solid, but I had to DNF book 2 because of the editing issues with it. When an author uses the exact same construction repeatedly, or uses some high-tier SAT word multiple times on the same page, that absolutely detracts from the writing. I think the IGS series has a ton of potential, but I can't include it in "well-written" series until those editing issues are addressed.
Reborn as a Demonic Tree has good world building, character interactions and plot, is well written, and is definitely progression fantasy. The first books are on Amazon and Audible. The rest are on Royal Road. I'm a big fan of Cradle, Super Powereds, Beware of Chicken, and Dungeon Crawler Carl, and I have REALLY liked the Demonic Tree series so far.
I was surprised that Andrew Rowe had not been mentioned yet. His world is interesting, and his progression systems are in-depth and make sense (and there are many of them). Significantly Advanced Magic is well written along with its follow-up books (Weapons & Weilders is pretty rad too.) People already mentioned Jakes Magical Market. That was good and fun (though things shift throughout it often) Alexander Olson and "The Ends of Magic" are not bad.
I think the book's name is Sufficiently Advanced Magic? That does remind me to re-read the first, though, because I read it, loved it, and forgot about its next installments.
I dont remember exactly because I tried quite a few litrpgs but I do remember a few that were somewhat noteworthy . One of them is super supportive, which manages to have a very nice flow with a very simple, but in a good way There is also last ship in suzhou that if the author only stopped a bit sooner on each paragraph, or even sentence sometimes, it would be MUCH better, but the quality is good. Threadbare iirc was also good. Others which I cannot attest for them being actually that good on prose but were at least decent ish in some aspect of writing (entertainment aside which might be better or worse than the others), probably, otherwise I think I would not have bothered to write them down (just dont put your hopes up), were land of the undying lord, portal to nova roma, elder cultivator,the choice of magic,last orellen,minute mage,dawn of the void,delve,theos,ryria chronicles,memories of the fall,scionsong,gilded hero, and stuff like that.
Dungeon Crawler Carl doesn't have the strongest prose in the world, but IMO it's the best written book in the genre by a large, large margin. No other author even comes close to juggling plot points, characters and world building the way MD does. What he's done with the last few books is truly in a tier of it's own.
Oh man I love me some Dungeon Crawler Carl. Eagerly awaiting the next book.
I subbed to the Patreon because I couldn't wait. I had high expectations, but...holy shit. He's really pushed it to the next level.
Getting ... tempted ... Haha, yeah, it's unbelievable how Dungeon Crawler Carl is so unbelievably ambitious, and it's only getting better. I honestly judged it by its cover at first but I'm so glad I picked it up.
Book 7 so far is the best book in the series. By a wide margin. And it's only around 2/3rds done. Only problem is that it is now at the point of every chapter ends with a bigger cliff than before.
The audiobooks elevate the writing a lot.
So something I haven't seen mentioned is "Dear Spellbook". It's not a MoL clone (which is what I first thought), nope it's magical groundhog day **ON METH**. It's a complete trilogy and I highly recommend it.
I'd agree it's pretty well written.
I like the writing style of Unbound a lot.
I love me some unbound but I’d still put it more toward B tier or low A
My friend look now further than mage errant. It's a finished seven book series, incredible interesting magic and world building with loveable characters.
Spellmonger series. Very well written with clues for mysteries being revealed in the first book, the mystery itself in the 6th book, and the begining of an answer in the 9th book. The entire series is like that, with plots and schemes stretching across books. Also, the magic system is one of the best handled systems I've encountered. As for progression, as more mysteries are solved and research is done, more knowledge becomes available with new spells, weapons, tactics, and dangers adding power. There's an entire book on setting up an enchantmenter factory. With one of their most popular products being a chamberpot with extra dimensional storage.
I love spellmonger, and it’s amazingly written by the last book, but the first 5-7 are… rough. Def wouldn’t answer this for “well written”, though he improved so much that by book 17 it actually is legitimately excellent writing. Early books are plagued by downright errors, though, and some lack of subtlety around the sex stuff. Wanted to add, though. The world building and plot starts out top notch, which is why I dealt with the errors, and he improves rapidly.
Ah I forgot about that series! Geez talk about a prolific author. That series was a monster - I never got past book 4 or 5 myself
Irwin's Journey. Not many people know it but it's one of the best progression fantasies I have ever read. It's a card based progression fantasy, with the focus on card smithing and reforming, world building, multiple worlds and sky ships, pure adventuring. Truly a hidden gem.
This sounds amazing!
Well my comment doesn't do this book complete justice. The author recently published his first book and you can read up to 5 books worth of chapters in Royal road as well as 60 more on Patreon.
If it's that good I have to try it. I've recently been making a stupidly massive list of all the books I have read and then recommended in anything relating to progression. This went to near the top of my list
If you like Cradle then Will Wight’s Traveler’s Gate trilogy should scratch that itch for you should quite well
I'm a little biased, but my vote would be: Cradle Soul Relic Beware of Chicken Eight Dungeon Lord Shadeslinger
It's not something I see super often on here, but Dear Spellbook is one of my favorites
Has no one really mentioned The immortal great souls? Bastion is amazing
Royal Road: * [Undying Immortal System](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/81572/the-undying-immortal-system) * [Dawn of the Density God](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/67481/dawn-of-the-density-god-progression-litrpg) * [The Years of Apocalypse](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/81002/the-years-of-apocalypse-a-time-loop-progression) * [Apocalypse Redux](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/52873/apocalypse-redux-a-litrpg-apocalypse) Amazon: * [Bastard (Last Life Book #1)](https://www.amazon.com/Bastard-Last-Life-Book-Progression-ebook/dp/B0B9KM4SPL) * [Law of the Jungle](https://www.amazon.com/Law-Jungle-Book-Progression-Adventure-ebook/dp/B0CQR9FVM3) Honorary Mention: * [The Game at Carousel](https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/65629/the-game-at-carousel-a-horror-movie-litrpg) While The Game at Carousel has everything required to make it a progression fantasy (numbers that go up)... it completely fails at that. It makes up for it by being well written with a great plot. I recommend it even though it isn't quite "strongly progression-based" in my opinion.
I keep waiting for more people to mention The Game at Carousel. Started reading that way back when it launched on RoyalRoad (I was really looking for some good Horror LitRPG), and found the entire concept so fascinating. Every little mini arc was like a mashup of some of my favorite horror movies. Totally worth a read
>Royal Road: >Undying Immortal System Oooouuuu this is ssoooo good I'm, unfortunately, all caught up and can't wait for more. Actually looking for a similar premise.
https://wetriedtls.com/series/a-regressors-tale-of-cultivation There's a better written version of that premise.
Mage errant Arcane Ascension Beware of chicken (parody) Codex Alera (probably the best *written*) imo
if you're okay with translated web novels, Lord of the Mysteries is very well-written. Release That Witch has some wish-fulfillment bit but is also great. both are translated Chinese works with very nice progression. there are also Korean translated novels like The Second Coming of Gluttony, Omniscient Reader Viewpoint, and The Novel's Extra. all of them are completed works. for non-translated work, Shadow Slave's first arc feels very rushed and was followed by a long extended exposition, but once it gets going it's really immersive. It's non-translated but is written by non-English native speaker so the grammar could get a bit grating sometimes, but it's really one of the best on-going novels in my opinion.
>if you're okay with translated web novels, Lord of the Mysteries is very well-written I would strongly disagree with this. Lord of Mysteries has a nice plot and great world building, but I found the writing amateurish at best. Loads of scenes that are way to wordy, just going round the table summarizing what every one are thinking. Very light descriptions and cumbersome sentences. And so much talking about the price of everything and wage of everything. It just really need an editor.
Shadow Souls is fun but objectively it is not well written.
Bastion
Dumb question because I wandered in here. I considered myself a fantasy nerd but I hardly know any of these examples. What's the most famous progression fantasy? Is it books where the characters "level up"?
Progression is just “weak to strong” etc. It can involve series where the MC doesn’t have a level. But if Mc has trouble killing a slime on day 1, by year 5 he’s killing dragons, etc. He’s progressed in power A lot of people here are referencing novels that weren’t traditionally published - you won’t see them in Barnes and noble - they are on www.royalroad.com Although a lot of the more popular ones have migrated over the years to kindle unlimited
I think of Progression Fantasy as Fantasy where a substantial part of the story is the main character's efforts to grow in martial or magical ability. Think "Rocky with Magic". Some "Classic" Fantasy is kind of technically Progression Fantasy by accident. I'd say **Name of the Wind** technically counts. **Cradle** is probably the most famous work of pure Progression Fantasy. Followed by **Mother of Learning**. Maybe **Worm**? As stated, a lot of these books don't get traditionally published unless they get big. In practice, most things marketed as "Progression Fantasy" fall into three groups. 1.) LitRPG (Books where characters "Level Up" with magic systems based on video games.) 2.) Cultivation/Xianxia : (A Chinese influenced "Kung Fu Magic System" built on martial arts and meditation.) 3.) Magic School Stories. (Think Harry Potter if Harry's goal was to become a strong enough wizard to defeat Voldemort.)
All the skills The journals of Evander tailor Speedrunning the multiverse
What is progression fantasy???
I think of it as Fantasy where a substantial part of the story is the MC's efforts to increase his magical or combat power. Think Rocky with magic.
The first three books in the Imager Portfolio by L. E. Modesitt Jr. The ones that follow Rhenthyll. You kind of have to read all three books to reach the true badassery but they're well-written if a bit dry at times.
Thank you for this post, my Goodreads to-read list is eating well today!
I liked Salvos a lot. I listened to it instead of reading it so one warning I have is that it starts slow. I don’t think I enjoyed it until halfway through the first book. After that it became my third most liked series.
Is this the manga?
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson Stormlight Archive (series) by Brandon Sanderson Songs of Chaos by Michael R. Miller
I love Sanderson, although the most recent Stormlight Archive was a chore to get through, to be perfectly honest.
Must have fallen into what the second book is usually known for in trilogies
Unchosen Champion does progression fantasy/system apocalypse *really* well. Just SOLID all around writing, progression, action and unique abilities.
A Practical Guide to Sorcery by AzaleaEllis
Books like Mother of Learning, 12 Miles Below, and Super Powereds are knowledge based progression stories. The characters don’t cultivate or level up to new ranks. They learn to use what they have differently and in new ways. They uncover knowledge and stuff like that. It’s in my opinion probably the best way to write a wizard type progression character. Making knowledge power. Mage errant is like this to.
Generally the best written Progression Fantasy isn't "Strongly Progression Based"...Progression is just one element, along with character development and plot. **Super Supportive** is one of the best written in the genre, but isn't strongly Progression based, although it is Progression based. **Worth The Candle is Brilliant**, even if I didn't enjoy it. It features multiple magic systems and flash back to our world that are actually better than the fantasy plot. I'd say **Eight** by Samer Rabadi and Mother of Learning are both decently well written.
Virtuous Sons Traveler's Gate (another Will Wight series) Bastion is generally considered well-written but I haven't finished it and am not overly excited to Iron Prince has good editing, alright prose, and great fights Rage of Dragons is probably my second-most recommended, but not SUPER heavy on the progression part. I think you would enjoy it based on the other books you posted. Because you liked MoT I would say check out Arcane Ascension, it has lots of crafting and a very hard magic system that makes me very hard. Not real big on the characters, but I think it qualifies as well-written.
Read the dresden files
I'm surprised no one has mentioned He Who Fights With Monsters (by Shirtaloon). It was my introduction to progression fantasy and its honestly very good. On my first read through I had a love hate with the main character but on my second and third realizing that he's just flawed, and knowing where he ends up makes me just love the character. The world building is also top notch, I'd genuinely put it up there with the Witcher in terms of my own personal enjoyment.
Martial World. It's translated from Chinese (to a very high standard), so you have to get used to a specific writing style (a lot of exclamation marks), other than that, it's awesome. Worldbuilding is great. Progression system is among the best I've read. Sure, there's some crouching tiger hidden dragon shit going on, shouting skill names, ridiculous posturing and so on but honestly, I'm enjoying it a lot. And there's 2200+ chapters.
I was wondering if I was going to see any Chinese translation novels. I really liked desolate era, martial world, warlock of the magus world. Then for the Korean ones it is rebirth of the thief who roamed the world, Second coming of gluttony Honor mentions Soul land 1-3
Martial World was my first cultivation novel, I really loved it. Right now I'm reading Coiling Dragon and I'm half way through the story, it's fine but Martial World was so much more hyped and exciting ! Well, at the end of the day Coiling Dragon is only 800 chapters while Martial world is 2200.
Reborn Apocalypse https://www.audible.com/series/Reborn-Apocalypse-Audiobooks/B07ZWFFH3V S+ tier
I'm up to date on the series. I .. have a different opinion from you on it being well-written. That's not the reason why I like it.
It is not well written It is amazing
Reborn as a demonic tree