Wang Fan and Itsuki Saito embark on a perilous mission to defeat Sinotech and save humanity in a world of demon spawns and intricate plots. As chaos unfolds in the Grand Kingdom, they must journey beyond realms to uncover the means to stop their tyrannical foe before it's too late.

Reader Review Summary

"Storm of Souls" is the second book in what appears to be a gripping fantasy/sci-fi series that seamlessly blends Chinese cultivation elements with cyberpunk themes. Right from the compelling marketing description, it's clear that Jeremy Bai has created an immersive and imaginative world that draws you in.

The story follows the protagonist Wang Fan, once an ordinary detective who has become embroiled in an epic struggle against the nefarious corporation Sinotech and their sinister plans to sacrifice humanity for the benefit of a few elites. With the powerful Sun's Blood artifact in the hands of the Naturalism Sect, Wang and his allies have a chance to take down their formidable foe's tyranny.

What really stands out is Bai's creativity in world-building. The concept of the Grand Kingdom with its Nine Heavens and Ten Earths is a fresh and enticing twist on familiar cultivation tropes. The fact that Wang is forced to venture into the mythical wilds beyond this realm in search of a way to defeat Sinotech sets up endless possibilities for exploration and adventure in future installments.

The action and intrigue seems to be hitting new heights in this second book, with chaos erupting as demon spawns gather, complex plots unfurl, and the deadly Black Corpses are sent to eliminate those who defy Sinotech. The unlikely partnership between Wang and his former adversary Itsuki Saito adds extra layers of tension and dynamics to their harrowing mission in the First Heaven.

While the marketing description leaves many tantalizing threads to be unraveled, the few reader reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Words like "excellent," "fantastic," "strong," and "greatly looking forward" are high praise indeed. Readers commend the compelling story arc, well-developed characters, and impressive world-building details.

One reviewer exclaims this book "stands heads and shoulders above in terms of creativity and readability" when compared to other Chinese cultivation novels they've read. Another highlights how it nicely progresses the story and sets up the final book in the series in a satisfying way.

Overall, "Storm of Souls" seems to be a tour-de-force of imagination and masterful storytelling. Jeremy Bai has crafted a richly layered tale that deftly fuses Chinese mythology and philosophy with futuristic sci-fi concepts. With relentless pacing, high stakes, and a vividly rendered universe, this appears to be a must-read for fans of fantasy and cyberpunk alike. The strong character work and intricate world-building have clearly captivated readers, leaving them eagerly anticipating the epic conclusion still to come.