Hunter Origins [Cultivation, Progression, LitRPG]

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Defy. Cultivate. Rise.

Hunter's wild ride begins with death cultists, a corrupted cultivation medallion, and a one-way ticket to forty years on Death Island. Crushed dreams and no parents? Not enough to break this guy—he's got more guts than a honey badger facing a cobra.

The broken system? He's ready to defy it.

At eighteen, he flips destiny the bird, crashing the Trial of Worth.A surprise visit from a rogue deity offers him a new path to power. He's tasked with a call to arms as a faction leader. But there’s a catch---the other initiates exist across twelve different eras. Guided by a mysterious stranger and drawn to a legendary tower, his new path doesn't come easy.

Can Hunter save his sister and kick fate in the teeth?

It’s time for this underdog to rise!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Note:

* First four chapters have been updated with edits based on collective feedback (11/20/2023).

* This is a cultivation world inspired by Ancient Greece, but it will not be historically accurate (i.e., not a historical fiction).

What to Expect:- Slow-burn progression with cultivation and LitRPG elements, where the broken system comes into play in Chapter 6, and the new system is briefly introduced in Chapter 10, but picks up in Chapter 12.- From disadvantaged underdog to leader of a formidable faction.

- Chapters average 3500 words (ranging from 2500-4000 words each).- Spoiler Alert: The end of Chapter 10 will have a spoiler note. If you choose to reveal, it will show the full timeline for Hunter Origins.- No Harem.- Releases one chapter per week.

NOTE: Current Hiatus.Life has been hectic and the hiatus has gone longer than expected,... but the good news is we are wrapping up a project this spring (A Titan's Coreon Royal Road). By Summer we plan to start back up, even if one chapter a week. In the meantime, you can check out our other projects via our website or Patreon.

Information

Status
Hiatus
Year
2023

Royal Road Stats

Rating
4.1/ 5.0
Followers
175
Views
50,421

Chapters(68 total)

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Community Reviews(10)

  • maxwellauthorRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    Reading this story has been easy. I can’t say that about every book I’ve read but when you reach that one you know it’s just going to fly by. Hunter is a fun character and someone people can relate to. The twists his life takes aren’t something one would expect and the villains are everywhere leaving you to believe there is little hope. But when the light of the gods shine on your hopeless situation things can take a turn.
    The story is easy to follow and very enjoyable. I’ve been loving the interactions between Hunter and his furry companions and I’m excited to see where his human companions may come into play.
    There have been very few grammatical errors and it’s easy to understand the language they are using for the writing. The authors have a way with words when painting a picture and it clearly shows they know what they are doing.
    Cultivation is not something that just anyone can write and these authors are doing well with all the tropes and terminology. I am excited to see where Hunter’s journey takes him and where the story will lead next.
    I am thoroughly enjoying the story, the characters, and the struggle feels relatable. I can’t wait to continue reading this story and see what secrets can be unlocked in the tower!
  • BattleSteelTrueRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    This was a fascinating mix of Greek lore and Xianxia style storytelling. It captured my attention from the get-go with the amount of lore and the way it wove the different elements it drew from together.
    Story: I really liked the worldbuilding. There’s a deep and expansive history and world that adds a lot to what I’m visualizing as I’m reading. The heavy Greek influence is particularly refreshing and an interesting mix with a Xianxia style story. It’s a bit difficult to pin down what exactly is happening at first, but it’s never dull getting from one point to the next and is an entertaining ride.
    Character: Hunter is very clever with a kind heart toward other less-favored creatures. I certainly enjoy his attitude. The secondary characters feel fairly distinct, though every now and then they have similar voices, but it wasn’t enough to take any points off here.
    Style: My biggest complaint was that the story jumps between the past and present and while it’s clearly stated when the jumps happen in chapters, it happened enough to make it a bit difficult to settle into the story at first. Apart from that, the style was enjoyable. Very straightforward, with good humor that wasn’t overdone but added to the different characters’ personalities.
    Grammar: A few errors here and there, but that’s true of any story. This was overall a very cleanly written story, and definitely earned an easy five stars here.
    I would say this story is well worth diving into and giving a shot!
  • LackavilRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    Story 5/5 : Hunter’s story starts in a cemetery filled with rats, so that’s cool. It’s got the feel of a true underdog story. I don’t know how Hunter is going to catch up to his peers in terms of cultivation, and I’m sure it’s going to be a rough and wild ride. The world has plenty of dangers, among them dire beasts in the wilderness and death cultists in the city. The fight scenes are typical of a cultivation story with characters wielding unique weapons and special elemental attacks. It’s difficult to predict what will happen next in this story.
    Characters 5/5 : Hunter is an interesting character. He’s quick-witted, determined, and a bit of a charmer. He has to use all these attributes because he hasn’t fully unlocked his cultivation powers. The rest of the characters include both likeable and despicable ones, including Hunter’s happy-go-lucky sister and a bully you love to hate.
    Style 5/5 : Good, clean writing. I like the humor sprinkled in.
    Grammar 5/5 : All good on the grammar front. I’m not sure I’ve even spotted a typo yet.
    Overall 5/5 : Shaping up to be a fascinating cultivation story. It’s cultivation-lite at the start, but it’s beginning to pick up. Looking forward to Hunter starting to level up soon.
  • MTalonRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    This is a really promising start  at a progression fantasy, possibly tower climber story. I would urge readers to give this a try and read at least the first eight chapters because every time I thought I knew what was happening, I was wrong.
    That's a double-edged sword. I'd think, "Oh, this is an isekai story" - nope. "Oh, this is an academy story" -- nope. "Oh, this is a zero-to-double-gold-jade-progression" - maybe, but not in the way I thought. There's familiar tropes. Cultivation, progression, gods interfering with mortals to set them on an epic path. But it's done in all new ways.
    The first couple chapters aren't completely linear. That let us get reveals about Hunter's past, but can possibly challenge the reader in trying to connect with him in the present. Even at chapter 9 I'm not quite sure which of the rivalries and threats are going to remain and which are just red herrings. But I'll definitely hang in there to find out!
    Grammar - practically flawless, there's nothing to criticize here.
    Style - for the most part, clear and straightforward without being pedestrian or dull.
    Character - Hunter is determined, though a bit odd. Side characters are well realized for the most part, with the exception that all the currently evil-ish characters are mustache twirling and a bit one dimensional. Other side characters are delightfully drawn with quick strokes.
    Story - I'm not the biggest fan of the non-linear, never-really-answering-all-my-questions narrative but it works well enough to draw the reader along. Now that we are about to launch into what I hope is the meat of the story, I think the backstory reveals ought to be less drawn out.
    Great start, hope the story continues to live up to its promise.
  • Mary HilliardRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    I enjoyed reading Hunter Origins. There is a nice mix of action and character conflicts throughout. There is a huge world built up and it is nicely revealed through each chapter. I get the feeling that there will be many challenges ahead for Hunter but so far he seems up to the task.
    Grammar was good overall. Some errors but nothing that distracted me from the story. I expect they will be fixed in the future.
    Style. I liked the writing style and the immersive feel that made me connect with the main character Hunter as he struggles to find his way. His tough start and losses were well described. I hope this continues as his world becomes bigger and he grows stronger.
    Characters. Well drawn out and I liked the banter and fun dialogue at times. There are sad moments too and they felt genuine to me. That is not easy to do.
    Story. So far the story is well paced between action and character development. I like how his backstory is revealed and his reunion with his sister was nice .
    Overall I really enjoyed this story and like the cultivation system. I also like the journey Hunter is on and am really looking forward to seeing where he goes next .
  • StarswornAdminRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    In many ways, sifting through a sea of cultivation stories can be as arduous as the path to ascendance itself.  Fortunately, the hunt can be over with Hunter Origins.
    Style - Hunter Origins is a stylish take on the genre, blending in Greek mythos with the classic cultivation we've all come to know.  It definitely hits that tried-and-true xianxia feel at times, while also doing a great job immersing you with in-universe lore and phrasings.  The pacing strikes a great balance between action and exposition, and it makes you want to keep turning the pages.
    Story - The premise, at face value, is pretty simple.  We join Hunter as he's taking his first steps on the path of power, but it's evident that nothing is going to be handed to him.  The plot is developing effectively so far, with consistent lore and a well-developed power system.  Overall it's promising to be a read you can enjoy for years to come!
    Grammar - No issues that popped out to me.  It's clean and crisp writing.
    Character - I like Hunter, and his hero's journey is shaping up to be a great one.  So far we haven't gotten as much time with the supporting cast, but with the scope of a story like this I don't think that's necessarily an issue.  As it builds, the surrounding characters will ebb and flow alongside Hunter's story.
    I've really been enjoying what I've read so far of Hunter Origins, and my only regret is that I don't have more time to read it.  Whether you're a seasoned xianxia fan, or somebody new to the genre, Hunter Origins is well worth a spot on your list
  • Henrik SaetreRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    OVERALL SCORE: 5/5 Stars
    This story is enchanting :) A magical journey in ancient Greece that does what great historic fictions does so well, it takes a "familiar" world and laers its own on top, telling an engaging story with plenty of worldbuilding, but one that sits on top of a lot we know from before (Greek mythology).The story is filled with action, adventure, and a unique blend of cultivation and magic.
    STYLE SCORE: 5/5
    The authors' style is wonderful. Fluid, clear, and engaging, making the story fly by, yet having just enough "spice" from myth to give it that Greek flavour. It’s the kind of writing that immerses you so deeply, you barely notice it because you’re so caught up in the story.
    STORY SCORE: 5/5
    The plot is BIG. A great mix of traditional Greek mythological elements with modern LitRPG twists and more, which I won't spoil here. It starts with a bang and a clear motive, and keeps up the pace. As mentioned, the world-building feels natural and real, making it fantastical and believable at the same time.
    GRAMMAR SCORE: 5/5
    Nearly flawless. The few mistakes are far outweighed by the compelling storytelling. I could tell that this is not the authors' first book.
    CHARACTER SCORE: 5/5
    The characters, especially Hunter, are wonderfully crafted. Relatable but larger than life, much like the heroes of ancient myths. I root for Hunter and his sister and can't wait for the payoff when certain people get whats coming for them (hopefully).
    Summary
    Hunter Origins is delightful. A charming mix of ancient myths and modern fast-paced storytelling. For anyone who loves Greek mythology or fantasy, this is a must-read.
  • DarkodiaRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    The narrative unfolds in a unique setting, intertwining the elements of nature, work, and a hint of desire for change. The protagonist, Hunter, is a character of strength yet with an undercurrent of contemplation, giving the story a layer of depth that goes beyond the surface. His relationship with Big Nic, his mentor, adds a dimension of learning and growth, though the subtleties of their interactions leave much to the imagination. The presence of animals, both wild and domesticated, introduces an aspect of unpredictability, blending seamlessly with the story's overarching themes.
    The plot takes a turn with the unexpected intrusion of an authoritative figure, bringing about a moment of reflection and a subtle shift in the story’s dynamics. The author successfully creates an atmosphere of contemplation and anticipation, leaving readers with a sense of curiosity about Hunter’s next steps. The story’s setting, with its descriptive elements, adds a vivid backdrop to the unfolding events, though it remains shrouded in a veil of ambiguity.
    The use of symbols, such as the cultivation tower and the rising tide, introduces a metaphoric layer, inviting readers to draw their own connections and conclusions. The writing style, with its careful balance of detail and vagueness, creates an engaging narrative that encourages readers to delve deeper, exploring the underlying themes and motivations of the characters.
    In summary, the story presents a captivating blend of strength, reflection, and the subtle complexities of life, leaving readers with a sense of intrigue and contemplation. The author masterfully navigates the narrative, crafting a story that is as thought-provoking as it is ambiguous, providing a unique reading experience.
  • hiraeth.wrtRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    Hunter Origins throws you headfirst into a cultivation story with a dizzying amount of depth to its power system. Chapters are meaty, and at least in the early pages, the story alternates between showing the underdog protagonist’s current struggle and flashback chapters that reveal the mystery of his backstory one careful piece at a time. Each chapter provokes more questions and supplies more details of the tragedy that turned Hunter from noble heir to shamed exile. While the flashback-heavy style might not be to everyone’s preference, I personally found it one of the most enjoyable and intriguing parts of the story, as it creates a well-done mystery that gets you immediately interested in the protagonist’s struggle to become a certified cultivator. It’s a method of storytelling that really sinks its teeth into you the further you progress.
    I’ve not read many cultivation-genre stories, so I can’t speak much to the particular elements there. But as a casual reader who tends to enjoy more bookstore fantasy with less overt numbers populating the pages, I really did appreciate that Uncharted Bloodlines perfectly conveys the strength of their characters without needing to resort to stat sheets or ability points. Cultivation is a cornerstone of the society the story takes place in, and with the glimpses of system complexity that I’ve already seen in the early chapters, it’s clear that this story is planned with room to grow.
    Overall, if you enjoy complex power systems or straightforward cultivation with a likeable and relatable protagonist, I have a feeling this story is going to bloom into one you’ll very likely enjoy. My only and minor dislike was that the prose can sometimes err on an overly dramatic side, where characters’ reactions are described a bit disproportional to the situation at hand. And the opening chapter seemed a tad self-indulgent- it’s strangely unrelated to anything that happens in the early pages of the story. Though of course, that’s always subject t
  • S.J ScarthRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 4.5
    The first strength of this story is the sheer depth of the world built behind it. From tons of plants you've never heard of to a system of cultivation with several of its own twists, you've got a unique spot in the genre.
    The story builds on itself solidly, and the cast of characters is already relatively wide. But the author does a stellar job at preventing overwhelm here. Expressive descriptions and dialogue give you a solid feel for Hunter's personality.
    The trials part of this story builds on a concept we've all seen before but done in an uncommon way. Go through these trials to be proven worthy, but the trials themselves usually aren't so straightforward. Add a mystery tower toward the end, and things are flowing nicely by chapter 10.
    There is definitely going to be a ramp-up, and the mix of betrayal, tragedy, and hope was well orchestrated. I've got no comment about the grammar at all. The writing style has been well polished, maybe not to the typical taste, but definitely suitable to the story.
    A chance of redemption against a broken system, but with grave consequences should he fail. The god's character was refreshing from facing just the heavy-handed. I'm a God, so I'm right; that is often seen.  A story that will require some investment of time to really understand, but so far promises a worthy pay off.