Review Detail of Cearius in Shadow Slave

This is certainly a novel that deserves its place in the upper echelons of Webnovel. There are few things that leave you wanting in this story and the world building especially, is phenomenal for Webnovel standards. The main character Sunless hooks you in as soon as the 10th chapter. His characterisation, monologues and eventual development over the course of more than a 1000 chapters are executed skilfully. It certainly helps that although he grows to immense heights eventually, he is never strong enough to trivialise any threat to his life. Stakes and tension are ever present. The side characters are also, for the most part compelling. Each of them has their own goals and motivations instead of just fawning over the main character. The only flaw is that most of the side characters have little POVs and development over the course of the novel, though they they still serve their niche in the story well. The lore and world building is drip-fed over the course of more than a thousand chapters, and each morsel is more tantalising than the last. The main settting of the story, the Dream Realm is immaculately conceptualised with its own pantheon of gods, resident creatures, and even distinct terrain. Each major area feels unique instead of just being rehashes of each other. The power progression is also immensely satisfying. It is very gradual but distinctly present. As the main character grows in power, he takes on different responsibilities and roles and the way he interacts with the world also undergoes a massive change. Although he wields considerable strength later on, there are peers who can match him, preventing the story from falling into the classic OP MC pothole which makes a story boring. Overall, Shadow Slave should definitely be on your Reading list if you’re a fan of dark fantasy series. Dark Soul fans will also be in a for a treat due to the similar aesthetic.