The Cradle is a Fantasy series by Will Wight, made up of 13 books published between 2016 and 2025. It begins with Unsouled (2016), and is best read in publication order. The most recent entry is Threshold: Stories from Cradle (2025), spanning 9 years of storytelling.
Cradle series: frequently asked questions
What order should I read the Cradle series?
Start with Unsouled (2016), the first book in the Cradle series by Will Wight. Follow the books in publication order for the best reading experience.
How many books are in the Cradle series?
There are 13 books in the Cradle series by Will Wight, published between 2016 and 2025.
What is the first book in the Cradle series?
The first book in the Cradle series is Unsouled, published in 2016 by Will Wight.
What is the latest book in the Cradle series?
The most recent book in the Cradle series is Threshold: Stories from Cradle (2025) by Will Wight.
About the Cradle series
Will Wight's Cradle is the breakout hit of "progression fantasy" — a genre built on the deeply satisfying loop of a hero growing measurably more powerful. Lindon is born "Unsouled," forbidden from the sacred martial-spiritual arts of his clan, until a glimpse of apocalyptic prophecy sends him out to grow strong enough to save everyone.
Drawing on Asian cultivation traditions (xianxia), the series delivers escalating powers, clear rules, brilliant fight scenes and a hugely likeable cast. It is famous for being relentlessly fun and impossible to stop reading.
Start with "Unsouled." This is one continuous story across twelve books, so read in order — each volume raises the stakes and the power ceiling.