Reborn as a Demonic Tree 2 Audiobook – Reborn as a Demonic Tree, Book 2

There’s something about listening to fantasy audiobooks during a long, rainy walk through Portland’s lush Forest Park that makes the world feel just a bit more magical—and “Reborn as a Demonic Tree 2: The Rise of the Ashfallen Sect” fit this mood perfectly. As I wandered beneath real trees draped in moss and mist, hearing Ramón De Ocampo bring Ashlock—the sentient, carnivorous tree protagonist—to life made the boundaries between reality and story blur deliciously.

What strikes me most about this second installment by XKarnation is its commitment to growth—not only Ashlock’s literal branches but also his identity and sense of purpose. While the first book had an air of delightful oddity (I mean, who expects to root for a flesh-eating tree?), Book Two truly deepens both character and world. Ashlock is no longer content simply to survive; instead, he strives to build connections in an unforgiving cultivation world that rewards strength, unity, and cunning.

Ashlock’s journey from solitary observer—aloof yet curious about humanity—to leader forging his own sect resonated deeply with my own experiences stepping into leadership roles for community arts projects back home. Like him, I’ve felt that blend of exhilaration and anxiety when gathering people around an idea or creating a safe haven amid uncertainty. The challenges he faces—gathering allies he can trust, providing for them (in his case via valuable alchemical ingredients), building something enduring out of chaos—are so universally relatable beneath all the wild fantasy trappings.

One aspect I particularly enjoyed was how XKarnation expanded on cultivation mechanics without bogging down in exposition; pill-growing roots become not just magical biology but clever tools for alliance-building and survival. There are echoes here of found-family narratives—a motley crew drawn together by shared goals rather than blood ties—which always tugs at my heartstrings.

Ramón De Ocampo’s narration deserves special mention: his ability to imbue even Ashlock’s internal musings with gravitas (and dry humor) elevates every moment. He seamlessly voices new allies and antagonists with distinct personalities; somehow he makes demonic cultivators sound menacing yet human enough that their motives remain compelling. His pacing keeps lengthy scenes moving briskly—even those involving intricate sect politics or tense standoffs among ancient spirits felt urgent rather than overwhelming.

That said, there were moments when certain side characters blurred together or exposition outpaced action—but these lulls rarely lasted long before another twist or revelation drew me right back in. If you’re newer to LitRPGs or cultivation stories, some genre-specific terms might be confusing at first; however, XKarnation generally does well weaving explanations into dialogue rather than infodumps.

Ultimately what lingered after my walk ended wasn’t just awe at creative worldbuilding but admiration for Ashlock’s evolution—from predatory outsider to nurturing leader crafting belonging where none existed before. It reminded me how much power comes from finding your people—even if you’re a magical man-eating tree! For anyone craving unconventional heroes or epic tales rooted in themes of loyalty and unity against adversity, “Reborn as a Demonic Tree 2” will satisfy…and maybe inspire you to look differently at the forest around you too.