Reborn as a Demonic Tree 4 Audiobook – Reborn as a Demonic Tree, Book 4

Some mornings, I find myself drawn to the wild, mossy backyard of my Portland home, mug in hand and audiobook queued up—a ritual that suits strange tales best. That’s exactly how I stumbled into “Reborn as a Demonic Tree” by XKARNATION: sitting beneath a cedar while rain tapped gently on the leaves above, listening to the story of Ashlock—a man reborn as a flesh-eating sapling. There’s something quietly thrilling about hearing such an unconventional premise against the backdrop of living trees; it makes you wonder what they might say if only they could.

Ashlock’s journey is immediately arresting for its oddity. The cultivation genre isn’t new to me—flying swords and Qi battles have filled many hours—but rarely does it come from such an unusual angle. Here, our protagonist is utterly immobile at first: speechless, rooted, watching life unfold in a demonic sect courtyard where power games are deadly serious and immortality is everyone’s ambition. Ashlock survives with wit (and appetite), relying on his bizarre daily sign-in system that doles out powers in exchange for devouring human flesh and observing nature’s rhythms.

I loved this twist—it takes familiar LitRPG mechanics (leveling up through stats, rewards systems) but anchors them within the slow patience of plant life. The result is often humorous; Ashlock feels both ancient and deeply awkward whenever he interacts with humans or other creatures who never suspect their leafy neighbor harbors sentience…or hunger.

There were times when I found myself chuckling aloud during errands or commutes—the contrast between intense life-and-death moments and Ashlock’s oddly domestic concerns (“Can I get enough credits today? Will those meddling cultivators hack off my bark?”) grounds this fantasy in relatable worries despite its high-stakes setting.

While much of my enjoyment stemmed from the inventive worldbuilding—the notion that even a tree can covet strength or face existential peril—I did find secondary characters less memorable than Ashlock himself. The focus remains tightly on him throughout early volumes; don’t expect nuanced romances or lengthy backstories here (at least not yet). But honestly? That singular perspective deepens the story’s immersion; you really do feel isolated alongside him as danger circles closer each day.

As for narration: Unfortunately, there isn’t much information available about who voices this audiobook edition. My experience was mostly positive—the narration captures both comedic timing and dramatic tension well—but without a standout performer to name-drop, listeners may want to sample before committing fully if they’re picky about audio delivery styles.

One caution: This book leans into mature themes—violence is vivid, language can be strong—which matches its seinen roots but might not suit every taste or mood. For me though, it added urgency to Ashlock’s predicament; after all, survival means tough choices when your roots are planted smack dab in scheming territory!

Ultimately “Reborn as a Demonic Tree” surprised me—not just with its creative setup but with how sincerely it explores questions about identity and adaptation under pressure. If you’ve ever felt out-of-place or underestimated (as we all do sometimes), you’ll root for Ashlock—pun absolutely intended—as he transforms fear into resilience one season at a time.