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River of Fate #3
Emerald Alchemist
***A Cultivation Epic by the Author of Guardian of Aster Fall. ***The history of the world lies in ruins left by the Elder Races. Only in the dragons' Emerald Halls can Verse find clues to what really happened. Nothing else has survived a hundred thousand years.
In one of these ruins, he discovers a fragment of his history and a key to strengthening his ancestral bloodline, the heritage of the Emerald Dragons, one of the nine races who ruled the ancient world.
In need of resources, he heads to Boreas, the greatest city for alchemy in the Middle Provinces. There, he plans to make a name for himself as he masters the alchemy techniques he has inherited, which hold the secrets to not only power, but to higher realms of cultivation.
When his pursuit meets with a beautiful alchemist who asks for his help, the result is explosive...for him and for the entire city. Ancient alchemy, draconic spells, and power await in the third volume of this epic series!
In one of these ruins, he discovers a fragment of his history and a key to strengthening his ancestral bloodline, the heritage of the Emerald Dragons, one of the nine races who ruled the ancient world.
In need of resources, he heads to Boreas, the greatest city for alchemy in the Middle Provinces. There, he plans to make a name for himself as he masters the alchemy techniques he has inherited, which hold the secrets to not only power, but to higher realms of cultivation.
When his pursuit meets with a beautiful alchemist who asks for his help, the result is explosive...for him and for the entire city. Ancient alchemy, draconic spells, and power await in the third volume of this epic series!
537 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2023
115 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
David North
18 books202 followersGlad to meet you. I'm David North, author of Guardian of Aster Fall and River of Fate, which are available on Amazon Kindle.
You can also find me on Patreon as Riverfate. Drafts of new books I'm working on and artwork for them are usually on there.
You can also find me on Patreon as Riverfate. Drafts of new books I'm working on and artwork for them are usually on there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 28, 2024
Emerald Alchemist ties up the plot of the first two volumes in the River of Fate series pretty nicely.
The strong point of the series will have to be the main characterisations and its world-building. The writing is okay and the pacing of the plot in the first two books was a bit shaky but it does straighten up in this one.
An okay read all in all and I'd be interested in continuing on with the series if he does release more bools in the future.
The strong point of the series will have to be the main characterisations and its world-building. The writing is okay and the pacing of the plot in the first two books was a bit shaky but it does straighten up in this one.
An okay read all in all and I'd be interested in continuing on with the series if he does release more bools in the future.
December 7, 2023
Too much telling
The biggest weakness with this book, and the author, is that the world and magic is told through telling. Some new piece of info? Let's expand on it through an omniscient narrator.
Boring.
Every few pages had multiple somethings that needed paragraphs or pages telling the reader stuff. Why? It makes for the worst way of experience a story.
MC just knows everything, the best way to do something, the best way to explore to the right answer instantly. It makes for a weak book.
The biggest weakness with this book, and the author, is that the world and magic is told through telling. Some new piece of info? Let's expand on it through an omniscient narrator.
Boring.
Every few pages had multiple somethings that needed paragraphs or pages telling the reader stuff. Why? It makes for the worst way of experience a story.
MC just knows everything, the best way to do something, the best way to explore to the right answer instantly. It makes for a weak book.
December 7, 2023
Transported to a vivid magical world that I want to be a part of
Well I have to say, David North's latest installment in the River of Fate series was quite a page turner. As someone who enjoys a richly imagined fantasy world, The Emerald Alchemist didn't disappoint.
Verse continues his quest for identity and lineage among the dragon ruins. I appreciated North's meticulous reconstruction of the intricate societal structures of the past races. It added true depth and realism lacking in much modern fantasy.
Verse's pursuit of alchemy mastery in Boreas incorporated intellectual rigor befitting an academic setting. His chance encounter hinted at complex interpersonal dynamics that can emerge from dedicated scholarly pursuits.
North skillfully balanced rigorous magical systems with stirring adventure and emotive romance. It struck me as a more nuanced portrayal than typical juvenile power fantasies. The sophistication of themes like heritage, identity and human connection gave it extra literary merit in my view.
While magic and mysticism are central, the grounded research and cultivation aspects align it more with historical epics than fluffy escapism. Overall, the compelling narrative and finely detailed world left me quite impressed by North's level of imagination and craft.
For those seeking sophisticated fantasy that stimulates both intellect and imagination, I can confidently recommend diving into North's "River of Fate" series. It provides smartly written entertainment for discerning adult fantasy fans.
Well I have to say, David North's latest installment in the River of Fate series was quite a page turner. As someone who enjoys a richly imagined fantasy world, The Emerald Alchemist didn't disappoint.
Verse continues his quest for identity and lineage among the dragon ruins. I appreciated North's meticulous reconstruction of the intricate societal structures of the past races. It added true depth and realism lacking in much modern fantasy.
Verse's pursuit of alchemy mastery in Boreas incorporated intellectual rigor befitting an academic setting. His chance encounter hinted at complex interpersonal dynamics that can emerge from dedicated scholarly pursuits.
North skillfully balanced rigorous magical systems with stirring adventure and emotive romance. It struck me as a more nuanced portrayal than typical juvenile power fantasies. The sophistication of themes like heritage, identity and human connection gave it extra literary merit in my view.
While magic and mysticism are central, the grounded research and cultivation aspects align it more with historical epics than fluffy escapism. Overall, the compelling narrative and finely detailed world left me quite impressed by North's level of imagination and craft.
For those seeking sophisticated fantasy that stimulates both intellect and imagination, I can confidently recommend diving into North's "River of Fate" series. It provides smartly written entertainment for discerning adult fantasy fans.
November 21, 2023
A bit disappointing
I love this MC and have enjoyed watching him grow and move along his journey. However the author has a tendency to lore dump all the time. Every choice is examined in detail, even the things the MC decides not to do get the same treatment. All those details, while vaguely interesting do little or nothing to advance the story. The world building is great and all but if you can’t show it through the actions of the characters….?
I love this MC and have enjoyed watching him grow and move along his journey. However the author has a tendency to lore dump all the time. Every choice is examined in detail, even the things the MC decides not to do get the same treatment. All those details, while vaguely interesting do little or nothing to advance the story. The world building is great and all but if you can’t show it through the actions of the characters….?
February 1, 2024
Great as usual
This author's works are always stellar. This book is no different. Of course the whole gist of the book is learning about the past and growing in power trying to recreate his dragon heritage. Course on the way He encounters bumps in the road trials and tribulations. This strengthens him. A great read. And an enjoyable story. I love the history And the Discovery. Now that the MC knows better of what his path is at least ultimately. Hopefully he cultivates not only his own power but Allies. If he wants to bring dragons back might need a few more of them. Either way he's gonna need strength not just his own but next to him.
This author's works are always stellar. This book is no different. Of course the whole gist of the book is learning about the past and growing in power trying to recreate his dragon heritage. Course on the way He encounters bumps in the road trials and tribulations. This strengthens him. A great read. And an enjoyable story. I love the history And the Discovery. Now that the MC knows better of what his path is at least ultimately. Hopefully he cultivates not only his own power but Allies. If he wants to bring dragons back might need a few more of them. Either way he's gonna need strength not just his own but next to him.
December 31, 2025
Fantastic Book
Over the last year I've got into this genre and fallen into it deeply. I read the other series by this author before I read this one and I think this might be my favourite. The characters are fascinating and well rounded and despite the subject matter utterly believable. The magic system is well thought out and heavily detailed without being boring. The plot is complex without being confusing and I just couldn't stop reading. I'm just sad to have reached the end. I hope the author picks up this series again, because I really enjoyed it.
Over the last year I've got into this genre and fallen into it deeply. I read the other series by this author before I read this one and I think this might be my favourite. The characters are fascinating and well rounded and despite the subject matter utterly believable. The magic system is well thought out and heavily detailed without being boring. The plot is complex without being confusing and I just couldn't stop reading. I'm just sad to have reached the end. I hope the author picks up this series again, because I really enjoyed it.
February 25, 2026
It Keeps Getting Better
I'm currently following another series, The Wild Era, by this author and while impatiently waiting for the next book, I decided to see if I'd like this one. I really do. I'm loving the combination of dragon body and inheritance mixed with the Jade Scripture path, and his more mature nature from his Terran memories. The world building
is good, characters are believable, and a good balance of action and slice of life. Looking forward to the next book, HINT, HINT.
I'm currently following another series, The Wild Era, by this author and while impatiently waiting for the next book, I decided to see if I'd like this one. I really do. I'm loving the combination of dragon body and inheritance mixed with the Jade Scripture path, and his more mature nature from his Terran memories. The world building
is good, characters are believable, and a good balance of action and slice of life. Looking forward to the next book, HINT, HINT.
November 21, 2023
The series delivers!
Book 3 is not as good as the first two. The numerous pages of fictional alchemical construction is simply unnecessary. It makes the story drag. Also, if you're not going to pick a dao, it's not necessary to describe in detail what it would do... You're not using it, so who cares?
There is still a lot of fun to be had in this story, though! So... many thanks for keeping the tale going. I'm looking forward to number four.
Book 3 is not as good as the first two. The numerous pages of fictional alchemical construction is simply unnecessary. It makes the story drag. Also, if you're not going to pick a dao, it's not necessary to describe in detail what it would do... You're not using it, so who cares?
There is still a lot of fun to be had in this story, though! So... many thanks for keeping the tale going. I'm looking forward to number four.
November 28, 2023
it’s only a week old and I already need more
I love Guardian of Aster Fall but this one is getting better and better and now I can’t decide which one I want him to work on more. Authors shouldn’t do this!!! The book is excellent and the series is going the right direction. Excited for more.
I love Guardian of Aster Fall but this one is getting better and better and now I can’t decide which one I want him to work on more. Authors shouldn’t do this!!! The book is excellent and the series is going the right direction. Excited for more.
February 23, 2024
Triumph mixed with so much heartbreak
This book ended so very bittersweet! I found the fate of the Kin to be so very sad, and the machinations of the demons to be so cruel. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series to find out more about what made the Elder Races believe that warring in the stars was necessary, and what part Verse will play in their greater plans.
This book ended so very bittersweet! I found the fate of the Kin to be so very sad, and the machinations of the demons to be so cruel. I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series to find out more about what made the Elder Races believe that warring in the stars was necessary, and what part Verse will play in their greater plans.
February 24, 2024
this series is just getting better
I have to say that I liked books one and two but this one was the best. The back story is getting filled in and the action is heating up. If I had one complaint it would be that I didn’t start this series when book 10 was already out so I wouldn’t have to wait for the next few.
I have to say that I liked books one and two but this one was the best. The back story is getting filled in and the action is heating up. If I had one complaint it would be that I didn’t start this series when book 10 was already out so I wouldn’t have to wait for the next few.
July 12, 2024
Lots of Dao Cultivation
I always like the books that go in deep into the various methods of the Dao cultivation. The more meticulous they are, the more enthralled I am. This book does a great job and the reasons to continue the series don’t seem contrived, they seem natural. Great book and great series.
I always like the books that go in deep into the various methods of the Dao cultivation. The more meticulous they are, the more enthralled I am. This book does a great job and the reasons to continue the series don’t seem contrived, they seem natural. Great book and great series.
November 23, 2023
Love this series
This story really pulls you in. I am so sad for what happened to dragons and their allies. I am totally invested in Verse, his friends and their future. Can't wait for the next book.
This story really pulls you in. I am so sad for what happened to dragons and their allies. I am totally invested in Verse, his friends and their future. Can't wait for the next book.
November 29, 2023
Excellent book!
This book was a delight to read it slowly drags you in until you are completely immersed. I am very much looking forward to the next book! Keep up the great work brother and thank you for your service! An old Rock of the Marne.
This book was a delight to read it slowly drags you in until you are completely immersed. I am very much looking forward to the next book! Keep up the great work brother and thank you for your service! An old Rock of the Marne.
December 6, 2023
Fantastic Fantasia
A journey into a magical world of dragons and cultivators. Featuring a fantastic lead hero and his talented friends . There are powerful dark enemies to battle the light of the world . Thanks David and I can't wait for another chaper.
A journey into a magical world of dragons and cultivators. Featuring a fantastic lead hero and his talented friends . There are powerful dark enemies to battle the light of the world . Thanks David and I can't wait for another chaper.
December 13, 2023
Well written
David North does well with his writing arts. He has clear drawn characters with strong conflicts. A little more romance would be appreciated. Overall I very much liked this series.
David North does well with his writing arts. He has clear drawn characters with strong conflicts. A little more romance would be appreciated. Overall I very much liked this series.
February 29, 2024
Ready for the Next!
The story of Verse continues in the third installment of the series. I liked the new areas of focus and look forward to seeing how new abilities and skills are used in the next book. This was hard to put down and I am eagerly awaiting the next book!
The story of Verse continues in the third installment of the series. I liked the new areas of focus and look forward to seeing how new abilities and skills are used in the next book. This was hard to put down and I am eagerly awaiting the next book!
May 29, 2024
Hope there’s more to come
Intriguing storyline development, with plenty of room for cultivation. With added depth, or perception, of internal dimensions and planes beyond qi. Amazing path.
Intriguing storyline development, with plenty of room for cultivation. With added depth, or perception, of internal dimensions and planes beyond qi. Amazing path.
October 25, 2025
Great series, so far!
I am enjoying the world building. The author combining three souls is unique to me. The progression of the lead is interesting as well as his interactions with others.
I look forward to more.
I am enjoying the world building. The author combining three souls is unique to me. The progression of the lead is interesting as well as his interactions with others.
I look forward to more.
March 8, 2026
Definitely a good read.
Outside of a few editing errors this was a fantastic story... He goes into great depth of how this world works and is filled with a lot of lucky encounters... Just as I was lucky to encounter this series.
Outside of a few editing errors this was a fantastic story... He goes into great depth of how this world works and is filled with a lot of lucky encounters... Just as I was lucky to encounter this series.
November 21, 2023
Long wait for this but worth it
Long wait for this but worth it. I can't wait for the next book. Looking forward to continuing the story.
Long wait for this but worth it. I can't wait for the next book. Looking forward to continuing the story.
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November 28, 2023I enjoyed it
The only issue that I have with this book is that this third installment in the series took forever to be released. So, I hope the next is published with more celerity.
The only issue that I have with this book is that this third installment in the series took forever to be released. So, I hope the next is published with more celerity.
May 21, 2024
David if you are reading this, then fucking HIRE a bloody EDITOR.
July 20, 2024
Interesting twist to the series. I personally liked the new focus on alchemy and how it became a focus for the plot. The MC continues to advance in power and stay OP.
January 23, 2025
Good book
What to say, it was a hell of a Rollercoaster, it was a very amazing story and the Mc is coming along nicely. I can't wait for the next book in the series 😀
What to say, it was a hell of a Rollercoaster, it was a very amazing story and the Mc is coming along nicely. I can't wait for the next book in the series 😀
March 24, 2025
Love this final book in the series. Love the audio. Zachary Johnson nailed it
November 27, 2025
Wonderful series!
I really enjoyed the books in Guardian of Aster Fall and am currently reading Wild Era series. Please write more in the River of Fate series. Thanks a bunch!
I really enjoyed the books in Guardian of Aster Fall and am currently reading Wild Era series. Please write more in the River of Fate series. Thanks a bunch!
January 12, 2026
that escalated quickly
From a guy with an overpowered cultivation system to a guy with an overpowered cultivation system AND overpowered alchemy AND overpowered bloodline. He packs decades of growth into less than a year.
This may be the end for now, but lots of possibilities for even more to this story.
From a guy with an overpowered cultivation system to a guy with an overpowered cultivation system AND overpowered alchemy AND overpowered bloodline. He packs decades of growth into less than a year.
This may be the end for now, but lots of possibilities for even more to this story.
May 9, 2024
The first 80% of the book was a great continuation of the series. This one had more of a crafting focus, which I thought was a nice change of pace and let us explore some other aspects of this world while still offering some great and satisfying fights and lots of advancement.
I was fully expecting this to be a five-star review and that I'd be looking forward to the next book. Instead, the last 20% of this book started jumping the shark on the MC powering up, much like this author's Guardian of Aster Falls series did. Verse has so many different paths of gaining power now, some where a single avenue promises to double, triple and quadruple his power, that it feels inevitable that he will go the way of the Guardian MC. Especially this whole seal business made me sad for the future.
Then the last chapter happened and I abandoned all hope for this series and this author. If he wanted Verse to be powered up for the next book, why not just have a time skip to start the fourth? Instead, after all this slow and careful progression, he hands him all the things for free in the most egregious way possible.
I don't remember the last time my opinion of a book was this negatively affected in the span of a single chapter.
I was fully expecting this to be a five-star review and that I'd be looking forward to the next book. Instead, the last 20% of this book started jumping the shark on the MC powering up, much like this author's Guardian of Aster Falls series did. Verse has so many different paths of gaining power now, some where a single avenue promises to double, triple and quadruple his power, that it feels inevitable that he will go the way of the Guardian MC. Especially this whole seal business made me sad for the future.
Then the last chapter happened and I abandoned all hope for this series and this author. If he wanted Verse to be powered up for the next book, why not just have a time skip to start the fourth? Instead, after all this slow and careful progression, he hands him all the things for free in the most egregious way possible.
I don't remember the last time my opinion of a book was this negatively affected in the span of a single chapter.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews