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Iron Guild #1
Enchanted Forge: A LitRPG Adventure
All Erevan wanted to do was to become a blacksmith and work in his father’s smithy, the Enchanted Forge, but sometimes fate has a different plan.
After a tragic mistake, Erevan finds himself transported to the work camp in Altheria. To the nobility, it’s an island-bound rehabilitation complex run by a powerful warden and staffed with short-tempered guards. To the inmates, ‘Alty’ is really a massive, city-sized prison.
Thrown in with criminal humans, dwarves, and other races, Erevan must learn to navigate the island’s complex social system, as well as survive the sanctioned duels- the warden’s method of managing the convict’s anger and aggression.
In Altheria, Erevan learns new smithing skills and forges unexpected alliances. He also gains the attention of the shadowy Thieves Guild, who may have a plan for him both inside and outside of the prison’s walls.
When disaster strikes and all that the young elf has gained is in danger of being lost, will he rise to the challenge and embrace his new destiny?
After a tragic mistake, Erevan finds himself transported to the work camp in Altheria. To the nobility, it’s an island-bound rehabilitation complex run by a powerful warden and staffed with short-tempered guards. To the inmates, ‘Alty’ is really a massive, city-sized prison.
Thrown in with criminal humans, dwarves, and other races, Erevan must learn to navigate the island’s complex social system, as well as survive the sanctioned duels- the warden’s method of managing the convict’s anger and aggression.
In Altheria, Erevan learns new smithing skills and forges unexpected alliances. He also gains the attention of the shadowy Thieves Guild, who may have a plan for him both inside and outside of the prison’s walls.
When disaster strikes and all that the young elf has gained is in danger of being lost, will he rise to the challenge and embrace his new destiny?
- GenresFantasy
532 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 23, 2024
173 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 8, 2024
Crap
Didn't even make it through the sample this is such a crap story. The protagonist is forging a dagger and somehow snaps the metal by slightly mishammering it?! And this then causes it to be unable to be the length needed if he reforges it? Why ? There's the exact same amount of metal that he's putting in the smelter then when he put in the first time.... Like this isn't even specific smithing knowledge this is just general common sense on how metal works lol!
Didn't even make it through the sample this is such a crap story. The protagonist is forging a dagger and somehow snaps the metal by slightly mishammering it?! And this then causes it to be unable to be the length needed if he reforges it? Why ? There's the exact same amount of metal that he's putting in the smelter then when he put in the first time.... Like this isn't even specific smithing knowledge this is just general common sense on how metal works lol!
February 26, 2024
I think this book suffers from not knowing what it is. Is it a crafting book? Is it an adventure book? Is it a heist? What is it?
There's a lot of things happening in it that I feel are ideas the author had that would be cool, and fill in the blanks were made to get from point A to point B.
Also, with one of the most out of nowhere motivation churners taking place. It was unnecessary and goes completely against everything that is being done and exposed throughout the book.
I really wanted to like it, but I don't know if I'll be picking up the next one. I also think that a decent experienced editing pass could've smoothed out these sharp corners a bit.
There's a lot of things happening in it that I feel are ideas the author had that would be cool, and fill in the blanks were made to get from point A to point B.
Also, with one of the most out of nowhere motivation churners taking place. It was unnecessary and goes completely against everything that is being done and exposed throughout the book.
I really wanted to like it, but I don't know if I'll be picking up the next one. I also think that a decent experienced editing pass could've smoothed out these sharp corners a bit.
February 3, 2024
Having an MC that is basically powerless and naive, manipulated by all sides by political intrigue people more powerful than him, etc is just not my type of story. For some people out there I'm sure they would get a kick out of that type of plot but it's just not for me. In the end there was just more of the story that I did not enjoy than that I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2025
Edited 06-29-2025
I upped my rating to 5 full stars! I cant say enough about how much I love this book. Every time I read it, I find something new to love. One thing I never mentioned in any of my reviews is the relationship Erevan has with the dwarves of the Forge. They really end up in the best relationship of all. Kindness, mutual respect, and true friendship. This was my first ever LitRPG book and continues to be my FAVORITE! Its not only a fun story but a story of friendship, hardship, and betrayal. Erevan overcomes so much.
4.5/5
Edited 08-16-2024
Loved this book the first time around and still love it this time!!! Nayal is still my baby, regardless of what anyone says about him! I can't help it!!
This book is a lot, but yet isn't enough at the same time. I love the character building of Erevan, and his story is so complicated yet so simple. There is a lot I enjoyed about this book, but certain things that made me go, hmm.
"Battles are not won by just the strength of arms"
First off, Erevan seems like a simple character. I didn't really care for him at first. He seemed too simple for a fantasy style story. Though, it ended up working for the pacing and overall story. Erevan isn't a typical character. There isn't anything special about him. Everything that makes him special happens through hard work, some cheating, and a whole lot of luck. He got himself in a real pickle. Only he could get himself in the middle of insane plots with so many opposing sides.
Nayal, I loved him from the first moment he was introduced! He was funny, caring, with a dash of insanity that made him interesting. I wasn't really surprised at what he ended up being and what he ended up doing. It seemed quite obvious because he was too helpful, but I still can't help but love him still.
The other characters added a lot of intrigue to the story, but the plot and mystery behind the heart of the forest still seem lacking. I think it's because of the way the story was structured. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the book, because I really did. I was just hoping for a bit more. The book does read like you are playing a video game, which made it easy to read, but it kind of took me out of the world. I'm definitely looking forward to more from this author and seeing what's in store for Erevan next.
I upped my rating to 5 full stars! I cant say enough about how much I love this book. Every time I read it, I find something new to love. One thing I never mentioned in any of my reviews is the relationship Erevan has with the dwarves of the Forge. They really end up in the best relationship of all. Kindness, mutual respect, and true friendship. This was my first ever LitRPG book and continues to be my FAVORITE! Its not only a fun story but a story of friendship, hardship, and betrayal. Erevan overcomes so much.
4.5/5
Edited 08-16-2024
Loved this book the first time around and still love it this time!!! Nayal is still my baby, regardless of what anyone says about him! I can't help it!!
This book is a lot, but yet isn't enough at the same time. I love the character building of Erevan, and his story is so complicated yet so simple. There is a lot I enjoyed about this book, but certain things that made me go, hmm.
"Battles are not won by just the strength of arms"
First off, Erevan seems like a simple character. I didn't really care for him at first. He seemed too simple for a fantasy style story. Though, it ended up working for the pacing and overall story. Erevan isn't a typical character. There isn't anything special about him. Everything that makes him special happens through hard work, some cheating, and a whole lot of luck. He got himself in a real pickle. Only he could get himself in the middle of insane plots with so many opposing sides.
Nayal, I loved him from the first moment he was introduced! He was funny, caring, with a dash of insanity that made him interesting. I wasn't really surprised at what he ended up being and what he ended up doing. It seemed quite obvious because he was too helpful, but I still can't help but love him still.
The other characters added a lot of intrigue to the story, but the plot and mystery behind the heart of the forest still seem lacking. I think it's because of the way the story was structured. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the book, because I really did. I was just hoping for a bit more. The book does read like you are playing a video game, which made it easy to read, but it kind of took me out of the world. I'm definitely looking forward to more from this author and seeing what's in store for Erevan next.
March 25, 2024
Pivots does it again, this time with a gamelit masterpiece (his whisper of iron was isekai). I made the huge mistake of buying this audiobook before work and found myself sneaking listens all day long, finishing it like a madman on the way home. The book is impossible to put down, with each 'act' ending with some craziness and awesome interludes that give the story all kinds of story depth. The characters are incredible, with the dwarves being my favorite (played really well by Exo, nice job mate!). The story definitely has old school RPG vibes, with the classes and skills interesting and scalable. The MC has a very interesting journey ahead of him, and I cannot wait for book 2!!!!
April 10, 2024
Well now
I hate ppl in this book. And very few books make me root and scorn so many characters. This book is well written. I hope the second book we get more of a picture of the world. With the setting of this book its how he see the world for the most part. I enjoyed this book quite alot
I hate ppl in this book. And very few books make me root and scorn so many characters. This book is well written. I hope the second book we get more of a picture of the world. With the setting of this book its how he see the world for the most part. I enjoyed this book quite alot
April 28, 2024
enchanted forge book 1
This book in series was fun to read. Had lots of action, good character development. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
This book in series was fun to read. Had lots of action, good character development. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
October 16, 2024
While it is a fun 'little' read for a bored afternoon. If you're looking for a great book that will hook you, this isn't it.
Honestly not sure who this was written for. It acts like it's a YA, young adult novel, no more a YT, young teen novel but the subject matter really there for that age group just the writing style. It's all, very shallow. From the character's motivations and actions, to how people react to him. Such as how he ends up in the prison being very illogical from both his reaction and how people react to what he did.
Then we get to the magic system? Got to pay gold to unlock classes and skills? Why, how does that work. Can a king then just pay for all his people to unlock classes and skills? None of this whole class system is explained or why some classes cost more than others?
As for classes themselves, you get stats but how much that matter also doesn't get explained. They act like 1-10 level prisoners is super strong but later act like they are super weak. Then act as if a level 60 dragon isn't super strong either yet in the start he was super strong. SUPER!
It's just a mess. Honestly feel like this book would make MORE sense without the LITRPG elements and just go straight up fantasy blacksmith.
Then you get into the politics of kings and powerful people and all of it riding on some random blacksmith? How the elves don't have any great blacksmiths? Yet his dad is a blacksmith in a no name village so surely they do but they don't and can't get blacksmiths which they need even though they are even them in random villages? WHAT.
So yes, this book doesn't make any sense logically. As I said, it's just a fun 'little' read for a fun story about some boy becoming powerful by being the 'chosen' one and great at everything he tries while also so damn charming he can breach racial lines to make friends.
If you want just a cute pass the time story read this. If you want something compelling or engaging, that isn't this series.
Honestly not sure who this was written for. It acts like it's a YA, young adult novel, no more a YT, young teen novel but the subject matter really there for that age group just the writing style. It's all, very shallow. From the character's motivations and actions, to how people react to him. Such as how he ends up in the prison being very illogical from both his reaction and how people react to what he did.
Then we get to the magic system? Got to pay gold to unlock classes and skills? Why, how does that work. Can a king then just pay for all his people to unlock classes and skills? None of this whole class system is explained or why some classes cost more than others?
As for classes themselves, you get stats but how much that matter also doesn't get explained. They act like 1-10 level prisoners is super strong but later act like they are super weak. Then act as if a level 60 dragon isn't super strong either yet in the start he was super strong. SUPER!
It's just a mess. Honestly feel like this book would make MORE sense without the LITRPG elements and just go straight up fantasy blacksmith.
Then you get into the politics of kings and powerful people and all of it riding on some random blacksmith? How the elves don't have any great blacksmiths? Yet his dad is a blacksmith in a no name village so surely they do but they don't and can't get blacksmiths which they need even though they are even them in random villages? WHAT.
So yes, this book doesn't make any sense logically. As I said, it's just a fun 'little' read for a fun story about some boy becoming powerful by being the 'chosen' one and great at everything he tries while also so damn charming he can breach racial lines to make friends.
If you want just a cute pass the time story read this. If you want something compelling or engaging, that isn't this series.
September 16, 2025
Very frustrating read
The MC in this story has no agency at any point in these 3 books. Every decision gets made for him. He gets betrayed by his allies & friends multiple times just to completely forgive them 2 pages later. I kept reading hoping for a sweet brutal comeback revenge arc, but nothing happens.
There's a guy who betrayed him twice and killed the girl he liked in front of him, he gets forgiven and becomes his best friend. There's one who killed his dad - supposedly for the greater good, but actually for no reason at all - He gets forgiven because he feels bad and looks at our MC as his own son (not fucked up at all). And the guy who controlled the MC's every decision like a pawn just gets off scot free without any major confrontation.
The worldbuilding doesn't work either. We supposedly have 3 or 4 major continents, each with their own race. But I think the world has about a diameter of 20 miles, because communications are instant and people seemingly teleport when needed.
The progression/leveling system has pretty much no impact after the first book, to the point where it could easily just be removed and nothing would change.
The series is completed and the first book had some potential (which is where the 3 stars come from), but I don't really recommend this to anyone.
The MC in this story has no agency at any point in these 3 books. Every decision gets made for him. He gets betrayed by his allies & friends multiple times just to completely forgive them 2 pages later. I kept reading hoping for a sweet brutal comeback revenge arc, but nothing happens.
There's a guy who betrayed him twice and killed the girl he liked in front of him, he gets forgiven and becomes his best friend. There's one who killed his dad - supposedly for the greater good, but actually for no reason at all - He gets forgiven because he feels bad and looks at our MC as his own son (not fucked up at all). And the guy who controlled the MC's every decision like a pawn just gets off scot free without any major confrontation.
The worldbuilding doesn't work either. We supposedly have 3 or 4 major continents, each with their own race. But I think the world has about a diameter of 20 miles, because communications are instant and people seemingly teleport when needed.
The progression/leveling system has pretty much no impact after the first book, to the point where it could easily just be removed and nothing would change.
The series is completed and the first book had some potential (which is where the 3 stars come from), but I don't really recommend this to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2025
Enchanted forge is the first book in this series, and while it was a decent enough story, it wasn't one that struck me as the kind I typically like to read. I may read more in this series, but it won't be right now.
The story wasn't bad, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I generally prefer stories with either serious world building, or something that makes the main character stand out that they lean on to develop themselves. While this story had a bit of that, it wasn't really focused in that direction, so it din't grab me as many of the LitRPG tales I read tend to do, so I'll have to let this one sit for a while before coming back to it. Obviously, your mileage may vary.
The story wasn't bad, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I generally prefer stories with either serious world building, or something that makes the main character stand out that they lean on to develop themselves. While this story had a bit of that, it wasn't really focused in that direction, so it din't grab me as many of the LitRPG tales I read tend to do, so I'll have to let this one sit for a while before coming back to it. Obviously, your mileage may vary.
February 23, 2024
The plot and characters were kind of stupid and the writing was stilted, like it wasn’t quite finished and didn’t quite make sense. I found I didn’t really care what happened to old Caravan and his dad. Or his brother Gormless. I guess we were supposed to feel sympathetic but it started with his dad being kind of a dick and his brother having stolen something solid gold from the lord’s mansion. How did he even get in there if he was a dirty peasant? Why does Caravan abruptly murder the lord’s son, and why does everyone seem to think it was self-defense? A grown man smashing a child’s head in with a rock is hardly heroic or ambiguous. The whole thing was most unsatisfactory.
April 7, 2024
Not bad but flat
Not bad but i felt the MC had little input in his life. The MC is mostly just responding to whatever comes his way with no plan or understanding. Obviously he is a pawn and there are lots of players many of which get thrown in randomly through the book. Reads more like political intrigue novel than LitRPG. Not my jam personally. Well enough written and complete story for first book in series as it sets up the longer storyline for the series. Not sure i like the magic system as its pay to play no study or artifact activation. No cash no juice whivch i found impractical and wierd. Probably no going to read second book plenty of other series. More my style.
Not bad but i felt the MC had little input in his life. The MC is mostly just responding to whatever comes his way with no plan or understanding. Obviously he is a pawn and there are lots of players many of which get thrown in randomly through the book. Reads more like political intrigue novel than LitRPG. Not my jam personally. Well enough written and complete story for first book in series as it sets up the longer storyline for the series. Not sure i like the magic system as its pay to play no study or artifact activation. No cash no juice whivch i found impractical and wierd. Probably no going to read second book plenty of other series. More my style.
January 23, 2024
Hey there I want to be honest I read half of this story and my husband picked up where I had left off So this is more like his review bc I was not able to finish it and this coming from someone who does not do book talk but he said that he was really able to fallow along with the chapters and feel a connection he can not wait for you to have a book to sorry this took so long to write thank you
January 28, 2024
This book has it all - crafting, intrigue, friendship, politics, treachery, stats/classes, a vast world (with cool map) with races and stories and alliances, and all kinds of great stuff. The book's setting is in a work camp/prison called Altheria, and that's where most of the book takes place. But this isn't just a boring 'day in the life of a prisoner who makes stuff' tale, oh no! There is so much more to it that I can't even get into without spoilers.
But in general, the same reason that Shawshank was so successful is the same as this book. It has a lot of depth, and when that's not coming from the MC's 1st person perspective, Pivots gives it to us from some kind of interlude or other character. I'm so happy I picked this one up, and I will most likely head to his Patreon to continue his book 2 because I'm obsessed with this story. Give it a try!! Thanks Matt!
But in general, the same reason that Shawshank was so successful is the same as this book. It has a lot of depth, and when that's not coming from the MC's 1st person perspective, Pivots gives it to us from some kind of interlude or other character. I'm so happy I picked this one up, and I will most likely head to his Patreon to continue his book 2 because I'm obsessed with this story. Give it a try!! Thanks Matt!
January 28, 2024
I loved the book! Full of twists and turns, suspense, challenges and creativity. Characters were likable and memorable. The main character, Erevan, had many things happen to him. Each situation he found himself in became another different and tricky situation. The ending was a surprise and I cannot wait for book 2!
April 13, 2024
Interesting story
It's original; well written and edited. No romance. Lots of fights and building of comraderie. Also lots of shadowy players, magic and betrayals. World building is just beginning (I think.) but it is complex and intriguing. There's some cursing - and I fear that will escalate.
It's original; well written and edited. No romance. Lots of fights and building of comraderie. Also lots of shadowy players, magic and betrayals. World building is just beginning (I think.) but it is complex and intriguing. There's some cursing - and I fear that will escalate.
February 13, 2025
Author writes a book. About a subject he knows ... Nothing about.
And it shows... MC breaks a blade.. And suddenly doesn't have enough material ?
Bro.. That is NOT how smithing works. You break a piece of metal.. you don't Loose the metal. Not even in a fantasy world.
Do some basic reading on smithing please.. Hell just watch a single episode of forged in fire..
....
DNF..
And it shows... MC breaks a blade.. And suddenly doesn't have enough material ?
Bro.. That is NOT how smithing works. You break a piece of metal.. you don't Loose the metal. Not even in a fantasy world.
Do some basic reading on smithing please.. Hell just watch a single episode of forged in fire..
....
DNF..
March 13, 2024
Interesting read
All in all a fascinating character and an interesting story line. Epilogue was extremely good as well. Dropped the star due to the lack of definition about the magic system and how it works.
All in all a fascinating character and an interesting story line. Epilogue was extremely good as well. Dropped the star due to the lack of definition about the magic system and how it works.
February 5, 2024
Really good
I really liked this book. I love the emphasis on crafting instead of being an only combat build. A warning, though, it has some very dark parts.
Highly recommended
I really liked this book. I love the emphasis on crafting instead of being an only combat build. A warning, though, it has some very dark parts.
Highly recommended
February 23, 2024
So an Elf gets killed in duel with another Elf and Humans are pissed and went on a rampage to avenge him, by killing Elfs???? What the fuck am I missing here?
Trust wasn't something I gave freely,... MC lol lol after trusting each and every prisoner and warden. No god damn reasoning whatsoever. Lol he got his father killed
I still don't understand why MC being a smith is such a big deal? His father was one as well. I would assume every enclave or City of Elfs have a damn elf Smith.
Trust wasn't something I gave freely,... MC lol lol after trusting each and every prisoner and warden. No god damn reasoning whatsoever. Lol he got his father killed
I still don't understand why MC being a smith is such a big deal? His father was one as well. I would assume every enclave or City of Elfs have a damn elf Smith.
March 13, 2024
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of action.
March 27, 2024
I didn't really like the ending, but it was really well written; the beginning of a budding hero set in an underground prison is fun!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2024
Very good
My first encounter with this author but I will be reading more after this well written and intriguing novel. Can't wait.
My first encounter with this author but I will be reading more after this well written and intriguing novel. Can't wait.
November 5, 2024
Very much a tell style of writing where I prefer show and as the story goes on even the telling felt more and more shallow. Just not for me.
November 5, 2024
3.5 Stars, I like it for the most part and will continue with series.
December 7, 2024
Enjoyable book. Looking forward to more in this series.
March 16, 2024
Great Beginnings
Where will this story take me I wonder? A very good start and easy to pull a reader in with promise of surprise, but lets see where this world will take us. I wait with interest primed to see promise fulfilled!
Where will this story take me I wonder? A very good start and easy to pull a reader in with promise of surprise, but lets see where this world will take us. I wait with interest primed to see promise fulfilled!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews