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12 Miles Below #4
12 Miles Below IV: The Mite Forge:
Book 4 of a Progression Fantasy Epic set around a pseudo-medieval society clinging to existence on frozen post-apocalyptic Earth. Impossible odds, weak-to-strong progression, dungeon-delving, epic battles, scavenged tech, prophecy, magic, and mystery—12 Miles Below has something for everyone. Grab your copy today!
564 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2024
135 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 11, 2024
Incomplete sentences
Please stop using incomplete sentences. It reads so bad and is sometimes vague. It makes for terrible prose and writing quality.
I've enjoyed this series but the issues aren't improving and some are getting worse. There were more wrong or extra words that made some sentences impossible to figure out than in the previous books.
Overall a lower quality book, and the writing with the abundance of incomplete sentences ripped me from the story often.
Please stop using incomplete sentences. It reads so bad and is sometimes vague. It makes for terrible prose and writing quality.
I've enjoyed this series but the issues aren't improving and some are getting worse. There were more wrong or extra words that made some sentences impossible to figure out than in the previous books.
Overall a lower quality book, and the writing with the abundance of incomplete sentences ripped me from the story often.
June 6, 2024
الشخصية الرئيسية والطاقم المساعد له كلهم ولا غلطة ، لا دراما ولا كلام يحتمل معنيين مختلفين يؤدي لسوء تفاهم.
الكل للفرد والفرد للكل إلا لو مصلحة العشيرة تتعارض مع مصلحة الفرد.
البطل واخته وابوه تحفة
معلمه تحفة كمان
عدوه اللي صار صديقه مذهل
إلا الان العلاقات 100% والقصة قاعده تتطور بوتيرة ناسبتني.
وننتظر الكتاب الخامس الان
الكل للفرد والفرد للكل إلا لو مصلحة العشيرة تتعارض مع مصلحة الفرد.
البطل واخته وابوه تحفة
معلمه تحفة كمان
عدوه اللي صار صديقه مذهل
إلا الان العلاقات 100% والقصة قاعده تتطور بوتيرة ناسبتني.
وننتظر الكتاب الخامس الان
May 10, 2024
letdown
Really enjoyed the first 3 books. This one, disappointed. I’m 21% in (125 pages) and almost nothing has happened. Ton of dialogue and inner monologue, repetitive jokes about eating plates, lots of rehash. Not a single weapon drawn in anger. DNF.
Really enjoyed the first 3 books. This one, disappointed. I’m 21% in (125 pages) and almost nothing has happened. Ton of dialogue and inner monologue, repetitive jokes about eating plates, lots of rehash. Not a single weapon drawn in anger. DNF.
December 28, 2024
This is going to be a "negative" review, so let me preface it with this: Mark Arrows tells an interesting story, in an intriguing world, that can draw the reader in. I genuinely want to know what happens, so I want the series to be successful.
Unfortunately, while being able to craft a story is an important part of being an author, it is not the whole. At a minimum, serviceable writing is required. In that respect, these books are not ready for publication, and they become progressively less ready as the series progresses. Readers are not unpaid betas or editors. Spell check is not enough, and neither are the comments on Royal Road--especially if those comments are ignored. Please, for the love of reading, FIND AN EDITOR.
An editor would flag the misused and misspelled words, the sentence fragments, the verb/noun disagreement, the missing or extraneous commas, the incorrectly punctuated dialogue, and the nonsense words (plesh-squire? multi-goon?)
A content editor would point out things like the incomprehensible use of Kevlar by name in a world that doesn't remember words like "scientist" or "pewter". Why would they still call Kevlar Kevlar? How would they still have Kevlar, a synthetic fiber? More importantly, why would the undersiders have Kevlar bags, when their enemy doesn't use bullets?
They'd question the use of phrases like "military grade" in a world that doesn't actually have either a military or recreational shooting, making this a meaningless distinction. Or the point (location 5289) where two suits of relic armor are compared, and either the character or the author is utterly confused about how version numbers relate to time.
A content editor would also have caught the massive continuity issue regarding how many inhabited soul fractals are on the necklace with Tenisent.
The issues are genuinely distracting, and detract from the experience.
Unfortunately, while being able to craft a story is an important part of being an author, it is not the whole. At a minimum, serviceable writing is required. In that respect, these books are not ready for publication, and they become progressively less ready as the series progresses. Readers are not unpaid betas or editors. Spell check is not enough, and neither are the comments on Royal Road--especially if those comments are ignored. Please, for the love of reading, FIND AN EDITOR.
An editor would flag the misused and misspelled words, the sentence fragments, the verb/noun disagreement, the missing or extraneous commas, the incorrectly punctuated dialogue, and the nonsense words (plesh-squire? multi-goon?)
A content editor would point out things like the incomprehensible use of Kevlar by name in a world that doesn't remember words like "scientist" or "pewter". Why would they still call Kevlar Kevlar? How would they still have Kevlar, a synthetic fiber? More importantly, why would the undersiders have Kevlar bags, when their enemy doesn't use bullets?
They'd question the use of phrases like "military grade" in a world that doesn't actually have either a military or recreational shooting, making this a meaningless distinction. Or the point (location 5289) where two suits of relic armor are compared, and either the character or the author is utterly confused about how version numbers relate to time.
A content editor would also have caught the massive continuity issue regarding how many inhabited soul fractals are on the necklace with Tenisent.
The issues are genuinely distracting, and detract from the experience.
February 18, 2025
Please hire an editor
I approached this book with high hopes, as I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the series overall. The first three books had noticeable editorial errors—annoying but not disruptive to the story. However, this installment is so riddled with word misuse, poor sentence structure, grammatical errors, rambling passages, and unnecessary detours that it becomes difficult to read, if not entirely unenjoyable. The author is clearly a talented storyteller, but these accumulating issues detract from what could have otherwise been a great book. As other reviews have pointed out, I’m not alone in this assessment.
The pacing and plot structure feel frustratingly similar to a long-running TV show that should have ended on a high note but instead drags on to maximize profit. In Book 3, we were introduced to what seemed like an immediate and critical threat to the surface colony—yet in Book 4, it’s all but forgotten, mentioned only twice in passing as an issue that still needs to be dealt with, eventually, someday. Meanwhile, the characters spend weeks, if not months, on *new* side quests underground. Even more frustrating is that the artifacts introduced in Book 1, which appeared to require urgent attention (the original side quest), remain unresolved and largely unaddressed three books later.
It feels as though the author has found a profitable formula and is now focused on churning out content as quickly as possible rather than crafting a well-structured, engaging narrative. Unfortunately, this approach does a disservice to the story and the author’s own talent. I would rather wait many more months for a carefully written and coherent Book 5 than dive into another installment that feels as rushed and unfocused as this one.
I approached this book with high hopes, as I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the series overall. The first three books had noticeable editorial errors—annoying but not disruptive to the story. However, this installment is so riddled with word misuse, poor sentence structure, grammatical errors, rambling passages, and unnecessary detours that it becomes difficult to read, if not entirely unenjoyable. The author is clearly a talented storyteller, but these accumulating issues detract from what could have otherwise been a great book. As other reviews have pointed out, I’m not alone in this assessment.
The pacing and plot structure feel frustratingly similar to a long-running TV show that should have ended on a high note but instead drags on to maximize profit. In Book 3, we were introduced to what seemed like an immediate and critical threat to the surface colony—yet in Book 4, it’s all but forgotten, mentioned only twice in passing as an issue that still needs to be dealt with, eventually, someday. Meanwhile, the characters spend weeks, if not months, on *new* side quests underground. Even more frustrating is that the artifacts introduced in Book 1, which appeared to require urgent attention (the original side quest), remain unresolved and largely unaddressed three books later.
It feels as though the author has found a profitable formula and is now focused on churning out content as quickly as possible rather than crafting a well-structured, engaging narrative. Unfortunately, this approach does a disservice to the story and the author’s own talent. I would rather wait many more months for a carefully written and coherent Book 5 than dive into another installment that feels as rushed and unfocused as this one.
February 5, 2025
Another amazing instalment in this incredible series. It continues on this downright engaging plot line that I can't get enough of. In fact i will say the plot is the best attribute of this story. I love other aspects of it but the plot and the intrigue built will always keep me coming back.
I don't want to repeat praises that I've said before so I'll just point out things this book really did well. Namely the villains.
To"Aacar last book was the perfect mix of intimidating and competent. To'Sefit and To'Avalis brought a different element to the table. First they showed us just how different Feathers can be in temperament, ideology and skillset. You can tell they were'nt as powerful as Aacar but no less dangerous for our characters.
Sefit had a very dangerous ability that took navigating and a level of forethought and planning that they just didn't have to deal with for Aacar. Avalis was cunning, careful and most of all he didn't underestimate or play with his targets. Its very cathartic to see a villain take our MC as a threat and pull out all the stops but for our Mc to still edge out a win. That's the type of no holds barred, adrenaline fueled combat and danger I love to see. It's surprisingly hard to get that in stories.
All in all super fun fights and i felt the tension throughout the entire book, that's no small feat. the author continues to impress me with his ability to always capture my attention and imagination so easily.
Also want to point out just how much I enjoyed Keith in this book. His type of snarky humor can get annoying fast if not done right. I never had that problem with him though, in fact he made me laugh out loud more often in this book then any of the books before. I don't know if I just missed him or the author is really getting comfortable with his voice, either way he continues to be the best option for the MC of this story.
The world building stuff was cool too. I liked gettign to learn more about the mites, the history of the proto feathers, the digital world and the history of the Great Empire(what little we got anyway). Another way the series continues to intrigue me.
4 books in and 12 Miles below has Officially cemented itself as my 4th favorite series I've ever read. I can't wait for the next book
I don't want to repeat praises that I've said before so I'll just point out things this book really did well. Namely the villains.
To"Aacar last book was the perfect mix of intimidating and competent. To'Sefit and To'Avalis brought a different element to the table. First they showed us just how different Feathers can be in temperament, ideology and skillset. You can tell they were'nt as powerful as Aacar but no less dangerous for our characters.
Sefit had a very dangerous ability that took navigating and a level of forethought and planning that they just didn't have to deal with for Aacar. Avalis was cunning, careful and most of all he didn't underestimate or play with his targets. Its very cathartic to see a villain take our MC as a threat and pull out all the stops but for our Mc to still edge out a win. That's the type of no holds barred, adrenaline fueled combat and danger I love to see. It's surprisingly hard to get that in stories.
All in all super fun fights and i felt the tension throughout the entire book, that's no small feat. the author continues to impress me with his ability to always capture my attention and imagination so easily.
Also want to point out just how much I enjoyed Keith in this book. His type of snarky humor can get annoying fast if not done right. I never had that problem with him though, in fact he made me laugh out loud more often in this book then any of the books before. I don't know if I just missed him or the author is really getting comfortable with his voice, either way he continues to be the best option for the MC of this story.
The world building stuff was cool too. I liked gettign to learn more about the mites, the history of the proto feathers, the digital world and the history of the Great Empire(what little we got anyway). Another way the series continues to intrigue me.
4 books in and 12 Miles below has Officially cemented itself as my 4th favorite series I've ever read. I can't wait for the next book
February 15, 2025
Another enjoyable volume, although less self contained than the last but that’s inevitable when expanding the world
The last two volumes I noticed editorial issues so I kept track this time around, the errors are rare enough but ramped up a lot in the last 20% or so:
Ascetic vs aesthetic
Feather vs father
Agis vs aegis
“Like a large Multi-goon” vs multi-gon? Like hexagon?
Lady explosions vs lady’s explosions/ explosives?
“Planner in question” missing “the?”
Repelled vs rappelled
Repel vs rappel
Stubble vs stumble
Whenever vs whatever
Looking forward to volume 5, some really interesting concepts and unlike many web novels the author actually addresses edge cases and abuse usually only reserved for main characters
That said the entire volume is a walk and a fight in two parts, but I doubt I’d have cared about that if this was on royal road like it originally was
The last two volumes I noticed editorial issues so I kept track this time around, the errors are rare enough but ramped up a lot in the last 20% or so:
Ascetic vs aesthetic
Feather vs father
Agis vs aegis
“Like a large Multi-goon” vs multi-gon? Like hexagon?
Lady explosions vs lady’s explosions/ explosives?
“Planner in question” missing “the?”
Repelled vs rappelled
Repel vs rappel
Stubble vs stumble
Whenever vs whatever
Looking forward to volume 5, some really interesting concepts and unlike many web novels the author actually addresses edge cases and abuse usually only reserved for main characters
That said the entire volume is a walk and a fight in two parts, but I doubt I’d have cared about that if this was on royal road like it originally was
January 19, 2025
Fun, but full of flaws
There's a lot to like about this series, but the consistent grammatical errors are a huge blemish. The editors are clearly not doing their job.
The characters are fun, some are even well written. The main character is not, however.
The setting is lovely, just beautiful. It's deep and mysterious and exciting. Lots to like, and probably the reason I'll continue the series.
There's a lot to like about this series, but the consistent grammatical errors are a huge blemish. The editors are clearly not doing their job.
The characters are fun, some are even well written. The main character is not, however.
The setting is lovely, just beautiful. It's deep and mysterious and exciting. Lots to like, and probably the reason I'll continue the series.
December 26, 2024
Keith and wrath need to get stuck in an elevator or something, cause I treasure their interactions. As for everything else, well I felt like not much happened and there weren't even many reveals of the worldbuilding. For every step progressed, it felt like the author took 2, 3, or 10 steps to get there.
May 8, 2024
Keith is an amazing character and his adventures are both thrilling and hilarious. It's sometimes annoying how he's treated by Tenisent but I adore the mutual support between him and Kidra. Adding Wrath to the mix is just asking for so much trouble.
May 8, 2024
loved the book can’t wait for the next one
Great story really liked it. Especially the world building and the plot twists finished it really fast. Definitely would recommend for those who like story of mc’s that go from weak to strong
Great story really liked it. Especially the world building and the plot twists finished it really fast. Definitely would recommend for those who like story of mc’s that go from weak to strong
May 15, 2024
Another great addition to the series
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying this series. However, this book was riddled with spelling issues. Just need a tiny more time at the editors and proofreaders!
I’ve been thoroughly enjoying this series. However, this book was riddled with spelling issues. Just need a tiny more time at the editors and proofreaders!
May 19, 2024
I'm undecided between 3 or 4 stars. So Ill say 3.5/5.
It's good, but I honestly don't think it's as good as the first three. Still a fun read but to take a leaf out of a certain loveable character. "Less talk more stabbing".
It's good, but I honestly don't think it's as good as the first three. Still a fun read but to take a leaf out of a certain loveable character. "Less talk more stabbing".
December 1, 2024
Cleverly written and engaging
Kudos to this author. The characters are funny, engaging and believable. The story captures the imagination and this story needs more love. Pick up a copy today. You won't regret it.
Kudos to this author. The characters are funny, engaging and believable. The story captures the imagination and this story needs more love. Pick up a copy today. You won't regret it.
February 25, 2025
Still excellent aside from the need for better proof reading.
Really enjoying this series, but it has some editing issues. Missing words, typos, incorrect word choice, etc. I've highlighted the ones I found and uploaded them as notes on Goodreads.
Really enjoying this series, but it has some editing issues. Missing words, typos, incorrect word choice, etc. I've highlighted the ones I found and uploaded them as notes on Goodreads.
December 18, 2025
AAAAHHHHHHH
This was not the new arc or filler installment I thought it'd be. The synopsis did the book a disservice by giving the illusion of a cordoned off quest. Sure, these things are happening but the story is way more dynamic than this imo
This was not the new arc or filler installment I thought it'd be. The synopsis did the book a disservice by giving the illusion of a cordoned off quest. Sure, these things are happening but the story is way more dynamic than this imo
December 23, 2024
This says a lot about society.
January 9, 2025
Lots of long descriptions of fights. Often fun, but starting to wear on me a bit. Love the characters. Love the world building. Love the non-fight-taunting interactions.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews