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Infinite Realm #6

The Runesmith: A LitRPG Cultivation Saga

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Delve into the penultimate chapter of the gripping Infinite Realm saga!

Years have passed since the devastating war tore through the heart of the Settled Territories, reshaping the balance of power in ways previously unimaginable. Yet, tranquility remains elusive as the looming threat of the Domes, ancient prisons harboring horrors rivaling that of Hastur, edges closer to unleashing chaos upon the world. Faced with the imminent danger posed by the Domes' impending breach, the disparate factions of the Infinite Realm must unite to confront this peril before it wreaks havoc upon their unprepared world.
Amidst the tumult, a shadowy force stirs once more. The Unchained, driven by their enigmatic objectives, maneuver in the darkness, while a primordial terror, a creature of unfathomable might and cunning, lurks behind their machinations. Emerging from the shadows is Ra'azel, the Runesmith, orchestrating his own intricate schemes, poised to tip the scales of power in his favor.

This book contains RPG mechanics and tables, cultivation, profanity, gore, mature themes, unconventional morality, and multiple complicated main characters. This story follows several main characters, both male and female, who are introduced into the story at different times. This story is a mix of LitRPG and Xianxia, and it will have Classes as well as Cultivation systems.
Author's
This story is the e-book version of my webserial.

1313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2024

212 people are currently reading
105 people want to read

About the author

Ivan Kal

42 books384 followers
Ivan Kal writes science fiction and fantasy, and is the author of the space opera series Rise of the Empire.
For most of his life he had been studying in the fields of electronics, IT, and web design.
But because of his great love for books and his need to tell stories, he decided to start writing.
His other interests include martial arts, movies and tv, and gaming.

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5 stars
280 (59%)
4 stars
124 (26%)
3 stars
50 (10%)
2 stars
11 (2%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Daniel Andersen.
3 reviews
January 12, 2025
Book could do with a 10 hour shave, there is so much unnecessary fluff and repetitions every few chapters
318 reviews8 followers
July 13, 2024
This book was a bit of a mess

I really think this had the potential to be a great series but the author keeps getting in his own way. This book wasn’t terrible but there were too many plot holes, too much focus on cultivation, discrepancies in power levels and incoherent fight scenes.

The LitRPG mechanics have always been an important part of this series. That said, it’s really boring to read about ten different people’s leveling and cultivation journeys simultaneously. There’s so much philosophical mumbo jumbo that it drowns out other more important things.

Zack is still a terrible character. His unwillingness to take decisive action gets his allies killed and no one even mentions it.

The last fight scene took forever. It felt like a Dragon Ball Z episode.

Not the worst but it could be so much better.
Profile Image for Gareth Otton.
Author 5 books131 followers
March 16, 2025
This is comfortably the worst book in this series and I was tempted to only give it 2 stars. However, it was interesting enough to keep me reading to the end, which in a book this big says a lot, so I'll give it the benefit of the doubt and round up to 3 stars.

The problems here are many, the biggest of which is that this novel is embarrassingly drawn out. This has always been a series where a thousand words are used to portray a hundred words of meaning, but this book takes this to extremes. From redundant writing as the same scenes are described through multiple viewpoints, to the endless chapters of over explaining character thought processes, to a final battle that takes up about 20% of a 1300+ page novel; this is the story that drastically overstays its welcome. I am a big fan of large books, but I'm also a fan of efficient writing. There's nothing fun about padding out a story that should be no more than 500 pages to something nearly 3 times that size without accomplishing anything meaningful.

The next big issue is that there are too many protagonists. Back when it was just Ryun and Zach I thought it was one too many, but now the cast of POV characters is so large that all of the concentrated awesome off Ryun's story has been diluted down to the point of insignificance.

This actually leads to my biggest issue here, the loss of Ryun. The character that hooked me on this series is not the same character in the pages of this book. Ryun's story was that of a cultivating force of nature who blew past all barriers and cultivator norms on his path to the peak of power in the Infinite Realm. This was set against a fascinating character study of a socially awkward and borderline sociopathic character who was beginning to smooth off his rough edges with each new person he brought into his life. It was a story of unlimited potential, breakneck advancement, and a heartwarming family dynamic to keep this superhuman being somewhat grounded.

However, this story picks up with a Ryun who has put off advancement for 10 years, who no longer rushes ahead with his cultivation journey but instead keeps pace with everyone around him, and who constantly acts insecure about his path, often seeking the guidance/approval of others before taking a single step forward where before he would have let instincts and a relentless drive to improve carry him through all obstacles in his way. I understand that change is vital in a story, but not to the point of removing everything that is special/unique/defining about a character.

Talking of diluting what makes this character special, let's talk about how everyone in this series can now advance constantly like it's no big deal. When Ryun and Zach arrived, they were special (especially Ryun) for the fact that they advanced at rates that were orders of magnitude beyond everyone else. Ryun achieved in the space of 20 years what most rankers took centuries to achieve. Now though, young characters like Kri are already progressing to the Immortal realm like it's nothing, and the other cultivators in Ryun's life are advancing like it's barely an inconvenience anymore. In an effort to make a wide cast of characters shine, the author seems to be forgetting that the protagonist needs to shine brightest.

The final gripe I will leave this review on is the abysmal ending. It's a massively drawn out waste of time, and it was unrealistic in it's lack of finality. There were multiple occasions where it should logically have been put to bed, but the story got in its own way to drag it out even further, ultimately to the detriment of every element of the story.

Ultimately this was a mess of a book that I think is only redeemable because of the books that preceded it. This series has reached a point where it's enjoyable to just spend time in this world and with these characters, and that goodwill is carrying this book forward. The trouble is, I don't know how long that can last.

This reader especially is here for Ryun's story, and I don't see any indication that the author plans to stop diluting down his role in this story until he is just a role player in a large cast of characters. It has me worried about where this series is going next.
Profile Image for Phil.
274 reviews11 followers
July 2, 2025
This is what happens when an author fails to follow the power system that he has established in order to manufacture suspense: a book that feels arbitrary and filled with deus ex machina. I've rounded up from 3.5 to a 4 review because I recognize a lot of strengths, but they are so severely outweighed by every major conflict feeling contrived.

As the title implies, the infamous Yeti who Zack encountered and released four books ago, is the main antagonist in this book. Out of all the major antagonists to date, I will concede that his backstory is probably the best and he, generally speaking, is a great villain. A person who once tried to do everything he could to lift his people and save them, only to be betrayed, suffer an eternity, only to get his chance at revenge. A person who was already super powerful gets millennia to think and ponder on how to better himself resulting in someone who is beyond a master of his power. And just like most villains, deep down he is a coward.

I suspect that Kal believes the same of the yeti because anytime he fights, it is like a cheat code is on. I mentioned in my review of the previous book that while Zack seemed to become overpowered, it would be needed in this book. I was partly right, except on the overpowered part...

My biggest problem here is that all the conflict with the yeti was contrived and Kal seemed to do everything to ensure that his big bad villain survives for as long as possible. To be fair, this is no different than what he is doing with Zack and Ryun. Faced with impossible odds, they have some kind of inspiration that makes them transcend to overcome. So what happens when three characters whose development is based in deus ex machina face each other in direct combat? Well, about a couple hundred of pages of fighting that doesn't make one damn bit of sense.

I listened to this book on Audible, so I can't say on which page it starts, but there were approximately 4-5 hours left when the main conflict started. It was without a doubt the most convoluted battle I have ever read. It was nearly nonsensical. Kal threw out just about every single bit of established law and rules related to the powers that he has spent six books developing in the name of reaching certain plot points. I mentioned this exact same critique in earlier reviews but Kal took it to a different level in this one.

I have enjoyed this series but I'm at a point where I'm not sure I care anymore to know what happens. Almost all of the main characters that we have spent six books with are no longer the same people we knew, for good and bad, and I no longer have any emotional connection to them. It is not too dissimilar from Greco-Roman mythology. How attached are you going to get to any of the various pantheon of gods who quibble and squabble about more power and influence? Probably not much - especially if they have no more humanity, which is really what is happening to most of these characters. They are becoming something beyond and as a result they are simultaneously losing something that made them who they were. In short, I'm curious to see 'the end' much like Ryun, but the things that keep me interested are no longer present (i.e., character development, interesting characters, realistic outcomes from the laws established in the book, a focused narrative with a contemplated end game, etc...).

I won't deny that Kal has penned an interesting series and has established the framework for a compelling world, but my view is that the ends now justify the means in all facets of the book, and I cannot say I enjoy reading a story where everything that has been established as the rules is thrown out on a whim.
2 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2024
Fun. Good. Messy.

This series continues to be fun. Breadth of characters, scope, and new scenarios are compelling; worth reading.

Yet, this book feels forced. There is an arc to any series, and for the first time this series seems like it's not sure where to go. Several very contrived elements are introduced just to make the book work, which makes it all read less organically than prior installments.

I have enjoyed the long discussions of powers, skills, aspects, and more. As the main characters are already the most powerful beings in the world, explorations of these rules and powers have become very philosophical, long winded, and confusing. A means to allow these "Superman" level beings to keep growing within a progression fantasy story, and it doesn't work well at all..

All in all, if you like the first books, keep reading. I am looking forward to the next book.

88 reviews
August 30, 2024
Not a huge fan of this one.

First 50% of the book are very slow and dry. We follow multiple characters who are just straight cultivating/gaining power without any real purpose or goal.

After that we get into the big conflict with The Runesmith and The Chainbreakers. My main problem here is that they're just not very good bad guys. The Chainbreakers are all completely forgettable, using borrowed power to somehow be relevant. Even The Runesmith himself feels more like a dipshit protected by a lot of plot armor rather than an all powerful bad guy and sadly it seems like he's sticking around.

Zach is still a self righteous loser. His allies keep getting hurt because of him, while he keeps trying to save his enemies and noone calls him out on his bullshit.
Profile Image for Joseph D..
Author 3 books3 followers
May 15, 2025
Epic Battle

Book 6 of Infinite Realm. ​This novel takes us into the conflict with Ra’Azel. This was an epic battle but doesn’t bring our adventure to an end. Lots of hints about the future of the series and what lies beyond this realm. We also get a deeper sense of the Oblivion, Time, and the Hunters of the End. Overall a very fun read that could have served as the end of the series. Excited to see the conflict that is about to happen and how it will help the heroes advance. Leaves you with a lot to think about. Warning: Explicit language.

Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Profile Image for Gr.
1,161 reviews9 followers
December 13, 2024
This is a great continuation of the series. Ever since the first book in the series, I felt that the author spent too much time on the gaming aspects of LITRPG. This book provides an improved balance between reviewing stats and progressing the plot.

The Runesmith contains lots of action, solid characters, pain and loss, achievement, and growth. I listened to the audio version, and Phil Thron's narration was excellent. I am looking forward to the release of Book 7 to see where the author takes us.
Profile Image for Konstantin Samoylov.
277 reviews4 followers
December 19, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this book. While it’s still a great story, it feels like the main character’s growth has reached a world-shattering level, leaving little room for fundamental development. The narrative hints at even higher power levels, but the escalation already feels excessive. Destroying mountains instead of trees during battles isn’t more impressive, it’s just a larger scale.

I do hope the series continues, but this book felt like the plot had already reached its natural culmination and then dragged a bit longer.
Profile Image for XR.
1,980 reviews106 followers
November 17, 2024
This addition to the Infinite Realm series was a doozy! 6 books in and Kal still manages to keep me on my toes while reading. The philosophies for this world are mind boggling. I love the characters, as per usual, and I cannot wait to see how Kal ends the series. All I can say is, I hope that my favourites end up happy... most especially TALI!

I'm excited for the Triad of Ryun, Selia and Erdania and their future. BABIES! YAY!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
285 reviews
February 28, 2025
The Runesmith: Infinite Realm, Book 6
Ivan Kal

Ra'azel. Ra'azel. And even more Ra'azel. Book 6 deals with all the actions and associated consequences of Ra'azel becoming more at "home" in the Infinite Realm. And boy do we have some consequences. Many fights occur. Naturally, deaths come afterwards. Book 6 was good. Maybe some chapters could have been trimmed a little, but the hard part would be, what gets cut?

Overall, an enjoyable read! Not sure what comes next.
Profile Image for Al.
1 review1 follower
August 23, 2025
Forced

The series started well but like most long works done with authors who work on other stories, it lost is substance. It turned a good story into a cheap version of game of thrones with a harem. The characters that died were cheap and predictable while the characters that were saved was done in even cheaper ways. And the plot armor at the ending is just dumb. I don't need to read the last book now. The author has forced it onto us. Two turned into THREE...go figure...
Profile Image for Nicholas Montgomery.
10 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2024
Great!

Not a review on the book. Had to take chance to elevate his series, easily my absolute favorite LITRPG of all time!

Kal and this series deserve more recognition. So dang good.

I've read hundreds of LITRPG, but there are only a few that I really look forward. Anticipation level is same as if I was waiting on a new movie or the newest Dark Souls video game.
53 reviews
August 18, 2024
great

I very much enjoy the story line. Ryun and friends are captivating. Just when I think I know how it will end there is a twist. I give thanks to Ivan Kal for the length of his books. I never feel just when I get into a story it ends. Looking forward to the next book of the series.
Profile Image for Braxton Hunt.
4 reviews
December 29, 2024
I liked how Ryun finally got some love from the author in this book. I like how Zach’s personality has progressed after his ordeal with Hastor. Book started off slow, but improved. It seems like we were getting to the end of the MCs’ progression but this book opened up a lot more and explained some minutia from previous books. Great addition to the series.
Profile Image for Tony Hinde.
2,145 reviews78 followers
January 14, 2025
DNF 5%

This 1300 page door stopper seemed to be heading nowhere interesting after two hours of reading. Both protagonists were comfortably resting on their laurels and the planned action, of fighting domes, seemed like the equivalent of tower runs in other books... I'm not interested in that.

This novel should have been tightened by at least 50% by a good editor.
Profile Image for Mike Goodman.
1,587 reviews12 followers
July 22, 2024
Awesome Series

This story of the last two survivors of the 7th earth going to the next realm was fantastic. This story leaves off with Tali being comatose and the Yeti getting away.
25 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2024
The final end.

Book 6 was great and terrible! I hate bad guys that don't simply die. Why do writers do that? Is it so hard to make a new bad guy? Also it makes the MC and friends look stupid.
Profile Image for R.
112 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2024
DNF after a few hours of listening. Honestly, just couldn't reconnect with the story in a meaningful way.

Maybe I will eventually start the story over from the beginning and it will be different once I get to this point, but I kind-of doubt it.
1 review
January 5, 2025
So good

Ivan delivers another great book for the infinite realm series. Always leaving me with all sorts of emotions. This book made me smile, cry, and cheer. Ryun, hits his stride in this book.
7 reviews
May 1, 2025
Another great installment.

Another great book in the series. There was so much expansion in the powers/framework that we can finally see the endgame! With that said, the epilog chapters provide enough hooks for many more books/spinoffs. Great stuff!
253 reviews
July 2, 2024
Excellent

I like the pace and the depth of the characters. No superficial lame characters in this book. It's truly masterful.
61 reviews
July 2, 2024
awesome!!!

The author has done it again!! This series is amazing! The system, character development, and story are captivating. Never a dull moment.
2,203 reviews7 followers
July 11, 2024
Very good read.

I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
11 reviews
July 17, 2024
Hard to put down!

Thoroughly enjoyed this installment to the Infinite Realm. Fast paced and filled with exciting events. Eagerly awaiting the next installment.
1 review
October 2, 2024
Incredible

Perfect continuation of the story, and keeps getting better. Kept me enthralled start to finish. Can't wait for the next one.
63 reviews
February 18, 2025
Getting better, I enjoyed this one a lot. It was kinda unfocused but in general the story is going interesting places.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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