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Rise of the Living Forge #2
Rise of the Living Forge 2
Book 2 in the next epic LitRPG Saga from Actus, bestselling author of Return of the Runebound Professor. With nearly 7-million views on Royal Road, this definitive edition is perfect for fans of Seth Ring, Jonathan Brooks, Michael Chatfield and lovers of all things Progression Fantasy and Crafting.
About the Features a healthy mix of crafting and combat, a strong-to-stronger MC, power progression, a detailed magic system, item enchantment, smithing, unforgettable characters, and much more!
About the Features a healthy mix of crafting and combat, a strong-to-stronger MC, power progression, a detailed magic system, item enchantment, smithing, unforgettable characters, and much more!
500 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2025
646 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Actus
58 books212 followersActus has been writing fantasy stories since the age of twelve, and he's been telling them since he could talk. He's currently working on three main series - Morcster Chef, Steamforged Sorcery, and My Best Friend is an Eldritch Horror. You can find his works on RoyalRoad & Patreon as well as on Amazon.
In addition to his passion for writing, Actus is capable of clearing a two story building with a single jump. That isn't true, but writing about himself in third person gives Actus delusions of grandeur.
In addition to his passion for writing, Actus is capable of clearing a two story building with a single jump. That isn't true, but writing about himself in third person gives Actus delusions of grandeur.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 22, 2025
Romance:
January 25, 2025
Good material, but still HUGE plot holes
Let me preface this by saying it IS a good series. That being said, there are some glaring plot holes that disrupt the flow of the story. I don't know if the author can fix these plot holes at this point, but I'm hopeful something can be done to fix them.
Firstly, the money. EVERYTHING is in gold. Off the top of my head, I think silver was mentioned twice. The author seems to have just added prices of goods/services in to pad his word count, and that's just lazy writing. The author needs to make it more believable because the way it is now detracts from the story instead of enhancing it.
Second is the self-improvement of the characters. Lissia doesn't grow stronger if it doesn't help her inn BUT the healer can grow stronger by killing monsters? That doesn't make sense because as much healing as she does, she should be on par with the MC at this point.
Third, they have access to a journeyman level dungeon. Why would they pay to go to another one? Odd choice doesn't really make sense, but the author tries to make it make sense in a painfully obvious way.
Lastly, the MC doesn't understand money. That is almost a direct quote. MC doesn't understand money but knows that any money he needs is easily gained. It's kind of a big gap in mentality and (storybook) reality.
Now, there are a few other parts that don't make sense, but they are minor, so we won't talk about them. The author has a great premise, backstory, and opportunity. These plot holes kind of screw with the whole story, though.
Let me preface this by saying it IS a good series. That being said, there are some glaring plot holes that disrupt the flow of the story. I don't know if the author can fix these plot holes at this point, but I'm hopeful something can be done to fix them.
Firstly, the money. EVERYTHING is in gold. Off the top of my head, I think silver was mentioned twice. The author seems to have just added prices of goods/services in to pad his word count, and that's just lazy writing. The author needs to make it more believable because the way it is now detracts from the story instead of enhancing it.
Second is the self-improvement of the characters. Lissia doesn't grow stronger if it doesn't help her inn BUT the healer can grow stronger by killing monsters? That doesn't make sense because as much healing as she does, she should be on par with the MC at this point.
Third, they have access to a journeyman level dungeon. Why would they pay to go to another one? Odd choice doesn't really make sense, but the author tries to make it make sense in a painfully obvious way.
Lastly, the MC doesn't understand money. That is almost a direct quote. MC doesn't understand money but knows that any money he needs is easily gained. It's kind of a big gap in mentality and (storybook) reality.
Now, there are a few other parts that don't make sense, but they are minor, so we won't talk about them. The author has a great premise, backstory, and opportunity. These plot holes kind of screw with the whole story, though.
April 6, 2025
Overly wordy
The story itself is decently mid. There are a lot of plot holes and things that just don’t really make sense aside from because the MC needs it to happen. Basically the plot armor is real.
The money values of things are just ridiculous. A suit of armor is 300 gold, but a guild charter is 500! The merchants guild seems completely useless and just an added stupidity. Also the newest “thieves guild” that is suddenly being threatened when they already know about ifrit and should be leaving him alone, oh wait, crappy plot holes.
One thing I must say, the book just keeps going on and on and on! Seriously, this book takes 100 words to say something that could be done in 5. If you cut all the extraneous stuff out, this book would be 1/4 of the size. I found myself constantly skipping PAGES of needless descriptions of his crafting.
The story itself is decently mid. There are a lot of plot holes and things that just don’t really make sense aside from because the MC needs it to happen. Basically the plot armor is real.
The money values of things are just ridiculous. A suit of armor is 300 gold, but a guild charter is 500! The merchants guild seems completely useless and just an added stupidity. Also the newest “thieves guild” that is suddenly being threatened when they already know about ifrit and should be leaving him alone, oh wait, crappy plot holes.
One thing I must say, the book just keeps going on and on and on! Seriously, this book takes 100 words to say something that could be done in 5. If you cut all the extraneous stuff out, this book would be 1/4 of the size. I found myself constantly skipping PAGES of needless descriptions of his crafting.
January 19, 2025
Ohhhh myyy! That was the bestest book evarrr! I know, I know I say that a lot, 😆! And even though I loved the first book too pieces, this book is better... and there's plenty for you to enjoy in this action‐clad story. I absolutely love Arwin and lillia as the work on their new classes, in Arwin's case, the smithy and Lillia is working hard on her Inn while cooking up a storm for her guests! And between times the whole team goes dungeon diving to power-up. Even though it does sound like it does much for Arwin and Lillia it actually does in a roundabout way. And yeah more monster parts to smith with and of course cook!
So yeah get the books because you're going to love them too 💕 guaranteed!
So yeah get the books because you're going to love them too 💕 guaranteed!
August 29, 2025
good enough to be frustrating
This series has potential. And I think it would be fine for a YA audience. As an avid fantasy reader, I’ve been a bit disappointed. There is just enough substance to make it interesting, but not enough to make it truly good. This is not a true LitRPG. There are no stats, the levels are an after thought, and the titles and achievements are uninteresting. There are also inconsistencies in the leveling system. The crafters and innkeepers can’t gain eco from battle but healers (another non combat class) doesn’t gain exp from healing but rather combat. This doesn’t make much sense. Also a lot of the plot progression seems very forced. The plotline regarding the merchant seems absurd (in a bad way).
This series has potential. And I think it would be fine for a YA audience. As an avid fantasy reader, I’ve been a bit disappointed. There is just enough substance to make it interesting, but not enough to make it truly good. This is not a true LitRPG. There are no stats, the levels are an after thought, and the titles and achievements are uninteresting. There are also inconsistencies in the leveling system. The crafters and innkeepers can’t gain eco from battle but healers (another non combat class) doesn’t gain exp from healing but rather combat. This doesn’t make much sense. Also a lot of the plot progression seems very forced. The plotline regarding the merchant seems absurd (in a bad way).
December 23, 2025
Good but
The author really has no understanding of armor terms. Greaves are apparently a catch-all for any leg armor and are worn with no clothing underneath. I am still trying to work out how tearing off a set of greaves makes a person naked from the waist down. Gloves/gauntlets and boots/sabatons are swapped like they are the same thing when they are not. There is also a lot of word salad and repetition when it comes to the actual making of armor. I really don't need to know each time the scale is cleaned off the metal during the forging process.
I like the story and the characters are ok but the blacksmithing inconsistencies can be very distracting at times. Especially when they only serve juvenile jokes about fighting naked.
The author really has no understanding of armor terms. Greaves are apparently a catch-all for any leg armor and are worn with no clothing underneath. I am still trying to work out how tearing off a set of greaves makes a person naked from the waist down. Gloves/gauntlets and boots/sabatons are swapped like they are the same thing when they are not. There is also a lot of word salad and repetition when it comes to the actual making of armor. I really don't need to know each time the scale is cleaned off the metal during the forging process.
I like the story and the characters are ok but the blacksmithing inconsistencies can be very distracting at times. Especially when they only serve juvenile jokes about fighting naked.
April 21, 2025
the story gets even better
Good second book. Introduction of new characters. Development of existing characters. We finally get the inn, smithy and guild. The guild fights their nemesis and get recognition from a mysterious organization.
Great story! I love the political working that allowed the adventurers guild to control the nation of Liam and get corrupted or manufacture war for their benefits and probably those of the monster alliance. Very interesting potential for mayhem from our main characters.
Good second book. Introduction of new characters. Development of existing characters. We finally get the inn, smithy and guild. The guild fights their nemesis and get recognition from a mysterious organization.
Great story! I love the political working that allowed the adventurers guild to control the nation of Liam and get corrupted or manufacture war for their benefits and probably those of the monster alliance. Very interesting potential for mayhem from our main characters.
September 29, 2025
A good series
Its a good second book for a pretty good series, and author. A few I guess nitpicks, i guess. 1. The romance between the main two characters, could use to be slower, going from enemies to lovers, as it were, in just two books or a few weeks in the world is a bit unrealistic, unless you were going for love at first fight. 2. I feel like the climax was a little too soon in the book, as it happened at like 60 percent, but at best its a small nitpick. I guess really I feel like the romance is way too soon in their relationship. Like I said good book overall.
Its a good second book for a pretty good series, and author. A few I guess nitpicks, i guess. 1. The romance between the main two characters, could use to be slower, going from enemies to lovers, as it were, in just two books or a few weeks in the world is a bit unrealistic, unless you were going for love at first fight. 2. I feel like the climax was a little too soon in the book, as it happened at like 60 percent, but at best its a small nitpick. I guess really I feel like the romance is way too soon in their relationship. Like I said good book overall.
January 18, 2025
I guess the best way to describe it is Bland. The first book was good, but following the tradition of a lot of LitRPGs, they start well and then wither from there.
I struggled to get to the end as so little actually happened that it could have been 1/2 as long. The ending was anticlimactic and overall there was almost zero character growth in the entire book.
This will just be another that falls to the wayside for me
I struggled to get to the end as so little actually happened that it could have been 1/2 as long. The ending was anticlimactic and overall there was almost zero character growth in the entire book.
This will just be another that falls to the wayside for me
February 3, 2025
I have no complaints. The book was well written, funny, with an engaging main character, and the side characters are interesting and well written too. The book has a diverse cast of characters which I find charming, (only because they’re actually good), and the plot was fun! It’s a quick read, and I found myself wanting more at the end. Also, I don’t normally like romances in my fantasy, but these were cute and didn’t take too much from the plot. So, all in all, a great read! 5 stars.
August 7, 2025
A pretty unique concept for a story
A warrior blacksmith and his paramour, who was his former advesary. Both were betrayed by their clans to die in a blaze of glory. But they came back, though changed. Dungeon diving, then fighting a higher level guild-head who views the world as his personal experience farm, the MC must really dig deep to overcome the guild-head as well as his pets.
A warrior blacksmith and his paramour, who was his former advesary. Both were betrayed by their clans to die in a blaze of glory. But they came back, though changed. Dungeon diving, then fighting a higher level guild-head who views the world as his personal experience farm, the MC must really dig deep to overcome the guild-head as well as his pets.
January 27, 2025
Who knew how popular this genre is?
It seems, now that I've started reading books in this, genre, that there are a all number of authors thst write the best stories.
Actus is clearly one of them. He understands how RPG works and his, characters are great fun.
If you like the genre, you won't want 5o miss this series.
It seems, now that I've started reading books in this, genre, that there are a all number of authors thst write the best stories.
Actus is clearly one of them. He understands how RPG works and his, characters are great fun.
If you like the genre, you won't want 5o miss this series.
March 5, 2025
More but slow
I enjoyed the continuation of this story, but the pacing was a bit slow. To such a degree that my son, who found this series first, put it down halfway through this volume. The crafting was fine. The new characters were well done, and the new tidbits of the storyline were all good. Solid read but not one that you'll struggle to put down when life interrupts.
I enjoyed the continuation of this story, but the pacing was a bit slow. To such a degree that my son, who found this series first, put it down halfway through this volume. The crafting was fine. The new characters were well done, and the new tidbits of the storyline were all good. Solid read but not one that you'll struggle to put down when life interrupts.
June 20, 2025
Wow awesomeness
Is truly an awesome series. This book is no different full of everything. Crafting, progression side characters that matter, and main characters that have depth. what's not to like? I do enjoy crafting series and novels. This one is unique and fun. The system is still game-it but enjoyable. Do yourself a favor and read it.
Is truly an awesome series. This book is no different full of everything. Crafting, progression side characters that matter, and main characters that have depth. what's not to like? I do enjoy crafting series and novels. This one is unique and fun. The system is still game-it but enjoyable. Do yourself a favor and read it.
January 18, 2025
good continuation
Only real critique is that I wish the author spent less time in the forge of Arwin and his thoughts of how he is so badass in overcoming visions while he hits things with his hammer and more time on the abilities / backgrounds of the other characters especially Lylia
Only real critique is that I wish the author spent less time in the forge of Arwin and his thoughts of how he is so badass in overcoming visions while he hits things with his hammer and more time on the abilities / backgrounds of the other characters especially Lylia
January 23, 2025
I really enjoy this series. I tend to read the litrpg genre less seriously and focusing on pure entertainment, which I definitely found in the book. Story progresses well from the first iteration, and more character depth is found. I liked the twists and turns.
I read this as a break from heavier reading, and it provided exactly what I needed. I'm looking forward to the next one.
I read this as a break from heavier reading, and it provided exactly what I needed. I'm looking forward to the next one.
January 22, 2025
Enjoyable. Nice progression of story line. Still kind of freaked out about someone eating magic medal. There was quite a bit of detailed forge work but what do you expect? I liked his experimentation and development of his skills.
February 1, 2025
Great read
This was a great second instalment to the living forge series. Really looking forward to more in the series. Really need to get back to reading runebound professor just need a break from it as while it's a good series I was still digging the eldritch series.
This was a great second instalment to the living forge series. Really looking forward to more in the series. Really need to get back to reading runebound professor just need a break from it as while it's a good series I was still digging the eldritch series.
April 13, 2025
Regardless is a girl that romantically likes girls
Reya, a major character, is a lesbian and portrayed as normal.
This violates my Christian beliefs.
I don't support authors who portray LGBTQ+ as normal.
Reya, a major character, is a lesbian and portrayed as normal.
This violates my Christian beliefs.
I don't support authors who portray LGBTQ+ as normal.
May 26, 2025
So Good
This was so good. More Guild members, more crafting materials, more problems to solve, and it just keeps getting better. I love how the writer doesn't just drag things out the pacing and answers comes at the right time.
This was so good. More Guild members, more crafting materials, more problems to solve, and it just keeps getting better. I love how the writer doesn't just drag things out the pacing and answers comes at the right time.
November 11, 2025
There may be plot holes and logic problems (the loosely-goosey money system in particular) and slow bits, but they are balanced by quite a few satisfying accomplishments and character moments. I want to know where it goes so I am on to book three.
November 24, 2025
A worthy sequel
The first book of this series was excellent and the follow-up doesn't disappoint. In fact, familiarity with the characters and their situation made it even better. I'm off to read the third installment.
The first book of this series was excellent and the follow-up doesn't disappoint. In fact, familiarity with the characters and their situation made it even better. I'm off to read the third installment.
January 18, 2025
Very good book
This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Madiv. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Madiv. I anxiously await the sequel.
January 19, 2025
Fanfreakingtastic!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait for the next book to come out!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait for the next book to come out!
January 24, 2025
solid book 2 - great read
Book 2 was just as fun as book 1. We get some character growth, some epic fights and some romance! Every thing you could ask for in a LitRPG
Book 2 was just as fun as book 1. We get some character growth, some epic fights and some romance! Every thing you could ask for in a LitRPG
February 8, 2025
Good
A continuation of an interesting take on the sub genre. Characters are building and the plot thickens. A thoroughly enjoyable book.
A continuation of an interesting take on the sub genre. Characters are building and the plot thickens. A thoroughly enjoyable book.
April 10, 2025
More of the same.
Still well written. Still enjoyable characters. Still a slow moving plot.
Still recommended, even if I wish the stories promise was slightly better executed.
Still well written. Still enjoyable characters. Still a slow moving plot.
Still recommended, even if I wish the stories promise was slightly better executed.
April 25, 2025
good book
I have enjoyed the progression and it’s not just about fighting really good read. If you want a good litrpg series start here
I have enjoyed the progression and it’s not just about fighting really good read. If you want a good litrpg series start here
November 4, 2025
A great add on from the first book. I loved the role the side characters played and it was great seeing Arwin learn to relax more and learn how to lean on people
December 16, 2025
The story continues with success! Fun to see a troop (guild) that has different types of characters, ex-paladin, healer, warrior, rogue/warden and thief. They have there story and histories. I read book one and book 2 (this book) sooooo fast!!!
This story is great!! Not mind blowing, but action and still a mystery!
Reread this very quick again (A lot shorter than book 1) still fun!
This story is great!! Not mind blowing, but action and still a mystery!
Reread this very quick again (A lot shorter than book 1) still fun!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews