Age of Conquest

Rise of Mankind #8

by Jez Cajiao

The divine war is over, but humanity's greatest battle is just beginning…

In the aftermath of a divine level conflict, Matt and his people need to unite a fractured world against a rapidly closing invasion. The Orcan are coming, and only a united front stands a chance against their savage might.

But unity is a hard thing to achieve in a world still reeling from apocalyptic change. As Matt strives to forge alliances and build a coalition strong enough to face the looming threat, he finds that humanity's old vices—greed, ambition, and short-sightedness—may prove deadlier than any alien force.

With time running out and options dwindling, a fateful decision is made. The Age of Conquest has begun.

Now, Matt and his people have to navigate a treacherous world where yesterday's allies could become tomorrow's enemies. He'll need to master the delicate balance between diplomacy and force, weighing the cost of peace against the price of victory.
In a world where dungeons shape the land and power can corrupt even the noblest intentions, can Matt unite humanity before it's too late?

Or will the Age of Conquest spell the end of mankind's rise?

This is a Dark Fantasy Epic LitRPG. Expect graphic violence, strong language, and morally complex themes. Reader discretion is advised.

Genres: Litrpg, Audiobook, Fantasy

561 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2025

Reviews

[GaiusPrimus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quality after quality

I honestly don't know how Jez keeps putting out the quality of work, in the quantity he does.

Amazing story, as usual.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly less annoying than some of the previous books. I only sometimes wanted Matt to die horribly. I skimmed all the worthless stuff like building pathways to repair a core and blah blah, because a) you know it is going to work, and b) no one cares. But it wasn't terrible this time. And it is about time he finally remembered poor Jack. I've been annoyed about that for several books.

Still convinced this author is the same as the Backyard Dungeon guy, even more now that he couldn't resist describing women's clothing in some detail. Still cringey pointless sex scenes (although thankfully not explicit this time), still constantly calls enemies "fuckers," so just a few more descriptions of what women are wearing and we'll have a 100% match.

[Nick Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, I've enjoyed quite a few of the book series from Jez Cajiao. His books were my first foray into LitRPG and I personally like that weaving of games with books.
He does a good job of making you really love or hate the different characters in every story. He also does well with keeping a good amount of different plots moving along without getting confusing.
My biggest complaint, and it's with literally every single book from every single series, is the level of absolutely douche baggery from the main characters and often times from several. It's just cringe inducing to the point where you'll almost root for the bad guy's just to make it stop. Lol
The descriptors for "hot babes" makes me think I'm reading something written by a guy who's single and has a big Samurai sword over their couch with a velvet black light poster of a flaming tiger. Lol
All in all though, they're entertaining.

[Funnymunny · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review is for the entire series. God am I glad I'm done with this. The concept of Rise of Mankind is so cool but the author rarely (if ever) delivers. The author really knows how to make unlikable characters, the problem is that they are the main cast who I only rooted for because the other guys are usually cartoonishly assholes. Matt can't finish anything to save not just his but his peoples lives. There is a gratuitous amounts of sex (my opinion is in an post apocalypse survival series once is too much as it never advances the plot) and even if I wanted them there the scenes were uninspired at best. All characters constantly made juvenile jokes even when their life was immediately in danger and I listened to the audiobooks (the narrator Niel Hellegers was one of the reasons I finished this) so when Chris and Matt start on each other it lasts like 10 minutes. And then there are the women in this series I'm pretty sure they don't pass the Bechdel test and they constantly described by how attractive they are and how big their "tits" are (also who calls that cut of meat "chicken tits"). Even when the author tries to make some feminist statement its how women weaponize sex and utilizing their "feminine wiles." And have mentioned how EVERYONE is obsessed with sex in the main cast because they are. Anyways Matt is the dumbest intelligence based character I've ever seen he can't even extrapolate how two basic concepts could possibly interact with each other (I had a specific example but it was from one of the previous books so I forgot it) and then he acts like he's so smart and right about everything he's like "only I the most special and smartest in the world should run the dungeon and if some one disagrees I'll get angy! >:(" While most of Matt's anger is ok sometimes it feels like watching a toddler have a tantrum.

I'm glad I got to vent. With all that said the narrator and the concept were what really held me on. The author did a good enough job keeping me interested. I didn't love the characters and I felt like the plot never knew where it was going but at least the author made it interesting enough for me to continue, I've dropped books for less. I feel like finally book 8 felt like Matt progressed in this progression fantasy series which I feels like hasn't happened much since book 2 (I think). Anyways that's my take, take it or leave it I just wanted to get my feelings out.

[Vishal Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well executed and fun transition

Making good on the promises of previous books, this book does expertly takes the reader from the previous scrambles for survival to a plot focus on worldwide control and preparations for the eventual alien invasion.

The story actually delivers on the premise that the protagonists are the strongest, but not so powerful that they instantly rule the world.

Plot, pacing, and characters are all good as well. Many potential future threads are introduced but not yet resolved. It will take the sequel to say if those are good.

Overall, it's well written and fun.

[Hamish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t want it to finish!

That’s how much I love this series!

And sentences like this: “You know, in case of invading armies, or the French.” Suit my Kiwi humour down to the ground!!

So pleeeeaaassseee drop the narrator with an AMERICAN ACCENT trying (badly) to pull off an English character!!!

[Conor Higgins · Rating 1 out of 5]

Over LitRPG

The book is ok, the series though is running off the rails a bit. Overall though I’m just over LitRPG. Sure game based fantasy was an interesting and unique take on traditional fantasy, but I am at the point where every book in this sub genre reads the same.

I you love computer gaming then this book is for you, but there is zero wonder and discovery.

[Ron Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

any book by Jez is a joy to read

This book was a fun and exciting read, well worth your time. Hopefully this isn’t the first in the series you have read. So since you probably have read all the others, this doesn’t lose an ounce of steam. I hope our author, Jez, realizes how talented he is and enjoys writing as much as I have enjoyed reading his work.

[Aaron Eichler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The invasion is coming

Matt and his people are getting stronger. He is now a godling and people are starting to worship him. I loved that he was able to take down a few dungeons to become his vassals. Matt has yet to bring the human race together to protect the world when the reason the are getting stronger is coming.

[Martin Henshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book to add to the series

Love the adventure in this story and the dam carnage going on !

Lite litrpg
No harem
Weak to strong mc
Dark fantasy

Thanks Jez keep up the good work

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Action & Chaos

Another great read as Matt gets to go all out , we find out a bit more about the world dungeons and some more insane action, this is a brilliant series and the only negative is we will need to wait till the next book is out

[Ashley Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute gem. Jez writes amazing stories.

Fantastic continuation of series. Jez never lets down. Matt’s tale builds in Jez’s unique chaotic, beautifully mad way. Loved every bit and can’t wait for the next book.

[Colette Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's good to be a dungeon Lord!

This is a great book that I read in two days because it was too good to put down! The story has a great mix of characters, good and bad. Great action with a few breaks for consolidation of resources. Can't wait for the next book!

[William Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am impatient

Which is weird, because I normally exercise great patience. But some of the soliloquies…

Anyway, I liked it. Mostly. Could do with a bit less of the “I’m so clever” self-deprecating humor.

I will pre-order the next one.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

LITRPG at it's best.

If you have followed the author, Jez Cajiao, as I have....you'll understand that this book is one of his best!
The depth of characters and imagination in the new book is pretty damn astounding. Can't wait for next book! CV

[Suyash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Loved the series, read through all I books, and am left wanting for more.

This is the second series of Jez I have read and enjoyed. The first was the underverse series, and that was equally spectacular.

[Ulric Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series

The author again has written another great series i cant wait for the next book thanks to the author for such wonderful adventure I highly recommend his other series as well

[Michael Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a great series and so my expectations where high. Age of Conquest met and exceeded my expectations and left me anxious for the next book in the series to drop. It did start a little slow but everything was worth the wait. Bravo Mr. Cajiao!

[Adam Shook · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good Tuesday read

A great read except for just another Tuesday seems like every day crap goes down in the world it's a Tuesday

[Mike Fidler · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read!

Wonderful continuation Jez, takes me a while to get back into whichever world your in but once I do I’m there. You’ve always got a reader in me.

[David Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

8 books in and still great!

Usually this many books in I lose interest, as they get bogged down or repetitive. This is not the case here. This series just keeps on giving!

[eric martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

just the best

I absolutely love this series. No doubt one of the best world builds and character builds I've had the jooy to read. Thank you

[Matt Mcclinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series!

Really loving this series, just finished this book today and already can't wait for the next one. Love the story telling and character development.

[Michael Sivenbring · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun and relaxing read, with alot of tongue cheek humour.
in it's essence it is a good highpaced action packed story.

[Bookcat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!!! 🎆 Jack's back and better than ever! ❤️🐲❤️ Still loving the horror elements and still 🤦‍♀️ at the audacity of career politicians.
Universal rule:
DON'T F*CK WITH CATS!!

[Lukas Lovas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good stuff and looking forward to more :)

[Nicholas Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series

I was recommended this series by a friend and I honestly couldn't put it down until I was done. Im very excitedly waiting on seeing where the story goes next!