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Rise of Mankind #5
Age of Forged Steel
The Dungeon falls silent. The trumpets of war sound nearer. The walls of our reality tremble.
Matt and many of his people are alive, and they've found a new ally, more or less, but the damage done to the dungeon and its future are beyond measure.
Time and great effort are needed to repair the cracks, to seal the warping and to rebuild, but the world after the fall isn't somewhere anyone can afford to wait around in. Matt and his people must push on, they must grow, they have to rise up if they are to have any chance of surviving, after all; The Nexus Gates are opening, and those that were hoped to be allies, or even one day friends, are not to be trusted . . .
Visitors will be coming soon, and who knows if a hand offered in friendship, hides a dagger . . . or a claw.
Matt and many of his people are alive, and they've found a new ally, more or less, but the damage done to the dungeon and its future are beyond measure.
Time and great effort are needed to repair the cracks, to seal the warping and to rebuild, but the world after the fall isn't somewhere anyone can afford to wait around in. Matt and his people must push on, they must grow, they have to rise up if they are to have any chance of surviving, after all; The Nexus Gates are opening, and those that were hoped to be allies, or even one day friends, are not to be trusted . . .
Visitors will be coming soon, and who knows if a hand offered in friendship, hides a dagger . . . or a claw.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2024
295 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 29, 2023
Strayed from the genre
LitRPG is a fairly large genre. Though an RPG has some sort of progression, maybe it’s just this book, but the story has kind of stalled. I enjoyed the first few books, but if you are looking for a story with stronger LitRPG elements, I’d give this one a pass at this point. It’s more of a litRTS
LitRPG is a fairly large genre. Though an RPG has some sort of progression, maybe it’s just this book, but the story has kind of stalled. I enjoyed the first few books, but if you are looking for a story with stronger LitRPG elements, I’d give this one a pass at this point. It’s more of a litRTS
October 27, 2024
Comfortably meandering; never thought those two words can go together. This meandered, for sure. But it wasn't unpleasant. Did we needlessly get day-by-day details? Yeah, but that makes things more realistic and not necessarily boring.
July 13, 2023
Absolutely loved it! Well sort of.
Right until the end.
Seriously. WTF. I thought the dungeon challenge was levelled up to him? That last room. Was so OP it ruined a lot for me.
Then after he exits the challenge?? Any chance of actually letting the team stop for a breather?
Oh and what happened to finishing the dungeon core??? The single most important item in the book??? He just leaves it half finished. And fucks off to start abusing it again??? Pretty shit plot hole right there.
Right until the end.
Seriously. WTF. I thought the dungeon challenge was levelled up to him? That last room. Was so OP it ruined a lot for me.
Then after he exits the challenge?? Any chance of actually letting the team stop for a breather?
Oh and what happened to finishing the dungeon core??? The single most important item in the book??? He just leaves it half finished. And fucks off to start abusing it again??? Pretty shit plot hole right there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2023
Bridge
This book seems like a real clean up with little firm content. Feels a bit of a filler between better novels and can only hope the next is better and longer.
This book seems like a real clean up with little firm content. Feels a bit of a filler between better novels and can only hope the next is better and longer.
November 8, 2024
There are many things I like about this series, and many I don't.
In the "don't like" category, how absolutely stupid do you have to be to find yourself in a "System" universe and constantly, intentionally, ignore your notifications?? Matt does that all the time, and it is often something really important or really helpful. After a couple of times you'd think he might get a bit better at it, right?
I won't get into more details about some of the stupidity of the main character, because I want to talk about something that I feel must be true, as crazy as it may sound. You see, a couple of years ago I read a few of these terrible harem books called Backyard Dungeon, and aside from the vast amounts of cringe inherent in harem books, the biggest thing that annoyed me was how EVERY fight scene was essentially this: "The fucker came at me. I dodged, and shot the fucker in the face, then spun and kicked the next fucker in line." Basically fucker fucker fucker. Completely unoriginal and lazy, and while I am certainly no stranger to that kind of language, it just got to be so obvious and annoying that I couldn't take it anymore. In my mind, even if your protagonist is callous and rough and uses language like that, it is still incredibly lazy of the author to write like that.
These books do the EXACT same thing. All the time. To the point where I am now convinced that both authors are the same person. The Backyard Dungeon guy has apparently written over 200 books in like 5 years, somehow, so it wouldn't be a stretch for him to have tossed in the books this author has done as well. I don't know how someone could write 200+ books in such a short time without it being obvious AI, but it is uncanny how similar the fight descriptions are in both series, and I have a hard time believing two different authors are inept in the exact same way. Like, I'm positive you could swap fight scenes between the books and no one would notice a change.
That being said, I still like this series, whereas BD sucked, so I'm not trying to crap all over this series or say not to read it. But as more and more fight scenes stack up with exactly the same wording, over and over and over, I couldn't help but make the connection. Is it true, or am I just seeing things? Who knows. But I'd like to know if anyone has ever seen the two of them in the same room together!
In the "don't like" category, how absolutely stupid do you have to be to find yourself in a "System" universe and constantly, intentionally, ignore your notifications?? Matt does that all the time, and it is often something really important or really helpful. After a couple of times you'd think he might get a bit better at it, right?
I won't get into more details about some of the stupidity of the main character, because I want to talk about something that I feel must be true, as crazy as it may sound. You see, a couple of years ago I read a few of these terrible harem books called Backyard Dungeon, and aside from the vast amounts of cringe inherent in harem books, the biggest thing that annoyed me was how EVERY fight scene was essentially this: "The fucker came at me. I dodged, and shot the fucker in the face, then spun and kicked the next fucker in line." Basically fucker fucker fucker. Completely unoriginal and lazy, and while I am certainly no stranger to that kind of language, it just got to be so obvious and annoying that I couldn't take it anymore. In my mind, even if your protagonist is callous and rough and uses language like that, it is still incredibly lazy of the author to write like that.
These books do the EXACT same thing. All the time. To the point where I am now convinced that both authors are the same person. The Backyard Dungeon guy has apparently written over 200 books in like 5 years, somehow, so it wouldn't be a stretch for him to have tossed in the books this author has done as well. I don't know how someone could write 200+ books in such a short time without it being obvious AI, but it is uncanny how similar the fight descriptions are in both series, and I have a hard time believing two different authors are inept in the exact same way. Like, I'm positive you could swap fight scenes between the books and no one would notice a change.
That being said, I still like this series, whereas BD sucked, so I'm not trying to crap all over this series or say not to read it. But as more and more fight scenes stack up with exactly the same wording, over and over and over, I couldn't help but make the connection. Is it true, or am I just seeing things? Who knows. But I'd like to know if anyone has ever seen the two of them in the same room together!
September 6, 2023
five star for sure
Incredibly well thought out and realistic. The mc and this clan get beat down, but get back up and keep on pressing on. This was a pleasure to read. The characters are realistic, if somewhat, warped in their humor but definitely relatable. There are interesting monsters and fantasy creatures as well as moral and ethical dilemmas to be worked out. I really enjoyed reading about the mc’s messed up former neighbors who are totally useless. Im sure that they’ll be back to gum up the works again. Also enjoyed the magic theory as even the info screens were well thought out, though I normally despise them.
Incredibly well thought out and realistic. The mc and this clan get beat down, but get back up and keep on pressing on. This was a pleasure to read. The characters are realistic, if somewhat, warped in their humor but definitely relatable. There are interesting monsters and fantasy creatures as well as moral and ethical dilemmas to be worked out. I really enjoyed reading about the mc’s messed up former neighbors who are totally useless. Im sure that they’ll be back to gum up the works again. Also enjoyed the magic theory as even the info screens were well thought out, though I normally despise them.
October 24, 2023
Okay this was the best one so far in my opinion. A bit calmer and more rational. No jumping from one fight to the next in a panic. A bit of time to settle down and understand the dungeon core and repair it’s damage.
I’m still not loving the awful sex scenes in it though, they’re boring tedious and bring nothing to the story. I swear this author needs to get laid more and stop leading his teenage sex dreams in his books.
It would finish on such a line too. I’m pissed as I don’t know how long the next one will be and I’ve literally plowed through 5 of these in less than a week. I need to next one ASAP. I want the main guys to be okay.
I’m still not loving the awful sex scenes in it though, they’re boring tedious and bring nothing to the story. I swear this author needs to get laid more and stop leading his teenage sex dreams in his books.
It would finish on such a line too. I’m pissed as I don’t know how long the next one will be and I’ve literally plowed through 5 of these in less than a week. I need to next one ASAP. I want the main guys to be okay.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2024
another great Jez novel!
Jez is the absolute best LitRPG author var none. Period. This series delves deeper into world creation LitRPG rather than the usual straight adventure style. Lots of adventure and action too! And no one writes action scenes like Jez! I had to keep wiping my face and be surprised there wasn’t blood splattered on me from being right in the middle of the action! Thanks Jez for breaking me out of my comfort zone and delving deeper into world creation LitRPG
Jez is the absolute best LitRPG author var none. Period. This series delves deeper into world creation LitRPG rather than the usual straight adventure style. Lots of adventure and action too! And no one writes action scenes like Jez! I had to keep wiping my face and be surprised there wasn’t blood splattered on me from being right in the middle of the action! Thanks Jez for breaking me out of my comfort zone and delving deeper into world creation LitRPG
July 18, 2024
Easy book to listen to like the rest of the series.
Sadly, with this one, I felt like when I'm stuck grinding in a game alongside my friend's friend who's just dragging me along to get me up to their level. Not in a fun way. I think it wouldn't have been so blah if there was some kind of big hurrah that showed that all the grinding paid off.
The other books didn’t feel like that. I seriously think it's because there was no big hurrah. The rest of the book had the same vibe, thankfully (aside from the grinding)
Sadly, with this one, I felt like when I'm stuck grinding in a game alongside my friend's friend who's just dragging me along to get me up to their level. Not in a fun way. I think it wouldn't have been so blah if there was some kind of big hurrah that showed that all the grinding paid off.
The other books didn’t feel like that. I seriously think it's because there was no big hurrah. The rest of the book had the same vibe, thankfully (aside from the grinding)
April 14, 2023
Insanely Enjoyable Reading
Arghhh, I can't believe this has ended, and I'm torn between saying wow this is the best yet, but this wasn't long enough, and we deserve more ASAP.
Ok, it is quite long, but although this fills in so many needed gaps, it also leaves so many more questions I want answered. The action and world building is top notch, and I love the new characters so fingers crossed we see even more of them.
Arghhh, I can't believe this has ended, and I'm torn between saying wow this is the best yet, but this wasn't long enough, and we deserve more ASAP.
Ok, it is quite long, but although this fills in so many needed gaps, it also leaves so many more questions I want answered. The action and world building is top notch, and I love the new characters so fingers crossed we see even more of them.
April 16, 2023
Knocked out of the park with this one
I don't know how to say it but the pace of this book was amazing. Not only do you get some epic fight scenes we also get to learn more about the dungeon.
So much amazing character development and the plot of the story this time was so much fun. I wasn't able to put the book down until I finished it.
I don't like to spoil but holy hell with that epilogue I can't wait to see what comes in the next book in the series
I don't know how to say it but the pace of this book was amazing. Not only do you get some epic fight scenes we also get to learn more about the dungeon.
So much amazing character development and the plot of the story this time was so much fun. I wasn't able to put the book down until I finished it.
I don't like to spoil but holy hell with that epilogue I can't wait to see what comes in the next book in the series
April 20, 2023
I like Jez's books. The English perspective is nice, and I like the slang. His series tends to start slow for me, as it takes me a little time to really like the MC.
In this series, I find it a little annoying how the supporting characters tend to be so pushy and he is generally ok with it. In this particular book, they seemed to apologize occasionally so it was less annoying.
Overall, I enjoyed the continued growth of the characters.
One thing that I don't like is when the MC survives by luck, or has to be saved by others all the time.
In this series, I find it a little annoying how the supporting characters tend to be so pushy and he is generally ok with it. In this particular book, they seemed to apologize occasionally so it was less annoying.
Overall, I enjoyed the continued growth of the characters.
One thing that I don't like is when the MC survives by luck, or has to be saved by others all the time.
May 2, 2023
soooo many questions!
The most important, when is the next book released?
What happens to Mikes group? Does Matt beat the attackers? What happened to his neighbours? Is Jack ok? When does the baby arrive and do they need help from the doctors when it does? When do they get to breathe? How are the new magical and soldier recruits going? What about crafters? And the recruits with high affinities? Does the sand lady take up glass blowing?
Well written as always, thanks :)
The most important, when is the next book released?
What happens to Mikes group? Does Matt beat the attackers? What happened to his neighbours? Is Jack ok? When does the baby arrive and do they need help from the doctors when it does? When do they get to breathe? How are the new magical and soldier recruits going? What about crafters? And the recruits with high affinities? Does the sand lady take up glass blowing?
Well written as always, thanks :)
February 13, 2024
unbelievably boring
With the exception of a few instances, he just drones on and on about irrelevant issues with no progress to the story at all.
4 to 5 pages describing how he prepared for a date, or how a girl or makeup on, or on how the giros are dressed, and repeating the same sexualbjoke over and over till its cringe.
i skipped over 75 pages and found it that the story hadn't progressed and I had missed nothing.
With the exception of a few instances, he just drones on and on about irrelevant issues with no progress to the story at all.
4 to 5 pages describing how he prepared for a date, or how a girl or makeup on, or on how the giros are dressed, and repeating the same sexualbjoke over and over till its cringe.
i skipped over 75 pages and found it that the story hadn't progressed and I had missed nothing.
February 22, 2024
Age of forged Steel rise of mankind book 5
What can I say this book is going along like the other ones it has good parts and slow parts the last part of this book was fast moving I really enjoyed it I just got busy and had to put it down for a while I just came back and finished it I don't know if I read the next book or not if there is a next one I haven't seen it yet but I recommend it's a read you'd enjoy it and just get slow in points
What can I say this book is going along like the other ones it has good parts and slow parts the last part of this book was fast moving I really enjoyed it I just got busy and had to put it down for a while I just came back and finished it I don't know if I read the next book or not if there is a next one I haven't seen it yet but I recommend it's a read you'd enjoy it and just get slow in points
March 3, 2025
Underwhelming
350 pages of dialogue and 100 pages of actual story progression. The first 120 or so pages happen in one room and is just a conversation with “the council” and every other sentence leads to a random side tracked back and forth for 2 pages. Hoping the next book is a better entry.
Edit: next book is literally the exact same. New threats constantly that derail everything so the past 200 pages of planning are irrelevant. Dropping this series.
350 pages of dialogue and 100 pages of actual story progression. The first 120 or so pages happen in one room and is just a conversation with “the council” and every other sentence leads to a random side tracked back and forth for 2 pages. Hoping the next book is a better entry.
Edit: next book is literally the exact same. New threats constantly that derail everything so the past 200 pages of planning are irrelevant. Dropping this series.
April 15, 2023
Great book
I have read every book in the series and they are all great books the author has given you a wonderful story and a great adventure I cannot wait to next book to continue the series Jez is 1 of my favorite authors Behind DR Kong And I can't wait to see what he does And I can't wait to see what he does next
I have read every book in the series and they are all great books the author has given you a wonderful story and a great adventure I cannot wait to next book to continue the series Jez is 1 of my favorite authors Behind DR Kong And I can't wait to see what he does And I can't wait to see what he does next
April 17, 2023
Big Dog
There's a reason he is one of the big dogs in the genre and he shows it once again.... This is my fav series of his and look forward to the next.. Was a bit sad at the fairy but such is life in these bag days of summer.. Now fix Jack up
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and The Dream
There's a reason he is one of the big dogs in the genre and he shows it once again.... This is my fav series of his and look forward to the next.. Was a bit sad at the fairy but such is life in these bag days of summer.. Now fix Jack up
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and The Dream
October 15, 2023
Redemption
I find alot of books in LitRPG series tend to die down alot and be filled with more sub characters and town development the more they continue. Book 4 was driving towards that way but book 5 was like a fire under its arse. Well write and good humour through the whole story.
I find alot of books in LitRPG series tend to die down alot and be filled with more sub characters and town development the more they continue. Book 4 was driving towards that way but book 5 was like a fire under its arse. Well write and good humour through the whole story.
September 30, 2024
A failed coup
Matt had a lot to deal with. First, some of the newcomers decided that he was just a thief and held an election to get a new council just to take the power he has worked so hard for. I liked how he got rid of the troublemakers, but I see that they might come back with force. The council of Dungeons was interesting and a bit scary.
Matt had a lot to deal with. First, some of the newcomers decided that he was just a thief and held an election to get a new council just to take the power he has worked so hard for. I liked how he got rid of the troublemakers, but I see that they might come back with force. The council of Dungeons was interesting and a bit scary.
November 11, 2025
Still love the series, still having fun. Nothing new to note really, just still happy. I could probably do without the spicy scenes though, it feels out of place even though it’s kinda the point that even with all the crap happening humans still find a way to human. It just doesn’t have to be so descriptive I guess.
Oh, one thing, did he just forget Becky exists???
Oh, one thing, did he just forget Becky exists???
April 16, 2023
Another action-packed adventure!
The crazy ride continues! One of my favorite parts about Jez Cajiao's books is how he writes action scenes, the fights are fast-paced and exciting, the actions described in a way where you can feel like you are right there watching. Age of Forged Steel was a great addition to the series, I can't wait for the next book!
The crazy ride continues! One of my favorite parts about Jez Cajiao's books is how he writes action scenes, the fights are fast-paced and exciting, the actions described in a way where you can feel like you are right there watching. Age of Forged Steel was a great addition to the series, I can't wait for the next book!
April 14, 2023
Series goes from strength to strength
It's not often a series really grips and never lets go from start to finish. But this one does it. And this instalment is no diffrent! Keep em coming!
It's not often a series really grips and never lets go from start to finish. But this one does it. And this instalment is no diffrent! Keep em coming!
July 6, 2023
great
Great book, inducing many things, I only hope that follow up stuff will come with all the different directions this could go. I really appreciate it when doors that were opened are closed in the future. It was outstanding and need you to complete more books quickly. 😀
Great book, inducing many things, I only hope that follow up stuff will come with all the different directions this could go. I really appreciate it when doors that were opened are closed in the future. It was outstanding and need you to complete more books quickly. 😀
November 15, 2023
Exciting, engaging, and amusing. Great series.
The books are very enjoyable and engaging. The audio books versions are great as well.
I highly recommend them if you enjoy the genre!
The books are very enjoyable and engaging. The audio books versions are great as well.
I highly recommend them if you enjoy the genre!
April 14, 2025
I am giving this a 5 star rating but for the first time I hesitated. Still solid but it drag a bit a times and got a little frustrated with some of the supporting cast but a good ending saved it. Still one of my favorite series and author.
April 15, 2023
Great
Wonderful series totally enjoy reading LEAVES ME really looking forward to the next book. Thank u for this great new series.
Wonderful series totally enjoy reading LEAVES ME really looking forward to the next book. Thank u for this great new series.
April 16, 2023
yes
More of the same. No rest for the wicked, and given the debauchery and lechery…
Looking forward to more. Soon with dwarves!
More of the same. No rest for the wicked, and given the debauchery and lechery…
Looking forward to more. Soon with dwarves!
April 22, 2023
age of forged steel
I did not like this .it seem repetitive in the fights and action scenes. Did not like the ending. I’m considering to Unfollow him.
I did not like this .it seem repetitive in the fights and action scenes. Did not like the ending. I’m considering to Unfollow him.
April 28, 2023
Love it!!!
What can be said, another great addition to this body of work!!! Love the character and system building, looking forward to more in this series.
What can be said, another great addition to this body of work!!! Love the character and system building, looking forward to more in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews