What do you think?
Rate this book
Rise of the Arcane Aristocrat #4
Rift Magus Reborn 4
Book four of the Rise of the Arcane Aristocrat series.
I was the Rift Magus, master of space and time, protector of worlds. Reborn in a broken body with only my knowledge intact, I rebuilt myself from nothing.
Now the reckoning has come.
House Delamere, the architects of my abduction and the force behind demonic pacts and soul-warping corruption, has taken Adrian. My cousin. My friend.
They believe they understand power. They are wrong.
I will do all I must to rescue my friend. And then I will ensure that nothing like this can ever happen again.
This is a matter of survival. Mine, or that of House Delamere.
They broke Lucian Alastair Eldraine. Now they face the Rift Magus.
I was the Rift Magus, master of space and time, protector of worlds. Reborn in a broken body with only my knowledge intact, I rebuilt myself from nothing.
Now the reckoning has come.
House Delamere, the architects of my abduction and the force behind demonic pacts and soul-warping corruption, has taken Adrian. My cousin. My friend.
They believe they understand power. They are wrong.
I will do all I must to rescue my friend. And then I will ensure that nothing like this can ever happen again.
This is a matter of survival. Mine, or that of House Delamere.
They broke Lucian Alastair Eldraine. Now they face the Rift Magus.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 5, 2025
ended too soon. author abandoned.
My annoyance with this book is summed up in the afterword: “While this particular story has come to its conclusion, I encourage you to imagine what might unfold in the future regarding these particular threads.”
If I wanted to imagine what happens next, I’d be writing instead of reading! lol 😆
My annoyance with this book is summed up in the afterword: “While this particular story has come to its conclusion, I encourage you to imagine what might unfold in the future regarding these particular threads.”
If I wanted to imagine what happens next, I’d be writing instead of reading! lol 😆
October 12, 2025
Another entertaining entry. I’m excited to see the grander scale of the kingdom. It feels like this is the end of an arc and I feel like a lot of plot points have wrapped up. The MC is pretty OP right now but I hope that there is some more dedicated growth in the future.
August 14, 2025
Very underwhelming
DNF at 59%
The MC is more a politician than the oh so magnificent mage he is supposed to be. After a short strong start which suffers from a flawed end, the story gets long winded and rather dull. The MC seems indecisive and quite slow.
Criticism and comments
The first person view is really grating.
I found the MC's decision not to free the prisoners despite being able to do so easily both cowardly and monstrous.
DNF at 59%
The MC is more a politician than the oh so magnificent mage he is supposed to be. After a short strong start which suffers from a flawed end, the story gets long winded and rather dull. The MC seems indecisive and quite slow.
Criticism and comments
The first person view is really grating.
I found the MC's decision not to free the prisoners despite being able to do so easily both cowardly and monstrous.
November 4, 2025
WARNING: LAST BOOK AND ENDS WITH OPEN PLOTLINES
I needed to take a minute after finishing this book because wow... I was shocked, to say the least.
The thing is, I really liked this series. My one issue with the previous books was always the ending , they felt very abrupt. Then book three hit me with an abrupt ending and a cliffhanger from hell. So I promised myself I’d wait for more books to be published before continuing.
But recently I was craving this trope again and decided to come back. I checked for info on book five and, even though I couldn’t find any release dates, the gap between previous books was about three months, so I figured, “Even if the ending isn’t satisfying, at least I won’t have to wait long for the next one.”
Oh boy, was I wrong.
The reason I couldn’t find info on the next book is because… this IS the last one. And there’s SO MUCH we still needed to see! The only real growth was that he finally grew facial hair. The main character didn’t regain his past powers, didn’t become the strongest in this new world, and still almost dies because he’s not as strong as before , and because he keeps not giving the necessary thought to the fact that one of the two bad guys has a nullifier gift and the other has mind control. So he always gets shocked Pikachu face when they show up and he can’t get close, and then he gets caught and mind-controlled AGAIN, even though he knew they were coming and supposedly got prepared. He even says a few times himself in this book that he’s not as strong.
Personally, I read this kind of trope because I like seeing the main character use knowledge or power from their past life to outsmart others and eventually become a true powerhouse. But we never got there. There are unresolved plotlines everywhere . I honestly thought I was misreading when I saw this was the final book.
Quote from the author’s note:
So here’s my honest take: I did like the book/series, but I’ll never read anything by this author again. Why would I, when I know I won’t get closure and will be told to “imagine it”?
I like to imagine the worlds I’m reading about , not have to finish the story myself. Some open-endedness is fine, but this was way too much.
I needed to take a minute after finishing this book because wow... I was shocked, to say the least.
The thing is, I really liked this series. My one issue with the previous books was always the ending , they felt very abrupt. Then book three hit me with an abrupt ending and a cliffhanger from hell. So I promised myself I’d wait for more books to be published before continuing.
But recently I was craving this trope again and decided to come back. I checked for info on book five and, even though I couldn’t find any release dates, the gap between previous books was about three months, so I figured, “Even if the ending isn’t satisfying, at least I won’t have to wait long for the next one.”
Oh boy, was I wrong.
The reason I couldn’t find info on the next book is because… this IS the last one. And there’s SO MUCH we still needed to see! The only real growth was that he finally grew facial hair. The main character didn’t regain his past powers, didn’t become the strongest in this new world, and still almost dies because he’s not as strong as before , and because he keeps not giving the necessary thought to the fact that one of the two bad guys has a nullifier gift and the other has mind control. So he always gets shocked Pikachu face when they show up and he can’t get close, and then he gets caught and mind-controlled AGAIN, even though he knew they were coming and supposedly got prepared. He even says a few times himself in this book that he’s not as strong.
Personally, I read this kind of trope because I like seeing the main character use knowledge or power from their past life to outsmart others and eventually become a true powerhouse. But we never got there. There are unresolved plotlines everywhere . I honestly thought I was misreading when I saw this was the final book.
Quote from the author’s note:
"I know some of you might be wondering about the Grand Tournament and the promise Lucian made to the Winterling way back when, both of which remain unresolved. While this particular story has come to its conclusion, I encourage you to imagine what might unfold in the future regarding these particular threads."
— Winton, Sam. Rift Magus Reborn 4: Rise of the Arcane Aristocrat
So here’s my honest take: I did like the book/series, but I’ll never read anything by this author again. Why would I, when I know I won’t get closure and will be told to “imagine it”?
I like to imagine the worlds I’m reading about , not have to finish the story myself. Some open-endedness is fine, but this was way too much.
November 16, 2025
Rating 3.0 stars
The series has been okay, not great but pretty good. There has always been a few things that annoyed me but there were some good things that counterbalanced that out. The problem I had with this one is that something triggered one of my pet peeves which then made those minor annoyances much bigger. Overall, I think the series has run its course for me and I won't be continuing if there are more books.
The series has been okay, not great but pretty good. There has always been a few things that annoyed me but there were some good things that counterbalanced that out. The problem I had with this one is that something triggered one of my pet peeves which then made those minor annoyances much bigger. Overall, I think the series has run its course for me and I won't be continuing if there are more books.
December 9, 2025
The interesting aspects of the core concept of this series include:
1 - A master mage starting over from scratch, using his advanced knowledge to speed run his advancement from zero to mastery.
2 - The exploration of rift magic in new, creative and fascinating ways.
3 - The progression of the main character as he uses his advantages to excel, improve the lives of those he loves, and transform the world around him in the process.
This book lacked all 3 of these. Instead, it focuses almost entirely on either political manoeuvring or tiresome action scenes that are nothing we haven't already seen in this book, let alone in this series as a whole. There's nothing new here, nothing to progress the overarching story, and nothing to give me a reason to keep reading.
Despite this book being read to me via audiobook and it not being a long novel, it was a chore to finish this one. I'm left unsure if I have any interest in continuing this series going forward. Right now, it's not looking good.
1 - A master mage starting over from scratch, using his advanced knowledge to speed run his advancement from zero to mastery.
2 - The exploration of rift magic in new, creative and fascinating ways.
3 - The progression of the main character as he uses his advantages to excel, improve the lives of those he loves, and transform the world around him in the process.
This book lacked all 3 of these. Instead, it focuses almost entirely on either political manoeuvring or tiresome action scenes that are nothing we haven't already seen in this book, let alone in this series as a whole. There's nothing new here, nothing to progress the overarching story, and nothing to give me a reason to keep reading.
Despite this book being read to me via audiobook and it not being a long novel, it was a chore to finish this one. I'm left unsure if I have any interest in continuing this series going forward. Right now, it's not looking good.
October 26, 2026
It was hard enough reading this series when the protagonist spent all of his time either rescuing maidens or stray puppies (or playing in Fight Club).
In this book, after being pursued, beaten, kidnapped or (attempted) assassinated for the first 3 books, he finds/breaks into (Hydra's/Spectre's) secret base.
Suddenly, he decides that it would be "wrong?" to kill them/destroy their base?!?!
This turn of the story was more than I could tolerate. I stopped reading. Whether in a fantasy story or real life, there are levels of ridiculousness that I can't handle. The author has skills, but this idealized Victorian fantasy of virtue and righteousness is beyond the author's ability to sustain believability.
In this book, after being pursued, beaten, kidnapped or (attempted) assassinated for the first 3 books, he finds/breaks into (Hydra's/Spectre's) secret base.
Suddenly, he decides that it would be "wrong?" to kill them/destroy their base?!?!
This turn of the story was more than I could tolerate. I stopped reading. Whether in a fantasy story or real life, there are levels of ridiculousness that I can't handle. The author has skills, but this idealized Victorian fantasy of virtue and righteousness is beyond the author's ability to sustain believability.
July 17, 2025
Excellent. Very enjoyable.
Really enjoyed the series, and I'm glad there's still more story to tell. Book 4 left an open plot line for the future but concluded the first four books rather nicely. The writing is crisp and fun with the main character having obstacles and enemies that challenge him yet you find yourself cheering as he navigates the journey. It's a simple story but complex and fun. I think I'd like most about this author is the simplicity of the writing to describe storytelling without having each character delve into exposition on every action whether verbally or inner dialogue. One of my favorite series over the last year or two.
Really enjoyed the series, and I'm glad there's still more story to tell. Book 4 left an open plot line for the future but concluded the first four books rather nicely. The writing is crisp and fun with the main character having obstacles and enemies that challenge him yet you find yourself cheering as he navigates the journey. It's a simple story but complex and fun. I think I'd like most about this author is the simplicity of the writing to describe storytelling without having each character delve into exposition on every action whether verbally or inner dialogue. One of my favorite series over the last year or two.
July 22, 2025
A little boring
I have read all of this series just to get through it. The main character was supposedly a Arch Mage in a previous life but in this life he is arrogant, greedy and kinda dim witted, the writer keeps dragging the same thing over and over!! Instead of taking out the bad guys he wants to be a noble so bad that he allowed them to keep killing people because of his greed, just from the description of the place he could have found a much better place to live .
I have read all of this series just to get through it. The main character was supposedly a Arch Mage in a previous life but in this life he is arrogant, greedy and kinda dim witted, the writer keeps dragging the same thing over and over!! Instead of taking out the bad guys he wants to be a noble so bad that he allowed them to keep killing people because of his greed, just from the description of the place he could have found a much better place to live .
August 3, 2025
4.5 stars. What a book! This is by far my favorite of this series as well as of the LitRPG genre! Th writing was superb as per usual although a bit repetitive. Needless, to say I the author did a phenomenal job with the progression of this book and its priors! The MC is one of the reasons why I keep coming back to this series! He’s just incredibly complex and so very human! Especially on how he takes care of those around him! Any who, immaculate book!
May 25, 2026
Rift Magus Reborn, book four of the Rise of the Arcane Aristocrat series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Payback is so sweet. There is so much going on in this series and as usual, this installment is fast-pasted with lots of action and power-building. Love these characters so much I consumed four books in three days-- there will be more, right? I hate this may be the end of the series.
August 13, 2025
Good ending to an interesting series
The MC faces a noble house that consorts with evil abominations. After examining their hive-like lair while searching for his kidnapped cousin, he finds a chamber of horrors. He must enlist allies to help him defeat this evil family of puppet-masters.
The MC faces a noble house that consorts with evil abominations. After examining their hive-like lair while searching for his kidnapped cousin, he finds a chamber of horrors. He must enlist allies to help him defeat this evil family of puppet-masters.
Read
January 27, 2026I DNFed pretty early on - while I do enjoy the progression part of the story - simply soothing to have this hidden power that makes it clear, that the bad guys are in for a unpleasant surprise - I just couldn't find my way back in to care about Adrian, the other guy, and stay interested in the plot and the evil plans and so on.
February 9, 2026
Everything was too easy for the main character. I especially felt that when it came to the politics. He easily persuaded everyone to back him--even his direct business rivals. And the magic didn't progress at all. We didn't touch any of the cool options that book one had (like the winter creature). Meh ending, too. Not bad, but kind of fizzled out.
August 24, 2026
This was meh for me.
A lot of politicking in this one, and Saturday cartoon levels of incompetent bad guys.
Then lots of "talk no jutsu", with the protag convincing older, more powerful (politically and socially) people to do things his way, and they listened.
Not my most liked book in the series.
Will pick up the sequel, hopefully this doesn't happen again.
2/5 Stars
A lot of politicking in this one, and Saturday cartoon levels of incompetent bad guys.
Then lots of "talk no jutsu", with the protag convincing older, more powerful (politically and socially) people to do things his way, and they listened.
Not my most liked book in the series.
Will pick up the sequel, hopefully this doesn't happen again.
2/5 Stars
July 16, 2025
Enjoyable
This series will join a select group I have enjoyed for more than sixty years like a favorite old movie or album, not every day but often enough to become an old friend. Thank you!
This series will join a select group I have enjoyed for more than sixty years like a favorite old movie or album, not every day but often enough to become an old friend. Thank you!
July 16, 2025
Great
One of my favorite series. I really enjoy a smart main character. This book had a great fast paced story and enjoyable ending. Wish it was longer. Looking forward to the next one.
One of my favorite series. I really enjoy a smart main character. This book had a great fast paced story and enjoyable ending. Wish it was longer. Looking forward to the next one.
July 16, 2025
Good read
Well written story. I like the main character. I wish there was a romantic element as part of the story. This book closes the main story arc but leaves a few things hanging.
Overall, I liked reading Lucien's story and I'm okay with where it was left.
Well written story. I like the main character. I wish there was a romantic element as part of the story. This book closes the main story arc but leaves a few things hanging.
Overall, I liked reading Lucien's story and I'm okay with where it was left.
July 16, 2025
Impossible to put down
Sam Winton weaves and builds fantastic stories and worlds. Rift Magis is one of the best characters out there and I look forward to what comes next from Mr. Winton! Bravo!
Sam Winton weaves and builds fantastic stories and worlds. Rift Magis is one of the best characters out there and I look forward to what comes next from Mr. Winton! Bravo!
July 16, 2025
incredible series
I have nothing but kudos for this series. It is an amazing tour de force so far and Adrian is new to this world. I would like to learn more of the nation/ world he now inhabits but I’m hoping for a dozen more. Write fast. I’m in my 70s.
I have nothing but kudos for this series. It is an amazing tour de force so far and Adrian is new to this world. I would like to learn more of the nation/ world he now inhabits but I’m hoping for a dozen more. Write fast. I’m in my 70s.
July 18, 2025
A grand adventure you won't be disappointed
A great series that I thoroughly enjoyed, magic, fighting and mayhem. Sorry when I finished the last book.
I highly recommend this series.
A great series that I thoroughly enjoyed, magic, fighting and mayhem. Sorry when I finished the last book.
I highly recommend this series.
July 19, 2025
Crazy good
Wow. Sam Winton doesn’t mess around with little enemies when he clearly has bigger, badder, and much scarier creatures at his imaginative disposal. Can’t wait to read what he creates next
Wow. Sam Winton doesn’t mess around with little enemies when he clearly has bigger, badder, and much scarier creatures at his imaginative disposal. Can’t wait to read what he creates next
July 19, 2025
Disappointed
The book was pretty decent, but it appears the author is abandoning the story entirely. With many loose ends still dangling, I can’t think of a more disappointing ending. I will be wary when considering the author’s works moving forward.
The book was pretty decent, but it appears the author is abandoning the story entirely. With many loose ends still dangling, I can’t think of a more disappointing ending. I will be wary when considering the author’s works moving forward.
July 20, 2025
Still good
Still enjoyable and I hope the same work ethic is applied to the next book. Both Magic and Martial frameworks are still consistent and well developed. The epilogue is praise worthy as well.
Still enjoyable and I hope the same work ethic is applied to the next book. Both Magic and Martial frameworks are still consistent and well developed. The epilogue is praise worthy as well.
July 24, 2025
A good read
This had been a good read if a short series. Looking forward to you next story. My only complaint is the constant need to reference him being the rift Magnus in his internal monologue
This had been a good read if a short series. Looking forward to you next story. My only complaint is the constant need to reference him being the rift Magnus in his internal monologue
July 26, 2025
great series
Just finished the 4th book in this series and I have enjoyed all four as I’m sure you will too . Rebuilding his life,starting as a sickly teenager with lots of action involved made this a good reading.
Just finished the 4th book in this series and I have enjoyed all four as I’m sure you will too . Rebuilding his life,starting as a sickly teenager with lots of action involved made this a good reading.
Read
August 4, 2025I like it!
I am truly not sure why I like this series so much, but it relaxes me and makes me want to read more of this authors work. I like the story and that the MP is trying to make things better in a real world type sense. Good story, and worth reading.
I am truly not sure why I like this series so much, but it relaxes me and makes me want to read more of this authors work. I like the story and that the MP is trying to make things better in a real world type sense. Good story, and worth reading.
August 18, 2025
Nearly did not stick the landing
The conclusion to the series whilst fine leaves far too many things unresolved as such the end does not feel like a finale.
I look forward to more from this author and hope they pick this series up again.
The conclusion to the series whilst fine leaves far too many things unresolved as such the end does not feel like a finale.
I look forward to more from this author and hope they pick this series up again.
August 22, 2025
Really good
Simply put. If you liked the first few books of this series, you'll like this one. I'm a bit disappointed that this is the last book in this series.
Highly recommended.
Simply put. If you liked the first few books of this series, you'll like this one. I'm a bit disappointed that this is the last book in this series.
Highly recommended.
September 7, 2025
A Good Read
I liked the story and writing style and plot development is captivating. One of the rare books that developed business and adventure together. The ending is okey as well even though the abrupt ending is a bit displeasing.
I liked the story and writing style and plot development is captivating. One of the rare books that developed business and adventure together. The ending is okey as well even though the abrupt ending is a bit displeasing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews