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35 hours and 5 minutes

War has come to the Infinite Realm.

As old allies turn on each other, as an unassuming presence in yellow walks the lands of dreams, as an empire falls, a group of people is gathered to fight the threat that the rest of the world decided to ignore.
Even as everything burns, and the chaos consumes the core, some are willing to act. Whether for their own self-interest, or just because it is the right thing to do, they are the only ones that can stand against the greatest threat their world has ever seen.

WARNING: 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.

36 pages, Audible Audio

First published July 13, 2022

332 people are currently reading
136 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
694 (58%)
4 stars
342 (28%)
3 stars
107 (9%)
2 stars
29 (2%)
1 star
12 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Ddogg Yang.
2 reviews
July 21, 2022
Who cares about Zach.

Great book but…….Zach is a idealistic fool that contradicts himself!!! He is so annoying I either skim through his chapters or skip it all together. I don’t care about him. I don’t know why the author does also.
16 reviews
July 30, 2022
Did the author forget that Ryun is the main character???

Fully disappointed in this book. It had only 21-84 chapters about the main character Ryun. Some of those were cut in half and taken over by other characters points of view. Ryun seems to have been weakened because he was not the "Force" that he was previously in this book. When everyone is training and getting special attention he is fully left out with half vague excuses about them not being able to help him. I am so sick of authors writing an interesting book and completely abandoning the character. Not sure if I will be following or purchasing another book in this series and I was looking forward to this one so much.
1 review
January 20, 2023
Loses Focus

The previous books did well balancing Ryun and Zach’s stories. This one sidelines Ryun to a secondary character. His chapters are short and far between. It felt unrewarding and difficult to slog through the story.
Profile Image for Wilhelm Eyrich.
366 reviews28 followers
October 28, 2023
THAT is how you do a boss battle. Beautiful.

However, just like my other 4* rating in the second book, too much Zach and other characters in this, got to level him up to Ryuns standards somehow I guess.

The ending also felt needlessly harsh towards a certain someone, the world is tough and unfair but that seemed too much, mean.
Profile Image for Johnny.
2,179 reviews82 followers
April 16, 2023
Book four

Definitely needs better editing. The writing is improving. The mistakes are small ones, but many.

You can still skip chapters and not really miss anything.

I think I'm starting to understand why I dislike the Zach character. I find him to self-righteous.
Ryun seems more real and reliable for me. It's not that Zach's ideals aren't a good thing, because they are. Wanting to protect others is good. However when you can't really protect anyone how can you judge the one you couldn't stop? Zach as a character is getting better but I still skipped a lot of his chapters.

5/10
Profile Image for Phil.
277 reviews11 followers
June 18, 2025
I think it is time for me to say it: why do so many people in the infinite realm tilt their head? Kal uses the imagery of someone tilting their head for just about every emotional expression to the point where I am now only able to think of a dog who sees a juicy snack and gives the head tilt look. Seriously. Once you realize it you can't think of anything else. Since I've started book 5, I think I have heard this used about 5-6 times in the first 10 chapters.

Yes, I feel better having said that.

Oh, this book? Well, the usual Zack haters are still in the comments sections but I'm surprised that they did not at least mention that his story arch was much more interesting in this book than Ryun's. I say that confidently. It isn't about which character one likes more or not. I happen to enjoy both tales and the intersection between them. That said, what is difficult to me is that Kal, in my opinion, has had difficulty with consistency for both characters. In this book, Ryun didn't even seem like a person. He just seemed like an emotionless automaton. Zack - well, I don't want to spoil anything but boy was that ending something.

Overall, I found this installment ranging from just okay to excellent. Unfortunately, for most of the story, I found it just okay, and this was not a short book. The stage-setting following the events of book 3 was a point where Kal did an excellent job, in my opinion, expressing a realistic outcome from the events of book 3. The infinite realm is filled with selfish individuals who value their own rise over others. The schemers, opportunists, and backstabbers are exactly what I would have expected to have happened and I am glad that Kal did not shy away from this. In a way, it reminds me of the film Don't Look Up. Yes, there are people who really are just that idiotic.

This review is turning into a meta-moment about my thoughts on this book's biggest flaw: lack of focus and consistency. I previously mentioned that power levels in this book are so arbitrary because Kal seemingly decides the outcome based upon narrative choices versus the established rules within the infinite realm. The same is true with our two main characters, Zack and Ryun. Ryun has been a fan favorite since the beginning, and his development has been one of the most interesting parts of this series. But in this book, he reverts back to an emotionless husk. In prior installments, Zack seemed to want to get into the action too and made choices so out of character that I had trouble accepting the narrative. I feel comfortable with this critique because having started book 5, I can already see Ryun cast in a different light. It is almost like different authors are writing the books and only share a basic outline of the plot.

Ultimately, warts and all, I have enjoyed this series greatly. I have discussed in prior reviews my disagreement with several of the top reviews for each of the series' books talking about how Zack is so terrible. For reasons unclear to me, they can't seem to grasp that this series has two main characters. The good news on that front is that while it may be somewhat annoying in the early-going, I think that Zack's arc is about to get a lot more interesting. The final battle at the end of this book was great. It could have been better, and as I stand here today, I feel like Kal could have spent more pages on it, but at the same time I will candidly admit that I tore through those pages with glee. If nothing more, Kal knocked that confrontation out the park.

Interestingly enough, it seems like we are on the precipice of a new antagonist. Well, new is probably not the right term, but the foreshadowing is clear. I'm hesitant about this even knowing that that character will be featured prominently in the next book or two because we have not gotten the resolution from the barrier dangers yet. And I'm worried that Kal's focus will vacillate on the ultimate plot like it has for its two main characters.
Profile Image for Progressional Fantasy Reviews.
93 reviews18 followers
July 18, 2022
Rating: Legendary

Review (By Oscar): This has always been one of my favorite LitRPG/PF series. I read this book through RR a while ago, and loved every word of it. For one, I love the progression system in this series. It is three systems put into one, with each system combining and adding to one another to create interesting and powerful abilities. There are Cultivation Paths, Classes, and even Skills that upgrade based on your understanding of them. Anything is possible in this series, and everything does happen! There are two MCs (well, technically a third, but they barely are ever given chapters) both with unique and complex powers, along with their own struggles and well-fleshed out characters. Both of the characters are trying to find their way in this world, their own ideals ruling their decisions, not that of others. This book we see Ryun, Zac, and other side characters come together and journey to the Third Iteration's Empire to train before taking on the first Dome, and the Dome Leader, Hastur. Hastur is a very interesting villain, and one we get to see a lot of later in the book. I won't spoil anything, but I do think that the conclusion to this book is one of the better 'boss battles' that I have ever read. It's filled with twists, and the way it ends I could have never guessed in a million years. The characters exit vastly different, with the world vastly different. Before the final battle, though, we get to see Ryun and Zac interact a bit more, and progress in their respective methods, both firmly OP now even in the grand scheme of the world. While not at the zenith, they are stronger than the majority of Rankers in the Infinite Realm, and are still advancing rapdily. Both gain a large amount of power in this book, with all of it feeling earned and nothing given without struggle. I really love Zac and Naha's relationship, both of them anchoring the other and keeping them sane. Their journey over the last few books has been amazing to read, and gets even better in book 5 (on RR). I also enjoy the the blossoming relationship between Ryun, Erdania, and Selia, and the continued interactions between Ryun and Anrosh. Additionally, we see how Anrosh deals with the Twilight Melody Sect gaining more power, and I love seeing her have to deal with Ryun's strange behavior, along with a healing Tali. Anrosh and Reyla have a strange relationship in this book, both of them separated by vast distances, but all the while I feel as if they are doing what they are doing to get back to the other. While there are a lot of characters to follow in this series, I think all of them help build up this expansive world filled with monsters, powerhouses, and centuries old feuds. All in all, I loved The Empire by Ivan Kal, and I highly recommend you check it out, and then read ahead on RR!

If you want to see more reviews like this, check out progressionalfantasyreviews.com!
Profile Image for Jeremy.
17 reviews
December 31, 2025
Top Tier!

This volume is a worthy addition to one of my newest favorite series. The infinite realm is a fantastic ride through a world where might makes right and heroes usually find an early grave. In this volume the existential threat to the world comes to a conclusion in the most unexpected of ways. Just as all the major concerns are solved the author very cleverly inserts a new existential threat more dire than prior. The good stuff happens here. Zach gets stronger, Ryun goes harder, Selia gets more bonded and while things don’t always go exactly according to plan, the right people get their justly due comeuppance in this volume.

On a different note, I really like the length and pacing of this whole series so far. The writing is entertaining and overall I haven’t found and spelling or grammatical errors that distract from the experience. This is the kind of book a lot of authors wish they could write, not to say it’s perfect. In my opinion I see a lot of skill here.
30 reviews
February 27, 2023
This is tough to rate because of how the focus of the characters are written in this volume. One of the biggest complaints of the earlier books were the split focus of the two main characters, Zach is a vastly inferior character to Ryun, to the point where his chapters feel like a waste of time. It feels like in response to that this volume has a lot more characters, and while some of the characters are good and engaging it has only compounded the original problem. The best character has even less time and focus on him. I give this three stars because while most of the stories and characters are interesting (except Zach is still terrible and could be completely removed and it would be an addition by subtraction) I constantly felt like I was trying to rush through to get back to the true main character and his storyline.
Profile Image for Braxton Hunt.
4 reviews
March 5, 2023
I miss how Ryun use to be. It’s frustrating how he is always out of chi (even though he supposedly has a specially deep core) and he is always getting injured and getting body parts sliced off even though he has perfect sense around him to dodge and for the hits he can’t dodge he is suppose to be able to ignore 90% damage and then tank the rest due to his abnormally high stats. Honestly feels like the author doesn’t like Ryun.

I was so sick of Zack by the beginning of this book so I’m glad the author did a reset on his personality. He can keep his good qualities without his hypocrisy.

This is my favorite book in the series since book one, but I really hope the author starts to write Ryun like they did in the first book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
127 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2022
Good, but

Too many pages of character spam. Seriously, put them in the back if you have too, but the characters change so much through items, life or death power ups, insights and other stuff that it actually becomes way too much unless the system mechanics get fleshed out a whole lot more. I mean seriously, a MC goes from dodging, regenerating, but can also tank some, to defenses so low that just sitting in a chair damaged him.
The story is good, but this would suck as an RPG, so we don't need the spam. Stick to the wuxia feel, especially since it is obvious that the three official and however many unofficial systems are all variations on a theme.
Profile Image for Chris Ludlow.
112 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2022
Ryun is one of my favorite characters ever. He's interesting, works hard and is dedicated. Zach, here's things handed to him. He's the weakest person in the expedition? Throw him in a time dilation chamber to grow stronger. He's still the weakest? Trap him in a mental time dilation chamber for 1000s of years so he comes out three real days later way stronger.

The Empire was a fun setting, loved the new characters and all their interactions. The system continues to be one of my favorites due to it's versatility.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joseph D..
Author 3 books3 followers
September 5, 2024
Book 4 of the Infinite Realm series. We finally get to see the empire of the 3rd iteration. This was a fun read and went over a lot of items. I loved the false ending and all the other introspection that it covers. It feels like we have made some epic steps. I am excited to see how the story progresses as we see another individual step out from the shadow they are in. What I did not like is that all along Ryun is given redemption and moving forward and then it out and out states that he is not a good guy. Little offputting.

Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
1 review
July 14, 2022
This book is a continuation of one of my favorite LitRPG series. It takes us to another part of the world to face a threat that is dangerous to everybody.

We get a peek at different cultures than we have seen previously in the story, we see the higher reaches of power.

This book has it all, personal growth, power growth, worldbuilding, etc.

I would certainly recommend this book to anybody who started with IR.



91 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2022
Good progression

Good story progression and character development. Some minor editing issues that don't detract too much, though the wording and continued review of skills and abilities does detracts - can't even imagine listening to this as an audible book, but at least on KU you can skip if it gets too repetitive (and it did for me). Good cliff hanger, I think I'll still enjoy this series for another book or two.
Profile Image for Tony Hinde.
2,153 reviews78 followers
February 26, 2023
The magic system is still interesting as it develops in complexity but I'm growing weary of the sheer volume of fight and training scenes.

The author has made it easy to skip most of the stat-screen sections, which I appreciate.

I found the end-boss to be inconsistent. At one point he claimed just speaking at normal volume would crush Jake but later on, when that strength would have been evident... nothing, not even against weaker party members.
286 reviews
August 11, 2024
NO SPOILERS.

Author: Ivan Kal
Book: The Empire

The Empire story was different from what I anticipated going in. But in a good way. The story explored the consequences of the different paths taken. Gave us more on the Empire and Core's story. You can see why both were right, and wrong. We read all this while War has come to the Infinite Realm. Truly a work of an incredible mind. So much to enjoy.

The development and architecture of the story is crazy good. Because of that, I'm skipping sleeping to continue to devour each page as fast as I can. Well worth it.
8 reviews
May 20, 2023
This book is getting better because the flat boring useless Ryun character gets less and less time. Ryun is a psychopath or a really bad take on a autistic character that can only see himself and is on some kind of arrogant power trip. But I guess a character like that would be popular with young boys with power fantasies
3 reviews
May 15, 2024
The infinite realm is, well, infinite. So please, can we get Zach out of here? The author seems to be pushing Zach as the main character, but it's having the opposite effect. I'm giving up on this series. Ryan should have been the focus from the beginning. We've been on this long journey with him, and it's too late to switch protagonists now.
Profile Image for XR.
1,980 reviews106 followers
November 10, 2024
Oh My Lawdy! I thought the last fight was epic but this… this battle against monsters, the taken who all serve the Dome Lord was on another level of glorious scariness and close calls!

Knowing Ryun’s companion Ereclaw is still alive was a bonus for me. I love the dynamic with the Triad! I cannot wait to see how much Twilight Melody’s Sect has grown.
Profile Image for Mark_.
2 reviews
July 21, 2022
Awesome continuation.

Great volume with a solid amount of story. Time skip was used in a constructive way and timing for the pace was phenomenal in my opinion. Lots of emotional and thought explanations that were done in a methodical way as expected for this series and author.
11 reviews
July 24, 2022
Incredible, amazingly complex tale and I keenly await the next book.

Thoroughly enjoying and hard to put down. Found myself reading for much longer than I should. Fantastic complex characters and story.
7 reviews
January 30, 2023
Addictive and memorable world and character building

Truly a work of an incredible mind. So much to enjoy. I love Cultivation and this whole series delivers. I went to Royal Road to get further into the series. I love all these characters so much. Can’t wait to continue!
5 reviews
March 4, 2023
This is my favorite book in the series so far!! The earlier books have their good points, but also a lot of issues. In this book, the author really shows the high stakes and consequences for the characters and it led to a climax I really didn’t see coming. I enjoyed it immensely.
Profile Image for maxamoud.
160 reviews5 followers
March 31, 2023
Lost it spark

I will be dropping the series, I loved The 1st 2 books With the latest edition to this series have been dropping in quality or no longer focus on the characters I love. I'm out
Profile Image for Chris.
198 reviews7 followers
July 17, 2024
Great story continuation from the previous book. The characters in this book were continued well and I loved seeing Ryun and Selia grow since the end of book 3. The action and overall story was really good in this book and I'm really loving this series.
2,217 reviews7 followers
July 21, 2022
Good read

I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action. Plenty of.LitRPG mechanics.
Profile Image for Paul.
120 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2022
First time that ive went looking for what happens next outside of the published book.
692 reviews5 followers
March 11, 2023
Great book

Stellar work once again from Ivan Kal! Lots of action and adventure, resolutions and new threats. Looking forward to the next one!
63 reviews
April 6, 2023
At least the character sheets are now their own chapters so it's easy to skip them.
Otherwise pretty good but taking its time to get anywhere.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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