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Infinite Realm #2
The Price of Power
35 hours and 5 minutes
New adventures in the Infinite Realm!
Zach and Ryun had both reached the Infinite Realm. As the only two survivors of the old Earth, they are the strongest Rankers that had ever arrived in the Infinite Realm. Both dropped outside of the usual arrival zone, and left to fend for themselves. Each had found a way to survive. Ryun is now a Sect Head, tasked with ruling territories and people. Accepting their service in return for his protection. But while he was the strongest being on Earth, he is nothing compared to the old monsters living in the Infinite Realm. Will he be able to advance far and fast enough to catch up and protect the things and a few people that he had started to care for?
Zach had joined the Wardens, a faction that serves as a law enforcement for hire. Seeing in them his best chance at learning more about the Infinite Realm and figuring out the best way to proceed. And perhaps eventually to find the monster that had taken everything from him.
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. It also takes place in two timelines (the past chapters are not the main focus, only an addition).
Author's note: This story is the e-book version of my webserial.
New adventures in the Infinite Realm!
Zach and Ryun had both reached the Infinite Realm. As the only two survivors of the old Earth, they are the strongest Rankers that had ever arrived in the Infinite Realm. Both dropped outside of the usual arrival zone, and left to fend for themselves. Each had found a way to survive. Ryun is now a Sect Head, tasked with ruling territories and people. Accepting their service in return for his protection. But while he was the strongest being on Earth, he is nothing compared to the old monsters living in the Infinite Realm. Will he be able to advance far and fast enough to catch up and protect the things and a few people that he had started to care for?
Zach had joined the Wardens, a faction that serves as a law enforcement for hire. Seeing in them his best chance at learning more about the Infinite Realm and figuring out the best way to proceed. And perhaps eventually to find the monster that had taken everything from him.
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. It also takes place in two timelines (the past chapters are not the main focus, only an addition).
Author's note: This story is the e-book version of my webserial.
36 pages, Audible Audio
Published April 19, 2022
258 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Ivan Kal
42 books384 followersIvan 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
March 16, 2025
50% of this book is five star material, the other 50% is unfortunately far from it. As many reviewers have said before me, the problem with this book lies in the fact that I really don’t care about Zach.
In the first book the author did a masterful job of turning Ryun into a complex and compelling character. Though I did not expect it considering where he started, I became very attached to his story and him as a character. Therefore I started regretting the time that I’m spending away from him and the story he’s a part of.
Zach on the other hand is not nearly so compelling. Partially this is because we have spent more time in the first book with Ryun, and therefore I like him better. It is hard to be interested in a character and their story when there is a more interesting character with a more interesting story happening at the same time that we are not seeing.
However, I think a more objective reason that I dislike his character is because of his motivations. The author is trying to make this character sympathetic to the reader by sharing his backstory and the horrors he has been through at the hands of Ryun. Were this the start of the first book, then this might of worked because Ryun was already the bad guy in that book and therefore we would’ve been more interested in Zach as a consequence of that. However, now the author has made me like Ryun’s character and storyline, so I am no longer on board with Zach’s motivation. He has become the antagonist in my mind, but he’s written like he’s the protagonist and that conflict is uncomfortable to read about.
Add on top of this the fact that the author has not quite managed to create the same level of compelling conflict around the characters in Zaks storyline as he has in the characters in Ryan’s story line, and this issue compounds further. In the eyes of this reader at least, we have a book with two stories, one that is filled with characters that I care about and a conflict that I want to read about. The other story is one I’m not so interested in because I don’t care about the characters nor the conflict, and I don’t want the protagonist of that story to achieve his goals because it will negatively impact the other story.
Because of this strange warring situation between both halves of this book, it made this book feel a chore to read at times. That is a massive shame because the other half of the book was so enjoyable that it kept me reading through those hard times even though I wasn’t enjoying what I was reading. I hope the author manages to somehow find a better balance in the next book.
I also hope that he can refrain from inserting his politics into the next book as well. This isn’t a major issue and wouldn’t be enough for the loss of a star in this review on its own because they only popped up now and again. But when they did show up, they sucked me out of this book and back into the real world with the current political issues that I’m reading fantasy to try and escape.
Finally, I hope the author can also get over the issue of telling the story in bits and pieces. Between jumping from character to character in different story lines, and all the interlude chapters, this book feels really broken up. Aside from a few portions here and there, I never really get to sink into a story before I was pulled away into another one which breaks up the momentum of reading this book.
After all this negativity though, I want to finish on something positive. The core elements of the story underneath this book is still good, and Ryun’s storyline is genuinely awesome to read about. I think this series has a huge amount of potential and at the moment it is just a case of balance that is throwing it off. I look forward to the next book and hope that we can get something more in line with what I enjoyed in the first book.
In the first book the author did a masterful job of turning Ryun into a complex and compelling character. Though I did not expect it considering where he started, I became very attached to his story and him as a character. Therefore I started regretting the time that I’m spending away from him and the story he’s a part of.
Zach on the other hand is not nearly so compelling. Partially this is because we have spent more time in the first book with Ryun, and therefore I like him better. It is hard to be interested in a character and their story when there is a more interesting character with a more interesting story happening at the same time that we are not seeing.
However, I think a more objective reason that I dislike his character is because of his motivations. The author is trying to make this character sympathetic to the reader by sharing his backstory and the horrors he has been through at the hands of Ryun. Were this the start of the first book, then this might of worked because Ryun was already the bad guy in that book and therefore we would’ve been more interested in Zach as a consequence of that. However, now the author has made me like Ryun’s character and storyline, so I am no longer on board with Zach’s motivation. He has become the antagonist in my mind, but he’s written like he’s the protagonist and that conflict is uncomfortable to read about.
Add on top of this the fact that the author has not quite managed to create the same level of compelling conflict around the characters in Zaks storyline as he has in the characters in Ryan’s story line, and this issue compounds further. In the eyes of this reader at least, we have a book with two stories, one that is filled with characters that I care about and a conflict that I want to read about. The other story is one I’m not so interested in because I don’t care about the characters nor the conflict, and I don’t want the protagonist of that story to achieve his goals because it will negatively impact the other story.
Because of this strange warring situation between both halves of this book, it made this book feel a chore to read at times. That is a massive shame because the other half of the book was so enjoyable that it kept me reading through those hard times even though I wasn’t enjoying what I was reading. I hope the author manages to somehow find a better balance in the next book.
I also hope that he can refrain from inserting his politics into the next book as well. This isn’t a major issue and wouldn’t be enough for the loss of a star in this review on its own because they only popped up now and again. But when they did show up, they sucked me out of this book and back into the real world with the current political issues that I’m reading fantasy to try and escape.
Finally, I hope the author can also get over the issue of telling the story in bits and pieces. Between jumping from character to character in different story lines, and all the interlude chapters, this book feels really broken up. Aside from a few portions here and there, I never really get to sink into a story before I was pulled away into another one which breaks up the momentum of reading this book.
After all this negativity though, I want to finish on something positive. The core elements of the story underneath this book is still good, and Ryun’s storyline is genuinely awesome to read about. I think this series has a huge amount of potential and at the moment it is just a case of balance that is throwing it off. I look forward to the next book and hope that we can get something more in line with what I enjoyed in the first book.
August 2, 2023
Don’t care about zach at all.
Edit years later: Just search through the book, read the parts about ryun and skip the rest. Won’t take long, move to the next book.
Edit years later: Just search through the book, read the parts about ryun and skip the rest. Won’t take long, move to the next book.
November 6, 2021
Good book in general but one big minus point which makes it almost unreadable for me..
The use of ‘they’ etc pronouns is the most irritating thing ever. It is confusing to read and I really do not understand why so many authors include ‘woke’ bs like this.
Luckily it only does it with one almost non existent entity in the book.
Please stop this nonsenses!
And on top of that, don’t care about Zack.. it’s a bit strange to have a sequel suddenly be about a secondary character..
The use of ‘they’ etc pronouns is the most irritating thing ever. It is confusing to read and I really do not understand why so many authors include ‘woke’ bs like this.
Luckily it only does it with one almost non existent entity in the book.
Please stop this nonsenses!
And on top of that, don’t care about Zack.. it’s a bit strange to have a sequel suddenly be about a secondary character..
December 15, 2021
You think you are reading a LITRPG book? Nope, you are reading a LGBTQ romance novel.
First book was good, but the author went off the rails in books 2 and 3, turning every character gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or genderless. I really hate it when authors ruin a decent series 2 or 3 books into the series by changing every aspect of their book to LGBTQ fanfic.
I won't be reading any more of this series, and probably nothing else from this author.
First book was good, but the author went off the rails in books 2 and 3, turning every character gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or genderless. I really hate it when authors ruin a decent series 2 or 3 books into the series by changing every aspect of their book to LGBTQ fanfic.
I won't be reading any more of this series, and probably nothing else from this author.
May 28, 2021
Good but could be better
The author has created a very rich world and some interesting characters. The main flaw in this book is that the author spends way too much time on Zach’s story. Zach is a self righteous, inept loser. He’s also a hypocrite. The author tries to develop the character but I think it’s a wasted effort. Zach really is a poorly conceived character. Ryun is much more interesting. He’s smarter, more complex and his abilities make a lot more sense. The story should focus on him. Also the book has way to many instances where it shows characters’ stats and all of their titles and skills. In many of these instances it’s overkill. We don’t need to see every single piece of info on the character sheet over and over again. The author should only show the relevant info and only when necessary.
The author has created a very rich world and some interesting characters. The main flaw in this book is that the author spends way too much time on Zach’s story. Zach is a self righteous, inept loser. He’s also a hypocrite. The author tries to develop the character but I think it’s a wasted effort. Zach really is a poorly conceived character. Ryun is much more interesting. He’s smarter, more complex and his abilities make a lot more sense. The story should focus on him. Also the book has way to many instances where it shows characters’ stats and all of their titles and skills. In many of these instances it’s overkill. We don’t need to see every single piece of info on the character sheet over and over again. The author should only show the relevant info and only when necessary.
December 20, 2021
Why do authors think that after writing one book primarily about a certain character, it is then a good idea to write the next book primarily about another character?
Even in the first book, having so many chapters on Zach did not feel good to read for me. The way the story is structured, and the perspective is positioned in the first book, Zach basically feels like an antagonist. There's something weird, hypocritical and contradictory about his character that never sat well with me. He's utterly obsessed with revenge on Ryun for murder of his family, but he doesn't feel its justified when Ryun felt the same, and was driven insane by torture and death of friends and loved ones?
Having some chapters to show the POV of opposite side is not unusual, as most multi POV books will do it at some point, but having so many of them in the first book, and then basically dedicating the 2nd book to the opposite side feels absurd. Books are not just for story telling. A good book is meant to put the reader in the skin of the character. Make him see the world from characters eyes and make him feel the way the character feels. That is why heavily multi POV books are never as immersive, because it is impossible for the reader to switch mindsets quickly all the time. It is also why completely switching over to the other side, and expecting to now see Zach as the protagonist, and Ryun as the antagonist is impossible. And what we end up with is a book that feels like an extended read of the antagonist's life. It doesn't help that this character itself is very boring, the people surrounding him are also very boring, his story is boring, and his motivations are boring. I never understood how a guy, who only wants to live in peace and quiet, is the 2nd fastest to grow. Even before Ryun 'betrayed' him, he was advancing too fast for his personality.
This 2nd book seems more of a way that author is going to use to justify Zach actually challenging Ryun, because in the 1st book, it was a joke. The growth that the author just pushes on to him is so pathetic that progression doesn't make any sense any more. It is the same for Ryun as well. Going up stages in few months that apparently even other geniuses can take decades to achieve is... yeah not having that. Its even more frustrating when so much of that growth is completely useless. For example, Ryun with the stats he has, and tailor made overpowered techniques, still struggles to beat someone with half his stats and not near as good techniques or as strong qi aspect, which makes one wonder the point of anything.
Then there's the balancing act. Oh Ryun's got a technique to almost double his stats. Lets give the same to Zach. Or Ryun's perfected a skill. Lets have Zach do the same. Oh Ryun has a technique to spy on everyone. Lets give the same to Zach. Or Ryun can almost fly. Lets make Zach fly as well. The desperation of the author to bring Zach up to par with a 'monster' is sad. It also makes a terrible read when all I'm hoping is that this boring, hypocritical twat would just die already.
All the character business aside, the another disappointing thing is how lacklustre the combat scenes are. And I guess this goes back to how badly structure the advancement system is. The author has not found a way to make any of the three paths of progression, and the way they compare to each other, make sense.
We're also now introduced to a new terminology called "pilferer" which basically applies to anyone who has a class or item that steals more essence or stats from those they kill (be it monsters or people). What, are we supposed to expect that everyone else is suddenly above using any and all advantage they can to advance faster? In a normal world where such information was available, everyone should have been doing it, as it is basically a ridiculous advantage to progression. Items that give much more essence, or permanent stat boost on kills should have been things that factions warred for. Instead its just downplayed by the author and we're expected to believe that the same people who go everything to suppress others' growth are also noble enough to not want to be associated as "pilferers" with perfectly legitimate skills or items.
I think the story would have been better served without any LitRPG elements. Or at least without the actual numbers, because they don't make any sense whatsoever.
Even in the first book, having so many chapters on Zach did not feel good to read for me. The way the story is structured, and the perspective is positioned in the first book, Zach basically feels like an antagonist. There's something weird, hypocritical and contradictory about his character that never sat well with me. He's utterly obsessed with revenge on Ryun for murder of his family, but he doesn't feel its justified when Ryun felt the same, and was driven insane by torture and death of friends and loved ones?
Having some chapters to show the POV of opposite side is not unusual, as most multi POV books will do it at some point, but having so many of them in the first book, and then basically dedicating the 2nd book to the opposite side feels absurd. Books are not just for story telling. A good book is meant to put the reader in the skin of the character. Make him see the world from characters eyes and make him feel the way the character feels. That is why heavily multi POV books are never as immersive, because it is impossible for the reader to switch mindsets quickly all the time. It is also why completely switching over to the other side, and expecting to now see Zach as the protagonist, and Ryun as the antagonist is impossible. And what we end up with is a book that feels like an extended read of the antagonist's life. It doesn't help that this character itself is very boring, the people surrounding him are also very boring, his story is boring, and his motivations are boring. I never understood how a guy, who only wants to live in peace and quiet, is the 2nd fastest to grow. Even before Ryun 'betrayed' him, he was advancing too fast for his personality.
This 2nd book seems more of a way that author is going to use to justify Zach actually challenging Ryun, because in the 1st book, it was a joke. The growth that the author just pushes on to him is so pathetic that progression doesn't make any sense any more. It is the same for Ryun as well. Going up stages in few months that apparently even other geniuses can take decades to achieve is... yeah not having that. Its even more frustrating when so much of that growth is completely useless. For example, Ryun with the stats he has, and tailor made overpowered techniques, still struggles to beat someone with half his stats and not near as good techniques or as strong qi aspect, which makes one wonder the point of anything.
Then there's the balancing act. Oh Ryun's got a technique to almost double his stats. Lets give the same to Zach. Or Ryun's perfected a skill. Lets have Zach do the same. Oh Ryun has a technique to spy on everyone. Lets give the same to Zach. Or Ryun can almost fly. Lets make Zach fly as well. The desperation of the author to bring Zach up to par with a 'monster' is sad. It also makes a terrible read when all I'm hoping is that this boring, hypocritical twat would just die already.
All the character business aside, the another disappointing thing is how lacklustre the combat scenes are. And I guess this goes back to how badly structure the advancement system is. The author has not found a way to make any of the three paths of progression, and the way they compare to each other, make sense.
We're also now introduced to a new terminology called "pilferer" which basically applies to anyone who has a class or item that steals more essence or stats from those they kill (be it monsters or people). What, are we supposed to expect that everyone else is suddenly above using any and all advantage they can to advance faster? In a normal world where such information was available, everyone should have been doing it, as it is basically a ridiculous advantage to progression. Items that give much more essence, or permanent stat boost on kills should have been things that factions warred for. Instead its just downplayed by the author and we're expected to believe that the same people who go everything to suppress others' growth are also noble enough to not want to be associated as "pilferers" with perfectly legitimate skills or items.
I think the story would have been better served without any LitRPG elements. Or at least without the actual numbers, because they don't make any sense whatsoever.
September 18, 2022
A step in the wrong direction
This book is more Zach than anything else. There were too many skills and stats listed in this book. It was more a lecture on skills than being an enjoyable read. This book also branched out to new characters and there stats and skills. Yawn! I know a certain amount of characters building along with building the world is required for a good story. This book just didn’t do it very well. If you, love listening to 15-20 different skills plus all their perks and titles and attributes for each person than this book is for you. For me, not so much. The first book had a better balance on stats to story, while there were times it slowed down a bit - It wasn’t a jaw yawning amount. Here’s to hoping the 3rd book gets back on track with less stats and more story. P.S. - Author We don’t need a full list of a character stats each time he levels, maybe cut it back to only the skills and stats that are changing and maybe only do a full character stat read once per book, maybe twice if there is a massive change.
This book is more Zach than anything else. There were too many skills and stats listed in this book. It was more a lecture on skills than being an enjoyable read. This book also branched out to new characters and there stats and skills. Yawn! I know a certain amount of characters building along with building the world is required for a good story. This book just didn’t do it very well. If you, love listening to 15-20 different skills plus all their perks and titles and attributes for each person than this book is for you. For me, not so much. The first book had a better balance on stats to story, while there were times it slowed down a bit - It wasn’t a jaw yawning amount. Here’s to hoping the 3rd book gets back on track with less stats and more story. P.S. - Author We don’t need a full list of a character stats each time he levels, maybe cut it back to only the skills and stats that are changing and maybe only do a full character stat read once per book, maybe twice if there is a massive change.
May 10, 2022
Awesome Audiobook. Phil Thron is THE best narrator. Story is good. And I love the power system used.
Only problem was that i didn't care about Zach's POV. And most of the book was through his POV. I want to read about Riyun more. Hopefully next book will have more of him.
Only problem was that i didn't care about Zach's POV. And most of the book was through his POV. I want to read about Riyun more. Hopefully next book will have more of him.
February 12, 2023
I put off this book for so long. I heard from many that the person I dislike the most will be having the majority of the POV in this book, and I really didn't want to read anything with him. But I had the books for months and it's clean up time.
At the start the book wasn't so bad because I didn't have to deal with Zach's insufferability, but as the book progressed and Ryun's POV was cut short to go back to Zach, it became a slog.
I do commend the author on cutting back HARD on all the stats dump, compared to book one. More litrpg authors should follow this example.
I'm halfway through, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but Zach's POV is really annoying.
Ryun is more interesting.
This wasn't as bad as I thought it would have been. Lots of slog, but I'm interested in the sequel, and I won't wait so long before getting it.
3/5 Stars
At the start the book wasn't so bad because I didn't have to deal with Zach's insufferability, but as the book progressed and Ryun's POV was cut short to go back to Zach, it became a slog.
I do commend the author on cutting back HARD on all the stats dump, compared to book one. More litrpg authors should follow this example.
I'm halfway through, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but Zach's POV is really annoying.
Ryun is more interesting.
This wasn't as bad as I thought it would have been. Lots of slog, but I'm interested in the sequel, and I won't wait so long before getting it.
3/5 Stars
May 24, 2021
Another Great Adventure
Ivan Kal does it again. Loving the series. Loving the character building. Definitely wish for more Ryun chapters but Zach has been growing on me as he has developed. I cannot wait for the two of them to see each other. I am sure they will eventually fight again together either as friends or against a common strong enemy.
Ivan Kal does it again. Loving the series. Loving the character building. Definitely wish for more Ryun chapters but Zach has been growing on me as he has developed. I cannot wait for the two of them to see each other. I am sure they will eventually fight again together either as friends or against a common strong enemy.
August 19, 2022
Such a pleasure to see the hypocrisy of a certain delusionally idealistic character fully manifest.
February 7, 2024
Book 2 continues a lot of what Book 1 did really well - especially when it came to distinct POVs. By the end of Book 1, despite all of the warnings about the horrible things Ryun had done in his past (and his extreme anti-social personality), I found myself trusting his POV more than Zach's. Book 2 does a great job of shifting a lot of the focus to Zach, and really helps motivate both his feelings in general and his actions across both books. I also really enjoyed how this book deepened the mechanics of the system, especially around Skills, and gave us a much deeper view into the politics and power players in the Infinite Realm.
That being said, the serialized component of a story like this (released chapter-by-chapter) did start to bother me a bit more in this book. A few story beats were a bit too predictable, and then there were some rapid changes in direction in terms of the paths the MCs follow that had me rolling my eyes. I also feel like everything to do with the wolves/Ereclaw is extremely half-baked.
That being said, the serialized component of a story like this (released chapter-by-chapter) did start to bother me a bit more in this book. A few story beats were a bit too predictable, and then there were some rapid changes in direction in terms of the paths the MCs follow that had me rolling my eyes. I also feel like everything to do with the wolves/Ereclaw is extremely half-baked.
May 27, 2025
A defense of Zach.
This review will be split into (1) well, a defense of Zach and (2) a proper review of the rest. There will be points and factors that bleed into each other but having seen some of the top reviews on this Goodread page, I feel compelled to offer a different take for anyone that may see this review and hope that you'll go in with a more open mind.
1) Zach
Some of the top reviews say that they don't care about Zach and therefore half the book is bad. I certainly cannot weigh in on anyone's feelings, but what I will say is that the reasoning behind their dislike, in my view, is misguided. I think it falls into two buckets: (a) lack of self awareness and projection and (b) failing to understand the bigger picture plot.
Some of the reviewers say that book one primarily focused on Ryun, that we developed rapport with him and grew to understand him, and now that book 2 has focused more on Zach, we don't care. It is almost like these people have never heard of character development. The pitch for book one is that there is a 'monster' and only one man can stop him. Kal absolutely 'needed' to spend time on Ryun in the first book because how else could we empathize with someone who is responsible for the death of an entire world? If we focused on Zach's story arc we would be irreversibly against Ryun, so Kal did what was needed.
But. Here is the thing. And here is where I am going to make some assumptions and also engage in unfair typecasting, but I think the real reason many reviewers say they don't care about Zach is because of toxic masculinity and no self awareness. I bet some of these reviewers are the type that would tell you straight to your face that if in the woods and a bear approached them, they would fight the bear to the death and win. Because that is the arrogance that Ryun represents. I suspect that these readers connect with the loner who grows to become the most powerful person. They believe that if tomorrow, the world as we know it ended and the system came into being, that they too would become the most powerful person.
Here's the thing. Imagine if you were camping and you woke up in the middle of the night to hear some noise, you and your friends investigate, and there is a giant Grizzly rummaging through your camp. The grizzly then mauls and totally evicerates one of your friends right in front of you before departing to the forest. If I saw that happen, I would have life-long trauma. I simply cannot deny that. Now, imagine instead of a grizzly, it was a six headed monster of legend, and, you also were told that you have 10 years before the world ends and you need to survive. Sorry, but no, those reviewers who see themselves in Ryun are simply delusional. Somewhere closer to 100% than 99% of people simply would not be able to go on without severe trauma. And this lack of self awareness is, in my opinion, why these reviewers have missed a crucial aspect of this second novel, and say that they are no longer interested in Zach.
Of course, those who are no longer interested in Zack because of his decision to engage in an inter-species relationship are free to feel that way but seriously? In a fantasy series that's your gripe? Or because a character who exists in an infinite realm happens to go by they/them pronouns? What an absolutely asinine reason for saying an entire book is bad because a handful of times one character says 'they' to refer to another because that is their preference. (The irony is not lost on me that at least two reviewers complained about 'social commentary' or 'politics' infesting this book simply because of pronoun use. These people cannot fathom that perhaps this was 'scientifically' accurate (or whatever term people with that view use to discriminate against others). Perhaps turn off whatever propaganda you are watching and simply entertain the possibility that there is a species in this infinite realm that literally does not have traditional male/female biology. Is that so hard to grasp that a non-human entity is not male or female?)
2) A Review in Ernest
About 1/3 of the way through this book, I was blown away by how Kal had dedicated a large part of the story to address what is often ignored in fantasy: realistic reactions. As I prefaced above, the characters in this story have gone through physical and psychological trauma that no living thing should endure. It is beyond fantasy, and to folly, to think that beings would not be impacted by these experiences. And Kal fills in the rest of the story from the background, how Ryun was driven to madness, the impact it had on Zach and his loved ones, and how those experiences have had lingering impacts to the present.
For the next 1/3, I was a little unsure. In fact, while I saw some of the reviews derisive of Zach by then, I was begining to wonder if there was merit. Over the course of that time, however, I began to realize more and more what Kal was doing here. As mentioned above, it is easy to root against a monster and for a hero. Kal is trying to show us that there is more grey and, perhaps more importantly, that in the infinite realm, only power matters (at least that is what we are led to believe).
By the last 1/3, I was convinced that this was an excellent novel. While I had misgivings about some of Zach's decisions in the middle parts of the book, I really enjoyed his adventures at the end. Furthermore, we began to get clues into both the origins and history of the infinte realms, and some of the other major players that exist in the realm that are not directly part of the Zach/Ryun cycle.
This book was closer to 4.5 than 4 for me, and I flirted with giving this a five. If you have made it this far in my review, congratulations! I won't sit here and say that you will love this book or agree with my take on Zach. But I would encourage you to be open-minded about the end game here. And also understand and appreciate plot development. I don't agree with the premise that this is not a good book simply because Kal dedicated more pages trying to unimpeach Ryun in book one.
I suspect that there will be one big decision that Zach makes that will put you on the precipice of understanding the detractors. I will candidly admit that that thought went through my mind as well. As I stand here today, I still harbor some misgivings that in that pivotal scene/moment, Zach seemingly casually dismissed people who have been his lifeline since arriving in the infinite realm. It was so out of character for Zach. But then I thought perhaps that is the point - and I think it is. Zach is transforming and changing due to the trauma that he experienced. He himself is on a precipice: his life has been dedicated to hunting down Ryun but should that still be his only reason for living?
This is the first time that I've written a review that has been almost directly in response to what others have said in top reviews of a book. I felt compelled, even if I have unfairly typecasted some of those reviewers, because I do not believe that they have provided either a fair or reasonable assessment of the strengths of the book. I want to be clear about one thing: it is not my place to say someone is wrong for feeling a certain way about a character. If you don't like Zach, well, you don't like Zach. But I believe it is fair game to assess the basis for your dislike. If you don't like Zach because he decided to have a relationship with a being of a different species, fine, but I can also say that I think that is a poor reason for disliking someone in a fantasy book. And I think anyone who comes along to look at reviews should also be aware of that basis, so they can judge for themselves.
All-in-all, there were many strong points in this book and there were some where I felt Kal could have done better. But I see where Kal is going and I see the breadcrumbs he is leaving behind. I think that there is a lot of good story to come regardless of the direction the next book takes.
This review will be split into (1) well, a defense of Zach and (2) a proper review of the rest. There will be points and factors that bleed into each other but having seen some of the top reviews on this Goodread page, I feel compelled to offer a different take for anyone that may see this review and hope that you'll go in with a more open mind.
1) Zach
Some of the top reviews say that they don't care about Zach and therefore half the book is bad. I certainly cannot weigh in on anyone's feelings, but what I will say is that the reasoning behind their dislike, in my view, is misguided. I think it falls into two buckets: (a) lack of self awareness and projection and (b) failing to understand the bigger picture plot.
Some of the reviewers say that book one primarily focused on Ryun, that we developed rapport with him and grew to understand him, and now that book 2 has focused more on Zach, we don't care. It is almost like these people have never heard of character development. The pitch for book one is that there is a 'monster' and only one man can stop him. Kal absolutely 'needed' to spend time on Ryun in the first book because how else could we empathize with someone who is responsible for the death of an entire world? If we focused on Zach's story arc we would be irreversibly against Ryun, so Kal did what was needed.
But. Here is the thing. And here is where I am going to make some assumptions and also engage in unfair typecasting, but I think the real reason many reviewers say they don't care about Zach is because of toxic masculinity and no self awareness. I bet some of these reviewers are the type that would tell you straight to your face that if in the woods and a bear approached them, they would fight the bear to the death and win. Because that is the arrogance that Ryun represents. I suspect that these readers connect with the loner who grows to become the most powerful person. They believe that if tomorrow, the world as we know it ended and the system came into being, that they too would become the most powerful person.
Here's the thing. Imagine if you were camping and you woke up in the middle of the night to hear some noise, you and your friends investigate, and there is a giant Grizzly rummaging through your camp. The grizzly then mauls and totally evicerates one of your friends right in front of you before departing to the forest. If I saw that happen, I would have life-long trauma. I simply cannot deny that. Now, imagine instead of a grizzly, it was a six headed monster of legend, and, you also were told that you have 10 years before the world ends and you need to survive. Sorry, but no, those reviewers who see themselves in Ryun are simply delusional. Somewhere closer to 100% than 99% of people simply would not be able to go on without severe trauma. And this lack of self awareness is, in my opinion, why these reviewers have missed a crucial aspect of this second novel, and say that they are no longer interested in Zach.
Of course, those who are no longer interested in Zack because of his decision to engage in an inter-species relationship are free to feel that way but seriously? In a fantasy series that's your gripe? Or because a character who exists in an infinite realm happens to go by they/them pronouns? What an absolutely asinine reason for saying an entire book is bad because a handful of times one character says 'they' to refer to another because that is their preference. (The irony is not lost on me that at least two reviewers complained about 'social commentary' or 'politics' infesting this book simply because of pronoun use. These people cannot fathom that perhaps this was 'scientifically' accurate (or whatever term people with that view use to discriminate against others). Perhaps turn off whatever propaganda you are watching and simply entertain the possibility that there is a species in this infinite realm that literally does not have traditional male/female biology. Is that so hard to grasp that a non-human entity is not male or female?)
2) A Review in Ernest
About 1/3 of the way through this book, I was blown away by how Kal had dedicated a large part of the story to address what is often ignored in fantasy: realistic reactions. As I prefaced above, the characters in this story have gone through physical and psychological trauma that no living thing should endure. It is beyond fantasy, and to folly, to think that beings would not be impacted by these experiences. And Kal fills in the rest of the story from the background, how Ryun was driven to madness, the impact it had on Zach and his loved ones, and how those experiences have had lingering impacts to the present.
For the next 1/3, I was a little unsure. In fact, while I saw some of the reviews derisive of Zach by then, I was begining to wonder if there was merit. Over the course of that time, however, I began to realize more and more what Kal was doing here. As mentioned above, it is easy to root against a monster and for a hero. Kal is trying to show us that there is more grey and, perhaps more importantly, that in the infinite realm, only power matters (at least that is what we are led to believe).
By the last 1/3, I was convinced that this was an excellent novel. While I had misgivings about some of Zach's decisions in the middle parts of the book, I really enjoyed his adventures at the end. Furthermore, we began to get clues into both the origins and history of the infinte realms, and some of the other major players that exist in the realm that are not directly part of the Zach/Ryun cycle.
This book was closer to 4.5 than 4 for me, and I flirted with giving this a five. If you have made it this far in my review, congratulations! I won't sit here and say that you will love this book or agree with my take on Zach. But I would encourage you to be open-minded about the end game here. And also understand and appreciate plot development. I don't agree with the premise that this is not a good book simply because Kal dedicated more pages trying to unimpeach Ryun in book one.
I suspect that there will be one big decision that Zach makes that will put you on the precipice of understanding the detractors. I will candidly admit that that thought went through my mind as well. As I stand here today, I still harbor some misgivings that in that pivotal scene/moment, Zach seemingly casually dismissed people who have been his lifeline since arriving in the infinite realm. It was so out of character for Zach. But then I thought perhaps that is the point - and I think it is. Zach is transforming and changing due to the trauma that he experienced. He himself is on a precipice: his life has been dedicated to hunting down Ryun but should that still be his only reason for living?
This is the first time that I've written a review that has been almost directly in response to what others have said in top reviews of a book. I felt compelled, even if I have unfairly typecasted some of those reviewers, because I do not believe that they have provided either a fair or reasonable assessment of the strengths of the book. I want to be clear about one thing: it is not my place to say someone is wrong for feeling a certain way about a character. If you don't like Zach, well, you don't like Zach. But I believe it is fair game to assess the basis for your dislike. If you don't like Zach because he decided to have a relationship with a being of a different species, fine, but I can also say that I think that is a poor reason for disliking someone in a fantasy book. And I think anyone who comes along to look at reviews should also be aware of that basis, so they can judge for themselves.
All-in-all, there were many strong points in this book and there were some where I felt Kal could have done better. But I see where Kal is going and I see the breadcrumbs he is leaving behind. I think that there is a lot of good story to come regardless of the direction the next book takes.
January 31, 2022
Zachary is just a difficult read
I would say this was easy tending to a 5star series but Zach is just not for me. I skimmed and skipped his chapters towards the end. Unfortunately he dominates the chapters in this book.
All other aspects of the book I enjoyed and Ryun is just the man.
I would say this was easy tending to a 5star series but Zach is just not for me. I skimmed and skipped his chapters towards the end. Unfortunately he dominates the chapters in this book.
All other aspects of the book I enjoyed and Ryun is just the man.
September 21, 2022
I am struggling to get through the zach parts just to get back to Ryun. But what really brought me here to review is a question. Why on Earth does this author feel the need to start injecting identity politics and gender bullshit into a fantasy world? I'm here to escape the bullshit not have it preached at me so that you can virtue signal. FFS
April 14, 2023
Book two
Needs a bit more editing.
I still skip Zach's chapters. I don't like him.
Mistakes will be listed on Goodreads.
6/10
Needs a bit more editing.
I still skip Zach's chapters. I don't like him.
Mistakes will be listed on Goodreads.
6/10
March 28, 2025
This book has earned a one-star rating for the inconsistencies in the world-building and in the characters' behavior. It has earned a one-star rating for gratuitous use of the alphabet tribe to earn social justice points. But those were not really my issue. Good and evil mean nothing without a Law, and, in this universe, the Law is defined by the Three. I feel as if the author does not like Ryun although his behavior is more in line with "good" within this world. Quell is another example of the author confusing the Laws of our world with the Laws of the universe he created. It is evil not to push yourself to advance. The book's Law seems to be built on the back of Western civilization and the teaching of Jesus Christ, which wouldn't be a problem if you are writing about the world in which we live.
I am also having a hard time with the author not understanding that words have meaning. Endless means without end, so having endless stamina means it does not end; it does not mean 10% gain. They live in the infinite realm, yet the world seems so small. Why would you take out another sect when you can move to the frontier? Why send your undesirable members to die when you can take your best and establish a new base for them to inhabit? We saw a squad get power leveled in the first book and then it never occurs to anyone to ever do the same thing in the sects?
I am also having a hard time with the author not understanding that words have meaning. Endless means without end, so having endless stamina means it does not end; it does not mean 10% gain. They live in the infinite realm, yet the world seems so small. Why would you take out another sect when you can move to the frontier? Why send your undesirable members to die when you can take your best and establish a new base for them to inhabit? We saw a squad get power leveled in the first book and then it never occurs to anyone to ever do the same thing in the sects?
January 22, 2025
This book is one of the most difficult I've tried to review. Overall the story is entertaining and i really enjoy the world that has been built up. The struggle is that it's such a contrast between the two main characters. The chapters focusing on Ryun are amazing. He is so well written and a great example of a deeply flawed but still relatable and interesting character. The flip side is Zack who is utterly obnoxious and feels like a caricature to me. I am always trying to just tolerate his chapters to get to the next part of the story. I'm rating this a 3 because I feel like there are 5 star sections and 2 star sections so it balances into total mediocrity.
One other issue, I have no issue with diverse characters when they feel genuine and natural, but shoehorning a trans character with a big pasted in introduction was obnoxious. I felt like a social media advert not a legitimate inclusion of anything. To add to this, the choice made the dungeon sequence extremely confusing because "they" can refer to the group as a collective or one individual on there own. You now have to constantly figure out which context it is intended line by line. It highlights the problematic nature of choosing plural words to describe a singular being.
One other issue, I have no issue with diverse characters when they feel genuine and natural, but shoehorning a trans character with a big pasted in introduction was obnoxious. I felt like a social media advert not a legitimate inclusion of anything. To add to this, the choice made the dungeon sequence extremely confusing because "they" can refer to the group as a collective or one individual on there own. You now have to constantly figure out which context it is intended line by line. It highlights the problematic nature of choosing plural words to describe a singular being.
August 19, 2024
In this book, Zach gets more screen time than Ryun, which gives a bit of balance after the first book. Both original protagonists continue to be both ambiguous and interesting. It's not clear which, if either of them, is in the right, which makes for good storytelling.
I rated the first book five stars, but this book only three stars, and there are reasons:
The world doesn't make much sense, with both too much and too little conflict. It's not an anarchy, nor is there a solid structure, and there doesn't seem to be movement toward either, which I find unconvincing.
The number of significant point of view is increasing, which reduces the coherence of the story.
The story is much less about character and more about character optimization.
And too much time is spent on character sheets.
I'll read the next book, but I'm much less sanguine about this series than I was after the first book.
I rated the first book five stars, but this book only three stars, and there are reasons:
The world doesn't make much sense, with both too much and too little conflict. It's not an anarchy, nor is there a solid structure, and there doesn't seem to be movement toward either, which I find unconvincing.
The number of significant point of view is increasing, which reduces the coherence of the story.
The story is much less about character and more about character optimization.
And too much time is spent on character sheets.
I'll read the next book, but I'm much less sanguine about this series than I was after the first book.
June 21, 2021
It was a great sequel and I would have given it more stars if not for the fact that the author kept focusing on Zach (present), I love the scenes from the past but I feel annoyed reading so much about the present Zach, his views on the world and his thought process is just so self righteous and self serving and reading on how he advances just feels to me like a pale imitation of Ryun. Honestly if I knew that 70% of this book would be about Zach I would have skipped it totally. I hope the next book won’t be like this or I’m dropping it. Already I find myself skimming through Zach chapters (present) which was basically half the book. Good job in other aspects of world building and character development though, I just wished you focused more on Ryun and the twilight melody sect. There is so much to build there.
July 31, 2021
Awesome Story
This story of the world ending and everyone getting to choose one of three paths to power was Fantastic. Only the top people get to leave after ten years. One choice is cultivating which starts slow but is the most powerful. The other is skills which is instant power but not long lasting. The last is a Class which is good steady power. This story goes back and forth from the last days of Earth and the Infinite realms. Most folks are Classers and live in the Core of cities. While the Cultivating people live on the outskirts. This story is of a Warden Classer and the Cultivating Clan Head who where the only Survivors of Earth.
I’m mostly writing this so I have a recap because the Author doesn’t.
This story of the world ending and everyone getting to choose one of three paths to power was Fantastic. Only the top people get to leave after ten years. One choice is cultivating which starts slow but is the most powerful. The other is skills which is instant power but not long lasting. The last is a Class which is good steady power. This story goes back and forth from the last days of Earth and the Infinite realms. Most folks are Classers and live in the Core of cities. While the Cultivating people live on the outskirts. This story is of a Warden Classer and the Cultivating Clan Head who where the only Survivors of Earth.
I’m mostly writing this so I have a recap because the Author doesn’t.
August 9, 2024
Book 2 of Infinite Realms. This is a long book and this short review will not do it justice. Overall I enjoyed the entire book. The only distraction was the they/them character as the plural just took extra effort to keep track of. Aside from that, I love the blur between who is good and who is bad. There were a few obvious “plot twists” but overall I did enjoy the story and am looking forward to book 3. There are adult situations and course language that makes this book more appropriate for a mature audience. Isn’t gratuitous but enough that young/sensitive readers would have a hard time with it. This is a strong RPGLit novel, the characters are well thought out and the plot line is good.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
August 10, 2024
NO SPOIERS.
Author: Ivan Kal
Book: The Price of Power
Ivan Kal has a plan. Has to. Without one, what he's currently creating in the Infinite Realm series would fall apart.
And it all starts with two main characters. Zach and Ryun had both reached the Infinite Realm. As the only two survivors of the old Earth, they are the strongest Rankers that had ever arrived in the Infinite Realm. Those two main characters are complex, compelling and strong. Really strong and getting more so. Yet, what we have glimpsed is not even the entire picture of what is to come.
And because of that, somehow, the story remains engaging and captivating. Certainly worth continuing with.
Author: Ivan Kal
Book: The Price of Power
Ivan Kal has a plan. Has to. Without one, what he's currently creating in the Infinite Realm series would fall apart.
And it all starts with two main characters. Zach and Ryun had both reached the Infinite Realm. As the only two survivors of the old Earth, they are the strongest Rankers that had ever arrived in the Infinite Realm. Those two main characters are complex, compelling and strong. Really strong and getting more so. Yet, what we have glimpsed is not even the entire picture of what is to come.
And because of that, somehow, the story remains engaging and captivating. Certainly worth continuing with.
September 19, 2025
It's good to know everyone can still blink so much, it would've been concerning otherwise.
Zachariah, Zachariah, Zach, what an interesting and frustrating character. I can't adequately express my disappointment when I found out the book focused so much on him
During that fateful night horror battle, his thoughts were interesting. So psychopathic. Very like Ryun. I can understand the people of the infinite realms but Zach? Sigh when you look into the abyss, it looks bad. Takes crazy to see crazy. He also has an insane savior complex
I mean, no one is perfect definitely not Ryun but there's something about Zach that really rubs the wrong way. Not sure if the author realizes it but Zach clearly likes being in relationships where he is on a pedestal, whether for being strong or being their only path to sanity. He needs to be able to save people. I'm sure this extends to all his relationships. I really wanted to overcome my melancholy for his character but I think i failed
Zachariah, Zachariah, Zach, what an interesting and frustrating character. I can't adequately express my disappointment when I found out the book focused so much on him
During that fateful night horror battle, his thoughts were interesting. So psychopathic. Very like Ryun. I can understand the people of the infinite realms but Zach? Sigh when you look into the abyss, it looks bad. Takes crazy to see crazy. He also has an insane savior complex
I mean, no one is perfect definitely not Ryun but there's something about Zach that really rubs the wrong way. Not sure if the author realizes it but Zach clearly likes being in relationships where he is on a pedestal, whether for being strong or being their only path to sanity. He needs to be able to save people. I'm sure this extends to all his relationships. I really wanted to overcome my melancholy for his character but I think i failed
Read
April 26, 2023I liked the first book mainly because of ryun, not because of zach, zach, or meanwhile, is the kind of mc that makes me drop a book and never pick it back up again. Which I will be doing.
To me, ryun is the main character, and his story seems to be stalling. I've done a quick look at the other books, and I have to say zach seems to be the authors favourite and the main character of this book.
Ryun was a good mc, but R.I.P. to his story.
To me, ryun is the main character, and his story seems to be stalling. I've done a quick look at the other books, and I have to say zach seems to be the authors favourite and the main character of this book.
Ryun was a good mc, but R.I.P. to his story.
September 10, 2025
Overall a fun book and a good 'action flick'. I love the litrpg and cultivation bits but it sometimes seemed like it was getting preachy with identity politics. Other than that there were great action scenes, and as always a fun variety of powers; though there probably could have been 2 less full status sheet read-throughs per character (a summary would have been fine sometimes, especially with one-time interlude characters).
May 29, 2021
Great Sequel, more worldbuilding
A great follow up to the first! The world building expands significantly in this novel, and the author does an incredible job showing glimpses into other realms of power, as well as expanding the larger, broader conflict(s). Continues to be among the best cultivation/litrpg series, in my opinion.
A great follow up to the first! The world building expands significantly in this novel, and the author does an incredible job showing glimpses into other realms of power, as well as expanding the larger, broader conflict(s). Continues to be among the best cultivation/litrpg series, in my opinion.
Read
May 31, 2021Outstanding
Nothing I say can properly convey how much I love this book and this series, if you're even a little bit I interested in litrpg I would recommend this book to you. The side stories are getting more interesting and more relevant to the plot, and we also got some more time in with characters other than Ryun, can't wait for more.
Nothing I say can properly convey how much I love this book and this series, if you're even a little bit I interested in litrpg I would recommend this book to you. The side stories are getting more interesting and more relevant to the plot, and we also got some more time in with characters other than Ryun, can't wait for more.
July 26, 2021
Good
More powerful than the first. Solid developments.
Prose is a little messier than the first.
I was a little frustrated by the sheer size of the character screen tables. Especially for the number of times they end up being presented…in their entirety.
I still look forward to the next book. Some strong, deep characters.
More powerful than the first. Solid developments.
Prose is a little messier than the first.
I was a little frustrated by the sheer size of the character screen tables. Especially for the number of times they end up being presented…in their entirety.
I still look forward to the next book. Some strong, deep characters.
July 28, 2021
Wish Zach & Ryan had their own stories
Great book but the split POVs hurt the story in my opinion. Both stories are awesome and bouncing between the two felt like it hindered the story more than anything.
Stays page graphs need formatting help BIG time. They repeat like crazy and huge portions are missing.
Great book but the split POVs hurt the story in my opinion. Both stories are awesome and bouncing between the two felt like it hindered the story more than anything.
Stays page graphs need formatting help BIG time. They repeat like crazy and huge portions are missing.
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