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Aetherforged #1
Rebirth: A LitRPG Progression Fantasy
The discovery of an enchanted heirloom sends a poor farm boy on a journey to master magic and vanquish evil in this epic LitRPG fantasy series.
Eighteen-year-old Callum Stross never asked to become a hero. Struggling through a brutal harvest alongside his father, he's more concerned with surviving the season than reliving ancient wars.
But when a devastating aetherstorm strikes, Callum is forced to seek shelter in a cursed manor, where he discovers a dormant Aethercore tied to the bloodline of the legendary Demonslayer. The core fuses with his soul, awakening latent power and binding him to Fen, a mana-bound fox who claims Callum is the Reborn Heir meant to finish what his ancestor started.
With demonic aetherbeasts rising once more and warlocks spreading corruption through forbidden Demoncores, Callum must travel to New Albion to uncover the truths hidden in the Archive of Destiny. There, in the capital's elite Great College, nobles train to manipulate mana, fuse shards, and wield legendary Powercores. But even they are unprepared for the impending storm.
To survive, Callum must rise through the ranks of a complex system, deepen his bond with Fen, and unlock the secrets buried in his bloodline. Because the Second Demonswar is coming—and this time, no one's ready.
Eighteen-year-old Callum Stross never asked to become a hero. Struggling through a brutal harvest alongside his father, he's more concerned with surviving the season than reliving ancient wars.
But when a devastating aetherstorm strikes, Callum is forced to seek shelter in a cursed manor, where he discovers a dormant Aethercore tied to the bloodline of the legendary Demonslayer. The core fuses with his soul, awakening latent power and binding him to Fen, a mana-bound fox who claims Callum is the Reborn Heir meant to finish what his ancestor started.
With demonic aetherbeasts rising once more and warlocks spreading corruption through forbidden Demoncores, Callum must travel to New Albion to uncover the truths hidden in the Archive of Destiny. There, in the capital's elite Great College, nobles train to manipulate mana, fuse shards, and wield legendary Powercores. But even they are unprepared for the impending storm.
To survive, Callum must rise through the ranks of a complex system, deepen his bond with Fen, and unlock the secrets buried in his bloodline. Because the Second Demonswar is coming—and this time, no one's ready.
- GenresFantasy
400 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
329 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Luke Chmilenko
39 books1,567 followersBorn in 1987, Luke Chmilenko grew up in the city of Mississauga, Ontario spending the majority of his life within the city. Always a fan of writing and storytelling, Luke continuously wrote small short stories over the years, but never embarked on writing a full novel until much later in life, thinking it was something beyond his ability.
With his interesting in writing waxing and waning as the years passed, Luke focused on his studies, eventually finding a job in the field of IT Security and working between various jobs for several years. It wasn't until after he was married and with his wife's encouragement that he finally decided to try writing a novel, this time deciding to focus on a new genre that he had just discovered called LitRPG.
Diving into his work, Luke wrote his first book over the course of several months, releasing the book as a web serial chapter by chapter for free online, garnering valuable feedback and confidence from his readers. By the time Luke finished his first book and published it on amazon, he already had a hungry audience waiting for next installation, to which he immediately threw himself into working tirelessly at his newfound passion.
Today, Luke now writes full time with his wife and two cats in their Burlington home, working away on his next issue of his Ascend Online series and a brand new science fiction series named Starfall.
Books of Ascend Online:
Ascend Online (Book 1) (2016)
Ascend Online: Hell to Pay (Book 1.5) (2017)
Ascend Online: Legacy of the Fallen (Book 2) (2018)
Ascend Online: Glory to the Brave (Book 3) (Forthcoming 2019)
Books of Starfall:
Starfall (Book 1) (Forthcoming 2019)
With his interesting in writing waxing and waning as the years passed, Luke focused on his studies, eventually finding a job in the field of IT Security and working between various jobs for several years. It wasn't until after he was married and with his wife's encouragement that he finally decided to try writing a novel, this time deciding to focus on a new genre that he had just discovered called LitRPG.
Diving into his work, Luke wrote his first book over the course of several months, releasing the book as a web serial chapter by chapter for free online, garnering valuable feedback and confidence from his readers. By the time Luke finished his first book and published it on amazon, he already had a hungry audience waiting for next installation, to which he immediately threw himself into working tirelessly at his newfound passion.
Today, Luke now writes full time with his wife and two cats in their Burlington home, working away on his next issue of his Ascend Online series and a brand new science fiction series named Starfall.
Books of Ascend Online:
Ascend Online (Book 1) (2016)
Ascend Online: Hell to Pay (Book 1.5) (2017)
Ascend Online: Legacy of the Fallen (Book 2) (2018)
Ascend Online: Glory to the Brave (Book 3) (Forthcoming 2019)
Books of Starfall:
Starfall (Book 1) (Forthcoming 2019)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 21, 2025
Loved the world-building and some aspects of the characters. The storyline however, is too cliché.
October 9, 2025
Well colour me impressed!
I don't read a lot of the LitRPG/Progression type fantasy but I can say that what I do read is really good. This title by Luke and Harmon is no different.
I loved following along with Callum as he begins his journey to become the Reborn Heir. The leveling up and increasing power and skills was super neat to read about and who doesn't love a fox companion, Fen, that is manna bound? Fen helps Callum through so much of the story and both get stronger for their bond.
There is a lot of evil happening in the world that Callum and Fen need to navigate. The Aetherbeasts and storms come to threaten the land but the real issue could be at the college where Callum is sent to do his studies. Is the second Demonswar coming? What political machinations are happening behind the scenes that Callum must discover and thwart in order to save the day.
This story has a bit of everything and all a joy to read.
I was given the audiobook as an advance listening copy and thought that the narrator John Pirhalla did an excellent job bringing these characters to life. I really enjoyed the whole production as it was clear and so well done.
Thank you to Podium and the authors for the opportunity to listen and review!
I don't read a lot of the LitRPG/Progression type fantasy but I can say that what I do read is really good. This title by Luke and Harmon is no different.
I loved following along with Callum as he begins his journey to become the Reborn Heir. The leveling up and increasing power and skills was super neat to read about and who doesn't love a fox companion, Fen, that is manna bound? Fen helps Callum through so much of the story and both get stronger for their bond.
There is a lot of evil happening in the world that Callum and Fen need to navigate. The Aetherbeasts and storms come to threaten the land but the real issue could be at the college where Callum is sent to do his studies. Is the second Demonswar coming? What political machinations are happening behind the scenes that Callum must discover and thwart in order to save the day.
This story has a bit of everything and all a joy to read.
I was given the audiobook as an advance listening copy and thought that the narrator John Pirhalla did an excellent job bringing these characters to life. I really enjoyed the whole production as it was clear and so well done.
Thank you to Podium and the authors for the opportunity to listen and review!
November 7, 2025
I wanted to like this
DNF. I got to 40% and returned the book. It was well written and the plot looked interesting. So why did I stop? The first was that the MC was weak and an imbecile. There was nothing about him that made me believe that he wanted to or was able step up and change his life. If he had done nothing to improve himself over the last 18 or so years, why would I believe he would now. He was milk toast. I am tired of all of these authors making their MC so pitiable, stupid, slow or what ever else that they cam be handicapped with that there is no way for me to root for them. These types of MCs never really figure things out or grow strong. The author always uses some convoluted plod device or dues ex so the MC is kept weak or stupid but yet still survives or overcomes the antagonist. For me, that is just not fun to read about.
Spoiler alert
Case in point. For the entrance into the school, he didn't earn his way in. He was too weak and not skilled enough to actually get in. What the author then does is make him a "special case" instead of just making him have to go and learn some other way.
DNF. I got to 40% and returned the book. It was well written and the plot looked interesting. So why did I stop? The first was that the MC was weak and an imbecile. There was nothing about him that made me believe that he wanted to or was able step up and change his life. If he had done nothing to improve himself over the last 18 or so years, why would I believe he would now. He was milk toast. I am tired of all of these authors making their MC so pitiable, stupid, slow or what ever else that they cam be handicapped with that there is no way for me to root for them. These types of MCs never really figure things out or grow strong. The author always uses some convoluted plod device or dues ex so the MC is kept weak or stupid but yet still survives or overcomes the antagonist. For me, that is just not fun to read about.
Spoiler alert
Case in point. For the entrance into the school, he didn't earn his way in. He was too weak and not skilled enough to actually get in. What the author then does is make him a "special case" instead of just making him have to go and learn some other way.
October 5, 2025
Callum Stross, named after his legendary Demonslayer ancestor, is a poor eighteen-year-old farm boy helping his father harvest what little crops they have. During a catastrophic aetherstorm, Callum has to shelter in an abandoned mansion. An Aethercore - tied to the bloodline of the Demonslayer - fuses with his soul and awakens his power within. Callum is bound to Fen, a Radiant Fox, who informs him that he is the Reborn Heir...!
This is a fabulous adventure and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've been waiting a long time to read this Chmilenko/Cooper amalgam, and it does not disappoint. If you're a fan of either author, or both, then you'll love this. The authors write really well together, and there's nothing that jolts the reader or appears out of place during the storytelling. The other characters and particularly their pacted animals, and how they are used, are so interesting.
Excellent! Can't wait to read the next book.
This is a fabulous adventure and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've been waiting a long time to read this Chmilenko/Cooper amalgam, and it does not disappoint. If you're a fan of either author, or both, then you'll love this. The authors write really well together, and there's nothing that jolts the reader or appears out of place during the storytelling. The other characters and particularly their pacted animals, and how they are used, are so interesting.
Excellent! Can't wait to read the next book.
September 13, 2025
As a first book in the series this was an enjoyable read. It introduced the characters fairly well, although a bit more about some of the characters wouldn’t have gone a miss and would have aided the story. The plot was interesting and soon had me invested in the story. I would have liked more in this book as I feel it was finished too early. There were 2 characters which seem important to the story who were sort of ignored in the book. Yes they appeared but feel more could have been made of them. It will be interesting to see where book 2 takes the story. If you enjoy the LitRPG genre but not too keen on the constant stat updates you get in a lot of books then try this one. Yes there is a little bit of stat updates and description on powers but it’s not done to death and actually adds to the story. Give it a try and see if you were absorbed in it as I was. When is book 2 out?
October 10, 2025
It felt like this wasn't quite finished. Like they'd got the bulk of it written but hadn't edited out the waffly parts ("at least when it came to not breaking said arms that he used to block the attack") or the info dumps (tell me, reborn thingy, is the world still blah blah blah? And as you know, the mana forged whatsit is blah blah blah.) Everything's a bit vague; he's somehow both a dirt-farming peasant and a responsible noble. This could work but it reads like they wrote two different beginnings and sort of slapped them together. And the guy feels really passive. "I'm a reborn tamer or whatever? Sure, I'll drop everything to go to the capital where I've never been before. Time to pass out because that's a dramatic way to end the chapter." Honestly I think with a bit more editing this could have been pretty good, but oh well.
Read
September 2, 2025Intriguing and fresh in a few words. I love the litrpg genre first and foremost. In this book callum or MC is thrust into a new world far separated from his farm life he's always known. He immediately becomes wrapped up in the highest level of government even becoming friends with the princess. As the story unfolds he becomes aware of a plot to take the kingdom down a dark path. He and his bonded beast are staunchly against. As he journeys to the capital to become a student at the magical college. He makes friends and enemies alike. As callum finds his way he eventually becomes the unsung then sung hero who stamps his place in the kingdom and possibly the kingdoms beyond.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 6, 2025
While I did get an early review copy, that won’t stop me from getting this book when it comes out.
I do have a couple of issues, while Luke is one of the authors of my favorite book series, he isn’t the most prolific author. So while the book is great more in the series might take time to be produced. The other issue I have is the rivalry in the book seems a bit heavy handed. Sure in the setting I can understand why they dislike to hate each other, it just seems to happen super fast in the story.
As for the good, there is start of cohesion with some of the characters. Group dynamics is a great place to see character growth and development. Also the fact the MC isn’t overpowered is good. He has to struggle and grow his power.
I do have a couple of issues, while Luke is one of the authors of my favorite book series, he isn’t the most prolific author. So while the book is great more in the series might take time to be produced. The other issue I have is the rivalry in the book seems a bit heavy handed. Sure in the setting I can understand why they dislike to hate each other, it just seems to happen super fast in the story.
As for the good, there is start of cohesion with some of the characters. Group dynamics is a great place to see character growth and development. Also the fact the MC isn’t overpowered is good. He has to struggle and grow his power.
October 8, 2025
This one started off a little slower for me as the world building is heavy in the front, but it quickly picks up. Callum is just a farmer boy, who's only hope is to harvest the crop before the storm comes in. But the storm brings with it a fierce creature and it thrusts Callum's life onto a whole new path.
The authors did a good job blending their writing styles together. While this is an academy setting, it isn't monotonous in any way. We also get to learn along with Callum as his new friends help fill in his gaps of knowledge. I loved that the bonded animals had such a big part and their own personalities. I am interested to see what happens next for our young Callum and his friends.
The authors did a good job blending their writing styles together. While this is an academy setting, it isn't monotonous in any way. We also get to learn along with Callum as his new friends help fill in his gaps of knowledge. I loved that the bonded animals had such a big part and their own personalities. I am interested to see what happens next for our young Callum and his friends.
October 11, 2025
Wonderful new story!
Harmon Cooper and Luke Chmilenko’s Aetherforged: Rebirth is a fast, immersive fantasy that blends their styles so well. Harmon's worldbuilding works perfectly with Luke's progression systems, making the story that feel both epic and grounded.
Their collaboration keeps the action exciting and the emotion real. Callum’s growth and his bond with Fen feel genuine, and the magic and power systems stay clever and consistent, a perfect mix of heart and strategy.
Harmon Cooper and Luke Chmilenko’s Aetherforged: Rebirth is a fast, immersive fantasy that blends their styles so well. Harmon's worldbuilding works perfectly with Luke's progression systems, making the story that feel both epic and grounded.
Their collaboration keeps the action exciting and the emotion real. Callum’s growth and his bond with Fen feel genuine, and the magic and power systems stay clever and consistent, a perfect mix of heart and strategy.
October 7, 2025
That was a fun read. It has a very interesting storyline. The characters were unique and charming. I am sure they will have exciting developments in the next books. I loved that each of them were given a pacted companion. The authors did a good job of explaining everything (the system, how things work, etc) as the MC went through them. The first half of the book was a bit slow paced for me but things picked on the second half.
Looking forward to reading the next book.
Looking forward to reading the next book.
October 7, 2025
Great Collaboration
This new collaborative series showcases the world building expertise of Cooper and the flair of Chmilenko with a heady dose of imaginative LitRPG build. The history and story progression work exceeding well and the MC is likeable with a good amount of development happening as we level up skills. This is one of 2 collaborative ventures and if this is the sign of things to come I will be very happy for even more from these 2 great authors.
This new collaborative series showcases the world building expertise of Cooper and the flair of Chmilenko with a heady dose of imaginative LitRPG build. The history and story progression work exceeding well and the MC is likeable with a good amount of development happening as we level up skills. This is one of 2 collaborative ventures and if this is the sign of things to come I will be very happy for even more from these 2 great authors.
October 27, 2025
I was hooked from the cover and description and so glad I was able to get into this fantasy litrpg novel. The overall concept was what I was looking for and enjoyed the feel of this world. It was a great start to the Aetherforged series and how it was used in this universe. Harmon Cooper & Luke Chmilenko has a strong writing style and was glad I read this.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 8, 2025
Get in on the ground floor. heck, some houses you just can't teach Manors. Just go straight to the Basement!
Luke and Harmon separate are great, together they break the Grate!
But some Might require Vigor and Deftness to bring Light out of Darkness.
Callum’s at Rock Bottom at the end of this one. The Aether's the Limit!
Luke and Harmon separate are great, together they break the Grate!
But some Might require Vigor and Deftness to bring Light out of Darkness.
Callum’s at Rock Bottom at the end of this one. The Aether's the Limit!
October 3, 2025
I honestly took a while to get into this story, but once I did, it was enjoyable! I really love how big of a role the fox played in the story because.. who doesn't love foxes? The powers were cool, and the fights were interesting. An overall good read!
October 7, 2025
A fun little fantasy and a good light read. I received this book for free and wished to leave a review. I enjoyed the book. Chmilenko and Cooper have created a great world. Poor Callum is swept up into the dangerous world he always dreamed about and now finds it very dangerous.
October 10, 2025
The first in a series that is definitely a great start.
I really enjoyed the world-building and character development. The magic system is also interesting and a little different.
I absolutely look forward to seeing how the story continues in book 2.
I really enjoyed the world-building and character development. The magic system is also interesting and a little different.
I absolutely look forward to seeing how the story continues in book 2.
October 15, 2025
A fun progression story
It's entertaining if not groundbreaking. The characters are well drawn and the setting is interesting. The story isn't deep but I'm interested enough to read the next one.
It's entertaining if not groundbreaking. The characters are well drawn and the setting is interesting. The story isn't deep but I'm interested enough to read the next one.
October 23, 2025
Good book
Really good first book ,it was a slow start but it picks up really fast and just doesn't stop. It was a really good book and I look forward to reading the next book in the series 😀
Really good first book ,it was a slow start but it picks up really fast and just doesn't stop. It was a really good book and I look forward to reading the next book in the series 😀
November 4, 2025
Luke does it again
This man is a machine at turning out banger after banger and this one doesn't disappoint. He balances his MC strengths and weaknesses so well that you will never feel like he has it in the bag, but you won't start getting frustrated with his lacking.
This man is a machine at turning out banger after banger and this one doesn't disappoint. He balances his MC strengths and weaknesses so well that you will never feel like he has it in the bag, but you won't start getting frustrated with his lacking.
November 15, 2025
Excellent!
Likable characters. Excellent world Building. Progression system Is unique. Action plot and ending makes me want to read the next book in the series as soon as it becomes available!
Likable characters. Excellent world Building. Progression system Is unique. Action plot and ending makes me want to read the next book in the series as soon as it becomes available!
December 16, 2025
a little different take on LitRPG
I like that it is different. I like all the characters. The main character is powerfull but still behind others. A really good read. Can’t wait to read more.
I like that it is different. I like all the characters. The main character is powerfull but still behind others. A really good read. Can’t wait to read more.
October 7, 2025
Juvenile
Not bad, just juvenile. Best for young adults. Themes and motivations were all simplistic. World don’t seem completely thought out, but had interesting concepts.
Not bad, just juvenile. Best for young adults. Themes and motivations were all simplistic. World don’t seem completely thought out, but had interesting concepts.
October 8, 2025
Fanfreakingtastic!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait for the next book to come out!
What an amazing book! I absolutely loved this book and such wonderful characters! I can not wait for the next book to come out!
October 17, 2025
boring
Just couldn’t get into the story, the magic system of slotting crystals in just seemed stupid and fell flat for me.
Just couldn’t get into the story, the magic system of slotting crystals in just seemed stupid and fell flat for me.
October 30, 2025
Loved this!!! You can feel the progression and adventure truly one of the best LITRPGs I have finished.. Can’t wait for book 2!!!
November 11, 2025
Great Read
The story progression is excellent and the characters develop nicely. The pace picks up a the story unfolds. I strongly recommend.
The story progression is excellent and the characters develop nicely. The pace picks up a the story unfolds. I strongly recommend.
November 29, 2025
Living your dream
I found it interesting that the MC was the reincarnation of his ancestor, but he was still himself, and I loved how he got stronger.
I found it interesting that the MC was the reincarnation of his ancestor, but he was still himself, and I loved how he got stronger.
December 4, 2025
Good book!
I liked the characters and the way the story was written. I also liked his friends. The adventures they had were good.
I liked the characters and the way the story was written. I also liked his friends. The adventures they had were good.
December 18, 2025
Luke and Harmon hit it out of the park.
Luke and Harmon hit it out of the park. Love the core system and how they present it to the growing new character.
Luke and Harmon hit it out of the park. Love the core system and how they present it to the growing new character.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews