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Rise of the Living Forge #4
Rise of the Living Forge 4
Twelve is right at the Menagerie’s door.
Jessen’s deadly assassin mentor isn’t happy about what happened to his apprentice, and the Menagerie are looking rather suspicious. Their time to deal with him is running out -- and he isn’t going to be nearly as easy to deal with as any of the other threats they’ve handled thus far.
But the Menagerie’s fame has started to spread beyond just the ears of their foes, and Jessen isn’t the only one at their doorstep. Everyone seems to want to claim a small piece of Milten for themselves.
Every day that passes brings fame and power to the Menagerie. But such things are nothing new to Arwin. He’s had both before, and neither hold any temptation for him. The only thing Arwin cares about are his friends, and he’ll do anything to protect them.
Anything.
Book 4 in the next epic LitRPG Saga from Actus, bestselling author of Return of the Runebound Professor. With nearly 7-million views on Royal Road, this definitive edition is perfect for fans of Seth Ring, Jonathan Brooks, Michael Chatfield and lovers of all things Progression Fantasy and Crafting.
About the Series: Features a healthy mix of crafting and combat, a strong-to-stronger MC, power progression, a detailed magic system, item enchantment, smithing, unforgettable characters, and much more!
Jessen’s deadly assassin mentor isn’t happy about what happened to his apprentice, and the Menagerie are looking rather suspicious. Their time to deal with him is running out -- and he isn’t going to be nearly as easy to deal with as any of the other threats they’ve handled thus far.
But the Menagerie’s fame has started to spread beyond just the ears of their foes, and Jessen isn’t the only one at their doorstep. Everyone seems to want to claim a small piece of Milten for themselves.
Every day that passes brings fame and power to the Menagerie. But such things are nothing new to Arwin. He’s had both before, and neither hold any temptation for him. The only thing Arwin cares about are his friends, and he’ll do anything to protect them.
Anything.
Book 4 in the next epic LitRPG Saga from Actus, bestselling author of Return of the Runebound Professor. With nearly 7-million views on Royal Road, this definitive edition is perfect for fans of Seth Ring, Jonathan Brooks, Michael Chatfield and lovers of all things Progression Fantasy and Crafting.
About the Series: Features a healthy mix of crafting and combat, a strong-to-stronger MC, power progression, a detailed magic system, item enchantment, smithing, unforgettable characters, and much more!
- GenresFantasy
648 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2025
287 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Actus
61 books198 followersActus has been writing fantasy stories since the age of twelve, and he's been telling them since he could talk. He's currently working on three main series - Morcster Chef, Steamforged Sorcery, and My Best Friend is an Eldritch Horror. You can find his works on RoyalRoad & Patreon as well as on Amazon.
In addition to his passion for writing, Actus is capable of clearing a two story building with a single jump. That isn't true, but writing about himself in third person gives Actus delusions of grandeur.
In addition to his passion for writing, Actus is capable of clearing a two story building with a single jump. That isn't true, but writing about himself in third person gives Actus delusions of grandeur.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 20, 2025
Overall I tend to enjoy the authors books and I still enjoyed this one, however, I struggle seeing the future/ end of the series ever coming to fruition. At the current pace the series will take 15+ books to get close to the power levels required to fight the final bad guys. At this point the MMC is one level above the lowest after 4 books.
Ain’t a bad thing and will gladly read more just feel as if the progression and the overall plot has somewhat stagnated.
Ain’t a bad thing and will gladly read more just feel as if the progression and the overall plot has somewhat stagnated.
October 19, 2025
Actus is golden! Get the book. No get all of their books!
You should already know Actus is golden and this storyline is only getting better and better. Grab the book to keep up-to-date! In this book Arwin and Lillia and their guild, Menagerie are walking that fine line between acquiring fame from what they're doing now and being recognized for what they once were. Because if the Adventurers Guild catches even a wiff of a suspicion of who they truly are, before they're ready their lives are forfeit! The Menagerie is always lookin for allies. And there's a tournament to look forward to. But first they hafta take out an assassin without getting caught, and a debt to pay off!
Have a couple of great quotes:
“What part of practicing healing involves spewing motivational quotes?”
"There was something deeply wrong about a vampire giving a toothy smile."
You should already know Actus is golden and this storyline is only getting better and better. Grab the book to keep up-to-date! In this book Arwin and Lillia and their guild, Menagerie are walking that fine line between acquiring fame from what they're doing now and being recognized for what they once were. Because if the Adventurers Guild catches even a wiff of a suspicion of who they truly are, before they're ready their lives are forfeit! The Menagerie is always lookin for allies. And there's a tournament to look forward to. But first they hafta take out an assassin without getting caught, and a debt to pay off!
Have a couple of great quotes:
“What part of practicing healing involves spewing motivational quotes?”
"There was something deeply wrong about a vampire giving a toothy smile."
October 22, 2025
Great Read
I had been waiting for this book for months, and I wasn't disappointed. Roderick's talent was so on point in this one that I loved it. I enjoyed how Arwin jumped to Adept tier and finding out about Koyu, but Again is a tad too soft and kind hearted like Roderick mentioned about finding out information. Especially how Art was willing to blackmail him, with that very information he promised to keep secret. He's doesn't really think before speaking or acting; it seems that world likes to keep their Heroes a little dimwitted. But I'm reading for book 5 and the Proving Grounds.
I had been waiting for this book for months, and I wasn't disappointed. Roderick's talent was so on point in this one that I loved it. I enjoyed how Arwin jumped to Adept tier and finding out about Koyu, but Again is a tad too soft and kind hearted like Roderick mentioned about finding out information. Especially how Art was willing to blackmail him, with that very information he promised to keep secret. He's doesn't really think before speaking or acting; it seems that world likes to keep their Heroes a little dimwitted. But I'm reading for book 5 and the Proving Grounds.
October 21, 2025
is a smith?
I picked up this book hoping to see how the MC would sell lower quality armor to the public and what would pass his assessment for good enough. Unfortunately the MC doesn’t even sell a piece to be able to afford food. Guess that’s what can happen if you can mooch off your girlfriend. Oh well
I picked up this book hoping to see how the MC would sell lower quality armor to the public and what would pass his assessment for good enough. Unfortunately the MC doesn’t even sell a piece to be able to afford food. Guess that’s what can happen if you can mooch off your girlfriend. Oh well
December 23, 2025
Loved this book!
The book continues to provide clues and hints about the background of each character, but doesn't just give everything! The mystery of each and the "outing" of their secrets is slow, but well timed. Also, multiple Arcs going on.
Of course it ended at the time of the main event.
Can wait for book (audiobook) 5
The book continues to provide clues and hints about the background of each character, but doesn't just give everything! The mystery of each and the "outing" of their secrets is slow, but well timed. Also, multiple Arcs going on.
Of course it ended at the time of the main event.
Can wait for book (audiobook) 5
October 20, 2025
Needs editing
Story is good; not as concerning as thr last book. There are a bunch of missing square brackets and a couple typos-- more than in the previous books. Still worth reading though
Story is good; not as concerning as thr last book. There are a bunch of missing square brackets and a couple typos-- more than in the previous books. Still worth reading though
November 4, 2025
devoured this more than Arwin does metal
I’ve finished the series so far in a few days because it was that good. I cant wait to see what the proving grounds will uncover. While the next book has yet to come out I already know Actus will not disappoint
I’ve finished the series so far in a few days because it was that good. I cant wait to see what the proving grounds will uncover. While the next book has yet to come out I already know Actus will not disappoint
November 26, 2025
Better and better
Book Four moves the story along nicely. A few more intriguing characters are introduced, the characters' skills advance, and the plot thickens. Looking forward to the next one!
Book Four moves the story along nicely. A few more intriguing characters are introduced, the characters' skills advance, and the plot thickens. Looking forward to the next one!
October 27, 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 31, 2025
best book yet!
The world is opening, new characters are being introduced and the rules of magic and fun back story are being revealed. Love it!
The world is opening, new characters are being introduced and the rules of magic and fun back story are being revealed. Love it!
December 8, 2025
very fun
This 4th book didn’t disappoint. Very fun, easy read. Story is progressing at a very nice pace. Cant wait for book 5
This 4th book didn’t disappoint. Very fun, easy read. Story is progressing at a very nice pace. Cant wait for book 5
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews