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Iron Tyrant #4

Falling Gold

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Don't miss book 4 of the next great Fantasy LitRPG Series by Seth Ring, author of the best selling Battle Mage Farmer and Nova Terra. Grab your copy today and join Mateo as he ascends through the flames of war.

About the Following a weak-to-strong protagonist, this series mixes epic fantasy action, mystery, cultivation, and a world with endless depth where little is as it first appears. This LitRPG/GameLit series is perfect for readers who enjoy exploring rich worlds and complex characters.

398 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 17, 2025

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Seth Ring

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for TenshiMari.
588 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2026
Thank you to the author and Netgalley for providing a digital review copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review

I'll be honest, I struggled with this book. I wanted to DNF it so bad. Maybe I should've, maybe I'm not the target audience for this series. The entire card and magic system from the previous books seems to have been totally abandoned to focus on sorcery, which seems to be about studying and learning spells. We are told, time and time again, how ✨smart✨ Mateo is and how much his perfect memory helps with learning sorcery. How convenient of a superpower to have. There's so much info-dumping in this book, of Mateo learning spells, collecting information, studying. It feels less like a training montage because we don't SEE Mateo grow, we are constantly told, rather than shown, how he's getting stronger and more powerful. The weird thing is that all the training done in book 1 seems to have been made redundant? Mateo doesn't use a bow anymore, he just focuses on learning magic. What was the point of the entire training montage that was the first book if he's not gonna use those skills at all? I also wasn't really sold on the arranged marriage trope with the bratty spoiled princess. It seemed to only be added for additional drama, and it could've been left out entirely. The reason I disliked this book so much is because it honestly just reads like filler. It seems to be building up to some big kinda climax, and I assume the 5th book is gonna be the conclusion to this series, but nothing much seems to happen in this book. Mateo studies. Mateo learns spells and sorcery. Mateo becomes more powerful. Rinse repeat. A lot of brown-nosing with the emperor, who was the most interesting character by far, and instead just an endless cycle of repetition. That being said, on the topic of the actual audiobook, I really enjoyed the performance of the narrator, and I thought they were very good at doing different voices for different characters, they were all memorable and easy to recognize. It was pleasant to listen to, and was the main reason I didn't end up DNFing this book. I'll give 4 stars for the narration, 1 star for the content of the book. If you enjoy a power fantasy of a MC who continues to get more overpowered with every book and easily overcomes any obstacles, this might be a nice comfort read for you, but I was clearly not the right target audience to appreciate this book, and ended up hating it.
6 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2026
Somewhat of a let down.

This induction into the series really felt like a departure from the last 3, especially the first 2, books. An awful lot of telling us what's happening, rather than showing us.

Book 3 ends with a fairly monumental character shift and then a way for us to see the first benefit of that shift with the last scene. Book 4 cuts a month ahead and we see none of the character byplay, or payoff, of these events. We don't get to experience the impact of what's happened.

And that's the theme of this book - we are told something is going to happen, it happens, we move on. No time is really spent with Mateo, Rose or Eric with how they feel about anything that has happened - nor do we really get to see how the big change is affecting anyone that knows Isaac and Mateo. It's all just business as usual for any side character that's introduced.

And on the newer characters introduced: they're plot devices. There is no real depth to them, we don't know what motivates them, why they are where they are or really care what happens to them once Mateo has what he wants from them and they're off page.

The scenes with the emperor were good, the highlight of this book, and I genuinely enjoyed them. They fleshed him out and actually gave him a personality, which was like a gulp of water when thirsty. Desperate for more, but, denied for the most part. Which probably coloured my experience of the rest of the book as the author is clearly able to sit with new characters and let them grow, but instead rushes through.

This book really felt like the author had checked out. Like there's a part of the story/plot he want's to get to, but, there needs to be a 2 year(ish) period (author imposed for some reason) where Mateo get's stronger (not even in the same way that the last 3 books have made him stronger - that's broadly irrelevant now because of magic).

There is so much about how magic works, and how Mateo is a genius, that it starts to get boring - magic is perfectly created for someone with an eidetic memory, which he just happens to have. The plot is so painfully signposted it's not remotely satisfying when they payoff. He gains access to a magicians research which talks about a cursed forest - he's has already figured he could clear it if needed, but he's not interested, so puts it aside. BUT...guess where he's being sent later?

I skim ready the last third just to get it done, I was just bored; the first 3 books carried me through it. Here's hoping the 5th settles down a bit and let's us actually experience the adventure.

4 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2025
a good recovery

Read voraciously through books 1-3. I was leery about falling gold but glad to be proven wrong.

*Book 3 spoiler*

when Prince Isaac did the body swap as he died with Matteo, I felt like this fantasy version of Parent Trap was an extremely contrived convention Seth was using to carry forward Mateo’s journey. The world building pivoted from the master Solomon Arc into the throne ascension arc, and it could only further develop if Matteo had obtained rights to the throne (we never know his parents so I thought it would be revealed he was an illegitimate heir or something).

*Book four* I would have rather seen Mateo evolve battling from the same station in life with out all the power creep, and the fourth book introduces a ton of it, but it shows some better character development than expected. You do see a Mateo-Isaac mostly handle everything smoothly, and challenges feel almost too easily overcome as this Gandalf/Sun Tzu/Legolas with eidetic memory persona just is a natural at everything except , shocker, as a teen boy he doesn’t get women or their motives.

Book four largely gets back to what books 1-2 do well; world building and power system development. It does skip over some of the more tangled details in favor of faster pacing. I would have liked to see more interplay between the princes and princesses but there are several chekovs guns The author can command in the later parts of the series.

Book 5 wishes
I would hope for some core group dynamics to fray (Eric or rose relationship to fracture/Mateo-Isaac to be exiled and have to use the gold the rats squirrel away to kickstart a rampage, etc.)

I would like to see Elysia become a three dimensional character akin to Mustang in Red Rising. Core tragedy needs to set Mateo back, and she could be the architect of it or an ally of rose or Eric were to die (or Eric kills Rose in an attempt on Matteo).

I’d love to see all the cavalier talk of heretofore unimaginable power of Matteo undo him in someway, find out if Voors is pro Solomon or not, maybe with chess as the code they talk through.

All in all, this feels like the 4th of a 9 book series. In some ways worse and in some ways better than Cradle, but just as devourable, and Ring does a great job in making you feel like the fried Oreos of Lit you are inhaling aren’t calorically heavy and empty while doing so.

Definitely an author worthy of study if you are looking to pattern after the Indy author flywheel.
Profile Image for Byron.
44 reviews9 followers
January 3, 2026
As a natural continuance of the previous volumes, Iron Tyrant manages to bypass the traditional "start" one might expect from a standalone book, leaning into its roots as a web serial. This installment succeeds by doubling down on the gamified system while significantly accelerating the stakes.

The Power of Memorisation
The core of this book is the evolution of Matteo. We see a drastic shift as he becomes arguably "overpowered," primarily due to his unique ability to memorise complex magical structures. This takes his potential to the level of the most powerful sorcerer, supplementing his already vast exploits with natural magic. While some might find an "OP" protagonist less engaging, Seth Ring keeps the tension high by shifting the focus to an entirely new magical system rather than just rehashing the old one.

Political Intrigue vs. Action
While the pacing of physical action is notably slower in this volume, it is replaced by a sophisticated layer of political intrigue and "spy-craft". The book serves as a substantial "setup" for future conflicts. One of the most refreshing aspects is the portrayal of the Empire: it isn't painted as a caricature of evil, but rather as a systemic necessity. The narrative explores the idea that power must be yielded responsibly to prevent being engulfed by even more chaotic systems.

Integrity in a Complex System
Even when Matteo finds "side-steps" or ways to play the system to his advantage, he maintains a level of integrity and virtuous response. He owns his ambition out of necessity, which provides a clear, enjoyable goal for his progression.

The Bottom Line:
A great read for those who enjoy "system-thinking" in their fantasy and want to see a protagonist challenge existing scripts of power and responsibility.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for The Legend.
214 reviews11 followers
January 7, 2026
Nothing...interesting happened

This book felt like filler. All the other books had excitement, mystery and complex plots.
This felt like a filler training arc where all he did was read, learn a few spells and deal with a spoiled brat princess.

I really hope Seth isn't making that Elven princess a full side character, because she's completely annoying. A entitled spoiled brat who just does what she wants and forces her way on others.

Honestly was hoping the MC would slit her throat when she learnt too many secrets and left her body in the woods for wolves to eat.
Kill her, KILL HER NOW.
She is the worst part of this book and can't stand her. If she is in future books, I'll be dropping the series. SHE IS THAT BAD.

She ignores the MC but because she's pretty she gets away with it? Threatens his secrets by forcing her way in. Becomes an obsessed stalker and puts a wedge between him and Rose, even gets Eric to side with her?
She is bad news and needs to die. Die fast.
This book is a down point for the series. Nothing good or fun happens and introduce the worst character of the series.
Why?
88 reviews3 followers
January 21, 2026
Good enough

Overall this book was a fun read, although it could use a second pass by an editor / beta reader.
Mateo gets a magic teacher who introduces him to Igor (the misshapen assistant) As Mateo even though everyone but Rose & Eric know him as Isaac. There's also some confusion on what is a spell that cripple him before he turns 18 what spells apparently are fine to use... plus there are spells actively cast referenced by two different names in the same paragraph.
Plot wise, the MC is the most special person but he meets a bunch of other also special people and they accomplish the impossible (with the confidence of friendship?). Aside from the MC maybe having knowledge the reader isn't privy to, not sure why he was confident he could fix an area famous for 100% fatality of adventurers. Or why he didn't bring along at least 1 Gold rank helper that's sworn to him to watch their back...
2,551 reviews17 followers
December 26, 2025
I re-read the previous books before I read this, because it had been a pretty solid series and I was very happy to get another. The climax of the 3rd one was particularly memorable and I was looking forward to him following up on his promise of revenge. What we get, unfortunately, is a totally different book, one that seems to be one of those crafting series where there are chapters and chapters of recipes and practice. What happened to your revenge? All that cool stuff that happened? The intrigue? All forgotten. And now we're supposed to be excited about him inventing an automatic cauldron? Then the lame arranged marriage subplot, like a bad soap opera. Even Aspar has his teeth pulled and is fawning over the emperor. What an absolute letdown.
1 review
February 4, 2026
This felt like a different series for some reason?

So I didn't hate the book but it felt almost like a filler episode (or in this case book). Maybe I've just been reading to much but book 4 was missing the intensity of the other books. Now it's also possible that this is the calm before the storm. Also can we give Eric and Rose some love with some more powers please? And is Mateo no longer using a bow anymore and just obsessed with magic? Idk I kind of miss everything before Mateo and the prince combinded (i do have to say bravo because i actually gasped when that happened in book 3) Hopefully it picks up, looking forward to the next book.
34 reviews
December 31, 2025
Excellent series

Great story telling, distinct and interesting characters as well as a unique application of the LitRPG style. Or rather LitRPG light. Enough for you to appreciate the well documented and earned improvements to the MC, sans the Character sheet reminders at chapters end. Set in a universe where the Romans and the Spartans join forces and logistics and meet might and crushes all who oppose them and assimilates the rest. Engaging and entertaining, before you know it you'll have finished an installment and wonder where all the time went.
Profile Image for Chris.
326 reviews13 followers
February 13, 2026
The problem with this series (and a lot of progression fantasy) is its gone a totally different direction than the first couple books. The card system has been almost totally forgotten in this book, it's all about sorcery which is less interesting to me.

There's a lot of admin, not a lot happens. I'll continue to read but the story has just gone in such an odd direction. They're child soldiers/slaves so I don't really understand where this loyalty to the empire has come from, it'd be more understandable to hate it.
433 reviews10 followers
December 17, 2025
Brilliant

Mateo,Rose and Eric plus support return to the capital after their negotiations with the barbarians to a mixed reception and Mateo dives into the world of magic whilst awaiting the emperors pleasure , he faces the Iron Army a "new man" and finds himself involved with a woman he doesn't know facing an impossible mission !!! How the author is going to tie this story up is beyond me but I can't wait to find out.
Profile Image for Kayla.
481 reviews
March 17, 2026
I love this series. Even though I am not a gamer I love how this feels like a video game/movie as you read or listen to these books. The characters are so well developed and interesting and they encounter the craziest and most interesting beast, characters, and events on their journey. It is literally just one adventure after another with a great story building in its wake.
The narrator did a wonderful job and voiced so many different characters and entities throughout the book.
5 reviews
December 30, 2025
Lots of fun!

I appreciate that the beginning of the book contained a brief recap to help jog your memory about the story so far but without being a true recap. The story is very engaging and moves quickly. I am really enjoying the story and can't wait to read the next installment.
Profile Image for Jack.
3 reviews
December 20, 2025
A Must-Read for LitRPG Fans

If you enjoy deep progression systems, smart protagonists, and high-impact fantasy action, this book delivers on all fronts. Book 4 raises the bar and cements this series as a must-read in the genre.
7 reviews
December 26, 2025
This is the quality of book that when I read them leaves me wanting more

I rarely review books although i do give ratings but just occasionally I come across a book I would like others to have the pleasure of reading.
3 reviews
December 29, 2025
Good as the rest of the series.

Enjoyable read and good progression. Expands the world, has good pacing, and keeps the story moving. Well worth the read if you enjoyed the first three.
Profile Image for jerry  smith.
127 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2025
Still haven't gotten sick of it.

This is a very good and intelligently written series. Mr Ring writes the way I wish every writer would. Still can't wait for the next book! I can and enthusiastically recommend this book and series to all!
57 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2025
if you are this far…

If you made it this far you know Seth Ring is a pretty amazing author and this series is no different. Great pacing and the ending was left with the next book in mind.
Profile Image for Wa Majorowicz.
62 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2026
Enjoyable Series

I find that I am really enjoying this series and am looking forward to the next book. Seth is strong writer and all of his previous series are worth the read as well
Profile Image for Thomas.
235 reviews2 followers
January 6, 2026
what can I say, Seth always tells the best stories.

what can I say, Seth always tells the best stories. Fast paced, world building and character interplay with plenty of action. Great job on continuing the story. Can’t wait for more.
Profile Image for Tony Hinde.
2,218 reviews79 followers
March 8, 2026
Classic Seth Ring progression. Mateo is now on the higher end of the power curve and no longer need to hide all his strengths. Time to start amazing everyone with his competence. It's fun wish fulfilment.
1 review1 follower
December 17, 2025
great addition

Great addition to the story. Looking forward to reading the next book. Read straight through could not put it down.
3 reviews
December 18, 2025
Great Book

Seth Ring continues to weave an enchanting story. While this book felt like a transition book, it is clearly setting up bigger things in book 5.
513 reviews1 follower
December 21, 2025
Good

I like the story. I look forward to the next book and seeing what happens next. This was a good adventure.
11 reviews
December 22, 2025
exciting as always

Love the 4th book, I was worried it would be slow but he progresses quickly, the end is a cliff hanger and can’t wait for the series to continue
Profile Image for Mike Goodman.
1,627 reviews12 followers
December 22, 2025
Awesome Stuff

This super binge series was a very entertaining read. An orphan gets soul merged with a prince fighting for the crown prince position. Fantastic Series
13 reviews
December 23, 2025
Power up and transition

Good 4th book. Doesn't get too crazy with the deep details of how and the theories of magic like some authors. I appreciate that fact.
15 reviews
December 24, 2025
didn’t progress far

Good book and I love the series but for taking so long to publish there doesn’t seem to be much book this time.,
1 review
December 26, 2025
great read

A major surprise that went through each book, normally the authors find a way to ruin the books, yet Seth has done an amazing job to hold focus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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