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Iron Tyrant #4

Falling Gold: A Fantasy LitRPG Adventure

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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.

419 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 17, 2025

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161 people want to read

About the author

Seth Ring

61 books874 followers

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5 stars
639 (75%)
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174 (20%)
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33 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
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.
43 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.
201 reviews12 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?
2,498 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.
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.
419 reviews9 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.
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.
117 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!
55 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.
34 reviews1 follower
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.
234 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.
1 review
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.
511 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.
1,594 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.
103 reviews1 follower
January 1, 2026
awesome

Another great addition to the series. Plenty of character development. I will definitely be getting the next one. Boom boom.
Profile Image for Bearlyded  dedlybear.
10 reviews
January 3, 2026
Wow!!!

Solid continuation with what I thought would be ending twists but weren’t. All in all I keep getting pulled deeper and deeper into this series and look forward to more
328 reviews
January 4, 2026
Very good book

A very good clean and profanity free book. It has great characters and magic and a great story and good action.
Profile Image for William Payne.
50 reviews
January 11, 2026
Great book!

Continuing to enjoy the series. Would like to see some recap chapters in the front. Helps keep up with the story line. Really enjoying the story so far.
2,539 reviews72 followers
December 27, 2025
By turning the focus onto a royal, the flavor from the first three books has been lost. The story is fine, but the series is weaker. I'll wait to see if it improves.
2,364 reviews
January 16, 2026
Soooooooo great. Grab the book and paint the world...

That was great! However again like in the last book deck-building took a backseat role, which for me was unfortunate as deck-building is one of my favorite genre's. Although the cards did open up a new horizon for Mateo and his team, so there is that. But Mateo pulled through as he and his crew set about, sparing, fighting, and leveling. And in fact the book turned into a perfect slice-of-life adventure as Mateo learned new systems of Magic. One of those bein sorcery and then able to cast spells on the fly, and the other is strengthening his Beastmaster Totem to help Hamlin his bonded rat 🐀 achieve silver rank! Whoever said that a lowly can't level up?!? Well they're wrong. And Mateo also rediscovered the forgotten art of making artifacts... simply by using his vitality and his paintbrush. Yeah! You heard me I said Paintbrush! 😆. So Mateo along with Eric, Rose, and Princess Elysia set about conquering more land for his father's empire...
So yeah grab the book and start painting the world... you won't be sorry guaranteed!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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