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Gemsmith - Level 1: A Crafting LitRPG Fantasy
Ezias should have died on the cold floor of a Portland bank, gunned down in a senseless robbery. Instead, he awakens in a desert, chosen to bear the rare Gemsmith class, with the power to forge weapons and relics infused with the essence of monsters.
But power comes at a price. A curse hangs over all Khonsu, the wanderers summoned to this those who fail to grow stronger are turned into statues of salt. For Ezias, there is no retreat, no pause, no second chance at this.
Guided at first by a blacksmith’s hand, Ezias quickly learns that being a Gemsmith is far more than shaping gems in a forge. Without the essence of slain monsters, a gem is nothing but a pretty rock. To awaken his craft, he must step into dungeons, clash with deadly beasts, and wrest their power into his creations.
With every battle fought, every item forged, Ezias gains experience and access to stronger skills. Slowly, his craft evolves, yet danger presses in from all sides. A war rages between the one who calls wanderers like him into this world, and another who seeks to destroy them.
If Ezias is to endure, he must create weapons and armor powerful enough to arm the Medjay, the elite dungeon-clearing adventurers, while fighting beside them to harvest the gems that hold the world’s last hope.
Forge, fight, survive. Repeat. For Ezias, it’s the only path forward.
But power comes at a price. A curse hangs over all Khonsu, the wanderers summoned to this those who fail to grow stronger are turned into statues of salt. For Ezias, there is no retreat, no pause, no second chance at this.
Guided at first by a blacksmith’s hand, Ezias quickly learns that being a Gemsmith is far more than shaping gems in a forge. Without the essence of slain monsters, a gem is nothing but a pretty rock. To awaken his craft, he must step into dungeons, clash with deadly beasts, and wrest their power into his creations.
With every battle fought, every item forged, Ezias gains experience and access to stronger skills. Slowly, his craft evolves, yet danger presses in from all sides. A war rages between the one who calls wanderers like him into this world, and another who seeks to destroy them.
If Ezias is to endure, he must create weapons and armor powerful enough to arm the Medjay, the elite dungeon-clearing adventurers, while fighting beside them to harvest the gems that hold the world’s last hope.
Forge, fight, survive. Repeat. For Ezias, it’s the only path forward.
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2025
152 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 27, 2025
Wow it was just that good!
I don’t know exactly how to put it, but the premise was very unique to me. The characters were totally awesome, written, so you could relate to them and become part of the story through their thoughts and actions. Worth reading and re-reading.
I don’t know exactly how to put it, but the premise was very unique to me. The characters were totally awesome, written, so you could relate to them and become part of the story through their thoughts and actions. Worth reading and re-reading.
November 4, 2025
wonderful story
I went into this book wondering what to expect. I found an amazing read using an ancient Egypt analog. I will admit that I found the beginning to be a bit slow. I was soon sweep away in a marvelous adventure where creatures of the god Seth are slowly conquering the sands of Egypt and our protagonists is dropped right in the middle of it all. I want the next book now!
I went into this book wondering what to expect. I found an amazing read using an ancient Egypt analog. I will admit that I found the beginning to be a bit slow. I was soon sweep away in a marvelous adventure where creatures of the god Seth are slowly conquering the sands of Egypt and our protagonists is dropped right in the middle of it all. I want the next book now!
November 20, 2025
Gemsmith is the first book in this series, and while I have no doubt it will appeal to many, it wasn't really my kind of story. I like the crafting, (as always), and I liked the various skills the main character obtained, but for some reason, egyptian themed stories have never really appealed to me, and while this wasn't exactly that kind of thing, it was close enough that it just didn't resonate with me. Still, even with that, the story was decent enough, even if it did take me a while to get through it.
I don't know if I'd read more in this series or not, but seeing as this didn't really strike me as the kind of LitRPG that grabs me and doesn't let go, I'm kind of leaning toward the not so much side of te coin on this one.
Don't let my disinterest disuade you though, if you like desert/arid landscapes, interesting skills, and some unique aspects to your stories, you'll probably enjoy this story.
I don't know if I'd read more in this series or not, but seeing as this didn't really strike me as the kind of LitRPG that grabs me and doesn't let go, I'm kind of leaning toward the not so much side of te coin on this one.
Don't let my disinterest disuade you though, if you like desert/arid landscapes, interesting skills, and some unique aspects to your stories, you'll probably enjoy this story.
November 4, 2025
Ok but not great
A lot of Egyptian words I have no clue how to pronounce. An MC that I could not relate to. A good number of phrases that were out of place of just plain strange.
Many phrases that didn't make sense left the impression that the author doesn't speak English. If true, it's a fairly good translation.
The MC is believable that he comes from Portland. He is supposed to be late 20s I think and acts like an excitable 15 year old. I did not like the MC and could not relate to him at all. The MC doesn't fail at anything he tries.
I really didn't like that a guy who was a bank teller gets his class and can suddenly craft like a veteran Smith within a few days.
Lastly, of I ever have to read that someone are figs, bread, and dates again, I will rip the fig trees in my backyard out of the ground. The people in this book apparently eat nothing else.
A lot of Egyptian words I have no clue how to pronounce. An MC that I could not relate to. A good number of phrases that were out of place of just plain strange.
Many phrases that didn't make sense left the impression that the author doesn't speak English. If true, it's a fairly good translation.
The MC is believable that he comes from Portland. He is supposed to be late 20s I think and acts like an excitable 15 year old. I did not like the MC and could not relate to him at all. The MC doesn't fail at anything he tries.
I really didn't like that a guy who was a bank teller gets his class and can suddenly craft like a veteran Smith within a few days.
Lastly, of I ever have to read that someone are figs, bread, and dates again, I will rip the fig trees in my backyard out of the ground. The people in this book apparently eat nothing else.
October 16, 2025
My reviews are my own. If you liked this book, I’m glad you enjoyed it. If not, I respect your opinion. This is merely my opinion, so let's keep it courteous. My review is honest and voluntary.
I believe this author wanted to be so unique that he ends up confusing the reader with all the weird language. Maybe instead of coming up with all the vocabulary, they should have put more into the actual story. Medjay = Warrior, Mastabas = Dungeaon....easy! I had an issue with the labeling. We have plenty of those in the real world, and they are hurtful most of the time, so why do we need them in fantasy? The MC is a whiny idiot, and I disliked that he was just thrown into a world without guidance whatsoever.
Not for me, I guess!
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
I believe this author wanted to be so unique that he ends up confusing the reader with all the weird language. Maybe instead of coming up with all the vocabulary, they should have put more into the actual story. Medjay = Warrior, Mastabas = Dungeaon....easy! I had an issue with the labeling. We have plenty of those in the real world, and they are hurtful most of the time, so why do we need them in fantasy? The MC is a whiny idiot, and I disliked that he was just thrown into a world without guidance whatsoever.
Not for me, I guess!
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
September 12, 2025
really good and unique
I really really liked the the entire premise and plot , settings and writing! Quite unique at least to any other Litrpg fantasy books I have read or heard of. A bit more character development would have been nice and better proofreading because there are quite a few more mistakes than I am used to finding in books, but overall I would put it the top ten of its genre I’ve read so far. Definitely recommend especially to those who prefer their Litrpg without stat sheets and long discussions of stats and skills, and those looking for something different from the norm.
I really really liked the the entire premise and plot , settings and writing! Quite unique at least to any other Litrpg fantasy books I have read or heard of. A bit more character development would have been nice and better proofreading because there are quite a few more mistakes than I am used to finding in books, but overall I would put it the top ten of its genre I’ve read so far. Definitely recommend especially to those who prefer their Litrpg without stat sheets and long discussions of stats and skills, and those looking for something different from the norm.
September 18, 2025
Refreshing Isekai
As a fan of the Isekai genre, I know the standard.
1. Teenager dies in a sudden fashion
2. Awakes in a new world to either "Welcome hero" or cold and alone
3. Explores medieval European analog world
4. Build harem
This book deviates deliciously from standard
1. Full grown adult dies suddenly
2. Cold and alone
3. Here's the kicker explores predynastic Egypt analog
4. No sign of harem or even a love interest
I'm here for the full ride. My thank to he author.
As a fan of the Isekai genre, I know the standard.
1. Teenager dies in a sudden fashion
2. Awakes in a new world to either "Welcome hero" or cold and alone
3. Explores medieval European analog world
4. Build harem
This book deviates deliciously from standard
1. Full grown adult dies suddenly
2. Cold and alone
3. Here's the kicker explores predynastic Egypt analog
4. No sign of harem or even a love interest
I'm here for the full ride. My thank to he author.
September 14, 2025
Good Read
I really enjoyed this take on gem crafting. Ezias was a little like most of us; just going through the day to day motions of a life we didn't actually like. But death brought him to a life of purpose and enjoyment in a harsh world with people he liked and cared for, and for him to serve a big purpose in. Im anxiously awaiting book 2; I want to know if it is truly Set and why he hates the Khonsou so much.
I really enjoyed this take on gem crafting. Ezias was a little like most of us; just going through the day to day motions of a life we didn't actually like. But death brought him to a life of purpose and enjoyment in a harsh world with people he liked and cared for, and for him to serve a big purpose in. Im anxiously awaiting book 2; I want to know if it is truly Set and why he hates the Khonsou so much.
September 21, 2025
Wanting more!
Really enjoyable book, especially if you like the crafting portion of these types of books. The MC is a good mix between crafter and unwilling adventurer. Can't wait for more!
Really enjoyable book, especially if you like the crafting portion of these types of books. The MC is a good mix between crafter and unwilling adventurer. Can't wait for more!
January 28, 2026
Epilogue was the best part.
Enjoyable story though I found fault with the writing. Inventing a new language can be fun but trying to teach it to your readers is both annoying and ... No that's it just annoying.
The epilogue was still quite well done.
Enjoyable story though I found fault with the writing. Inventing a new language can be fun but trying to teach it to your readers is both annoying and ... No that's it just annoying.
The epilogue was still quite well done.
February 3, 2026
Well-written fantasy, excellent world building
A fascinating take on isekai, loved the world and the characters. A lot of LitRPG has OP main characters, but Ezias has an interesting skill that is both cool and has difficulties leveling.
A fascinating take on isekai, loved the world and the characters. A lot of LitRPG has OP main characters, but Ezias has an interesting skill that is both cool and has difficulties leveling.
September 23, 2025
Really good
This was a fun little book. It's nice to read about crafters every once in a while.
Do yourself a favor and give this book a chance.
Highly recommended.
This was a fun little book. It's nice to read about crafters every once in a while.
Do yourself a favor and give this book a chance.
Highly recommended.
Read
September 24, 2025very much enjoyed
This is a well written litRPG. It's unusual focus is on a crafter who fights. Main character is sympathetic and the system is simple but works well.
This is a well written litRPG. It's unusual focus is on a crafter who fights. Main character is sympathetic and the system is simple but works well.
October 12, 2025
good read
This book has a unique world for a litrpg book I found my self wanting the next book NOW! Awesome first book!
This book has a unique world for a litrpg book I found my self wanting the next book NOW! Awesome first book!
October 13, 2025
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of actors.
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression types of books with lots of actors.
February 21, 2026
Cool LitRPG!
I hope the author plans on continuing this story arc as it was very entertaining. Actually mall three books I've read by the same author were definitely worth reading.
I hope the author plans on continuing this story arc as it was very entertaining. Actually mall three books I've read by the same author were definitely worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews