What do you think?
Rate this book
1% Lifesteal #4
1% Lifesteal (Volume 4): A LitRPG Adventure
After the banishment of its abusive rulers, Repentawa will need more protection than ever before. Especially with the calamity heading towards the Northern Belt.
With the deed to an entire city comes… disappointingly little responsibility. Still, Freddy decides to put his money where his mouth had been his entire life, determined to do the right thing.
And, as always, his resolve is rewarded with an unreasonable challenge.
A horde of monsters is kicked into a frenzy, sending a wave of destruction across the entire Northern Belt. If he wants to keep his people alive, he will need to leverage every shred of power he has.
Including the attention of several large factions from the empire mainland.
Book 4 of this action-packed LitRPG Adventure from Robert Blaise set two hundred years after a reality-altering apocalypse.
Featuring a weak-to-strong Brawler MC who never backs down, a unique power system, apocalyptic elements and more!
With the deed to an entire city comes… disappointingly little responsibility. Still, Freddy decides to put his money where his mouth had been his entire life, determined to do the right thing.
And, as always, his resolve is rewarded with an unreasonable challenge.
A horde of monsters is kicked into a frenzy, sending a wave of destruction across the entire Northern Belt. If he wants to keep his people alive, he will need to leverage every shred of power he has.
Including the attention of several large factions from the empire mainland.
Book 4 of this action-packed LitRPG Adventure from Robert Blaise set two hundred years after a reality-altering apocalypse.
Featuring a weak-to-strong Brawler MC who never backs down, a unique power system, apocalyptic elements and more!
- GenresFantasy
524 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2026
774 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 28, 2026
Not filler but definitely in a corner
Volume 4 is a great book. However at the end of Volume 3 the main character was written into a corner. With the 100 years of training he had gotten to the peak of where he can be at this time. The problem is that rather than proving this false by delving deeper in his other skill, increasing his tier, training with others or a plethora of other things he just stagnated. Written into a corner at the end of volume 3, in the 4th it stays firmly planted in that corner. There are some story developments but far too few for how little else happens. What does happen retreads old ground almost feeling like they were ripped from previous books. It is fine to have a slower book but I really hope it doesn’t repeat in volume 5.
Volume 4 is a great book. However at the end of Volume 3 the main character was written into a corner. With the 100 years of training he had gotten to the peak of where he can be at this time. The problem is that rather than proving this false by delving deeper in his other skill, increasing his tier, training with others or a plethora of other things he just stagnated. Written into a corner at the end of volume 3, in the 4th it stays firmly planted in that corner. There are some story developments but far too few for how little else happens. What does happen retreads old ground almost feeling like they were ripped from previous books. It is fine to have a slower book but I really hope it doesn’t repeat in volume 5.
February 4, 2026
Such a great litRPG adventure. You didn’t lock it hard enough...
And. Ohhhh. Boy. Oh. Howdy. Sophia's back!!! No longer a head in a jar, she's back to her old self, and that makes me happy, happy! And Freddy has his work cut out for him since the Judicator gave him the city. He needs to cut out the chaff and save the economy. First order of business the executions, secondly make more money! The executions weren't easy and the repercussions for the families of the people killed. Also his relationship with Lucas a young man who he felt responsible for, had curdled to such an extent that I even wonder if it can be mended. And wow Freddy meets up with Mark a friend from the first book... that was not what I expected! Not at all. And I'm still not sure what up with Mark. Plus everyone is lookin' to level, to gain their next star, Freddy is also after his illusory third star! A goal that many fail to reach.
So yeah you Need this book in your library, so you'll be ready for the next one in October.
Here's a quote:
“If you wanted me to knock, you should have locked the door.” “I did lock the door,” he said, pointing to the lock she broke with a kick. Emily shrugged. “Well, you clearly didn’t lock it hard enough.”
And. Ohhhh. Boy. Oh. Howdy. Sophia's back!!! No longer a head in a jar, she's back to her old self, and that makes me happy, happy! And Freddy has his work cut out for him since the Judicator gave him the city. He needs to cut out the chaff and save the economy. First order of business the executions, secondly make more money! The executions weren't easy and the repercussions for the families of the people killed. Also his relationship with Lucas a young man who he felt responsible for, had curdled to such an extent that I even wonder if it can be mended. And wow Freddy meets up with Mark a friend from the first book... that was not what I expected! Not at all. And I'm still not sure what up with Mark. Plus everyone is lookin' to level, to gain their next star, Freddy is also after his illusory third star! A goal that many fail to reach.
So yeah you Need this book in your library, so you'll be ready for the next one in October.
Here's a quote:
“If you wanted me to knock, you should have locked the door.” “I did lock the door,” he said, pointing to the lock she broke with a kick. Emily shrugged. “Well, you clearly didn’t lock it hard enough.”
March 26, 2026
Rating: [B+]
Another solid installment in the series that's held back from a higher rating by some of the most baffling minor issues I've ever come across. I'm genuinely curious if anyone proof read this before publishing.
My favorite of these was when the main character, who is ostensibly American, randomly ends a sentence with "innit" mid way through the fourth book in the series. Not as a joke or anything but just casually in the middle of a conversation that continues on like nothing happened.
Also, why is the character introduced as Perry sometimes called Peri instead? I'm almost certain they aren't two separate characters but it's really not helped by the fact that pronouns also get mistakenly switched sometimes.
Another issue is phrases being repeated. One character will be hit so hard they get sent flying "like a kite with its strings cut" and then another character only a paragraph or two later will get sent flying "like a kite with its strings cut".
The earlier books in the series didn't have these issues so I'm confused why they're appearing now. Overall still an enjoyable read and the core of the story is great, it's just a shame about the weird minor issues that consistently break your immersion.
Another solid installment in the series that's held back from a higher rating by some of the most baffling minor issues I've ever come across. I'm genuinely curious if anyone proof read this before publishing.
My favorite of these was when the main character, who is ostensibly American, randomly ends a sentence with "innit" mid way through the fourth book in the series. Not as a joke or anything but just casually in the middle of a conversation that continues on like nothing happened.
Also, why is the character introduced as Perry sometimes called Peri instead? I'm almost certain they aren't two separate characters but it's really not helped by the fact that pronouns also get mistakenly switched sometimes.
Another issue is phrases being repeated. One character will be hit so hard they get sent flying "like a kite with its strings cut" and then another character only a paragraph or two later will get sent flying "like a kite with its strings cut".
The earlier books in the series didn't have these issues so I'm confused why they're appearing now. Overall still an enjoyable read and the core of the story is great, it's just a shame about the weird minor issues that consistently break your immersion.
February 1, 2026
Painful
I have come to the conclusion that the author is a masochist. There can be no other explanation for the amount of pain and suffering her puts his MC through. Enough is enough. Youve stripped away everything he has. His purpose, his city, his only friend, and his very soul. 5 bookz of this. At what point will you finally let freddy be strong? Not physically, but mentally an emotionally?
I have come to the conclusion that the author is a masochist. There can be no other explanation for the amount of pain and suffering her puts his MC through. Enough is enough. Youve stripped away everything he has. His purpose, his city, his only friend, and his very soul. 5 bookz of this. At what point will you finally let freddy be strong? Not physically, but mentally an emotionally?
January 23, 2026
MC all over the place.
First Freddy is unsure, then he complains endlessly and finally, through struggle, becomes more sure of himself and matures. Then, in the next book, all that writing and the chapter after chapter of hand wringing is forgotten to do it all over again. Even after 120 years of life, he doesn’t actually go mad but reverts to the maturity of a child. I don’t know … maybe it’s a defense mechanism. Great book, but if I have to follow this teenage angsty romantic drama from a 120 year old super hero for another 20 chapters I may give up.
Good writing though, amazing premise and world building … MC character development is just driving nuts.
First Freddy is unsure, then he complains endlessly and finally, through struggle, becomes more sure of himself and matures. Then, in the next book, all that writing and the chapter after chapter of hand wringing is forgotten to do it all over again. Even after 120 years of life, he doesn’t actually go mad but reverts to the maturity of a child. I don’t know … maybe it’s a defense mechanism. Great book, but if I have to follow this teenage angsty romantic drama from a 120 year old super hero for another 20 chapters I may give up.
Good writing though, amazing premise and world building … MC character development is just driving nuts.
January 22, 2026
I think this may be the best book in the series so far. I was very much looking forward to seeing Freddy navigate the responsibilities of being ruler of a city, and I got some of that and much more.
This series continues to be the best english original language cultivation content I've read (yes, I like it more than Cradle). I appreciate the trauma and brokeness that Freddy and other characters have to deal with, feels very faithful to their fucked up violent world.
I had the good fortune of finding this series a week ago. When I finished book 3 (audiobook) and looked up book 4, imagine my delight when I found out it was going to be released two days later. Managed to finish it in a day (a workday, at that), and it was just what I hoped it would be.
This series continues to be the best english original language cultivation content I've read (yes, I like it more than Cradle). I appreciate the trauma and brokeness that Freddy and other characters have to deal with, feels very faithful to their fucked up violent world.
I had the good fortune of finding this series a week ago. When I finished book 3 (audiobook) and looked up book 4, imagine my delight when I found out it was going to be released two days later. Managed to finish it in a day (a workday, at that), and it was just what I hoped it would be.
February 20, 2026
This was a little bit of a mixed experience for me, though maybe it was just my mood. If one were to describe this series, and this book specifically, as Misery Porn, I wouldn't disagree. I would argue it's more than that, but I wouldn't disagree. So if you are currently dealing with more stress than usual and looking for some pleasant escapism, you might not find what you're looking for in this book.
Something I appreciate about the author is his ability to walk a fine line with the plot armor nonsense during the climactic scenes in his volumes. I would say I'm moderately sensitive to and annoyed by elements that cheapen the payoff of certain scenes. Deus Ex Machina, nonsensical ass-pull items, plot armor and other contrivances really annoy me most of the time. But here, the author manages to wrap it in just enough theatrical spectacle that it doesn't quite turn me off. Freddy comes into some power here that feels a bit unearned, other than through some additional suffering, but what else is new. It felt a wee bit repetitive in that regard.
I will also admit to not being entirely excited about the direction of Sophia's character arc from this volume.
So overall, this was still a good volume and the story generally delivered more of the same stuff as previous volumes. Most readers who have enjoyed themselves should continue to enjoy this series. I have a tendency to hope for a little more than status quo around Volume 4 and didn't really get it, so I guess that's why this fell to 4-star territory. I still plan to read the next volume and hope the author manages to shift the paradigm a little.
Something I appreciate about the author is his ability to walk a fine line with the plot armor nonsense during the climactic scenes in his volumes. I would say I'm moderately sensitive to and annoyed by elements that cheapen the payoff of certain scenes. Deus Ex Machina, nonsensical ass-pull items, plot armor and other contrivances really annoy me most of the time. But here, the author manages to wrap it in just enough theatrical spectacle that it doesn't quite turn me off. Freddy comes into some power here that feels a bit unearned, other than through some additional suffering, but what else is new. It felt a wee bit repetitive in that regard.
I will also admit to not being entirely excited about the direction of Sophia's character arc from this volume.
So overall, this was still a good volume and the story generally delivered more of the same stuff as previous volumes. Most readers who have enjoyed themselves should continue to enjoy this series. I have a tendency to hope for a little more than status quo around Volume 4 and didn't really get it, so I guess that's why this fell to 4-star territory. I still plan to read the next volume and hope the author manages to shift the paradigm a little.
March 6, 2026
Really enjoyed the world and system but character development is lacking. Freddy continues to go above and beyond for people who don't care about him in the best of cases and out right despise him in the worst of cases.
Rant:
Travis does not treat Freddy with basic respect which is shocking considering he single handedly saved Valhalla and made travis a 3 star. Instead he treats him like a stupid child.
Lucas blames Freddy for all of his problems, conveniently forgeting that he would have died his fist time delving if it wasn't for freddy. Even after he starts treating Freddy like the cause of all of his problems, Freddy decides that instead of holding Lucas accountable or distancing himself he's going to spend millions on Lucas again.
Huge shame cause the worldbuilding and system are unique and genuinely 5 stars.
Rant:
Travis does not treat Freddy with basic respect which is shocking considering he single handedly saved Valhalla and made travis a 3 star. Instead he treats him like a stupid child.
Lucas blames Freddy for all of his problems, conveniently forgeting that he would have died his fist time delving if it wasn't for freddy. Even after he starts treating Freddy like the cause of all of his problems, Freddy decides that instead of holding Lucas accountable or distancing himself he's going to spend millions on Lucas again.
Huge shame cause the worldbuilding and system are unique and genuinely 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2026
lost steam as world expanded
I really thought this book was a step back and was too focused on trying to manufacture drama at every turn. Having constant emotional drama of one sort or another got silly as well as MCs stupidity at so many different turns. He went from likable to annoying with the many inconsistencies in his decision making like the way he handled Sophia. Also we went from finding vestiges on basic monsters to not a single one being mentioned after millions of monsters got killed. Almost like the author wanted to bypass that aspect of plot since it wasn’t convenient or since they wanted to focus on a new direction which really took a lot away from the story. Book made me lose interest in story since direction went from fun to bizarre and at time forced.
I really thought this book was a step back and was too focused on trying to manufacture drama at every turn. Having constant emotional drama of one sort or another got silly as well as MCs stupidity at so many different turns. He went from likable to annoying with the many inconsistencies in his decision making like the way he handled Sophia. Also we went from finding vestiges on basic monsters to not a single one being mentioned after millions of monsters got killed. Almost like the author wanted to bypass that aspect of plot since it wasn’t convenient or since they wanted to focus on a new direction which really took a lot away from the story. Book made me lose interest in story since direction went from fun to bizarre and at time forced.
February 1, 2026
As I started reading this one, I was concerned that the series was falling flat. Roughly the first half of the book is administrative. However, once epic combat begins, it proves itself a worthy series entry. I enjoy the broken -> determination -> power loop. I enjoy the protangonists honesty. It is challenging to accurately write a character with enough self-awareness to see themselves rather clearly and enough confidence to work with what they see.
February 14, 2026
same story in every book and feud ex machina
Good book but I feel like there are 2 main issues exist.
1- At the end of every book out hero saved by deus-ex machina.
2 - Every book seems like similar story, there is nothing new happens.
However so far I enjoy the books and I will probably read the next one but I am afraid I will not continue after that if this books could not escape this endless loop
Good book but I feel like there are 2 main issues exist.
1- At the end of every book out hero saved by deus-ex machina.
2 - Every book seems like similar story, there is nothing new happens.
However so far I enjoy the books and I will probably read the next one but I am afraid I will not continue after that if this books could not escape this endless loop
January 24, 2026
more bloodshed
The action continues to be great. Fast paced and with good adventure. If the book consisted entirely of that, then it would be great. But the author is still trying to convince the reader that this society wouldn’t collapse in a heartbeat and that the moral relativity as a basis would work. Spend less time on that and more on the action.
The action continues to be great. Fast paced and with good adventure. If the book consisted entirely of that, then it would be great. But the author is still trying to convince the reader that this society wouldn’t collapse in a heartbeat and that the moral relativity as a basis would work. Spend less time on that and more on the action.
February 10, 2026
Another LITrpg banger
A continued tale of a weak to strong MC Freddy Sterns and his city in the outskirts of the Empire. A great read, lots of fun new characters and some old ones as well. I’ll say I wis it had more character development and I wasn’t the biggest fan of the ending, it was great. Just not what I wanted haha. Excited to see what’s in store.
A continued tale of a weak to strong MC Freddy Sterns and his city in the outskirts of the Empire. A great read, lots of fun new characters and some old ones as well. I’ll say I wis it had more character development and I wasn’t the biggest fan of the ending, it was great. Just not what I wanted haha. Excited to see what’s in store.
February 26, 2026
It's been really good so far and I really love the action and story.
The reason that the rating is so low especially in this book is due the huge amount of focus on trauma and the protagonist's utter inability to deal with it. at the same time he is so narcissistic/echoistic with him not being able to keep any personal relationships intact that's it's extremely annoying.
The reason that the rating is so low especially in this book is due the huge amount of focus on trauma and the protagonist's utter inability to deal with it. at the same time he is so narcissistic/echoistic with him not being able to keep any personal relationships intact that's it's extremely annoying.
January 28, 2026
Another excellent entry in this series. Each book in this series has been better than the last. This is a series where you never have to wait too long for things to escalate. I can't wait for the next book.
January 31, 2026
Tough but fun read
Tough book in many respects but it is what made it an interesting read. Honestly not sure what to make of it other then I enjoyed it.
Well done and held up its end of the series so to speak. Looking forward to the next one.
Tough book in many respects but it is what made it an interesting read. Honestly not sure what to make of it other then I enjoyed it.
Well done and held up its end of the series so to speak. Looking forward to the next one.
February 3, 2026
Why?
Why oh why is this book out near the start of the year and the next book comes out at the end of the year!! Gaaaaah!!! Why!!! Such a cruel cruel world!!
This series is so good!!
Why oh why is this book out near the start of the year and the next book comes out at the end of the year!! Gaaaaah!!! Why!!! Such a cruel cruel world!!
This series is so good!!
February 17, 2026
Brilliant!
This book has a ton of twists and turns. The emotions it took me through spanned a wide range from grief, to annoyance, to resignation, as well as joy, awe, and anticipation. I very much recommend picking this one up and seeing how the story of Freddy turns out.
This book has a ton of twists and turns. The emotions it took me through spanned a wide range from grief, to annoyance, to resignation, as well as joy, awe, and anticipation. I very much recommend picking this one up and seeing how the story of Freddy turns out.
March 18, 2026
EPIC
The concepts Freddy has are so refreshing, a genre that really hasn’t been explored. I find myself constantly glued to my seat with every twist, October 7th cannot come fast enough
The concepts Freddy has are so refreshing, a genre that really hasn’t been explored. I find myself constantly glued to my seat with every twist, October 7th cannot come fast enough
March 23, 2026
Good fourth
This is a great addition to this series. The character development was really well done. I enjoyed the path of the story all the way through. It will be interesting to see where the story goes from here. I am looking forward to the next book.
This is a great addition to this series. The character development was really well done. I enjoyed the path of the story all the way through. It will be interesting to see where the story goes from here. I am looking forward to the next book.
Review of advance copy
A
January 22, 2026
Good
Good morning my love how are you doing today my love how 35 29 silver coil good for a lb man and training is it was percent of the rye of the rye and training
Good morning my love how are you doing today my love how 35 29 silver coil good for a lb man and training is it was percent of the rye of the rye and training
January 23, 2026
still going strong!
If you’ve read this far what are you even reading reviews for, you know it’s gonna be good.
Top notch series, can’t wait for vol 5!
If you’ve read this far what are you even reading reviews for, you know it’s gonna be good.
Top notch series, can’t wait for vol 5!
January 25, 2026
Great back!
What a wonderfully written book that at no point loses its perfect pacing. I can't wait for the next one in the series. Enjoy the ride!
What a wonderfully written book that at no point loses its perfect pacing. I can't wait for the next one in the series. Enjoy the ride!
Read
January 30, 2026Just couldn’t get into it. So instead of pushing through just marked dnf.
January 31, 2026
Weird but good
Another one. Lots of metaphysical thinking and mental progression, as well as deep discussions on the mental wellbeing of people. Loved reading it.
Another one. Lots of metaphysical thinking and mental progression, as well as deep discussions on the mental wellbeing of people. Loved reading it.
February 4, 2026
4 Books in and the MC still has very little personal growth
February 8, 2026
Sorry the series was for me never a S ranked. I have continued to read it throughout. I also recommend recaps being used.
February 8, 2026
can’t wait for the next book!
Love the story. Great MC development. Started slow but fast paced finish that leaves you wanting the next book right away
Love the story. Great MC development. Started slow but fast paced finish that leaves you wanting the next book right away
February 11, 2026
A return to form for the series after the slower pacing in Book 3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews