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Nightmare Realm Summoner #3
Nightmare Realm Summoner 3
The Apocalypse is the most fun Alex has had in his entire life.
He’s having a grand time fighting every challenge the System throws at him — and making up a few of his own along the way. His antics have earned him a few friends… and a hell of a lot more enemies.
The Outworlder Families, invading forces from planets long since Initialized by the System, arrived to 274-50 to loot it of every resource and scrap of power they can get their thieving hands on.
They’ve lived with the System for as long as they can remember. The Outworlders are deadly, ruthless, and will stop at nothing to win. The latest subject of their attention is a Town Token, a rare artifact that can create an incredibly powerful System-recognized town. It’s an immense opportunity that has every single one of them frothing at the mouth.
An opportunity that he’s just snagged out from right under their noses. The Outworlders aren’t going to be too happy about that…
But that’s exactly what Alex is counting on.
Book 3 of this action-packed LitRPG Apocalypse series by Actus, bestselling author of Return of the Runebound Professor and Rise of the Living Forge. It's perfect for fans of The Primal Hunter, Hell Difficulty Tutorial, and 1% Lifesteal.
He’s having a grand time fighting every challenge the System throws at him — and making up a few of his own along the way. His antics have earned him a few friends… and a hell of a lot more enemies.
The Outworlder Families, invading forces from planets long since Initialized by the System, arrived to 274-50 to loot it of every resource and scrap of power they can get their thieving hands on.
They’ve lived with the System for as long as they can remember. The Outworlders are deadly, ruthless, and will stop at nothing to win. The latest subject of their attention is a Town Token, a rare artifact that can create an incredibly powerful System-recognized town. It’s an immense opportunity that has every single one of them frothing at the mouth.
An opportunity that he’s just snagged out from right under their noses. The Outworlders aren’t going to be too happy about that…
But that’s exactly what Alex is counting on.
Book 3 of this action-packed LitRPG Apocalypse series by Actus, bestselling author of Return of the Runebound Professor and Rise of the Living Forge. It's perfect for fans of The Primal Hunter, Hell Difficulty Tutorial, and 1% Lifesteal.
710 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2026
About the author
Actus
56 books278 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 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 23, 2026
Good stuff
The sixty pages of cultivation in the beginning was a bit of a slog but a very good book and series.. I'm enjoying it... Love the grimdark aspects and lovecraftian pull...
Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers, Warborn, and Nocturne
The sixty pages of cultivation in the beginning was a bit of a slog but a very good book and series.. I'm enjoying it... Love the grimdark aspects and lovecraftian pull...
Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers, Warborn, and Nocturne
May 4, 2026
Mediocre but enjoyable
I'm enjoying the story and I plan to continue it. That said, this book dragged in a couple of places and sometimes I skipped through some of the filler because I already knew what was going to happen. Not because I read ahead, but because a lot of the story is very predictable.
As I said, I'm really enjoying the story. We've got a town, and it's coming along. We've got new recruits. We've got more enemies. And we've got some mysteries to solve. The cliffhanger at the very end was very exciting and I'd read the beginning of the next book just to know what's up with that.
There weren't a lot of grammatical or spelling errors, but there were a few. Enough to ignore, but they existed. The writing got kind of awkward at a few points, especially with the dialogue. Sometimes it felt like Alex was a different person. The way he spoke, acted, and what he cared about were pretty off from how he was in the rest of the story. Additionally, sometimes he swears too much. I'm not opposed to swearing, but swearing for the sake of swearing and having it not add anything to what you're saying, is just gratuitous. There were some very gratuitous lines coming out of Alex's mouth.
As I mentioned, the story dragged in a few points, and I would occasionally skip some of the filler. I like how long the story is, and I enjoy how much happened in this book, but the filler got rather repetitive. Explaining how the summons are summoned every time they're summoned just feels like padding. Also, knowing that the characters are going to pull some OP thing out of their backsides kind of makes the buildup of tension, and the description of the fight, feel worthless, and therefore skippable.
I'm going to read the next book, but this is definitely not the pinnacle of the genre. Entertaining? Yes. Amazing and without flaw? No.
I'm enjoying the story and I plan to continue it. That said, this book dragged in a couple of places and sometimes I skipped through some of the filler because I already knew what was going to happen. Not because I read ahead, but because a lot of the story is very predictable.
As I said, I'm really enjoying the story. We've got a town, and it's coming along. We've got new recruits. We've got more enemies. And we've got some mysteries to solve. The cliffhanger at the very end was very exciting and I'd read the beginning of the next book just to know what's up with that.
There weren't a lot of grammatical or spelling errors, but there were a few. Enough to ignore, but they existed. The writing got kind of awkward at a few points, especially with the dialogue. Sometimes it felt like Alex was a different person. The way he spoke, acted, and what he cared about were pretty off from how he was in the rest of the story. Additionally, sometimes he swears too much. I'm not opposed to swearing, but swearing for the sake of swearing and having it not add anything to what you're saying, is just gratuitous. There were some very gratuitous lines coming out of Alex's mouth.
As I mentioned, the story dragged in a few points, and I would occasionally skip some of the filler. I like how long the story is, and I enjoy how much happened in this book, but the filler got rather repetitive. Explaining how the summons are summoned every time they're summoned just feels like padding. Also, knowing that the characters are going to pull some OP thing out of their backsides kind of makes the buildup of tension, and the description of the fight, feel worthless, and therefore skippable.
I'm going to read the next book, but this is definitely not the pinnacle of the genre. Entertaining? Yes. Amazing and without flaw? No.
April 5, 2026
Magical rape is wrong! Younger readers should skip chapters 30 & 31
-1 star for an utterly unnecessary non-consensual scene in chapters 30 & 31. Whether the perpetrator is a male or female, physical or magical, that was wrong. Magical rape is wrong, period. Had there been a quick conversation, I'm sure Alex would have given permission and been prepared for the resulting weakness, but no, the author chose to skip the adult and correct thing to do. That is seriously disappointing.
*** I'm surprised this wasn't caught in editing, if anyone actually is editing??? Seriously, you need an editor. See my next points. ***
-1 star for all the typos, grammatical errors, and mangled sentences. Not to mention the way the author doesn't seem to understand the meanings of the words they do use, so some terms are misleading, like “Incarnation”.
-1 star for inconsistent or weird language, mostly by the main character. US Americans don't say “chuffed”, “bloke” or “nutter”. Moreover, for several chapters, Alex becomes a frat bro constantly uttering “dude” when speaking with a powerful ancient being.
The good points: the action, camaraderie, and new characters
-1 star for an utterly unnecessary non-consensual scene in chapters 30 & 31. Whether the perpetrator is a male or female, physical or magical, that was wrong. Magical rape is wrong, period. Had there been a quick conversation, I'm sure Alex would have given permission and been prepared for the resulting weakness, but no, the author chose to skip the adult and correct thing to do. That is seriously disappointing.
*** I'm surprised this wasn't caught in editing, if anyone actually is editing??? Seriously, you need an editor. See my next points. ***
-1 star for all the typos, grammatical errors, and mangled sentences. Not to mention the way the author doesn't seem to understand the meanings of the words they do use, so some terms are misleading, like “Incarnation”.
-1 star for inconsistent or weird language, mostly by the main character. US Americans don't say “chuffed”, “bloke” or “nutter”. Moreover, for several chapters, Alex becomes a frat bro constantly uttering “dude” when speaking with a powerful ancient being.
The good points: the action, camaraderie, and new characters
April 4, 2026
Did yah get an eyeful of the cover! Wow! And with Actus at the helm, AwesomeSauce!
First off I hafta say, "What a friggintastic cover." So yeah with a cover like that the book has'ta be Awesome, right! Right!?! Plus it's written by Actus just, AwesomeSauce!!!
In this book Alex, and Mirrorwane are still dealing with the aftermath and loot from killing the Region Boss. And when you have a bioengineer like Mite on your team and 'cause he can purdy much use the entire body for building, then you can betcha there's a lotta loot. Plus when your town is newly established Mite has'ta have it nall, making him a busy Boy. Alex and Claire end up dungeon diving for a Legacy. A Legacy is incredibly magical loot, and they plan to steal it all! Guess what Derek is back... Yay, happily joining back up with them.
So grab the book because what happens in the dungeon stays in the dungeon...
Here's a quote:
“Don’t threaten the eyeballs!” Mite yelled back. He yanked his hands to the side, then made a grabbing motion as if he were pulling an invisible lever. “They’re sensitive!”
First off I hafta say, "What a friggintastic cover." So yeah with a cover like that the book has'ta be Awesome, right! Right!?! Plus it's written by Actus just, AwesomeSauce!!!
In this book Alex, and Mirrorwane are still dealing with the aftermath and loot from killing the Region Boss. And when you have a bioengineer like Mite on your team and 'cause he can purdy much use the entire body for building, then you can betcha there's a lotta loot. Plus when your town is newly established Mite has'ta have it nall, making him a busy Boy. Alex and Claire end up dungeon diving for a Legacy. A Legacy is incredibly magical loot, and they plan to steal it all! Guess what Derek is back... Yay, happily joining back up with them.
So grab the book because what happens in the dungeon stays in the dungeon...
Here's a quote:
“Don’t threaten the eyeballs!” Mite yelled back. He yanked his hands to the side, then made a grabbing motion as if he were pulling an invisible lever. “They’re sensitive!”
September 15, 2026
This is just a review of the series so far. I know it must be difficult to write a series where the MC is a summoner, and keep it interesting, but I've seen it done. This is why I'm getting a little concerned with this series. The MC speaks and acts like he's a melee fighter. He constantly insults the other combatants about their fighting skill, while all he does is summon monsters. The few times he is forced to fight one on one, he gets his *ss handed to him over and over again. Especially in book three. The only fights his team won were over mindless monsters, any fight with anything that was able to think the MC's team didn't win and barely made it out with their lives. It's fine for an MC to be overbearing and over-confident, but this is getting extreme for someone who doesn't actually fight or win against anything that's not a mindless monster. I hope this starts to change in future books.
August 23, 2026
Could use some work
Considering how difficult it must be for most of these litrpg writers to churn so many chapters out per week and the inability to proofread a completed book, I try to give them some slack. With that said 3 books covering a total of 3 weeks of time where a computer programmer is winning pretty much every battle is a little much. I could understand if he had time and someone teaching him or had some skills to begin with, but somehow he is able to lap most of the competition without any of that in 3 weeks time. Not sure why more authors dont think of time skips or avoid the whole nerd to hero angle so often to make the characters more believable. A lot of the dialogue and plot twists are a little campy as well which made me skip pages pretty frequently. Overall story is decent enough but the pacing and plot could use some work.
Considering how difficult it must be for most of these litrpg writers to churn so many chapters out per week and the inability to proofread a completed book, I try to give them some slack. With that said 3 books covering a total of 3 weeks of time where a computer programmer is winning pretty much every battle is a little much. I could understand if he had time and someone teaching him or had some skills to begin with, but somehow he is able to lap most of the competition without any of that in 3 weeks time. Not sure why more authors dont think of time skips or avoid the whole nerd to hero angle so often to make the characters more believable. A lot of the dialogue and plot twists are a little campy as well which made me skip pages pretty frequently. Overall story is decent enough but the pacing and plot could use some work.
April 27, 2026
Good
Overall a good book, but could use a second pass by an editor. I'm enjoying the story, but i tend to get lost in the details when the summoner MC can also take a punch like a tank but doesn't use armor or a traditional weapon for the anesthetic... he also keeps saying that he just wants to have fun in the apocalypse which is a bit sociopathic (Not saying he can't have fun, but so far the author seems to gloss over the death / destruction / family separation / and general downsides of, you know, THE APOCALYPSE.
Overall a good book, but could use a second pass by an editor. I'm enjoying the story, but i tend to get lost in the details when the summoner MC can also take a punch like a tank but doesn't use armor or a traditional weapon for the anesthetic... he also keeps saying that he just wants to have fun in the apocalypse which is a bit sociopathic (Not saying he can't have fun, but so far the author seems to gloss over the death / destruction / family separation / and general downsides of, you know, THE APOCALYPSE.
June 19, 2026
Actus continues to be among the most reliable architects of progression fantasy, and the third volume delivers what the series has built toward: Alex Vaya is no longer just surviving the impossible odds of the Mirrorlands but actively weaponizing them, and the dungeon arc — forced into an uneasy alliance with House Starfallen while being hunted by the assassin Absolution — gives the escalating power fantasy a political dimension that sharpens the stakes without sacrificing momentum. The Derelict Luminary summon and the Singularity Core mechanics are the best-designed additions to the system yet, expanding tactical possibility without rendering the earlier roster obsolete. Actus writes antagonists who feel genuinely dangerous rather than merely positioned as obstacles, and the structural discipline here — knowing when to let a set piece breathe and when to cut — keeps a book this dense from collapsing under its own ambition.
April 1, 2026
Solid progression fantasy
I’ve been following the author for several of his series and generally enjoy them. This isn’t my favorite one, but I still check regularly for information on it and read it as soon as it comes out.
Solid main character and growth. There is a moderate amount of summoning v personal combat. It’s well balanced enough to keep momentum going. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys progression fantasy and doesn’t want crunchy number tables.
I’ve been following the author for several of his series and generally enjoy them. This isn’t my favorite one, but I still check regularly for information on it and read it as soon as it comes out.
Solid main character and growth. There is a moderate amount of summoning v personal combat. It’s well balanced enough to keep momentum going. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys progression fantasy and doesn’t want crunchy number tables.
April 5, 2026
five cheers for “bore”
I honestly do enjoy this series, but I have to give a shout out to the word “bore”, that was thoroughly used, abused, and beaten into submission multiple times in this outing.
You definitely know the intent, but it was 100% used wrongly (incorrect tense) almost every time. I tickled me at least, and it pretty much the only “critique” I’d give. Can’t wait for the next book!
I honestly do enjoy this series, but I have to give a shout out to the word “bore”, that was thoroughly used, abused, and beaten into submission multiple times in this outing.
You definitely know the intent, but it was 100% used wrongly (incorrect tense) almost every time. I tickled me at least, and it pretty much the only “critique” I’d give. Can’t wait for the next book!
April 8, 2026
The series has found its footing. Or maybe it just clicked for me?
If I’m being honest, this was a decent and interesting 4/5 series for me. But this volume added just a bit of comedy that I appreciated from all of the other characters that it feels like a huge improvement. Or maybe it just clicked for me and I hope it clicks for anyone else reading faster. This is a fun series.
If I’m being honest, this was a decent and interesting 4/5 series for me. But this volume added just a bit of comedy that I appreciated from all of the other characters that it feels like a huge improvement. Or maybe it just clicked for me and I hope it clicks for anyone else reading faster. This is a fun series.
April 18, 2026
Not my favorite in the series
Alex didn't win any battles in this book. His monsters died instantly and it was by luck and shoe polish that he wasn't instantly killed.
The banter between the characters was cute and I'd have given the book 3 stars if the author knew what an adverb was.
I'll most likely read the next one in the series when it comes out, but i won't be looking forward to picking it up on day 1 of release like I was with the last one.
Alex didn't win any battles in this book. His monsters died instantly and it was by luck and shoe polish that he wasn't instantly killed.
The banter between the characters was cute and I'd have given the book 3 stars if the author knew what an adverb was.
I'll most likely read the next one in the series when it comes out, but i won't be looking forward to picking it up on day 1 of release like I was with the last one.
September 19, 2026
Super book! I love everything that is going on in this volume. I will admit, I am a bit salty that every time the protagonist gets into a fight, they are still so seriously outmatched it makes for high stakes, but I really wish they would reach a point where the playing field is at least near even. That said, the progression is definitely getting better, and the narrative momentum is fantastic. I’m already looking forward to the next book!
April 22, 2026
This author and series are becoming one of my top 5. The pace is good. The storyline is not boring at all and nether are the characters. Well except for one who has a lot weapons sticking out of him but that's the way he is. The fight sequences are really well and you always feel like the MC(s) are right at the brink of losing. Overall I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
May 25, 2026
Book three
Would you believe that I'm still reading this series over on Royalroad? Not only that, but that I'm still all caught up and waiting for the next chapter release?
It's true! I am and I am.
Honestly I think that both the story and the writing improve with every book.
I'm interested in seeing where this story goes.
8/10
Would you believe that I'm still reading this series over on Royalroad? Not only that, but that I'm still all caught up and waiting for the next chapter release?
It's true! I am and I am.
Honestly I think that both the story and the writing improve with every book.
I'm interested in seeing where this story goes.
8/10
August 26, 2026
It is the best of the three volumes released so far: while the "inner palace" section remains just as unengaging to read, the main character's slower progression helps avoid interminable monologues.
And the narrative arc of this third installment—featuring the "Ancestry," a sort of dungeon—adds some real energy to the whole.
I’ll be reading the next one.
And the narrative arc of this third installment—featuring the "Ancestry," a sort of dungeon—adds some real energy to the whole.
I’ll be reading the next one.
September 17, 2026
Legacy
A wild ride with some old faces and old enemies as well as some new allies. Overall, it will keep your heart pumping the whole way through. Some interesting insights and we get to see one of the Starfallen in action. The plot thickens with an old enemy. A fun read and the series is just heating up.
A wild ride with some old faces and old enemies as well as some new allies. Overall, it will keep your heart pumping the whole way through. Some interesting insights and we get to see one of the Starfallen in action. The plot thickens with an old enemy. A fun read and the series is just heating up.
April 10, 2026
Brilliant
Another good instalment to the series and another great book by you. Love the Acton as well as the dialogue, if like some mood town building but it's not a complaint about the book. Keep up the good work looking forward to the next book.
Another good instalment to the series and another great book by you. Love the Acton as well as the dialogue, if like some mood town building but it's not a complaint about the book. Keep up the good work looking forward to the next book.
April 10, 2026
Can’t wait for book 4
I love a lot of what Actus has put out. Nightmare realm. Summoner has been one of my favorite lit RPG’s. I’ve read so far and I have quite a collection.
Truly, I am excited for the next book in October so glad I stumbled upon this series.
I love a lot of what Actus has put out. Nightmare realm. Summoner has been one of my favorite lit RPG’s. I’ve read so far and I have quite a collection.
Truly, I am excited for the next book in October so glad I stumbled upon this series.
May 30, 2026
Loved these book
The audio books are great too but they don't have all of them yet .... Love the character and the whole story plot ... Different, engaging , funny and a little Cray cray ... Loved it and can't wait for the next installment ..
The audio books are great too but they don't have all of them yet .... Love the character and the whole story plot ... Different, engaging , funny and a little Cray cray ... Loved it and can't wait for the next installment ..
April 1, 2026
Another banger
The series continues! I already read it on RR but will be reading again, I love seeing this world open up
The series continues! I already read it on RR but will be reading again, I love seeing this world open up
April 4, 2026
A fun addition to the series
Really enjoying how the series is developing and the continuing growth of the characters and the world. Already excited for the next book.
Really enjoying how the series is developing and the continuing growth of the characters and the world. Already excited for the next book.
April 6, 2026
The power scaling has gotten ridiculous. This makes the combat either boring or just silly with how one-sided it is. I found myself skipping scenes to reach the conclusion rather than plod throught.
April 7, 2026
Absolutely phenomenal
What a way to end the book and not at all frustrating. Nope. Not at all. 10/10 read and we need more.
What a way to end the book and not at all frustrating. Nope. Not at all. 10/10 read and we need more.
April 13, 2026
In general I love this author and the character development he/she brings to their books. For me a good book is always about being able to have characters I can root for.
April 13, 2026
Couldn’t stop reading.
Great series. It pulls you into a fantastic world where you just have to read one more chapter. The only bad part is having to wait for the next book. ;)
Great series. It pulls you into a fantastic world where you just have to read one more chapter. The only bad part is having to wait for the next book. ;)
April 14, 2026
Solid story with good pacing. Interesting characters (particularly Derek) and kept my attention throughout; I look forward to the next one.
April 19, 2026
Gah I need book 4!!! I can’t believe I have to wait until October.
May 4, 2026
the funnest book in the series so far imo
May 12, 2026
Surprisingly fun? I expected to just pass the time with this series, but it was just kind of a blast.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews