Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Eternal Assassin #1

Rise of the Reaper: The Eternal Assassin Book One

Rate this book
With the power to bend reality at his fingertips, nobody will stop him.

Asher was a mortician’s apprentice used to the quiet company of corpses. But when an ancient Lich accidentally summons him to a new world while hunting for eldritch abominations, he quickly learns that some corpses are a tad more lively than others.

The rest of his presumably short life is supposed to be spent as a helpless test subject.

Instead, Asher harnesses the power of the rare Spatial element he gained upon appearing in this world to not only escape, but to get his hands on the never-before-seen element of Eternity hidden deep within the heart of the Lich’s tower.

The power to flicker between realms made him untouchable.
The power to heal from even the most fatal of wounds makes him unkillable.

Finding himself the target of countless powerful enemies who wish to use his incredible power for their own plans, Asher realizes that the only way he’ll ever be free to live his new life as he sees fit is if he embraces a new calling.

He spent his old life learning how to care for the dead. He’ll spend this new one learning how to deal with the living. It's time for the Reaper to rise.

Experience a gritty LitRPG adventure where the protagonist doesn't just level up, he rewrites the rules of reality. Featuring a unique multi-classing system, tactical spatial combat, slow-burn power progression, evolving skills, corrupt guilds, and deep worldbuilding.

With more than 3-million views as a hit web-serial, this definitive edition is perfect for fans of
Nightmare Realm Summoner , The Grand Gam e, The Primal Hunter , and System Universe.

Audible Audio

First published May 19, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

W.D. Swanson

3 books7 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
447 (64%)
4 stars
173 (25%)
3 stars
55 (7%)
2 stars
10 (1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
2,699 reviews70 followers
May 27, 2026
I quit about two thirds through. The story had just gotten so unbelievably stupid that I just couldn't take anymore. Simplistic characters in a very violent setting with cheap dime store morals.
21 reviews
May 21, 2026
i enjoyed this book but once i finished and thought about it, i am not sure i will read book 2.

the MC went from being an apprentice mortician to basically an unkillable god in about four weeks, possibly five weeks. i read LitRPG to see the power progression from a weak MC to a powerful player. but in this book, it took four to five weeks. what is he going to do next month (book two?), take over the entire nation and become god-emperor?

again, this is a fun book, and can be read in a long evening. if i could i would give it 3.5 stars but that is not possible on GoodReads so 3 stars it remains.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
19 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2026
It was ok

In this isekai story, a sharp, methodical protagonist much like Dexter from the TV series—driven by dark instincts—is transported to a fantasy world and gains powerful abilities. Some parts deliver solid tense hunts and clever power moments, but the rushed relationships fall flat: a fierce character who tries to kill him becomes a trusted friend just one day later with almost no development, making alliances feel forced and shallow. A mixed power fantasy with strong potential undermined by convenient plotting.
Profile Image for Marked Twaine.
247 reviews14 followers
July 7, 2026
Too under powered

I prefer stories where the main character is overpowered and you get to enjoy him walking through all the bad guys and destroying everything and building his noble house and taking all the women I don't like your stories where the good Guy has to figure things out and then finally come up with a way to kill the bad guy and on and on we go I just prefer OP characters.
26 reviews
July 4, 2026
Listened to this one on audio and thought it was okay. It’s got the same narrator as the Sylver Seeker series (not my fav narrator but he's also not a bad one). This first book was entertaining enough that i would’ve given the next book a listen if i had it on audio, but I wasn't compelled enough to look into seeing if the 2nd book was out in epub, or seek it out on RR.

Be prepared for some cringe (minor spoilers ahead). The MC for instance, is named “Asher” (surely i'm not the only one who finds this cliche?). Asher also suddenly develops a romance within days of meeting a woman and everything about it - from the way the woman is written to the way it develops - is just sort of cringey and unbelievable. This is only a small part of the story though, so i found it mostly easy to ignore (it could definitely be worse, cause at least the author wasn’t trying to create multiple romantic storylines).

As far as the rest of the story goes, it’s not exactly groundbreaking, but that doesn’t mean it was bad, and i do think there’s potential. The way Asher gains and develops his magic is a little too easy and convenient IMO, but i guess that’s not abnormal for an isekai litrpg progression type story (he basically just stumbles into some OP abilities and progresses VERY easily once he gets them).

In this world, people can apparently gain access to 3 abilities which they can then develop - IF they have the ability to purchase and unlock the abilities and skills. Asher has knowledge, eternity, and dimensional magic, with both eternity and dimensional magic being extremely rare and OP in this world. $$$ is needed to unlock and evolve one’s abilities and skills, even though the skills still seemed to be leveled up through experience. People can also gain “classes” but there didn’t seem to be much point to them.

The abilities themselves do have potential due to the way they can develop though.The 5 skills Asher gets from eternity for instance, weren’t all about immortality (one is basically just a hunting skill). He also isn’t the only one with OP abilities in this world - some of the people he goes up against have cool abilities.


Asher was kind of all over the place at times as a character, but again, it could’ve been way worse. He’s kind of a self righteous hero type at times, so i can’t see him being a very good “assassin” (even though that’s where the author apparently wants to take it?). At the same time, Asher's also a battle junkie, so this seemed to mean he was, at times, very much willing to go off and kill whoever he decided deserved it. At least there’s that (i can’t stand it when an MC refuses to kill people who clearly need to die).
Profile Image for The Legend.
234 reviews11 followers
June 8, 2026
Romance Trash
I have to believe anyone writing a good review is either the author's friends or paid reviewers.
Otherwise, they'd see what everyone else sees. Cliche romance trash. A character who hated people soooo much that he became a mortician then does the normal cliche romance portal thing in falling for the first girl he meets. Really?Why do all bad authors feel the need to focus on romance in their 'adventure fantasy progression novels'... You know why the popular ones are popular? Because they focus on the plot. Primal Hunter, He who fights with monsters, Defiance of the Fall....Why are they good. Because they focus on the character, building him up,giving him a goal and dislike, likes and progress the story. When they get in a relationship and if they do, it's a side part not the main focus and it's multiple books down the line where it feels natural.
Not where there MC goes from I hate people to I love this girl. In a single week.
Besides that stupid cliche, the character gets even more stupid as well.
How so? He has to hunt down a creature but fears it will escape so he makes a whole trap to keep it from escaping since he doesn't want to lose it....YET he literally has a power to MARK a creature and never lose track of it. It's one of his main abilities. SO WHY is he all scared he'll 'lose track of it' when he has this ability. That is how stupid he is.

So instead of a story where this character with awesome powers in a nice magic system becomes an adventurer and explores the world. We got this guy who gets tied down to the local village girl, sleeps with her enough to risk getting her pregnant. Does risky consequence having things that get him in trouble on all her behalf. So we are going to have all the books stuck around this little village instead of him exploring and growing strong wandering the kingdoms.

No. This book is one of those grocery store novels with the hero standing on the cover with long flowing hair and some billowing shirt, brooding while on a horse or something. This book feels like female hero fantasy of the 'perfect supportive man' than an actual progression adventure fantasy.
You want to swoon over the guy who will do anything for the girl he just met. This is for you. You want a book focused on story. Don't bother with this.
1,259 reviews18 followers
June 9, 2026
character is not OP, basically under powered

Two formula, the MC is not OP he’s underpowered. OP characters do not get beaten until they’re at deaths door. If the authors need a Representation of an OP character, look at the books system universe, and earth reformation, perfect examples of OP characters, a. Character falls into a new world, gets a great unique spatial ability, but doesn’t know how to use it. This is not really an RPG because the character has skills which a weak at Best except for the space affinity he doesn’t gain strength, he doesn’t gain speed, he’s a one trick pony. my other pet peeve with this book is children. No need for a kid in this story. It’s just page padding. Third of all, but not the least girl falls in love with the first person who saved their life so you have this silly romantic attachment. Don’t care for romances, except if they’re slowly developed in these type of books. And what mail has never been in any kind of fight either in high school or college or bar. This character is a punk. And the most ridiculous thing I found is how do you kill animals with a dagger especially if you do not have extraordinary strength you can’t put a dagger through an animal, first of all the dagger is too short, second of all you have to be able to put it through the skull of an animal to kill it instantly, the physics don’t work. there are those readers who might not have any problems with this book, but that’s why there are millions of us. We all have our individual choices. You may like this book, I’m one and done.
Profile Image for Blue Leprechaun.
Author 0 books2 followers
July 13, 2026
This book was not bad. It had normal mistakes like a character being called gravestone then tombstone every other instance. There were a few missed spaces, grammar, and typo-like issues. Not enough to fully make me take a star away.

The next issue was that the plot armor is very, very strong with this one. MC enters the world and boom, gets everything he needs from elements (magic), to shards (money), Guides/helpers (people). It was a bit annoying that it seemed the MC was acting like everything was hard and he had to be smart/clever/etc but really everything was just actually given to him.

Another issue was the fact that everyone around him just seemed a little flat and uncaring. People that should be wary just accept him and trust him. People that are literally scolding him for assuming and being big-headed....then assume and die because they are too big-headed. Some people just feel so 'I'll this way to move the plot in a positive way for the MC, ' no real character growth.

However, it was violent, fun, and honestly there is enough plot to be interested. The magic system is weird, gritty, and confusing even though it looks so simple. I honestly loved the gore, humanity seeping from his soul, and just all-around fun in another world vibe.
I really enjoyed the story and will read the next 1 or 2. If the issues aren't ironed out, though, this series may be dropped. There is enough of a foundation that keeps me wanting to read on.
80 reviews6 followers
July 15, 2026
I love the cover of this book. It shrieks mystery, action, darkness and danger. This is a cover I can get behind and read the story for. I think that book two of this series will fit this cover better. This story is about the birth and rise of the reaper more than the character who is the reaper. Don’t get me wrong though, I quite enjoyed this story, it’s just that the cover promises things that are future promises.

Asher is a mortician assistant, living his best life (although not a great one from what we can tell) when he dies and awakens in another world. He’s been summoned by a lich wizard. I love this line from the book description, ‘The rest of his presumably short life is supposed to be spent as a helpless test subject.’ Asher, though, is clever. As this is LitRPG, he’s got a level system and a power. Asher (and Swanson) is clever, he figures out interesting ways to use his power to get free of both his engagement but also the evil tower he’s trapped in. In escaping, he meets a friend that helps him understand where he is and the ways of the world. And progresses to make his way and level up, gaining abilities as he goes.

I really enjoy Swanson’s writing style in this book, they have an interesting outlook on the world and that comes through in Asher’s sardonic and sarcastic view of the world. I found his take refreshing and the writing to be amusing and sometimes laugh inducing. The action is well presented and the story arch is interesting.

I enjoyed this first book in the series. By the end, Asher is approaching the person you see from the cover and I’m looking forward to book two truly embracing the image.

Profile Image for MyDoRyS.
1,230 reviews4 followers
July 15, 2026
My reviews are my own. If you enjoyed this book, I'm glad you did. If not, I respect your opinion, so please respect mine. This is simply my perspective, so let's keep the discussion courteous. My review is honest and voluntary. As a reader, I read to escape the world and its issues, and my reviews reflect that.

Why do some authors have to be so sexist and chauvinistic? Every time they write female characters who immediately jump into bed with the protagonist as a way of saying "thank you," they're reducing women to little more than rewards. It doesn't add anything meaningful to the story, either.

If I wanted a steamy romance, I would have picked one—not a freaking LitRPG that's supposed to be about adventure, progression, and leveling. Instead, the protagonist gets isekai'd only to have sex with someone he just met. What a waste of an otherwise interesting premise.

Do these authors really have to force every sexual fantasy or frustration into their stories? It completely took me out of the experience and left a bad taste in my mouth. This story should have been called the Bumbling Idiot Gets Lucky By Meddling, because it has nothing to do with a reaper power.

Onward and forward to my next adventure. Happy reading!!!
104 reviews3 followers
June 23, 2026
Interesting OP MC story

Not generally a fan of the Over Powered Main Character genre but this one was interesting. And OP MC is right in the title, so i knew what i was signing up for as a reader.
There were multiple examples of 'common' abilities still being a threat but ultimately countered by the MC various trump cards. Luckily, this MC has access to OP abilities but it's still up to him to learn to use them, he's not OP with esoteric knowledge or foresight so the reader gets to discover this new world alongside him.
Definitely several plot conveniences, and having the MC be morally good while "murdering monsters in human form" is a fine line to walk. It would be more interesting to see how he responds to villains that don't openly brag about their horrific actions and intents.
97 reviews
June 18, 2026
This was a pleasant surprise

I picked this up with low expectations. Most of this genre seems to be slop these days. This was actually pretty good. The main character isn't incredible (as a character) by any means but he's not bad most of the time when he's not being a self righteous *$$. The secondary characters are what made this book better. While some are black and white personality wise, most are in the grey. That's really rare with the quality of writing that makes up most of Kindle these days. Looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Daybreak.
112 reviews
May 21, 2026

the book is juvenile, mc finds incredible shit by just being there. if mc was a teen this level of stupidity was acceptable but him being older and acting like a fool is just unacceptable. mc involves himself unnecessarily and does page upon page of mental gymnastics to just kill people who are actively seeking to kill him. also him acting like a lovesick puppy for the first girl he saw doesn't help his case.
Profile Image for Danny Moody.
1,500 reviews14 followers
May 30, 2026
At first it seemed like you dime-a-dozen isekai but the story and the magic system were really cool and well thought out. This took this book to the next level and made me want more when it was over. The magic system was unique and made for some really cool abilities. The vigilante story gone wrong storyline was quite enjoyable.
31 reviews
June 4, 2026
Great start in a new realm

Action is good, not over drawn but gets to the point and adds progression growth. The MC is a tad translucent, not quite solid yet, but getting there. The World and system are unique enough to be enjoyable. All in all, I enjoyed the read and at the end of the day that is what counts
Profile Image for J.D. Glasscock.
Author 46 books19 followers
June 15, 2026
Beautiful

Very impressive and amazing first book.. Live the system and class builds, very innovative.... Yet simple enough to keep track of during a long series while also having amazing depth..... Kudos.... Great characters and story and promise and premise

Highly recommend

JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers, Nocturne and Warborn
Profile Image for tester.
607 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2026
2.5 the 'romance' was atrocious...it's literally the first women he comes across. Almost threw it out at this point, managed slog through it and skimmed the last bit. OMG the MC is such an idiot, get captured and enslaved by the same people he went after. Somehow is pop culture aware, but doesn't recognize slime, or somehow assumes someone is immortal/unkillable. Probably done with this series.
32 reviews
May 19, 2026
Pretty good

The idea is good, but the characters and dialog are unimpressive. They have discussions that i just don't see happening in back alleys and drug dens. The characters should be far more hard boiled.
55 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2026
Good first book in series

Great book, looking forward to the next one.
Really liked the magic system in this world, not system or math heavy, not intrusive. Well thought out and with lots of variety.
Profile Image for Matt.
31 reviews5 followers
May 29, 2026
Enjoyed the writing style.

I enjoyed the writing and pacing. There is some sex but it is"off screen", also a plus. The magic system reminds me of He Who Fights Monsters but with less details. Is like some more magic info on what the abilities do. Already bought the next one...
1,275 reviews16 followers
June 19, 2026
The mc gets isekaied, then gets a skill he can't use properly, stumbles upon undeserved boons early, falls in love with the first girl he meets, constantly fools around with knives and keeps winning only due to plot armor..
Profile Image for LaziMantis Vasquez.
598 reviews
July 12, 2026
Was a good book

I hope the villains in the next book are overpowered I really hate that in stories its fine if the equal to the mc but overwhelming him in power is not entertaining to me
Profile Image for James Riley.
1,379 reviews20 followers
May 20, 2026
Really good

This was a fun little read. The system is slightly different, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

I'm looking forward to the next one.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Panda Jaer.
1 review
May 20, 2026
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Can’t wait for the next one!
6 reviews
May 22, 2026
A great read

This was a super fun time. Great world building and a different take on the RPG system than I have seen. Can't wait for the next book!
185 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2026
Great book

I really enjoyed this first book in the series and am looking forward to book 2. Already pre-ordered the second book.
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,931 reviews52 followers
May 28, 2026
3.5

Not bad at all. I liked the humor and the world and idea. The relationship was a bit too cringe for me though. It didn't feel very developed, and thus cringe.
Profile Image for Mark.
162 reviews8 followers
June 1, 2026
Decent, a little too much romance for my tastes. I will probably continue this series.
19 reviews
June 5, 2026
Good book

Good book I liked it why does amazon make you write so so so much god help me and amazon and the world
98 reviews
June 5, 2026
not bad

Not bad but suffers from poor world building and an unnecessary romance that is shoehorned in there. On the fence about whether I’ll read the second installment or not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews