Innwright: A Blue-Collar Crafting LitRPG

Hearthwright #2

by R.D. Kennedy

Evan Rook saved Thornhallow. Now he has to build it into something worth finding.

The storm has passed. The road is open again. And Thornhallow Waystation is no longer a forgotten ruin clinging to the edge of the woods.

With his new Innwright specialization, Evan finally has a path guest rooms, safer shelter, better water, proper food, and a place travelers might choose before desperation drives them to his door. The work will be hard, but hard work has never scared him.

This time, though, he isn’t building alone.

Tamsin has stayed. Moth still guards the front threshold. Bracken holds the rear. And as Thornhallow’s Domain begins to grow, so do the demands placed on the man keeping it alive.

Travelers bring coin, rumors, hunger, injuries, and trouble. The surrounding wilds are still watching. The road office has not forgotten him. And every improvement Evan makes turns Thornhallow into something more valuable to everyone who needs it.

Evan isn’t a hero. He’s just a blue-collar man with a hammer, a System class, and the first real home he’s ever had.

And this time, he’s not just trying to keep the roof standing. He’s building an inn.

Genres: Fantasy

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2026

Reviews

[Rori S Leavitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feels like I'm sitting at a warm fire.

If you miss the days of few words spoken and the truth of work well done for it's own sake this book is for you.

[Jimmy D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Innwright-A solid read

I have enjoyed reading the 2 books in this series and have pre-ordered book 3. The pace of the book, like the Innwright, is steady and true.

[Liz K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treasured story

This is one of my most favorite stories of the year. The plot has such depth and embraces you with kindness, adventure, resilience and the opportunity for reflection. Reflection of your own life, your own paths taken, and your own moments of “keeping”. (You’ll need to read the story to understand the “keeping”). I’m eager to continue to book 3!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this book while I was in the second chapter of the first book (Hearthwright). Started it almost immediately after finishing the first book. Pretty much read straight though and finished it last night at 10 pm.

I loved the detail of these books. And the gaming aspects. If anyone wants to make an actual game that plays like the books I'm in! I would love that game too.

Really good story! Have pre-ordered the third book in the series that comes out on kindle the 22 of Oct. Sucks having to wait but it will be worth it. I had paper back copies of the others and when the third one comes out gonna get a paperback copy of it too.

Kinda hoping to get more books from this world. There are lots of other stories to be told. Could have years of books!

R. D. Kennedy has a new forever fan. (also orderd the other book that is out and pre-ordered the next one of that series).

[Gregory Bone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really well done. I loved the physical nature of it all. I do admit that towards the end, the stepping out of the narrative didn't snap the narrative but thinned it out. But the prose kept and there were times where I had to stop reading the book because I didn't want to end. I think that is the most I can say of any recent books I have read.

[CAROLYN SMITH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, second book is better, but discrepancies. If the house rules that the keeper is cared for first , why is he and the woman still sleeping on bench and chair while the kid, who is now staff, has a bed? Poor logic. Author needs to reconsider this.

[Lois Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series

I have enjoyed the series so far and all of the main characters, especially the animals. The cat, as cats are, is the main ruler of the household and judges everything that happens within lol.

[CNickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about becoming. Worth the read.

I enjoyed the stories about the way station and the inn. The old ways of doing things felt right from my historian's perspective. I loved the characters.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in a Great Craft LitRPG Series

Join Evan as he continues to expand and grow in his new waystation life. The guardian beasts remain. More people join the cause. The North Wood listens. Eagerly awaiting the next installment.

[Creel Unbelove'D · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way house slowly gets put into working order. Even a room for paying guests. The woods to the north are seeking help. I really enjoy the slow, consistant pacing. So easy to pick up and read. Recommend if you need a book full of positive changes and a glimpse into roof building.

[Georgie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I thought the first one was excellent, but I liked this one even better. Looking forward to book three , but I don't think it will be enough

[Louis R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

now we’re cooking

Love how things are progressing. Really like the author’s phrasing. Higher but still grounded stakes. Eager for the third book!

[IMHO · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECOMMENDED

[M & M Sharpening Services · Rating 5 out of 5]

nice

I’ve truly enjoyed this series. Sometimes the words seem choppy, but you get used to the particular patter. I’m of to find book 3.

[Glenn Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

GROWTH

Reading these two first two books was a great experience I had a hard time putting them down LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT ONE