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Guardian of Aster Fall #2
Aster Fall
Enchantments, runes, and ancient power.
These are what will determine whether Sam Hastern survives in his new life.
He and his father have fought their way out of the Abyssinian Plains and returned home stronger than before, but Aster Fall is never peaceful for long and the tiny village of Cliff’s End is no longer a place they can live.
Sam’s journey will take him to the distant city of Highfold, where trouble is stirring beneath the mountains known as the Three Crowns. There, ancient ruins are coming to life beneath the light of Aster Fall’s triple moons, promising either a route to power or an untimely grave.
Will Sam be able to protect his family from the dangers of Aster Fall and prevent the Breaking that was foretold, or will he fail in his most important duty?
Ice Sylphs, Outsiders, and strange powers abound in this second volume of the epic series!
These are what will determine whether Sam Hastern survives in his new life.
He and his father have fought their way out of the Abyssinian Plains and returned home stronger than before, but Aster Fall is never peaceful for long and the tiny village of Cliff’s End is no longer a place they can live.
Sam’s journey will take him to the distant city of Highfold, where trouble is stirring beneath the mountains known as the Three Crowns. There, ancient ruins are coming to life beneath the light of Aster Fall’s triple moons, promising either a route to power or an untimely grave.
Will Sam be able to protect his family from the dangers of Aster Fall and prevent the Breaking that was foretold, or will he fail in his most important duty?
Ice Sylphs, Outsiders, and strange powers abound in this second volume of the epic series!
830 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2021
849 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
David North
18 books197 followersGlad to meet you. I'm David North, author of Guardian of Aster Fall and River of Fate, which are available on Amazon Kindle.
You can also find me on Patreon as Riverfate. Drafts of new books I'm working on and artwork for them are usually on there.
You can also find me on Patreon as Riverfate. Drafts of new books I'm working on and artwork for them are usually on there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
May 16, 2025
Preamble:
This is a must read, and it takes its time (the whole series I mean), but still a compelling continuation to one of my favorite litRPG series now! The events start directly after the first book, so be sure to read in order.
Synopsis: Sam Hastern slowly levels up and journeys onwards from the Outsider outpost ruins he finds himself and his dad trapped in, to one of the cities within the Kingdom of Aethra, and hints of the over-arching storyline and lore backdrop is expanded in this one where readers finally get a glimpse of what an amazing story might lie ahead.
Thoughts: The plot continues to unfurl from the first book in this fantastic litRPG series offering, in which the complex characterizations from the first book is worked upon some more and the much needed world-building gets some much needed time in the sun.
Here in this installment, the layout and geography, the weird and humanoid but alien races that cohabit with the humans and even the politics of Aster Fall is also slowly expanded.
This makes the investment in the average to good debut worth it as all aspects of the series is slowly enhanced. This thrilling albeit slow sequel from David North continues in the vein of the debut, giving us the same slowly evolving backdrops of character-building, leveling and magic system together with the world-building of his fantastical universe.
It also gradually sets up the events leading to the third book in which the author pushes all of the first two books' lack of pace and world-building, into a non-stop and frenetic addition to his carefully thought out gamelit universe that contains a mixture of tropes from classic Sci-fi and GrimDark Fantasy in a wholesome, gore and blood splattered and soaked package.
The amazing and complex magical system is explained better and more progression litRPG system info dumping occurs (just as in the first book) although it's a bit more organized, but, nevertheless, it can be a turn off for impatient readers. If I'm being honest, to me, it greatly enhances the experience of the reader, while managing to include some detailed and expressive battle scenes. Awesome awesome series.
Conclusion: This comes highly recommended just like the debut, for a variety of readers that enjoy Progression Fantasy, Wuxia/Xianxia/litRPG that can endure the slowness and massive info-dump well past the first two books and into the last half of the third. But, it was totally worth it for me.
Read I: 2024
Read II: 2025
Synopsis: Sam Hastern slowly levels up and journeys onwards from the Outsider outpost ruins he finds himself and his dad trapped in, to one of the cities within the Kingdom of Aethra, and hints of the over-arching storyline and lore backdrop is expanded in this one where readers finally get a glimpse of what an amazing story might lie ahead.
Thoughts: The plot continues to unfurl from the first book in this fantastic litRPG series offering, in which the complex characterizations from the first book is worked upon some more and the much needed world-building gets some much needed time in the sun.
Here in this installment, the layout and geography, the weird and humanoid but alien races that cohabit with the humans and even the politics of Aster Fall is also slowly expanded.
This makes the investment in the average to good debut worth it as all aspects of the series is slowly enhanced. This thrilling albeit slow sequel from David North continues in the vein of the debut, giving us the same slowly evolving backdrops of character-building, leveling and magic system together with the world-building of his fantastical universe.
It also gradually sets up the events leading to the third book in which the author pushes all of the first two books' lack of pace and world-building, into a non-stop and frenetic addition to his carefully thought out gamelit universe that contains a mixture of tropes from classic Sci-fi and GrimDark Fantasy in a wholesome, gore and blood splattered and soaked package.
The amazing and complex magical system is explained better and more progression litRPG system info dumping occurs (just as in the first book) although it's a bit more organized, but, nevertheless, it can be a turn off for impatient readers. If I'm being honest, to me, it greatly enhances the experience of the reader, while managing to include some detailed and expressive battle scenes. Awesome awesome series.
Conclusion: This comes highly recommended just like the debut, for a variety of readers that enjoy Progression Fantasy, Wuxia/Xianxia/litRPG that can endure the slowness and massive info-dump well past the first two books and into the last half of the third. But, it was totally worth it for me.
Read I: 2024
Read II: 2025
January 31, 2024
This is second in a LitRPG series that builds everything over time. Read in order.
Having read the first, you know more or less what you are getting. The rest of Sam's family relationships are exactly the same as his relationship with his dad—i.e. over idealized and completely unrealistic. And Sam spends a good piece at the front of this story crafting for his family's defense and that got old.
I'd like to say that once they get to Highfold that it picks up, but it really doesn't. I mean, a plot shows itself, so there's a bit more action. But the writer still has the pace-killing habits from before (head hopping and exposition that goes pages in the middle of action scenes).
I finished this because I still find the worldbuilding interesting and the action, when it happens, was interesting. I like seeing Sam take problems on with some deliberation, though, again, I wish the author was good enough to stop killing the action while doing so.
If this sounds negative, I don't mean that entirely. I mean, I finished the book while I had nothing better to do on an international flight. So it's maybe worth three stars. Then again, I'm not sure I'd have finished if I hadn't been isolated and had nothing better to do.
A note about Chaste: Sam notices pretty girls, but has stuff to do. None of that stuff has anything to do with chasing pretty girls. So this is very chaste.
Having read the first, you know more or less what you are getting. The rest of Sam's family relationships are exactly the same as his relationship with his dad—i.e. over idealized and completely unrealistic. And Sam spends a good piece at the front of this story crafting for his family's defense and that got old.
I'd like to say that once they get to Highfold that it picks up, but it really doesn't. I mean, a plot shows itself, so there's a bit more action. But the writer still has the pace-killing habits from before (head hopping and exposition that goes pages in the middle of action scenes).
I finished this because I still find the worldbuilding interesting and the action, when it happens, was interesting. I like seeing Sam take problems on with some deliberation, though, again, I wish the author was good enough to stop killing the action while doing so.
If this sounds negative, I don't mean that entirely. I mean, I finished the book while I had nothing better to do on an international flight. So it's maybe worth three stars. Then again, I'm not sure I'd have finished if I hadn't been isolated and had nothing better to do.
A note about Chaste: Sam notices pretty girls, but has stuff to do. None of that stuff has anything to do with chasing pretty girls. So this is very chaste.
December 19, 2021
Book two
Mistakes: What I found was listed on Goodreads. I personally think that the sound effects are a waste of space.
Plot: Hunting a grand flaw. I found this to be rather boring. There was no sense of challenge or danger really. Felt kind of like a mix of Dragon Ball Z and Pokemon. I choose you moonlight power! Go!
Characters: The MC is a glass cannon but he is able to go toe to toe in hand to hand combat with things of a higher level and win with no problem.
The level rate is stupid since as fast as he is leveling he will soon hit the level cap.
Let's not forget the days spent crafting without need for food, sleep, or bathroom breaks.
5/10 felt like I was reading the script for a bad cartoon.
Mistakes: What I found was listed on Goodreads. I personally think that the sound effects are a waste of space.
Plot: Hunting a grand flaw. I found this to be rather boring. There was no sense of challenge or danger really. Felt kind of like a mix of Dragon Ball Z and Pokemon. I choose you moonlight power! Go!
Characters: The MC is a glass cannon but he is able to go toe to toe in hand to hand combat with things of a higher level and win with no problem.
The level rate is stupid since as fast as he is leveling he will soon hit the level cap.
Let's not forget the days spent crafting without need for food, sleep, or bathroom breaks.
5/10 felt like I was reading the script for a bad cartoon.
December 12, 2021
Good, but flawed
Where’s Lesat?!? At least twice the narrative lost track of him. His presence and actions disappeared into the background to such an extent he may as well have ceased to exist. And since he wasn’t truly vital to the narrative…he should have been handled better and more definitively. Either he *is* a part of the party or he needs to be set aside.
Hello, McFly? Charisma is important, except when I guess it’s not. Constitution was the other attribute that was momentarily important and almost instantly ignored…for reasons.
Technically speaking, there were large passages that were successive one sentence paragraphs. Declarative in nature, it made for a choppy reading experience.
As much as I am not a fan of the numbers, the *full* character sheet should have made at least one more showing. The MC progressed by another 40-50 levels, with intense power ups; more detail is needed.
Still readable. Still an interesting system/world. But this needed *content* editing (which is a difficult skill, and may not be available to the author8.
Where’s Lesat?!? At least twice the narrative lost track of him. His presence and actions disappeared into the background to such an extent he may as well have ceased to exist. And since he wasn’t truly vital to the narrative…he should have been handled better and more definitively. Either he *is* a part of the party or he needs to be set aside.
Hello, McFly? Charisma is important, except when I guess it’s not. Constitution was the other attribute that was momentarily important and almost instantly ignored…for reasons.
Technically speaking, there were large passages that were successive one sentence paragraphs. Declarative in nature, it made for a choppy reading experience.
As much as I am not a fan of the numbers, the *full* character sheet should have made at least one more showing. The MC progressed by another 40-50 levels, with intense power ups; more detail is needed.
Still readable. Still an interesting system/world. But this needed *content* editing (which is a difficult skill, and may not be available to the author8.
February 3, 2022
5 You Honor Our World With Your Effort Stars
Aster Fall is the second book in the Guardian of Aster Fall series by David North.
I gots the goosebumps. This book was leagues better than the first. David North accomplished a great feat with this sequel. The story unfolded in a truly unexpected manifestation of Sam's potential, the Guardian's influence, and all under the World Core's watchful eye.
The path that Sam has continued on is intriguing, to say the least of its mysteries and intentions. His shift further into a Guardian himself, with a new title proclaiming his Acknowledgement, and purpose, was incredible to behold. To merely guess at the coming changes to his future, as it intertwines with that of the Moonlight Relic and his new purpose in repairing its millennias of damage is only adding to my interest in this majestic literary creation. I only wish there was already more to read.
His family accomplished their task; finding a new home, befitting their changes in destiny and fate. Albeit, with more resistance than they expected to encounter. Their place in Highfold is especially beneficial for Aemillia in reconnecting with Siwaha, and Altey in her strengthened and new manifestation of Ice Elemental alignment. I'm excited to see how their allegiance with the Ice Sylphs manifests. And further, if there is a way in which he can help other humans to be more attuned with elements giving his strong Elemental disposition.
Having defended the Church's forces he's creating the specter of his new persona as the Horned Hunter of the Moons. Laying the foundation for future peace, not only within those more closely aligned with World Law, but also with the inhabitants of Highfold. He will most likely come to be known as their strongest protector. Inviting new travelers and opportunities for prosperity for this community as a whole.
Aster Fall is the second book in the Guardian of Aster Fall series by David North.
I gots the goosebumps. This book was leagues better than the first. David North accomplished a great feat with this sequel. The story unfolded in a truly unexpected manifestation of Sam's potential, the Guardian's influence, and all under the World Core's watchful eye.
The path that Sam has continued on is intriguing, to say the least of its mysteries and intentions. His shift further into a Guardian himself, with a new title proclaiming his Acknowledgement, and purpose, was incredible to behold. To merely guess at the coming changes to his future, as it intertwines with that of the Moonlight Relic and his new purpose in repairing its millennias of damage is only adding to my interest in this majestic literary creation. I only wish there was already more to read.
His family accomplished their task; finding a new home, befitting their changes in destiny and fate. Albeit, with more resistance than they expected to encounter. Their place in Highfold is especially beneficial for Aemillia in reconnecting with Siwaha, and Altey in her strengthened and new manifestation of Ice Elemental alignment. I'm excited to see how their allegiance with the Ice Sylphs manifests. And further, if there is a way in which he can help other humans to be more attuned with elements giving his strong Elemental disposition.
Having defended the Church's forces he's creating the specter of his new persona as the Horned Hunter of the Moons. Laying the foundation for future peace, not only within those more closely aligned with World Law, but also with the inhabitants of Highfold. He will most likely come to be known as their strongest protector. Inviting new travelers and opportunities for prosperity for this community as a whole.
January 30, 2022
Im Serious disappointed in myself
Why the hell have not read this series before now? It is so freaking awesome, the author directs you one way but its a trick a misdirection, Oh my I really love this series. The MC is reasonable as i said in my previous book 1 review but he's also not one of those I'll take all the shit you can give me because I understand your point of view loosers. Yeah I read books sometimes and I just can't image why the MC is not dead, PLOT ARMOR that's why. This guys gets mad when he needs to get mad, and thinks when he needs to think. He's not too proud to get instructions or corrections and just chooses to not engage in idiotic interactions by walking away....yeah brilliant right? walking away why the hell do other authors just make things daft by prolonging dumb conversations that will not have any impact on the rest of the story....SATISFIED!!!
Why the hell have not read this series before now? It is so freaking awesome, the author directs you one way but its a trick a misdirection, Oh my I really love this series. The MC is reasonable as i said in my previous book 1 review but he's also not one of those I'll take all the shit you can give me because I understand your point of view loosers. Yeah I read books sometimes and I just can't image why the MC is not dead, PLOT ARMOR that's why. This guys gets mad when he needs to get mad, and thinks when he needs to think. He's not too proud to get instructions or corrections and just chooses to not engage in idiotic interactions by walking away....yeah brilliant right? walking away why the hell do other authors just make things daft by prolonging dumb conversations that will not have any impact on the rest of the story....SATISFIED!!!
February 7, 2022
The only problem with this book is that it is the last written so far and I'm kind of hooked on this series now. Interesting hero dynamic in this Litrpg in that he appears like a devil but isn't and that is one of the things that generally puts his life at most risk. Decent battles, I like the character development, and the book holds me so much I mostly stopped watching TV in order to get through it. Looking forward to the next book. Stories move reasonably quickly, no romance to speak of (which is OK with me), and I can lose myself in the plot. All in all a lot of fun to read with the only problem being the next book isn't done yet.
December 11, 2021
Awesomeness throughout
This series has it all. A mostly 0P hero who has vulnerabilities, Crafting and lots of it, And A complex but understandable storyline. Love the MC who is growing and learning every step of the way. With a unique class no one can guide him except his intuition and intellect. He is growing powerful but is also cultivating allies and friends. Man i lo ed this book and was disappointed it ended. However i will eagerly await the next book. Aster falls has no shortage of enemies.
This series has it all. A mostly 0P hero who has vulnerabilities, Crafting and lots of it, And A complex but understandable storyline. Love the MC who is growing and learning every step of the way. With a unique class no one can guide him except his intuition and intellect. He is growing powerful but is also cultivating allies and friends. Man i lo ed this book and was disappointed it ended. However i will eagerly await the next book. Aster falls has no shortage of enemies.
December 12, 2021
Excellent!
I like everything about this book and series.
I am a big fan of the first book and have been looking forward to this one. It was just as good as I have come to expect from the author.
I am always a fan of good world building, neat base building, enchantment progress arcs, and mucking about with ancient relics. This book contains all that and more.
Now I’m looking forward to book 3!
I like everything about this book and series.
I am a big fan of the first book and have been looking forward to this one. It was just as good as I have come to expect from the author.
I am always a fan of good world building, neat base building, enchantment progress arcs, and mucking about with ancient relics. This book contains all that and more.
Now I’m looking forward to book 3!
December 13, 2021
A great read
This second installment was even better than the first. I really enjoyed where the story went, the conflicting emotions and instincts that Sam had to deal with. How he indulged some aspects of his outsider self yet kept controlled and focused.
I would like to see more enchanting from Sam and have them find a home along with wealth from their work.
Read it if you liked the first book!
This second installment was even better than the first. I really enjoyed where the story went, the conflicting emotions and instincts that Sam had to deal with. How he indulged some aspects of his outsider self yet kept controlled and focused.
I would like to see more enchanting from Sam and have them find a home along with wealth from their work.
Read it if you liked the first book!
December 14, 2021
Great sequel
The story takes place in a new location. There is great character progression for Sam in terms of levels and abilities. The word development also enriched. I love how the author is giving equal emphasis to crafting progression and combat power progression and meld them together so well. Looking forward to book 3 as Sam is so close to his first evolution. Please keep writing 👍
The story takes place in a new location. There is great character progression for Sam in terms of levels and abilities. The word development also enriched. I love how the author is giving equal emphasis to crafting progression and combat power progression and meld them together so well. Looking forward to book 3 as Sam is so close to his first evolution. Please keep writing 👍
December 18, 2021
An epic follow up for book 1
What a journey! This book takes us along with Sam and his family in search if their new home, and of course things dont go as planned. There are epic battles to fight, more magic items to craft, and Outsiders to kill. There is soo much progression in this one, and so many other interesting tie ins. You really just need to read this one because a quick review wont do it justice.
What a journey! This book takes us along with Sam and his family in search if their new home, and of course things dont go as planned. There are epic battles to fight, more magic items to craft, and Outsiders to kill. There is soo much progression in this one, and so many other interesting tie ins. You really just need to read this one because a quick review wont do it justice.
December 18, 2021
2021 standout
I read a lot of lit rpg and enjoy most of them, going through about a book a week on average. This series really stood out to me this year in my "best of the year" category. It is just a compelling read with masterful prose to build each scene. In particular, I am really enjoying the world building aspect of the enchanting skill as it is being described. Not a unique magic system necessarily, but an interesting and refreshing take on the skill.
I read a lot of lit rpg and enjoy most of them, going through about a book a week on average. This series really stood out to me this year in my "best of the year" category. It is just a compelling read with masterful prose to build each scene. In particular, I am really enjoying the world building aspect of the enchanting skill as it is being described. Not a unique magic system necessarily, but an interesting and refreshing take on the skill.
January 3, 2022
Breathtaking storyline
One of the best series (2 books) I have ever read. Excellent characters brought to life by the author, found myself immersed in the tale of fantasy and magic, the attention to detail was awesome, making both books very believable. I read to escape and fantasise and this series fulfilled all of my expectations. David North I thank you for bringing back magic into my life......
One of the best series (2 books) I have ever read. Excellent characters brought to life by the author, found myself immersed in the tale of fantasy and magic, the attention to detail was awesome, making both books very believable. I read to escape and fantasise and this series fulfilled all of my expectations. David North I thank you for bringing back magic into my life......
February 7, 2022
A Building Crescendo
The author took all of the things that were great about the first book, and improved them.
From the detailed enchanting and crafting, to the use of Deus Ex Machina as a "how to solve the problem" rather than the solution, this author kept me enthralled from beginning to end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I'll say it again, this series is a fantastic example of what this genre can be.
The author took all of the things that were great about the first book, and improved them.
From the detailed enchanting and crafting, to the use of Deus Ex Machina as a "how to solve the problem" rather than the solution, this author kept me enthralled from beginning to end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I'll say it again, this series is a fantastic example of what this genre can be.
December 18, 2021
Compared to first book just as good maybe better
This rating was chosen because it is deserved. The story was very well written and the events flowed in line not all over the place.l truly enjoyed this book and the trials and tribulations the main character endured are really intense.
This rating was chosen because it is deserved. The story was very well written and the events flowed in line not all over the place.l truly enjoyed this book and the trials and tribulations the main character endured are really intense.
March 20, 2022
Brilliant story can't wait for more
Brilliant story can't wait for more
Great world building, character building cannot wait for more I am normally an audiobook listener but this story made me want to read the next installment before the audio comes out, will be getting audiobook also
Brilliant story can't wait for more
Great world building, character building cannot wait for more I am normally an audiobook listener but this story made me want to read the next installment before the audio comes out, will be getting audiobook also
December 11, 2021
f****ing hell. Best RPG book ive ever read. The characters are so well done, with the plot supporting it. I had no trouble following the stats or the scores like in some other books. Very unique book in the genre. 10/10
December 17, 2021
A great sequel
Aster Fall is an excellent continuation, it expands the intriguing world and enjoyable cast. The story is well paced and continues to blend action, comradery and occasional comedy. I can't wait for the next book.
Aster Fall is an excellent continuation, it expands the intriguing world and enjoyable cast. The story is well paced and continues to blend action, comradery and occasional comedy. I can't wait for the next book.
December 17, 2021
A good continuation
A good solid LitRPG, this series continues to balance advancement with a good sense of the main character fighting to find his place in the world and adapt to the changes in his mind, body and life. Worth reading.
A good solid LitRPG, this series continues to balance advancement with a good sense of the main character fighting to find his place in the world and adapt to the changes in his mind, body and life. Worth reading.
December 18, 2021
An excellent next step in the story - enthralling!
I enjoyed the first in this series and I've been looking forward to the next book. This exceeded my expectations. Great plot and character development. Well worth the wait.
I enjoyed the first in this series and I've been looking forward to the next book. This exceeded my expectations. Great plot and character development. Well worth the wait.
December 18, 2021
Quickly becoming one of my favorite authors
Fantastic blend of action, RPG, crafting and theory reading. Unique story with the perfect blend of character development, world building and system introduction. Expertly crafted and endlessly entertaining. Thank you Mr. Author!
Fantastic blend of action, RPG, crafting and theory reading. Unique story with the perfect blend of character development, world building and system introduction. Expertly crafted and endlessly entertaining. Thank you Mr. Author!
December 19, 2021
Exceeded all expectations
The first book served as prologue to this epic story fillied with crafting, battle, and the internal struggles of a man coming into the fullness of his power. An epic not to be missed.
The first book served as prologue to this epic story fillied with crafting, battle, and the internal struggles of a man coming into the fullness of his power. An epic not to be missed.
December 19, 2021
Family always comes first
I am not the most eloquent of people, but it’s pretty simple. I loved this book. Battle fury does not take precedence over hope for the future and peace for family. That’s what I got from it.
I am not the most eloquent of people, but it’s pretty simple. I loved this book. Battle fury does not take precedence over hope for the future and peace for family. That’s what I got from it.
December 19, 2021
Absolutely Awesome
This story of a young man who gets a useless class that for generations they were unable to advance in, he gets remade into a demon and is then able to use his class was great.
This story of a young man who gets a useless class that for generations they were unable to advance in, he gets remade into a demon and is then able to use his class was great.
December 22, 2021
Rip roaring fun
From the very beginning of the book the tone is set. Study, learn, improve, kill without pause or remorse. Indeed, with alacrity does our hero vault into bad as s ness.
From the very beginning of the book the tone is set. Study, learn, improve, kill without pause or remorse. Indeed, with alacrity does our hero vault into bad as s ness.
December 23, 2021
so damn good
I loved the first book, the second one was even better. This is something I do not see a lot, as the second book typically feels boring and flat, where this book took it even further
I loved the first book, the second one was even better. This is something I do not see a lot, as the second book typically feels boring and flat, where this book took it even further
December 28, 2021
Incredible
This book and the one prior have been absolutely incredible. I love the journey of the main character as they grow and learn. The writing for the magic and abilities are in depth and just what the book needs.
This book and the one prior have been absolutely incredible. I love the journey of the main character as they grow and learn. The writing for the magic and abilities are in depth and just what the book needs.
December 31, 2021
Great Continuing Story
I really enjoyed the story. I appreciated how the story evolved from the detailed descriptions of craftsmanship on equipment to full on battle scenes. I hope there will be a 3rd book.
I really enjoyed the story. I appreciated how the story evolved from the detailed descriptions of craftsmanship on equipment to full on battle scenes. I hope there will be a 3rd book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews