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Guardian of Aster Fall #4
Astral Threads
Astral threads cut across the world, drawing Sam to them like a fire from the past. He discovers that his new race is intrinsically tied to the Void and the stars.
Meanwhile, hints of the First War are returning to Aster Fall as the dimension trembles. Flaws are appearing more rapidly than ever, putting pressure on cities across the kingdom. In the shadows, dangerous artifacts related to Outsiders reveal a troubling connection. The relic also holds ancient secrets, some of them powerful enough to change the balance of power in the land.
Sam is hard at work building a home for himself and his family, splitting his efforts between repairing the Moonlight Relic and traveling to gather key materials. He is focused on repairing the defenses and stabilizing the Seal, but his heart is drawn to the stars.
Primordial enchantments, crafting, and battles await in the fourth volume of the epic series!
Meanwhile, hints of the First War are returning to Aster Fall as the dimension trembles. Flaws are appearing more rapidly than ever, putting pressure on cities across the kingdom. In the shadows, dangerous artifacts related to Outsiders reveal a troubling connection. The relic also holds ancient secrets, some of them powerful enough to change the balance of power in the land.
Sam is hard at work building a home for himself and his family, splitting his efforts between repairing the Moonlight Relic and traveling to gather key materials. He is focused on repairing the defenses and stabilizing the Seal, but his heart is drawn to the stars.
Primordial enchantments, crafting, and battles await in the fourth volume of the epic series!
632 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2022
646 people are currently reading
258 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 74 reviews
May 16, 2025
Calamities galore! He's learnt that most of his heritage is shrouded in an eons old superluminal path spanning the whole void, built by the Ancient Astral Titans; a path of knowledge, The Astral Path through which many superluminal threads of light takes you on a physical, mental, metaphysical and even spiritual musings and journey guided by latent eons old technologies with sentient artifacts.
Sam Hastern needs to go on a sojourn and leave the fragile island of peace he has carved in the valley for his family and the Ice Sylps. This is another great offering in the series, although, I'd prefer his books to be longer but... Beggars and all.
Highly Highly Recommend these books as they're absolutely phenomenal especially with the plot, characterisations and world-building. One of the very best if not the best among the indie writers in this genre for sure.
Sam Hastern needs to go on a sojourn and leave the fragile island of peace he has carved in the valley for his family and the Ice Sylps. This is another great offering in the series, although, I'd prefer his books to be longer but... Beggars and all.
Highly Highly Recommend these books as they're absolutely phenomenal especially with the plot, characterisations and world-building. One of the very best if not the best among the indie writers in this genre for sure.
September 20, 2025
Just fantastic!!!! I can’t say enough! Just experience it for yourself! This series is really enjoyable!
November 6, 2022
Another great read
The fourth in the series and I am eagerly awaiting the next. The imagery is wonderful. You wouldn't think 10+ pages about crafting an item would be riveting, but it was. Hopefully there are many more books to come. Side note, the other series' he writes are pretty great also.
The fourth in the series and I am eagerly awaiting the next. The imagery is wonderful. You wouldn't think 10+ pages about crafting an item would be riveting, but it was. Hopefully there are many more books to come. Side note, the other series' he writes are pretty great also.
December 6, 2022
This series has gotten surprisingly good
From where it came from I’m surprised that this has ended up to be so good in a lot of ways. The world and overall story are getting increasingly complex but it’s genuinely interesting and the progression is done quite well I feel. That is by far the biggest strength of this series. Unfortunately the biggest weakness is character development and dialogue. Sam is pretty well developed and likeable outside of the occasional cringy shouted or growled comment mid fight though they’re not quite as cringy as in the past. His family are also fairly likeable but every one but Sam is pretty thinly written. The dialogue is pretty sparse and lacklustre when it happened. I love them going to runekeld with… I can’t remember her name she’s that forgettable but the earth mage girl from the beginning. There is a lengthy discussion as they get to the gate and then with the people there and she literally says nothing - it’s like she doesn’t exist. And of course she then presumably goes to sleep for the next 2-3 days - just vanishes with no real explanation. It’s pretty lazy and a good example of how the characters are just not a priority. It’s just a shame that a plot I’m really enjoying isn’t married up with compelling characters and sharp dialogue. I’m also concerned that the plot is getting complex to the extent that I’m not sure it’s all gonna string together in the end. Already in the first book those two outsiders in the world seal said the world forger was a combination of their essence and the astrals class system? But the astral titans have to go across the stars to learn to balance their essence? So they already had essence? What? Maybe this’ll be explained but there were a couple other things too where I was like this doesn’t quite seem to string together. Time will tell I guess.
From where it came from I’m surprised that this has ended up to be so good in a lot of ways. The world and overall story are getting increasingly complex but it’s genuinely interesting and the progression is done quite well I feel. That is by far the biggest strength of this series. Unfortunately the biggest weakness is character development and dialogue. Sam is pretty well developed and likeable outside of the occasional cringy shouted or growled comment mid fight though they’re not quite as cringy as in the past. His family are also fairly likeable but every one but Sam is pretty thinly written. The dialogue is pretty sparse and lacklustre when it happened. I love them going to runekeld with… I can’t remember her name she’s that forgettable but the earth mage girl from the beginning. There is a lengthy discussion as they get to the gate and then with the people there and she literally says nothing - it’s like she doesn’t exist. And of course she then presumably goes to sleep for the next 2-3 days - just vanishes with no real explanation. It’s pretty lazy and a good example of how the characters are just not a priority. It’s just a shame that a plot I’m really enjoying isn’t married up with compelling characters and sharp dialogue. I’m also concerned that the plot is getting complex to the extent that I’m not sure it’s all gonna string together in the end. Already in the first book those two outsiders in the world seal said the world forger was a combination of their essence and the astrals class system? But the astral titans have to go across the stars to learn to balance their essence? So they already had essence? What? Maybe this’ll be explained but there were a couple other things too where I was like this doesn’t quite seem to string together. Time will tell I guess.
October 26, 2022
Awesome as usual
I love this series. It is one of my favorites and this book is an awesome addition to it. The basics of this book and the MC are bigger stronger faster. He must grow stronger which of course makes him bigger and he must do it faster because there are more and more enemies. Is activation of the relic as of course accelerated The coming conflicts as the enemy must force the issues sooner than later. He has learned a lot about his Abilities and his craft but he has only just touching the tip of the iceberg so do you speak. In this book we learn a lot more about Astor falls and its place in the universe. There are many new players and interactions being added at this point. Making the conflict both more simple and more complex at the same time. My favorite parts of the book are of course the crafting which continues in the tradition of the series. The MC is a smith and a forger of artifacts And he not only uses but improves his profession. Hopefully this trend of Creating artifacts Will continue continue continue throughout the series. The good guys, so to speak, we need all the powerful toys they can get to fight The outsiders and their ilk. I eagerly the next book.
I love this series. It is one of my favorites and this book is an awesome addition to it. The basics of this book and the MC are bigger stronger faster. He must grow stronger which of course makes him bigger and he must do it faster because there are more and more enemies. Is activation of the relic as of course accelerated The coming conflicts as the enemy must force the issues sooner than later. He has learned a lot about his Abilities and his craft but he has only just touching the tip of the iceberg so do you speak. In this book we learn a lot more about Astor falls and its place in the universe. There are many new players and interactions being added at this point. Making the conflict both more simple and more complex at the same time. My favorite parts of the book are of course the crafting which continues in the tradition of the series. The MC is a smith and a forger of artifacts And he not only uses but improves his profession. Hopefully this trend of Creating artifacts Will continue continue continue throughout the series. The good guys, so to speak, we need all the powerful toys they can get to fight The outsiders and their ilk. I eagerly the next book.
November 14, 2022
Still Great
It is a rare series that maintains its quality through four books. This is that series. From humble beginnings Sam has been more or less forced to improve by leaps and bounds. As he does he learns more and more of the dangers that threaten the very existence of his world.
And it seems that he is the only one that can fix it. With a few friends and allies he has a monumental task. And to further complicate matters many unknown actors are inimical to him and his goals.
And now he has at last reached a point he has to journey further than ever to learn about himself and his powers. Separated from all he holds dear, he has been told it may take 1000 years minimum at best. Of course time flows differently and he is determined to be there for his sister’s next birthday.
Will he succeed? Don’t know yet will have to read the next book. But this series has been on fire since book one. Definitely one of my top tier series of all time!
I wholeheartedly recommend it!!!
It is a rare series that maintains its quality through four books. This is that series. From humble beginnings Sam has been more or less forced to improve by leaps and bounds. As he does he learns more and more of the dangers that threaten the very existence of his world.
And it seems that he is the only one that can fix it. With a few friends and allies he has a monumental task. And to further complicate matters many unknown actors are inimical to him and his goals.
And now he has at last reached a point he has to journey further than ever to learn about himself and his powers. Separated from all he holds dear, he has been told it may take 1000 years minimum at best. Of course time flows differently and he is determined to be there for his sister’s next birthday.
Will he succeed? Don’t know yet will have to read the next book. But this series has been on fire since book one. Definitely one of my top tier series of all time!
I wholeheartedly recommend it!!!
July 29, 2023
not the strongest book in the series
It is impressive the level of imagination and carefully thought world-building this Incredibly talented author has birthed from his mind.
Perhaps that is why I feel so disappointed with the hero. After book one, Sam has the emotional consistency and depth of a poorly boiled potato, an increasingly cringing mommy and daddy attachment, and a moral compass that would make social-Christianity politicians of nineteen-century Britain reconsider the level of hypocrisy of their ways.
Nepotism, self-serving decisions disguised as duty and self-sacrificing, and self-serving justification passing as righteous excuses for his decisions are his ccurrent trademarks.
But if you ignore the hero's internal monologue for paragraphs without end, you will have an engaging story that will keep you hooked for several hours of fun.
I will keep my hope that this series is one of those that kill the hero to save the plot.
It is impressive the level of imagination and carefully thought world-building this Incredibly talented author has birthed from his mind.
Perhaps that is why I feel so disappointed with the hero. After book one, Sam has the emotional consistency and depth of a poorly boiled potato, an increasingly cringing mommy and daddy attachment, and a moral compass that would make social-Christianity politicians of nineteen-century Britain reconsider the level of hypocrisy of their ways.
Nepotism, self-serving decisions disguised as duty and self-sacrificing, and self-serving justification passing as righteous excuses for his decisions are his ccurrent trademarks.
But if you ignore the hero's internal monologue for paragraphs without end, you will have an engaging story that will keep you hooked for several hours of fun.
I will keep my hope that this series is one of those that kill the hero to save the plot.
June 3, 2024
More showing, less telling… please.
This author will rarely use 10 words to describe a thing when he can use 100 instead. Far too often he repeats himself when describing things or has the main character learn something and then say it out loud. Meaning, that we get to read it twice.
This book also saw the main character becoming even more of a “Mary Sue.“ Everything he tries, he succeeds. Everything he does is somehow wonderful and everyone wants to thank him for it. If he shows someone up at their profession, that they have mastered with years of hard work, they thank him for teaching them rather than be annoyed that he did in two hours/days what took them a lifetime to learn.
All of that having been said, I am interested in the story enough to keep reading. But for now, I need a break and will read something else. Enjoy!
This author will rarely use 10 words to describe a thing when he can use 100 instead. Far too often he repeats himself when describing things or has the main character learn something and then say it out loud. Meaning, that we get to read it twice.
This book also saw the main character becoming even more of a “Mary Sue.“ Everything he tries, he succeeds. Everything he does is somehow wonderful and everyone wants to thank him for it. If he shows someone up at their profession, that they have mastered with years of hard work, they thank him for teaching them rather than be annoyed that he did in two hours/days what took them a lifetime to learn.
All of that having been said, I am interested in the story enough to keep reading. But for now, I need a break and will read something else. Enjoy!
January 30, 2024
Well, I was hoping for a book mostly focused on the kingdom-building aspect, but we got only a few glimpses. The stuff discovered at the relic were amazing though. The sudden challenge at the start was annoying (building upon similar such scenes in earlier books), but thankfully they took a good turn at the end and promised a lot more interesting stuff to come from that angle.
Similar to the third book, there was a lot more focus on worldbuilding instead of consistent action. It was also cool to see many impactful crafting scenes, I especially enjoyed the one in the dwarven forge. And then the fight at the end of the book was one of the best so far! Some of the mysteries are finally being revealed, with many more to come.
Similar to the third book, there was a lot more focus on worldbuilding instead of consistent action. It was also cool to see many impactful crafting scenes, I especially enjoyed the one in the dwarven forge. And then the fight at the end of the book was one of the best so far! Some of the mysteries are finally being revealed, with many more to come.
October 23, 2022
to infinity and beyond
Book 4. If you didn’t like the previous books…STOP READING THEM.
This book starts by taking advantage of the successes of the previous. So, it’s a bit slow to start. Building phase instead of combat. There *is* combat, but the MC is almost OP to everything he meets. Until the end.
A lot of crafting, a lot of theory, and a *mahoossive* jump in power for the MC. Not real sure how his new abilities are going to scale on Aster Fall.
But I am looking forward to finding out…
Book 4. If you didn’t like the previous books…STOP READING THEM.
This book starts by taking advantage of the successes of the previous. So, it’s a bit slow to start. Building phase instead of combat. There *is* combat, but the MC is almost OP to everything he meets. Until the end.
A lot of crafting, a lot of theory, and a *mahoossive* jump in power for the MC. Not real sure how his new abilities are going to scale on Aster Fall.
But I am looking forward to finding out…
August 22, 2024
fun
Sam has gotten past the lunar alignment and is now rebuilding the Artifact. His family and friends are helping. He grows in power and height and learns new skills. Assassins come looking to claim a bounty on him and Flaws start appearing at an unprecedented rate. He races to gather powerful items to speed the repair of the Artifact. This accidentally leads him to advance early and he is forced off Asterfall.
This is a great continuation. The pace is smooth and steady. The narrators are awesome. And the mythos and world are enticing. Please enjoy
Sam has gotten past the lunar alignment and is now rebuilding the Artifact. His family and friends are helping. He grows in power and height and learns new skills. Assassins come looking to claim a bounty on him and Flaws start appearing at an unprecedented rate. He races to gather powerful items to speed the repair of the Artifact. This accidentally leads him to advance early and he is forced off Asterfall.
This is a great continuation. The pace is smooth and steady. The narrators are awesome. And the mythos and world are enticing. Please enjoy
December 17, 2024
That little dwarf seer that started out so nice and kind and reasonable has become an insufferable twat. Every single time she opens her mouth it's to complain or lecture the MC. I effing hate her and wish a monster would bite her face off. Making the decision to spend lots of time with just the MC and her was a terrible one.
Also the MC has become everything I hate in an MC. In the first book he had more dignity. Now , as soon as a pretty girl came asked him for help he just throws away his mission and starts licking her boots. It's revolting.
Also the MC has become everything I hate in an MC. In the first book he had more dignity. Now , as soon as a pretty girl came asked him for help he just throws away his mission and starts licking her boots. It's revolting.
December 22, 2022
This book took things in a way that I wasn’t expecting to happen yet
Sam is definitely being molded by the World Core to become what it needs him to be, but how long was this in the making? Did the core take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime circumstance, or did it create that very situation?
What kind of trouble with the Boundless Alliance cause the Moonlight Relic? And how fearsome will Sam’s reaction be if/when they try to harm his family?
Sam is definitely being molded by the World Core to become what it needs him to be, but how long was this in the making? Did the core take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime circumstance, or did it create that very situation?
What kind of trouble with the Boundless Alliance cause the Moonlight Relic? And how fearsome will Sam’s reaction be if/when they try to harm his family?
January 12, 2023
good story, not enough action for my taste.
Interesting story, likable characters. A very likable MC, who is developing his abilities. I believe this book could’ve use a little bit more action instead of crafting and slice of life intervals. since the MC is off planet, maybe there will be more action in the next book. Good story very intriguing will be eagerly awaiting the next book.
Interesting story, likable characters. A very likable MC, who is developing his abilities. I believe this book could’ve use a little bit more action instead of crafting and slice of life intervals. since the MC is off planet, maybe there will be more action in the next book. Good story very intriguing will be eagerly awaiting the next book.
July 11, 2023
Forced
This book feels forced. The author seemed to want an ending, and couldn't figure out how to make it work seamlessly, it's just kind of 'Boom! Now you're stuck alone in outer space.' There was no real build up, just this has happened.
Another down side is that it looks like the next book is going to be a solo adventure. Sam's group should be getting more time, not less.
Still, in all this was a good read, except for the last few chapters. Tom out
This book feels forced. The author seemed to want an ending, and couldn't figure out how to make it work seamlessly, it's just kind of 'Boom! Now you're stuck alone in outer space.' There was no real build up, just this has happened.
Another down side is that it looks like the next book is going to be a solo adventure. Sam's group should be getting more time, not less.
Still, in all this was a good read, except for the last few chapters. Tom out
August 1, 2023
So good, but needs less exposition
There are so many good things about this book – the world building is interesting, the characters are well developed, the storyline keeps you interested. The editing for grammar or spelling mistakes is great – I think I only found one.
The big “but“ here is that it’s way too wordy. It sometimes feels like a slog to get through scenes because of the paragraph after paragraph, page after page of exposition.
There are so many good things about this book – the world building is interesting, the characters are well developed, the storyline keeps you interested. The editing for grammar or spelling mistakes is great – I think I only found one.
The big “but“ here is that it’s way too wordy. It sometimes feels like a slog to get through scenes because of the paragraph after paragraph, page after page of exposition.
February 9, 2024
The best part of this book was the part with the Dwarves. That part saved it for me, but the ending has really taken a turn for the worse. The main character is insanely powerful, but the first couple books really nurtured a slowish, low-ish powered, and fun crafting book. I was looking for the low and slow character building and crafting experiments. This took a big turn, and I will hold off on starting the next one.
October 2, 2025
David North has turned leveling and and LitRPG into ART! Textures, flavors, a mass of color and feelings leave you completely entranced with Guardian of Aster Fall - And it gets even deeper with Astral Threads. As Sam grows into his power and responsibility, he works incredibly hard to earn the good will of allies and makes boon companions.
Book 4 leaves you on a cliff-hanger you didn't know you needed and I'm so enamoured with the idea of what may come next. Book 5 here I come!
Book 4 leaves you on a cliff-hanger you didn't know you needed and I'm so enamoured with the idea of what may come next. Book 5 here I come!
October 23, 2022
Yes
You know the feeling when I book is soo good that you read it too fast, then feel excited to continue the series but also annoyed that you didn't pace yourself?
The pace is a little slower, but this instalment doesn't disappoint at all. And the twist at the end was very unexpected. I really can't get enough of this series.
You know the feeling when I book is soo good that you read it too fast, then feel excited to continue the series but also annoyed that you didn't pace yourself?
The pace is a little slower, but this instalment doesn't disappoint at all. And the twist at the end was very unexpected. I really can't get enough of this series.
October 24, 2022
A surprising turn of events!
I honestly didn’t see things going this way! I think it will be good, but it was a bit of a shocker! If you’ve gotten this far in the series, then you know what to expect in general! Lots of crafting, including some cool new artifacts, plenty of level ups, and even a new tier! Some good action, and a focus on family by Sam.
I honestly didn’t see things going this way! I think it will be good, but it was a bit of a shocker! If you’ve gotten this far in the series, then you know what to expect in general! Lots of crafting, including some cool new artifacts, plenty of level ups, and even a new tier! Some good action, and a focus on family by Sam.
October 25, 2022
Great read
I have loved this story from it's inception. I was so glad it didn't follow the Disney-esque plotline of killing off familial support for pointless drama. I love Sam's father and if they had killed him it would have been a deal breaker. The twist and turns are attention grabbing and a natural progression. Cannot wait for more.
I have loved this story from it's inception. I was so glad it didn't follow the Disney-esque plotline of killing off familial support for pointless drama. I love Sam's father and if they had killed him it would have been a deal breaker. The twist and turns are attention grabbing and a natural progression. Cannot wait for more.
October 29, 2022
Epic
I absolutely love this series. It has more than a generic progression for the characters and the story. I love the amount of philosophy Sam thinks about. I'd like to follow Altey a bit more, but that's just because I look forward to when she's more than "Sam's sister". I'm not very impressed with Ayala, but that isn't a change. I can't wait to read what happens next.
I absolutely love this series. It has more than a generic progression for the characters and the story. I love the amount of philosophy Sam thinks about. I'd like to follow Altey a bit more, but that's just because I look forward to when she's more than "Sam's sister". I'm not very impressed with Ayala, but that isn't a change. I can't wait to read what happens next.
November 6, 2022
Giant steps forward for our MC
Good continuation to earlier books and as a progression fantasy the levels are flowing fast and furious. The threats are also magnified however the villain are given very short screen time so we don't feel too invested with them. Finally a travelling training ARC for Sam. Let's see how things culminate in following books.
Good continuation to earlier books and as a progression fantasy the levels are flowing fast and furious. The threats are also magnified however the villain are given very short screen time so we don't feel too invested with them. Finally a travelling training ARC for Sam. Let's see how things culminate in following books.
November 26, 2022
The best part of the series
The description of the trials of the moon are full of a depth I did not expect and fascinated me enormously and the chapter on the creation of the fire artefact is the most beautiful, emotional description of crafting I have ever read .... and I have read thousands of books
The description of the trials of the moon are full of a depth I did not expect and fascinated me enormously and the chapter on the creation of the fire artefact is the most beautiful, emotional description of crafting I have ever read .... and I have read thousands of books
February 16, 2023
Soooo goood
Love crafting? Enchanting? Runes? Fighting? Op characters taking on higher tier enemies? Great writing? Read this series. This is currently my favorite series. Before this, and still right here is cradle. But the crafting side is why aster fall won me over. I've never read magic crafting done better than this.
Love crafting? Enchanting? Runes? Fighting? Op characters taking on higher tier enemies? Great writing? Read this series. This is currently my favorite series. Before this, and still right here is cradle. But the crafting side is why aster fall won me over. I've never read magic crafting done better than this.
October 22, 2022
good book lots of filler
Same theme from the previous books. The overall plot is great and I have a lot of interest in the characters but damn the author likes to over describe things. Pages of description for every creation and over the top scene creation. Still worth reading.
Same theme from the previous books. The overall plot is great and I have a lot of interest in the characters but damn the author likes to over describe things. Pages of description for every creation and over the top scene creation. Still worth reading.
October 22, 2022
Love Aster fall stories
I really do enjoy theres stories. Theres just enough info and time to make it fell right. Not to op or crambed! Saying that it was unexpected being took off world 😢 his last message was heartbreaking.... just need to wait for book 5 now 😑
I really do enjoy theres stories. Theres just enough info and time to make it fell right. Not to op or crambed! Saying that it was unexpected being took off world 😢 his last message was heartbreaking.... just need to wait for book 5 now 😑
October 23, 2022
Excellent book, but has grammar issues
The plot was a bit all over the place, but mostly solid and engaging. However, the sentences seemed to run on quite a bit. Could do with some more editing.
The plot was a bit all over the place, but mostly solid and engaging. However, the sentences seemed to run on quite a bit. Could do with some more editing.
October 25, 2022
Great Series But
I really did not like the ending in this book. It made no sense.
This story of a guy who gets a broken class so the system changes his race was a fantastic read.
I really did not like the ending in this book. It made no sense.
This story of a guy who gets a broken class so the system changes his race was a fantastic read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews