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Guardian of Aster Fall #5
Path of Stars
Forced into a difficult choice, Sam steps onto the Path of Stars, the ancient trail through the galaxy that will lead him to the history of the Astral Titans. Hundreds or even thousands of years may pass before he can see his family again. Fortunately, time on Aster Fall moves more slowly due to the presence of the Nexus, but he worries for all the things he's left undone.
With each step Sam takes, secrets new and old unfurl before his eyes. Some of them hint at the heritage of Asenya, the World Forger, and others about the grandeur of the Astral Titans, the greatest builders that the galaxy has ever known. However, no one has seen a Titan in over a million years.
The Path of Stars promises an answer to the mystery of his transformation and the true history of the race.
With each step Sam takes, secrets new and old unfurl before his eyes. Some of them hint at the heritage of Asenya, the World Forger, and others about the grandeur of the Astral Titans, the greatest builders that the galaxy has ever known. However, no one has seen a Titan in over a million years.
The Path of Stars promises an answer to the mystery of his transformation and the true history of the race.
- GenresFantasy
633 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2023
605 people are currently reading
175 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
Sam is now fully on the Path of Stars and it might take him a while for him to get back to his home. In this one, he learns about the various powers and players within the greater galaxy and the role ancient Titans played in herding and guiding the younger races.
The writing, pace and characterisations stays consistent and only gets better as the series progresses. The progression and battles in this one is handled masterfully. Amazing LitRPG offering, highly recommended.
The writing, pace and characterisations stays consistent and only gets better as the series progresses. The progression and battles in this one is handled masterfully. Amazing LitRPG offering, highly recommended.
March 25, 2023
Just know going in the first part of this book I had to force my way through. However after "The Will" stops telling us of the Astral Titan's the book is well worth reading as once again the hero of the story is the leading element.
September 23, 2025
Started off slow, But as a story progress, the book got better. I love the leveling, skills, abilities, magic, all of it. I can’t wait till Sam gets back to Aster Fall!
March 30, 2023
Decent but flawed entryin the series
As always, I enjoyed this latest book in this series. However, I found this one to be flawed. First of all, there were quite a few recurring grammatical errors. The plot was also somewhat meandering and unfocused, where it felt like Sam was making no actual progress. Some of the other events, such as the Silver Naga and meeting the Wild Spirits, felt very contrived and unnatural. The removal of Crystal Flame, which has been a very important part of his build up until now, also was something I disliked severely. Also, up until about 70%, the book was very hard to become invested in, leading me to read in starts and stops and ruining my immersion. Only during the ending action sequence did I find myself actually wanting to read more. I would recommend reading it, but hope that the next one is better.
As always, I enjoyed this latest book in this series. However, I found this one to be flawed. First of all, there were quite a few recurring grammatical errors. The plot was also somewhat meandering and unfocused, where it felt like Sam was making no actual progress. Some of the other events, such as the Silver Naga and meeting the Wild Spirits, felt very contrived and unnatural. The removal of Crystal Flame, which has been a very important part of his build up until now, also was something I disliked severely. Also, up until about 70%, the book was very hard to become invested in, leading me to read in starts and stops and ruining my immersion. Only during the ending action sequence did I find myself actually wanting to read more. I would recommend reading it, but hope that the next one is better.
March 23, 2023
5 of 5 books and stars
Another good read. This took the series into a whole other arena, which was pretty interesting. Very strong imagery throughout. Already waiting for the next in the series.
Another good read. This took the series into a whole other arena, which was pretty interesting. Very strong imagery throughout. Already waiting for the next in the series.
March 20, 2023
Excellent continuation
This book features the very well realised plot and world of the earlier books (at least well realised after a bit). The journey into the void manages to capture a sense of scale and mystique that I thoroughly enjoyed. The deep, lengthy history of this universe and the races in it feels very thought out and I couldn’t tear my self away from this one. My main criticism of this series (once we progressed past a weird fluid perspective and grammatical errors) has been the characterisation. I’ve found the story has build to a point where this has gone from being a series I was thinking why haven’t I just bailed on this yet at one point to one of my favourites. The characterisation however has been thin and questionable since the beginning and I’ve complained about that the whole series. For the first time I actually thought the characterisation was quite strong in this book. I really cared about some of the new characters and found them endearing and the balance between that and the really very good story and world building made the book feel far more alive. In my opinion this is the best example of the series and it’s incredibly impressive how much this series has improved over five books. Finally now none of my earlier issues are relevant. I loved this book and I’ll be back for the next.
This book features the very well realised plot and world of the earlier books (at least well realised after a bit). The journey into the void manages to capture a sense of scale and mystique that I thoroughly enjoyed. The deep, lengthy history of this universe and the races in it feels very thought out and I couldn’t tear my self away from this one. My main criticism of this series (once we progressed past a weird fluid perspective and grammatical errors) has been the characterisation. I’ve found the story has build to a point where this has gone from being a series I was thinking why haven’t I just bailed on this yet at one point to one of my favourites. The characterisation however has been thin and questionable since the beginning and I’ve complained about that the whole series. For the first time I actually thought the characterisation was quite strong in this book. I really cared about some of the new characters and found them endearing and the balance between that and the really very good story and world building made the book feel far more alive. In my opinion this is the best example of the series and it’s incredibly impressive how much this series has improved over five books. Finally now none of my earlier issues are relevant. I loved this book and I’ll be back for the next.
April 1, 2023
This one was a little tougher largely because I just didn't click with the Void. It was maybe a little too abstract for my sensibilities. The action also felt as though it was mostly taking place on a two-dimensional terrestrial scale but with occasional stellar references thrown in that failed to really give a sense of three-dimensionality or cosmic scale. It just felt incongruous to me. I will say this improved a lot in the last quarter of the book.
That aside, I enjoyed Sam's development. His growth as an Astral Titan was interesting but I'm not sure the story is big enough to fit a Titan. As with the scale issues I had with the Void, Sam's power feels like it is progressing on a cosmic scale while Aster Fall is still very much terrestrial scale. I am curious if the author can resolve this without resorting to Sam just choosing to put artificial limitations on himself under some lame pretext like not wanting to attract baddies to Aster Fall. This book certainly suggests that possibility.
That aside, I enjoyed Sam's development. His growth as an Astral Titan was interesting but I'm not sure the story is big enough to fit a Titan. As with the scale issues I had with the Void, Sam's power feels like it is progressing on a cosmic scale while Aster Fall is still very much terrestrial scale. I am curious if the author can resolve this without resorting to Sam just choosing to put artificial limitations on himself under some lame pretext like not wanting to attract baddies to Aster Fall. This book certainly suggests that possibility.
March 25, 2023
could have been much better
I love this series, especially the first several books in which Sam struggles so against the world that judges him for things beyond his control. All his growth is payed for in blood and effort and bloody minded focus. Not so much in this book. The first 70% of which seems to be naval gazing and endless detail that while vaguely interesting to some does little to actually advance the story.
The author has a habit of using a rather dry and somewhat lifeless delivery. Lots of description and detail but flat and unmoving. Add in his tendency to toss those uninspired details into the middle of fight scenes and the pacing gets…bothersome.
Sam sees a lot of personal growth in this one but it seems to happen in a vacuum both literal and figurative. It felt to easy because writing lacked verve and color.
I am left disappointed but still looking forward to more Aster Fall.
I love this series, especially the first several books in which Sam struggles so against the world that judges him for things beyond his control. All his growth is payed for in blood and effort and bloody minded focus. Not so much in this book. The first 70% of which seems to be naval gazing and endless detail that while vaguely interesting to some does little to actually advance the story.
The author has a habit of using a rather dry and somewhat lifeless delivery. Lots of description and detail but flat and unmoving. Add in his tendency to toss those uninspired details into the middle of fight scenes and the pacing gets…bothersome.
Sam sees a lot of personal growth in this one but it seems to happen in a vacuum both literal and figurative. It felt to easy because writing lacked verve and color.
I am left disappointed but still looking forward to more Aster Fall.
February 24, 2025
DNF at 40%
5 books in so it must’ve been dire to make me not finish. The boon started with a massive lore dump - usually answering questions would be interesting but none of them were relevant to any part of the story so far so it really didn’t matter?
It’s all very abstract and the void doesn’t interest me at all.
Also it’s been getting progressively worse but Sam has absolutely zero personality now. He’s gone fully robotic and it’s like reading about an impartial automaton. I also feel like the author powered him up too fast, where is the interest in this? He’s artificially been sped through the levels and now there’s no challenge - he doesn’t struggle with anything.
I’m bored with it. And a lot of the other review have the same complaints and then give it 4 stars haha
5 books in so it must’ve been dire to make me not finish. The boon started with a massive lore dump - usually answering questions would be interesting but none of them were relevant to any part of the story so far so it really didn’t matter?
It’s all very abstract and the void doesn’t interest me at all.
Also it’s been getting progressively worse but Sam has absolutely zero personality now. He’s gone fully robotic and it’s like reading about an impartial automaton. I also feel like the author powered him up too fast, where is the interest in this? He’s artificially been sped through the levels and now there’s no challenge - he doesn’t struggle with anything.
I’m bored with it. And a lot of the other review have the same complaints and then give it 4 stars haha
March 21, 2023
Author finally coming into his own
In this book, Sam finally makes sense. In previous books he was an 18 year old kid making all sorts judgements and statements that were unsuited for a rural kid with limited experiences in life. I enjoyed the premise of the books enough to overlook that little fact and instead to pretend that he was a 40 year old combat veteran from earth.
But now I don’t have to do that. The author’s plot twists give him exactly what he needs to finally make sense and it makes this book an incredibly enjoyable read. Very much looking forward to the next book!
In this book, Sam finally makes sense. In previous books he was an 18 year old kid making all sorts judgements and statements that were unsuited for a rural kid with limited experiences in life. I enjoyed the premise of the books enough to overlook that little fact and instead to pretend that he was a 40 year old combat veteran from earth.
But now I don’t have to do that. The author’s plot twists give him exactly what he needs to finally make sense and it makes this book an incredibly enjoyable read. Very much looking forward to the next book!
April 30, 2023
Good ending but slow reading
Every series I have ever read that has a major divergence for a character in a different environment is ALWAYS a tough sell for me as you have to relearn how the series laws works. This book was no exception, it is a huge change that the author deemed necessary for the evolution of his character and universe.
It worked as it was sort of interesting, but you have to take every scientific concept you know that is utilized in every sci fi book involving outer space and toss it. The author sort of treats outer space or "the void" as one really big land that can be walked upon.
Slower pace but ended with me wanting more!
Every series I have ever read that has a major divergence for a character in a different environment is ALWAYS a tough sell for me as you have to relearn how the series laws works. This book was no exception, it is a huge change that the author deemed necessary for the evolution of his character and universe.
It worked as it was sort of interesting, but you have to take every scientific concept you know that is utilized in every sci fi book involving outer space and toss it. The author sort of treats outer space or "the void" as one really big land that can be walked upon.
Slower pace but ended with me wanting more!
January 31, 2024
As Sam finally began his Path of Stars among the Void, we got to see things from a cosmic scale and many of the mysteries were peeled back. The first 25% of the book was a little slow to adjust as almost everything was unfamiliar and different from Aster Fall. I also kept wishing to see glimpses of what was happening back on that world (we got only half a chapter in the whole book!).
Then the plot became more familiar, just scaled up to the chaotic wilderness of the stars. It took a while, but some of the new side-characters became more endearing by the end. Would be interesting to see the reception back on Aster Fall!
Then the plot became more familiar, just scaled up to the chaotic wilderness of the stars. It took a while, but some of the new side-characters became more endearing by the end. Would be interesting to see the reception back on Aster Fall!
August 24, 2024
fun
Sam is among the stars learning about his abilities and his new race/species. He must master his chaotic energies before he can return to Asterfall. He finds and conquers bandits. They become his willing followers. He finds a race of Spirits and learns that their home was built be the builder of the Seal on Asterfall. He saves them and learns more of Asterfall and how to save it. Finally, he can put off his final lessons no longer and departs for an unknown amount of time.
This is a great continuation of the series and the world building is amazing. The narrators are skilled and wonderful to listen to. I’m throughly enjoying this series and think you will too.
Sam is among the stars learning about his abilities and his new race/species. He must master his chaotic energies before he can return to Asterfall. He finds and conquers bandits. They become his willing followers. He finds a race of Spirits and learns that their home was built be the builder of the Seal on Asterfall. He saves them and learns more of Asterfall and how to save it. Finally, he can put off his final lessons no longer and departs for an unknown amount of time.
This is a great continuation of the series and the world building is amazing. The narrators are skilled and wonderful to listen to. I’m throughly enjoying this series and think you will too.
March 26, 2023
Wow big and grand
Monster book about the growth of a benevolent monster being. This book chronicles Sams growth to becoming new and powerful an Astral Titan. Big book for big concepts. Loved it. Sams may be becoming a Titan but there is a lot of work to be done. The future waits for no one. a lot of both grinding and understanding are necessary for growth and this book has it. However Sam is also making new allies and deepening his ability to help others. Critical if you want to save a world and possibly the universe. Love this book and eagerly waiting for the next.
Monster book about the growth of a benevolent monster being. This book chronicles Sams growth to becoming new and powerful an Astral Titan. Big book for big concepts. Loved it. Sams may be becoming a Titan but there is a lot of work to be done. The future waits for no one. a lot of both grinding and understanding are necessary for growth and this book has it. However Sam is also making new allies and deepening his ability to help others. Critical if you want to save a world and possibly the universe. Love this book and eagerly waiting for the next.
March 26, 2023
Absolutely the best so far in a series of greats
I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this book. I liked seeing Sam develop further as an Astral Titan and truly come into his own power.
Will Asenya ever be found? Will we find out what happened to the other Titans, and if the Outsiders plans came into fruition? Will the World Core be able to be repaired? What will his enhanced access provide him when he returns to Aster Fall? And is it likely that the Wild Spirits resolved their differences while Sam was away?
I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this book. I liked seeing Sam develop further as an Astral Titan and truly come into his own power.
Will Asenya ever be found? Will we find out what happened to the other Titans, and if the Outsiders plans came into fruition? Will the World Core be able to be repaired? What will his enhanced access provide him when he returns to Aster Fall? And is it likely that the Wild Spirits resolved their differences while Sam was away?
April 24, 2023
good but different
I like this story and there is a lot of the progression that we’ve gotten used to. However, it feels like Sam gets so powerful so quickly that it kind of makes the last few books mean less. He is far more powerful now than the most powerful people on his home planet. The setup from the first 4 books with the cabal and his distant relative is now kind of diminished. I trust the author has a plan and will read the next but I couldn’t help think about that the entire book
I like this story and there is a lot of the progression that we’ve gotten used to. However, it feels like Sam gets so powerful so quickly that it kind of makes the last few books mean less. He is far more powerful now than the most powerful people on his home planet. The setup from the first 4 books with the cabal and his distant relative is now kind of diminished. I trust the author has a plan and will read the next but I couldn’t help think about that the entire book
April 26, 2023
An interesting view of a possible universe
This book was a really interesting story about walking through a universe and the things that the Sam encountered. His journey was recorded here and his growth through the story is wild and filled with chaos. The changes that Sam goes through are very interesting and I like that he has to strive to be a winner of the battles in front of him. The different skills that he develops are very unique and they fit the narrative extremely well. I can’t wait for the next book in this epic story.
This book was a really interesting story about walking through a universe and the things that the Sam encountered. His journey was recorded here and his growth through the story is wild and filled with chaos. The changes that Sam goes through are very interesting and I like that he has to strive to be a winner of the battles in front of him. The different skills that he develops are very unique and they fit the narrative extremely well. I can’t wait for the next book in this epic story.
August 5, 2023
Sam alone
If you have been saying to yourself, 'Geez, Sam's party is falling way behind and becoming less important.' Worry not, they only appear in a few pages, and then only mom and dad.
Sam journeys through the stars following the path of the astral Titans, and kind of accidentally becoming even more OP.
He also gains an army, steals a space ship, and eats some Outsiders.
For some reason Sam no longer seems to gain xp from crafting, and almost all of the crafting happens off camera.
So a very different feel from the earlier books. Tom out
If you have been saying to yourself, 'Geez, Sam's party is falling way behind and becoming less important.' Worry not, they only appear in a few pages, and then only mom and dad.
Sam journeys through the stars following the path of the astral Titans, and kind of accidentally becoming even more OP.
He also gains an army, steals a space ship, and eats some Outsiders.
For some reason Sam no longer seems to gain xp from crafting, and almost all of the crafting happens off camera.
So a very different feel from the earlier books. Tom out
November 26, 2023
Ok. I admit. I was wrong.
This book left the original plot on the shelf to gather mold and dust while our protagonist galavants amongst the stars... and it was all well worth it. This book is the lynch-pin of the series. It makes all the previous creative choices that I've questioned seem irrelevant.
With the addition of this book we get to see more of the universe at large and it is surprisingly compelling. We only see a slice of it detail but all together it makes the whole story work and more.
This book left the original plot on the shelf to gather mold and dust while our protagonist galavants amongst the stars... and it was all well worth it. This book is the lynch-pin of the series. It makes all the previous creative choices that I've questioned seem irrelevant.
With the addition of this book we get to see more of the universe at large and it is surprisingly compelling. We only see a slice of it detail but all together it makes the whole story work and more.
March 18, 2023
Another home run!
Path of Stars is another rousing success for David. The progression is even better than previous books, there are awesome new characters and locations, and we get to see Sam really growing into what it means to be a Titan. And the next book is taking us back to Aster Fall for some smack down on the demons. We also got some more info on the history of the universe that should be fun and interesting to explore in the coming books.
Path of Stars is another rousing success for David. The progression is even better than previous books, there are awesome new characters and locations, and we get to see Sam really growing into what it means to be a Titan. And the next book is taking us back to Aster Fall for some smack down on the demons. We also got some more info on the history of the universe that should be fun and interesting to explore in the coming books.
March 21, 2023
Still my favorite in this genre
I love how Sam is growing. Yes, he's still experiencing rapid growth and many battles, but they're less tense. He is working towards a positive goal of learning about himself and his race, and seems less stressed. The yearning for home is still a consuming aspect to him, but learning about events of the past, and self-discovery makes for a beautiful journey. I'm excited to follow Sam's journey in (hopefully many) future books.
I love how Sam is growing. Yes, he's still experiencing rapid growth and many battles, but they're less tense. He is working towards a positive goal of learning about himself and his race, and seems less stressed. The yearning for home is still a consuming aspect to him, but learning about events of the past, and self-discovery makes for a beautiful journey. I'm excited to follow Sam's journey in (hopefully many) future books.
March 23, 2023
Didn't see that coming!
When my daughter and I first started reading this series we both thought it would proceed a little more traditionally. However, this books' got game. Totally took off for paths unknown but intriguing. Character development still going strong and fresh. The storyline is interesting and still manages to pleasantly surprise. Cannot wait for the next book and THANK YOU for being a serious and inventive writer. Kudos
When my daughter and I first started reading this series we both thought it would proceed a little more traditionally. However, this books' got game. Totally took off for paths unknown but intriguing. Character development still going strong and fresh. The storyline is interesting and still manages to pleasantly surprise. Cannot wait for the next book and THANK YOU for being a serious and inventive writer. Kudos
April 7, 2023
Slow start
I had a hard time reading the first 20% of the book, that's why a 4 star. It was really boring to me in the first 20% and I had to take frequent breaks. It was too long of an info dump to me. If you can get past that, then it gets exciting. You get the introduction of a new "galaxy" and also of new characters. Was it worth slogging through? Absolutely! Can't wait for book 6!
I had a hard time reading the first 20% of the book, that's why a 4 star. It was really boring to me in the first 20% and I had to take frequent breaks. It was too long of an info dump to me. If you can get past that, then it gets exciting. You get the introduction of a new "galaxy" and also of new characters. Was it worth slogging through? Absolutely! Can't wait for book 6!
July 23, 2023
Excellent presentation of the continued story.
Mr. North continues to impress with this installment of the series. The plot is both unbelievable and somehow logical as Sam's power, knowledge, and humanity continue to grow. If you liked the previous books, this one isn't quite as much action, but the action/fights have a deeper impact on the characters. I look forward to the next installment, which I'm starting to read just as soon as I post this review.
Mr. North continues to impress with this installment of the series. The plot is both unbelievable and somehow logical as Sam's power, knowledge, and humanity continue to grow. If you liked the previous books, this one isn't quite as much action, but the action/fights have a deeper impact on the characters. I look forward to the next installment, which I'm starting to read just as soon as I post this review.
March 18, 2023
I liked it
But it was an absolute slog to read. I think most readers of the series will like this book, as I have. A lot of nothing happened but it was full of information. Which in my opinion has affected the quality compared to previous books. It was ambiguous because it didn't answer as many questions as it raised. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
But it was an absolute slog to read. I think most readers of the series will like this book, as I have. A lot of nothing happened but it was full of information. Which in my opinion has affected the quality compared to previous books. It was ambiguous because it didn't answer as many questions as it raised. I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
March 19, 2023
Completely engrossing
This book had me at page 1. I love the story and even with a somewhat predictable genre, Mr. North is able to wrap everything in a new way. I enjoyed the character development and I am extremely glad that all of the people in the story aren't just for fluff. Ther is a body and depth to all of the characters. Read the series!
This book had me at page 1. I love the story and even with a somewhat predictable genre, Mr. North is able to wrap everything in a new way. I enjoyed the character development and I am extremely glad that all of the people in the story aren't just for fluff. Ther is a body and depth to all of the characters. Read the series!
March 23, 2023
Good read
I liked the progression, but the first quarter of the book just spends too much time on describing the environment and surroundings and no real plot progression.
That being said, the rest of the book was great and can’t wait for the next step of Sam’s journey. Not a perfect book, but for what I like out of this genre, definitely enough to maintain my interest.
I liked the progression, but the first quarter of the book just spends too much time on describing the environment and surroundings and no real plot progression.
That being said, the rest of the book was great and can’t wait for the next step of Sam’s journey. Not a perfect book, but for what I like out of this genre, definitely enough to maintain my interest.
April 12, 2023
Wow
Honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve read a book/series that’s captured my interest such as this. It’s incredibly good. Absolutely loving the themes and the story. The writing is great and I love the depth to it. I could go on but really I will just say I highly, Highly reccpmmend this series.
Honestly, it’s been a while since I’ve read a book/series that’s captured my interest such as this. It’s incredibly good. Absolutely loving the themes and the story. The writing is great and I love the depth to it. I could go on but really I will just say I highly, Highly reccpmmend this series.
April 25, 2023
So if you have read the previous books this book will be a good book to read, however this felt more like a book to explain stuff and progress the character and show more the scape of the story not so much push the story forward. Regardless I still enjoyed the book just took me much longer to read than earlier due to this over explanation of things.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews