Riftside [LitRPG Fantasy Adventure]

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Book 1, 2, 3,4 stubbed.

Ash Aldrich thought life couldn’t get any more dangerous than scavenging monsters to keep his family’s forge alive—until he bonded with a bloodthirsty soul weapon that just wouldn’t shut up.

Decades after the rifts appeared, the humans of Noros have finally managed to fight the monster incursions to a standstill, building protective settlements around each new rift. Beyond the rifts lies Riftside, a world filled with monsters, valuable resources, and the rare gems used to turn humans into classed adventurers.

Ash has given years of his life to being a scavenger, fighting monsters and hauling their carcasses, , and supporting those stronger than him, all while saving up mind gems that would one day make him a classed adventurer. But the world doesn’t wait, and neither do the monsters.

The rifts have begun changing and evolving, just like the monsters on the other side, and the fragile balance between survival and annihilation has never been closer to shattering. Armed with a murderous, self-destructive soul hammer, Ash will finally join the fight along his newfound friends and fight to call a piece of this new world his. It’s time to make the monsters fear humanity.

If you like Ultimate Level 1, Primal Hunter, or He Who Fights with Monsters, then you’ll love Riftside.

No mercy. No second chances. Just strength, steel, and survival.

Head Riftside today.

Co-written by Cassius Lange and Henrik Saetre.

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2025
Author: Henrik Saetre

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.3/ 5.0
Followers: 969
Views: 30,845

Chapters(10 total)

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Community Reviews(10)

Apollo149Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Riftside offers a compelling and well-executed entry into the LitRPG genre, showcasing the combined talents of its two authors. What immediately stands out is the richness and depth of the world they've created. It feels lived-in and established, hinting at a larger history and intricate systems that draw the reader in. This isn't just a backdrop for stat-crunching; it's a world ripe for exploration.
The characters, too, feel equally well-developed. They're not just stat sheets with names attached but grounded individuals with believable motivations and flaws. Ash Aldrich, the protagonist, is a particularly compelling lead. His journey is engaging, and you quickly find yourself invested in his struggles and triumphs.
The weapon's personality and interactions with Ash offer moments of humour, tension, and even a reflection, moving beyond a simple tool to become a character in its own right.
Beyond the engaging story and characters, the execution is also noteworthy. The writing is polished and professional, without grammatical errors and awkward phrasing. The prose flows smoothly, making the book a pleasure to read. I have to say that the pacing is expertly handled, balancing moments of action, character development, and world-building. I was never bogged down in exposition, which I find happens a lot.
The world-building is particularly developed. The authors have put a great deal of thought into their world, and it shows. The setting is one that truly sparks the imagination, leaving me eager to delve deeper.
In short, if you're a fan of LitRPG and are looking for a well-written, engaging story with strong characters, a unique twist, and a richly imagined world, Riftside is worth adding to your reading list.
Creator01Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This is good. Really good. Gold. This is what LitRPG should be. A real challenging adventures with a party. No trash isekai. No hidden cheat skills. No Solo leveling trash. When achievements, skills, and trillions of gold are raining down. This is simply good.
I wish there was a mute button on that annoying hammer. It honestly irritates the life out of me. Skipping his lines is a must halfway through the book. Audiobook? I had a strong desire to stop listening. I dont know why, and how, I pushed through the bullshit
This is new Genre: Adult LitRPG.
InVerumRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Very solid execution from these two authors. The world feels well established, and the characters—grounded. Feels like a more approachable take on the classic Monster Hunter route, and they've set themselves apart by introducing the sentient weapon early.
I'm a little surprised but not disappointed by how little actual "system" elements are integrated, it feels like a more traditional fantasy story that happens to have some litRPG elements. That may not be for everyone but I enjoy it. Curious as to how things are going to open up once classes, skills, spells etc are added.
I wish there had been a smidge more done right off the rip to establish how the geography worked, as characters are jumping around through multiple portals. I appreciate there weren't massive info-dumps and the minimal handholding was fine, was just one thing that felt like it should have been explained but wasn't.
Despite introducing a decent numbet of characters off the bat, it didn't feel overwhelming. By giving clear delineation between groups it helped to separate and establish the different tiers.
I'm always a fan of blacksmithing whenever it's presented... So that's an immediate thumbs up from me. Excited to see where the story goes from here. Very opened ended story so far, curious to see where they take it!
IsloRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I have really been enjoying this book. The author has created engaging characters and world a world that you get to experience and learn about with the characters. There is a lot that pulls you into the story and captures your attention. The romance feels nice to read and is done is such a heartwarming way. I can't wait for more chapters.
Jonathan F.Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
A great and fun Story about a young man in his Journey from Zero to Hero. And a Magic Hammer with the Ego of a god. A blood god. Who Likes Satin. And Spikes. Give it a try and you will not go unsatisfied in your quest for glorious Entertainment!
SackOfLitRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I really enjoy Riftside. The authors do a great job world building and put you right in the middle of a perilous journey of dungeon exploration. I like that this has a smooth LitRPG/ fantasy vibe rather than a crunchy one. The class system is intriguing, and makes me want to learn more about each one. The action scenes are gripping and immersive, allowing you to feel every swing of Ash’s axe and the adrenaline of the dangerous encounters. The stakes feel real, especially when the characters have to stand their ground against relentless monster onslaughts. But what’s most important is Ash’s quest to elevate his status and prove his worth. At the end of each chapter I was eager to learn more about Ash’s next move. What would happen to him and his friends? What challenges will they face? If you enjoy intense combat, well crafted worlds, and characters you can root for, give this story a try. Highly recommended!
SkelnRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Loved the Book.
The beginning took a little getting used to, since the author just throws you into the world. But that makes the experience better. No out of place, paragraph long expositions, you just experience the story together with the MC.
Personally, I could do with a little less of the romance but i get why it is done here.
All in all i really liked the book, no grammatical or vocabular errors that sprang into my face and the story as well as the worldbuilding/system are phenomenal.
Tarvis K'maraRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
So, I'm not a fan of the whole murderhobo thing. It tends to put me off a story.
But when that murderhobo is a sentient hammer demanding the blood and brains of monsters? It kinda works.
In a story with so many well written, fleshed out side characters somehow the duel MC's (a boy and his Hammer) do still stand out and their strange yet wholesome relationship is endearing and entertaining. That is not to say that the side characters aren't amazing. Even those with limited screen time still seem to get defined character traits and no one seems 2 dimensional. Characters have their own goals and dreams and exist for more than just propping up the MC.
The world of the story is vibrant and visually descriptive and the leveling system is unique and an interesting take on character growth.
The humour can get a tad raunchy at times with innuendos but I personally liked it and never felt like it was overdone.
I would highly recommend this story to everyone.
sobachatinaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The characters and dialog are distinct and delightful. I like the unique magic system. The MC has weaknesses but isn't an idiot. The romantic elements are subtle and charming.
Long chapters release regularly.
This one reads like a published fantasy novel and if it continues this way I would certainly buy a hard copy for my shelf. Of course, ending well is even harder for web novels than starting well. I have high hopes.
toolingenRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
TL:DR; if you're looking for a competent MC, reliable team members, real human interactions, and great fights with tangible progress, look no further.
Riftside follows Ash, the son of a blacksmith, prospective rift adventurer. After finally being allowed on a rift exploration as a scavenger, tasked with bringing monster materials out of the rift, Ash performs heroically, saving his team of scavengers/porters from certain death. Now with a rare, sought after soul weapon, he'll progress rapidly, both in combat and forging, and is set for a great future, if he can just keep the wrong people from finding out...
Style: the story has its own spin on experience and levels, it makes sense and is organic to the story setting. Can't wait for more level ups and abilities.
story: exiting, several plot lines have already started. We follow the progression of Ash and his team, the progression of his family forge, Ash's progression as a smith, the mystery of the rifts, conflicts between state and adventurer's guild etc
characters: feel alive, are all different, and all add something to the story. They are real people, for better or worse. So far I like every character that I've seen more than thrice.
grammar: nothing to criticise here