The Riftborn: A LitRPG Apocalypse

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Royal Writathon October 2025 winner 🏆 Raime was on a trip in the woods with his family after a grueling exam session when the world changed. In an instant, Earth was claimed by an unseen force—the System—and drawn into a multiverse ruled by power, evolution, and conquest. But when Raime was swallowed by a Rift that should have killed him, something else took shape instead. The void reshaped his soul, and birthed him anew in the dead world of Ithural, a realm where thought bends reality and the ruins of an ancient psionic empire sleep beneath twin suns. Now marked as an Anomaly, unbound by the System’s conventions, Raime must master powers that were never meant for humankind. To return home, he’ll have to survive Ithural, uncover its buried truths, and face the unknown that made him what he is. Because the Rift did not just spare him—it claimed him. And the System does not tolerate what it cannot control. What to expect: 1) No harem or simping 2) Litrpg that make sense 3) Story 99% focused on MC 4) Diverse magic systems 5) A weapon named Thunk Release Schedule: 3 Chapters a week — Mon, Wed, Fri.

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2025
Author: A. Vael

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.4/ 5.0
Followers: 888
Views: 170,478

What readers say about The Riftborn: A LitRPG Apocalypse

“Great story! At least is not another lirpg with goblins. I reached chapter 12 already ,and for now the story is paced well and the character is well defined even if it needs time to grow. The family of the MC is interesting too, I usually am not a fan of di…”
AngrygeezRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“A good litrpg, it was some time since I found a really good read. This looks gritty and realistic. Worth a try if you like a survival type apocalypse and an uncaring system who put everything and everyone in danger, no hand holdings and the grammar and styl…”
Sat trikRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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

Community Reviews(10)

AngrygeezRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Great story! At least is not another lirpg with goblins. I reached chapter 12 already ,and for now the story is paced well and the character is well defined even if it needs time to grow. The family of the MC is interesting too, I usually am not a fan of different POV but I really would like to see their side of the story too.
Sat trikRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
A good litrpg, it was some time since I found a really good read. This looks gritty and realistic. Worth a try if you like a survival type apocalypse and an uncaring system who put everything and everyone in danger, no hand holdings and the grammar and style are good. I don't think the author is a native speaker but I didn't see any mistakes 👍🏻
SkarabraeRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I haven't read many litrpg apocalypse stories, but I think this is a really well done one.
Style: The story's style is very good. The writer does a great job with imagery to convey an image of what is going on in the story. It is especially good at conveying the tone of the apocalypse and how horrible it is for the world at large.
Story: The story is great. It handles the apocalypse and litrpg elements incredibly well. It is paced at just the right pace and it is very entertaining to read. The way things develop is also handled well. So, I have no problems with the story.
Grammar: I couldn't find any grammatical errors. That does not mean they don't exist, but if they do, they are most likely not distracting enough for most people to notice them. So, I'd say that's pretty good. No complaints here.
Character: The characters are pretty good. The MC is especially well developed, easy to cheer for, and the side characters are great too. They are all both entertaining and fun to read. There is also a degree of realism with how they handle the apocalypse.
Overall, I would highly recommend this story.
This was part of a review swap.
SparklequeerRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I joined the Patreon for this early on, which I rarely do for a new series. Raime's experiences, though, feel different than other things I've read in similar genres.I won't lie. This series crosses into many of my favorite genres, and I'm more than a little addicted to the progression/litrpg/system apocolypse/cultivation story genres. I've read literally hundreds of series. Which is why this story feeling new is such a refreshing thing.I like Raime as a character, too. The Earth inserts are somewhat meh personally, but Raime keeps me eagerly waiting for updates. Looking forward to more!
WanderingsealRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
It started out and I wasn't sure i would like it but its become one of my favorite series so far.The unique spin on an anomalous path to power rebelling against system standards is something I enjoy. I hope you give it a chance.Psionic magic systemSpin on anomaly of systemLost civilizationsWeak to strongSmart and wise MC
ashtaloova_shaftaloRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The story stands out in the LitRPG and progression-fantasy landscape for its depth and originality. Rather than relying on the usual “System apocalypse” formula, it explores the philosophical and psychological effects of integration through a slow-burn narrative rich in atmosphere. The balance between survival, discovery, and cosmic mystery keeps the tension alive while allowing the reader to fully absorb the world’s complexity. The story’s pacing is deliberate but rewarding, blending action with introspection in a way that feels both human and vast. Characters Raime is a well-crafted protagonist—intelligent, reflective, and believable in his evolution from survivor to awakened being. His journey feels deeply personal despite the grandeur of the setting. Supporting figures like Neimar bring layers of wisdom and melancholy, while human-side perspectives such as Alessandro’s family ground the narrative in relatable emotion. The dynamic between fear, curiosity, and determination makes the cast memorable without slipping into cliché. Style The prose is strikingly elegant. Every scene flows with purpose, carried by a “show, don’t tell” approach that turns exposition into living texture. Descriptions breathe; dialogue reveals culture and character naturally. The tone maintains a balance between poetic and grounded, lending the story an immersive, cinematic quality rare in the genre. The author’s command of rhythm and phrasing elevates the narrative beyond standard LitRPG fare. Grammar and Technical Quality The writing is clean and confident, with only minor inconsistencies in tense or syntax. These small issues don’t hinder the flow or professionalism of the prose. Structurally, chapters transition smoothly, and formatting supports readability. A light professional edit would make it publication-ready. Overall A beautifully written, emotionally resonant, and conceptually ambitious story that redefines what a LitRPG can be.
Frank the junkieRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
What really makes The Riftborne stand out to me is the main character’s sense of morals. Even in the middle of such a dangerous and unforgiving world, he doesn’t lose his humanity. The choices he makes, the way he thinks, and how he holds onto what’s right give the story so much weight. It’s rare in LitRPGs, and it makes me care about him even more.
JoJiRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The magic system is one of the strongest parts of this story in my opinion. The traditional progression with unique psychic powers feels fresh, layered, and logical. Every ability has weight, limitations, and creative applications. Watching Raime explore psionics—threads, perception, and mental growth—makes the progression deeply satisfying while leaving plenty of room for mystery and discovery.
Robert CochranRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Honestly, this story hooks hard—and fast.
Raime, a burned-out med student (understandable), comes home for some roast beef (funny, but also understandable) and time with his twin brother. Then a forest rift appears, everything turns into a horror show, and a global system announces a tutorial. Raime is sucked into alien Ithural, where he must survive the chaos ahead. I haven’t really seen another story raise the stakes this quickly and execute it this well. The situation is bizarre, intense, and emotionally grounded. Even as someone who doesn’t usually enjoy LitRPGs, the premise and Raime’s reaction sold me.
Style:
The style is unique. The prose is razor-clean, readable, and smooth to the eye—nothing jagged or clunky to take me out of the moment. It balances humor, dread, and surreal escalation without losing clarity. The tone is confident and sharp, and the writing never gets in its own way. Naming the crowbar Thunk is a perfect example of how the style blends absurdity with emotional weight.
Grammar:
I could not find any typos, grammar mistakes, or misspellings. That’s rare, especially in early chapters of a web serial. The technical execution is tight, and everything reads cleanly. It’s clear the author put care into the polish.
Character:
Raime is compelling—burned out, sarcastic, and emotionally raw. His reactions feel real, and his descent into chaos is believable. The small moments, like roast beef and sibling banter, add depth. And Thunk—do I even need to mention Thunk? That crowbar is already iconic. The character dynamics are tight, and the emotional stakes are baked into every scene.
Story:
The pacing is tight. No filler, no fluff—just character-driven escalation. The story doesn’t waste time, but it also doesn’t rush. Every beat feels intentional. The horror elements hit hard, and the system mechanics are introduced with just enough mystery to keep you hooked.
Robert4529Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I was honestly overwhelmed by this fantasy book!!!The way it was written pulled me in so deeply that I didn’t even notice how quickly the pages passed.:)) Every chapter left me wanting more, and I truly hope you put the next chapters out fast. It’s rare to find a story that makes me feel so connected and eager to continue.