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Guardian of Aster Fall #6
Echoes of War
Ancient gates are opening, threatening the home that Sam and his family have built, as well as the very foundation of Aster Fall itself. The Dimensional Convergence begins as Grand Flaws appear in every direction for hundreds of miles, tearing apart the Western Reaches as demonic horrors trapped by the First War pour forth. They were locked in time by the power of the World Seal, but now that barrier is crumbling.
With the Path of Stars complete and the full inheritance of the Astral Titans in his blood, Sam rushes home, hoping that he will find his family well. At the same time, the Boundless Alliance and the Cabal are plotting ways to escape from the world, the kingdom and Bloodline Clans are showing their true strength, and Outsider outposts across the world are reactivating, answering the call from forces beyond the Seal.
Will the Lord of Silver Stars be able to protect his family, stabilize the World Seal, and find Asenya the World Forger, the only one who can fully repair the World Core? Although he discovers a clue to her location, she has been lost for tens of thousands of years.
Primordial enchantments, crafting, and battles await in the sixth volume of this epic series!
With the Path of Stars complete and the full inheritance of the Astral Titans in his blood, Sam rushes home, hoping that he will find his family well. At the same time, the Boundless Alliance and the Cabal are plotting ways to escape from the world, the kingdom and Bloodline Clans are showing their true strength, and Outsider outposts across the world are reactivating, answering the call from forces beyond the Seal.
Will the Lord of Silver Stars be able to protect his family, stabilize the World Seal, and find Asenya the World Forger, the only one who can fully repair the World Core? Although he discovers a clue to her location, she has been lost for tens of thousands of years.
Primordial enchantments, crafting, and battles await in the sixth volume of this epic series!
532 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 18, 2023
413 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
David North
18 books202 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 51 reviews
May 16, 2025
An outline shimmered in the depth of the Chaos Wild, brightening moment by moment.
Burning silver eyes, curving horns, and broad shoulders gathered from starlight and became solid again, until Sam was standing in the Void. The winds of the Chaos Wild blew around him with playful breezes, tugging at his clothes and hair.
It was a long moment before he opened his eyes. When he did, a wave of hot essence rolled away like the forge fire of the dawn, burning with a brilliant silver-white flame that curled around his body and outlined him in the dark. The structure of the Void was clear to him and his gaze was piercing as he searched. His attention finally settled on a specific point. It was blue and silver, too far away even for his eyes to distinguish. It shone in his mind instead.
Aster Fall.
This is book VI and Sam has finished walking his Path of Stars. War is imminent and he wants to get back to Aster Fall on the double. While there, he prepares as much as he can for the dimensional convergence that's about to happen near the Moonlight Relic while trying his best to repair the ancient artifact.
Many plot threads see their conclusion in this installment and we start to really see and get a feel for what our protagonists' abilities and powers are going to shape up into.
An excellent addition, highly recommended as usual.
Burning silver eyes, curving horns, and broad shoulders gathered from starlight and became solid again, until Sam was standing in the Void. The winds of the Chaos Wild blew around him with playful breezes, tugging at his clothes and hair.
It was a long moment before he opened his eyes. When he did, a wave of hot essence rolled away like the forge fire of the dawn, burning with a brilliant silver-white flame that curled around his body and outlined him in the dark. The structure of the Void was clear to him and his gaze was piercing as he searched. His attention finally settled on a specific point. It was blue and silver, too far away even for his eyes to distinguish. It shone in his mind instead.
Aster Fall.
This is book VI and Sam has finished walking his Path of Stars. War is imminent and he wants to get back to Aster Fall on the double. While there, he prepares as much as he can for the dimensional convergence that's about to happen near the Moonlight Relic while trying his best to repair the ancient artifact.
Many plot threads see their conclusion in this installment and we start to really see and get a feel for what our protagonists' abilities and powers are going to shape up into.
An excellent addition, highly recommended as usual.
August 29, 2023
I love this series so much, a wonderful continuation of an amazing series. This book is probably my one of my favorite and most anticipated book of August. The author creates a wonderful world full of compelling characters, amazing relics, and wonderful stories. Even though the main character is the primary focus we still get views into the other characters throughout the world and see the effects of the Sam and his family. I love the magic system and how well-developed it is and its always interests me to see what happens with each book. I am so excited for book 7 and can not wait to see what happens next. I highly recommend this series.
August 21, 2023
I had concerns coming into this book that the world of Aster Fall wouldn't fit a Titan, and that bore out. The power scaling feels all over the place. The first 80% had Sam so ridiculously overpowered that the only threat was falling asleep from the crafting and power-up monologuing. Then the last 20% manage to be offensive because he's suddenly punching so far above his weight class.
There is also so much special pleading now to make the book's setting and conflicts work.
By the end of the book, it felt like the author was going, "Here, have all the things." The sunk cost fallacy is probably the sole reason I'll pick up the next one.
There is also so much special pleading now to make the book's setting and conflicts work.
By the end of the book, it felt like the author was going, "Here, have all the things." The sunk cost fallacy is probably the sole reason I'll pick up the next one.
September 5, 2023
Story stalls under overly grand extremely long descriptions
I really enjoyed the early books in this series. Not this latest sadly. It's as if someone else is writing. The story hardly moves forward, hidden under pages upon pages of grand descriptions of spells, enchantments, stats, titles, levels, or worse "plans" and "possible intentions". The latter two are stated in long descriptive terms, then restated in different wording, the restated in yet another way, and yet another. Meanwhile as the reader you are praying for the next actual story action to finally occur to move the story narrative forward. I am very sad this series has lost its way so badly. I dearly hope future books return to providing story movement without infinite grand descriptions.
I really enjoyed the early books in this series. Not this latest sadly. It's as if someone else is writing. The story hardly moves forward, hidden under pages upon pages of grand descriptions of spells, enchantments, stats, titles, levels, or worse "plans" and "possible intentions". The latter two are stated in long descriptive terms, then restated in different wording, the restated in yet another way, and yet another. Meanwhile as the reader you are praying for the next actual story action to finally occur to move the story narrative forward. I am very sad this series has lost its way so badly. I dearly hope future books return to providing story movement without infinite grand descriptions.
September 27, 2025
Another great addition in this series! I am really enjoying everything about it!
August 22, 2023
I love an OP beat down of idiots
Sam seems a lot more adult in this book, which was kind of apparent in the previous. He doesn't get annoyed if some random interrupts his crafting for instance. He finally makes his way back home, but not before we see embers of a potential future romance. The Tree and other big moves he made regarding those destructive towards the World Core and seal were thrilling. I like that he's progressed enough to be above the petty crap his distant relatives and others who feel they are victims of an unjust rule. His solution was unexpected, but well thought out and reasonable. I'm curious who will try to throw a wrench in that. Thoroughly enjoyed this read, especially the epic battle towards the end. I'm curious if the other universe or whatever is related in their boogeymen given the descriptions of the devour path and the Vos'Rekens.
Sam seems a lot more adult in this book, which was kind of apparent in the previous. He doesn't get annoyed if some random interrupts his crafting for instance. He finally makes his way back home, but not before we see embers of a potential future romance. The Tree and other big moves he made regarding those destructive towards the World Core and seal were thrilling. I like that he's progressed enough to be above the petty crap his distant relatives and others who feel they are victims of an unjust rule. His solution was unexpected, but well thought out and reasonable. I'm curious who will try to throw a wrench in that. Thoroughly enjoyed this read, especially the epic battle towards the end. I'm curious if the other universe or whatever is related in their boogeymen given the descriptions of the devour path and the Vos'Rekens.
August 19, 2023
Simply boring
Sad as it is but true. Started as a fairly good series but now heavily weighted in mechanics too complex for the story to told, just boring.
Sad as it is but true. Started as a fairly good series but now heavily weighted in mechanics too complex for the story to told, just boring.
June 23, 2024
Another entry, it's a good series
I enjoy this series, but I do have some concerns at the same time. The story so far has been a rinse and repete from the beginning. That's not to say it hasn't been an enjoyable journey, but at this point, it feels like I can skip entire sections and not really miss anything of significance. In fact, I find myself jumping a few pages every now and then. The primary characters are never really in any jeopardy whatsoever, so I'm only jumping ahead of the rinse and repete cycle that occurs every few chapters.
The biggest issue for me isn't the rinse and repete cycle but rather the lack of actual growth for any of the characters. Sam continues to overestimate and finds himself in trouble , and he always finds a way through without any actual growths occurring. He never really learned any lessons that would have him develop as a character. He never learns to stop underestimating his enemies, not that any of them really pose a threat to him by the time they meet.
This may come across as a serious criticism of the series, and while it is that at its base, I've still enjoyed it for the most part. I like Sam and Atley is adorable, Amelia is a wonderful mother, and Jeric is the father I wish I had been born to instead. Their family is wonderful, and their love for one another is endearing. I just hope that the author finds a way to create some actual suspense and growth for his lovely characters.
I enjoy this series, but I do have some concerns at the same time. The story so far has been a rinse and repete from the beginning. That's not to say it hasn't been an enjoyable journey, but at this point, it feels like I can skip entire sections and not really miss anything of significance. In fact, I find myself jumping a few pages every now and then. The primary characters are never really in any jeopardy whatsoever, so I'm only jumping ahead of the rinse and repete cycle that occurs every few chapters.
The biggest issue for me isn't the rinse and repete cycle but rather the lack of actual growth for any of the characters. Sam continues to overestimate and finds himself in trouble , and he always finds a way through without any actual growths occurring. He never really learned any lessons that would have him develop as a character. He never learns to stop underestimating his enemies, not that any of them really pose a threat to him by the time they meet.
This may come across as a serious criticism of the series, and while it is that at its base, I've still enjoyed it for the most part. I like Sam and Atley is adorable, Amelia is a wonderful mother, and Jeric is the father I wish I had been born to instead. Their family is wonderful, and their love for one another is endearing. I just hope that the author finds a way to create some actual suspense and growth for his lovely characters.
August 28, 2023
One of my favorite series right now
So what happened to Vertes? Did Sam manage to thwart his plans? What happened to the Exiles who were with the king when Sam came to the capital?There were several plot threads that were completely abandoned here, which was a bit annoying.
But otherwise, this was an excellent addition to this series. I loved Sam’s advancement and achievements. I also liked that everyone else around him also made the Second Evolution. It’s fun to see how such a high level was merely the stuff of dreams when we first meet these characters, but now is a solid, but temporary, milestone on their progress to become stronger and defend their home.
Overall, I was impressed with this book, and I can’t wait to see how Sam’s work to repair, and reinforce the World Seal will bear fruit. I’m excited to learn if we ever find out what happened to the Astral Titans and where Asenya has been all this time.
So what happened to Vertes? Did Sam manage to thwart his plans? What happened to the Exiles who were with the king when Sam came to the capital?There were several plot threads that were completely abandoned here, which was a bit annoying.
But otherwise, this was an excellent addition to this series. I loved Sam’s advancement and achievements. I also liked that everyone else around him also made the Second Evolution. It’s fun to see how such a high level was merely the stuff of dreams when we first meet these characters, but now is a solid, but temporary, milestone on their progress to become stronger and defend their home.
Overall, I was impressed with this book, and I can’t wait to see how Sam’s work to repair, and reinforce the World Seal will bear fruit. I’m excited to learn if we ever find out what happened to the Astral Titans and where Asenya has been all this time.
August 20, 2023
Just WOW! First, A NOTE FOR THE AUTHOR. The Kindle Unlimited info/rating/review page didn't pop up at the end and so I'm entering this comment directly to Goodreads & Amazon. Also reported as a content error. So you might not be getting ratings, let alone reviews.
You know you're loving a story when you are a few pages in and already watching the percentage read because you don't want to watch it tick up too fast. A couple of high points (among a lot of them). 1). Sam's return to Aster Falls. Found myself giggling, eye rolling, and mentally clapping. Too much fun. 2) CORA. What's not to love? CORA rules?!?!?!
You know you're loving a story when you are a few pages in and already watching the percentage read because you don't want to watch it tick up too fast. A couple of high points (among a lot of them). 1). Sam's return to Aster Falls. Found myself giggling, eye rolling, and mentally clapping. Too much fun. 2) CORA. What's not to love? CORA rules?!?!?!
September 8, 2023
pretty solid story
While this book is better than the previous, it still suffers from the same flaws. Mr. North seems unwilling to pass up any opportunity for a lore dump. There are some massive battles in this one and the heat is always cooled by long explanations about this that or the other thing.
The world building in this series is deep and impressive, worth knowing. Find a way to SHOW those details that doesn’t involve long dissertation that inevitably break the reader loose from the story.
While this book is better than the previous, it still suffers from the same flaws. Mr. North seems unwilling to pass up any opportunity for a lore dump. There are some massive battles in this one and the heat is always cooled by long explanations about this that or the other thing.
The world building in this series is deep and impressive, worth knowing. Find a way to SHOW those details that doesn’t involve long dissertation that inevitably break the reader loose from the story.
September 20, 2023
A slower in between book but interesting
This book marks the return of Sam to Aster Falls, but not too much happens in the grand scheme of things. This book feels more like an ending of the second trilogy in the series as it wraps up many loose ends of smaller story arcs.
A couple of newer arcs seem to be in play, but are mostly wrapped up neatly. However there was one arch introduced regarding one of the exiled races that was not made clear if it was wrapped up or left open that leaves a frustration at the end.
Have fun!!
This book marks the return of Sam to Aster Falls, but not too much happens in the grand scheme of things. This book feels more like an ending of the second trilogy in the series as it wraps up many loose ends of smaller story arcs.
A couple of newer arcs seem to be in play, but are mostly wrapped up neatly. However there was one arch introduced regarding one of the exiled races that was not made clear if it was wrapped up or left open that leaves a frustration at the end.
Have fun!!
February 2, 2024
Sam's return from the dream was cool (though a bit over-the-top). The king's attack sub-plot wasn't interesting, but planting of the sapling was very good. The fight at the end was the best so far, especially given the stakes and the bravery of the Nagas. Good to see some slice-of-life stuff with Sam's family, wish there were lot more chapters focusing the life at the relic. The awakening of Ice Sylph's protection in the valley was really cool too!
August 29, 2024
fun
Sam has explored and returned. He now finds he has to put a kingdom in its place for threatening his family. He removes the king and crowns a new one planting a world tree where the palace once stood. Now he plans to gather the overpowered and offer them a way off world
A fun continuation and excellent storytelling. The narrators are wonderful. The pacing is great. I look forward to the next one
Sam has explored and returned. He now finds he has to put a kingdom in its place for threatening his family. He removes the king and crowns a new one planting a world tree where the palace once stood. Now he plans to gather the overpowered and offer them a way off world
A fun continuation and excellent storytelling. The narrators are wonderful. The pacing is great. I look forward to the next one
October 3, 2025
knight in starlit armor
Preparation is a theme of the whole series, and Sam is a magical engineer. Some gather power, and power lets them affect the world, but Sam makes things AND gathers power, allowing him to take on giants as long as his magical constructs last (poor Silverbeak 2.0).
Also, he can burn all his scrolls and artifacts and armor, and get reset, but give him enough time, he’ll be back and even stronger with better tools.
Preparation is a theme of the whole series, and Sam is a magical engineer. Some gather power, and power lets them affect the world, but Sam makes things AND gathers power, allowing him to take on giants as long as his magical constructs last (poor Silverbeak 2.0).
Also, he can burn all his scrolls and artifacts and armor, and get reset, but give him enough time, he’ll be back and even stronger with better tools.
August 20, 2023
Another home run!
If you’ve read up to this point then you should love Sams triumphant return home! After a long time spent on the Path he’s home, getting stronger and crafting new cool stuff! We get to see a more ruthless side of him come out, and one big battle! Plus some other smaller skirmishes of course. Everything you’ve come to love from the series!
If you’ve read up to this point then you should love Sams triumphant return home! After a long time spent on the Path he’s home, getting stronger and crafting new cool stuff! We get to see a more ruthless side of him come out, and one big battle! Plus some other smaller skirmishes of course. Everything you’ve come to love from the series!
August 27, 2023
Phenomenal
I recommend this series to everyone I know who reads. This story Is amazing and gee characters develop so well! My anticipation for the next book Is nearly overwhelming.
If you are debating whether or not to get into this series my answer is simple, please do - you will not regret it.
I recommend this series to everyone I know who reads. This story Is amazing and gee characters develop so well! My anticipation for the next book Is nearly overwhelming.
If you are debating whether or not to get into this series my answer is simple, please do - you will not regret it.
August 29, 2023
OP MC
This book has the same problem that many of the genre have, things become too big too soon. Previous to Sam's departure into the Void the secondary characters were receding into the background, in the past 2 they have been 'also mentioned' parts of the story.
Still an interesting story with greater challenges, stronger enemies, and higher consequences. Tom out
This book has the same problem that many of the genre have, things become too big too soon. Previous to Sam's departure into the Void the secondary characters were receding into the background, in the past 2 they have been 'also mentioned' parts of the story.
Still an interesting story with greater challenges, stronger enemies, and higher consequences. Tom out
September 10, 2023
It Grows on You
I’m the beginning, I really was just trying to skim or read quickly, but towards the end, I found myself wanting to read every detail. At this power level theres a lot of hand waving explanations and plot armor is getting stronger, but despite that I enjoy this kind of series and looking forward to reading the next installment!
I’m the beginning, I really was just trying to skim or read quickly, but towards the end, I found myself wanting to read every detail. At this power level theres a lot of hand waving explanations and plot armor is getting stronger, but despite that I enjoy this kind of series and looking forward to reading the next installment!
March 10, 2024
A Wondrous Read
This is an amazing and gripping continuation of the Aster Falls Series. The world is constantly changing and growing. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next! I would recommend this series to people who like He Who Fights With Monsters; It has a similar vibe and style.
This is an amazing and gripping continuation of the Aster Falls Series. The world is constantly changing and growing. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next! I would recommend this series to people who like He Who Fights With Monsters; It has a similar vibe and style.
August 20, 2023
Great
These books are always good but this one is extra fantastic.
Sam has grown up and a lot gets done after he gets back to Aster Fall. The book is great, well written and very well edited.
I’m anxious to see what happens next.
These books are always good but this one is extra fantastic.
Sam has grown up and a lot gets done after he gets back to Aster Fall. The book is great, well written and very well edited.
I’m anxious to see what happens next.
August 24, 2023
From the moment that Sam wakes from his Dream of the Void in the first couple paragraphs to the 91% of the book its nearly non-stop action. I was concerned with the direction of this series after the 4th book, but the last two have been amazing.
August 25, 2023
Amazing!
The gradual rise in power that Sam goes through is fast enough to keep the readers attention as the struggles come, but also slow enough to keep the storyline going and not end so abruptly that everyone is left wanting more.
The gradual rise in power that Sam goes through is fast enough to keep the readers attention as the struggles come, but also slow enough to keep the storyline going and not end so abruptly that everyone is left wanting more.
August 25, 2023
As always... Hammer pounding nail
Kicked it off again with a brilliant and beautiful outing... Amazing story, characters and depth of emotion rolled into memorable individuals.. Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and the Dream
Kicked it off again with a brilliant and beautiful outing... Amazing story, characters and depth of emotion rolled into memorable individuals.. Highly recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and the Dream
August 27, 2023
each novel is a masterpiece
I absolutely adore this series. I hope it goes on forever as Sam continues to explore the wider void. Who knows, maybe we will meet other Titans in the future. Absolutely must read series for any fan of the genre.
I absolutely adore this series. I hope it goes on forever as Sam continues to explore the wider void. Who knows, maybe we will meet other Titans in the future. Absolutely must read series for any fan of the genre.
September 7, 2023
More Please
Love this series and hope this story continues for many years. Wonderful characters and absolutely beautiful world building. Truly looking forward to more tales from the Void with Sam
Love this series and hope this story continues for many years. Wonderful characters and absolutely beautiful world building. Truly looking forward to more tales from the Void with Sam
October 17, 2023
liked it
I liked this book getting back to the main world after Sam went out into the wider universe and became super powerful. There was also the addition of good conflict despite the fact that Sam is more powerful than anyone from his home world
I liked this book getting back to the main world after Sam went out into the wider universe and became super powerful. There was also the addition of good conflict despite the fact that Sam is more powerful than anyone from his home world
April 1, 2024
…
Really enjoying the series. I’m glad there are eight books because I tend to go through series fairly quickly. The only negative is that soon I’ll have to find another series to start soon.
Really enjoying the series. I’m glad there are eight books because I tend to go through series fairly quickly. The only negative is that soon I’ll have to find another series to start soon.
May 7, 2024
More excellence in this story.
As the storyline progresses, it gets more interesting and developed. I found myself infatuated with the world and its concepts of magic that it incorporates, it is so unique and fascinating. When each book ends, I really look forward to the next.
As the storyline progresses, it gets more interesting and developed. I found myself infatuated with the world and its concepts of magic that it incorporates, it is so unique and fascinating. When each book ends, I really look forward to the next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews