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Guardian of Aster Fall #9
High Artificer
***A LitRPG Progression Epic***
The Epic Finale to the Guardian of Aster Fall Series!
Sam is the only Astral Titan left in the Void they once ruled. If necessary, he will remind the High Council of the reason why.
For now, however, Aster Fall is safe and it's time to find his sister an academy to attend on a central world, somewhere she can grow up with all the advantages a Titan can give her.
And what better way to do that than to attend the same academy as a guest professor? It will let him keep an eye on Altey and work on his own projects at the same time.
If it terrifies the faculty, that's not his problem.
He might even open an enchanting shop like he wanted to do when he was younger.
He's climbed to the height of power, but there's still the mountain of the Sixth Evolution and the Sixth Star ahead of him, along with everything the Titans left behind, including the Path of Stars and the mysteries of the Outsiders' realm, if he dares to unravel them.
With his shared bloodline, every secret lies open.
The Lord of Silver Stars is rising and his path will shake the heavens.
The Epic Finale to the Guardian of Aster Fall Series!
Sam is the only Astral Titan left in the Void they once ruled. If necessary, he will remind the High Council of the reason why.
For now, however, Aster Fall is safe and it's time to find his sister an academy to attend on a central world, somewhere she can grow up with all the advantages a Titan can give her.
And what better way to do that than to attend the same academy as a guest professor? It will let him keep an eye on Altey and work on his own projects at the same time.
If it terrifies the faculty, that's not his problem.
He might even open an enchanting shop like he wanted to do when he was younger.
He's climbed to the height of power, but there's still the mountain of the Sixth Evolution and the Sixth Star ahead of him, along with everything the Titans left behind, including the Path of Stars and the mysteries of the Outsiders' realm, if he dares to unravel them.
With his shared bloodline, every secret lies open.
The Lord of Silver Stars is rising and his path will shake the heavens.
536 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2025
164 people are currently reading
58 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 41 reviews
July 3, 2025
**Second Read! and I keep loving it**
ALL HAIL THE SOVEREIGN OF SILVER CHAOS!
Sam Hastern has turned into a power unlike any other in the whole galaxy; a change of class to a Sovereign of Silver Chaos.
A title that's only been seen three times in the history of the system universe, the other two being entities inhabiting distant and far, far away galaxies, from lands beyond beyond and worlds past hope and fear.
In this final installment, the various threads and plot as a whole is seen to be wrapped up and tied beautifully leaving enough room for additions of which I've just finished the first installment and it's a fantastic spin-off
We finally get a glimpse of the main structures of the High Nine worlds and the political and social cultures which he inadvertently turns upside down when it doesn't fit his viewpoint.
Excellent offering in the LitRPG and Cultivation Fantasy sub-genres and very highly recommended.
ALL HAIL THE SOVEREIGN OF SILVER CHAOS!
Sam Hastern has turned into a power unlike any other in the whole galaxy; a change of class to a Sovereign of Silver Chaos.
A title that's only been seen three times in the history of the system universe, the other two being entities inhabiting distant and far, far away galaxies, from lands beyond beyond and worlds past hope and fear.
In this final installment, the various threads and plot as a whole is seen to be wrapped up and tied beautifully leaving enough room for additions of which I've just finished the first installment and it's a fantastic spin-off
We finally get a glimpse of the main structures of the High Nine worlds and the political and social cultures which he inadvertently turns upside down when it doesn't fit his viewpoint.
Excellent offering in the LitRPG and Cultivation Fantasy sub-genres and very highly recommended.
October 5, 2025
Wow! I can’t believe it is over! All threads come together in very satisfying way! I applaud this author’s creativity and imagination! I will look for more of David North’s work! Well done!👏🏽👏🏽
February 1, 2025
Not with a bang but a whimper
I loved this series, I thought David did a fantastic job with the early books & have found myself engrossed in each instillment; eagerly devouring each on their day of release.
I loved the characters, how they developed & the possibilities of their futures; so I have just one question for David, what the hell happened??
Half way through I was already struggling to read this, the utter lack of nuance & two dimensional characters is nauseating! Gone is the plucky young boy facing adversity, risk, challenge & consequence; instead we have an Astral Tyrant and dialog that’s at best repetitive & worst completely dismissive of anyone that’s not the protagonist while they stumble about in pure expressions of either fear, awe, or simpering admiration.
Every action Sam takes is both written off as easy for him to do while also going on at length how it closes off any potential plot holes that could see any other character use the situation against him.
Yet the most disappointing thing in this book is the utter disregard & disrespect paid to the entire fictional galaxy of peoples; not once is it even raised as a possibility that his actions might come under scrutiny by a government or other authority (despite literally starting on the central bloody world of‘Council’!!??!!
Not once is there any mention of any kind of organisation* beyond two councils (at different scales) AND BOTH ARE TREATED AS IF THEY LITERALLY ONLY CONSIST OF COUNCILLORS ALONE??!
* other than
Not only is any thought of nuanced behaviours & beliefs from anyone who isn’t Sam completely discarded, all the companions he takes with him other than his immediate family are completely discarded too, even though their aims directly overlap with Sam’s initially intentions & eventual actions
That’s fitting though, as even when acknowledging that force isn’t the only option and that he could or perhaps should take direct action and use force, our formerly lovable protagonist contradicts himself in the next sentence & uses his super god powers to enforce his personal beliefs on everyone around him.
And that’s the theme of the book; American Exceptionalism & Imperialism unleashed!
Sam thinks there’s a problem with your society? He’ll swoop in and fix it with overwhelming military might! Nuance? Culture? Psychology & three dimensional people with their own views of the world around them? Nah! Screw that! Scaring everyone works to fix everything!!
It shows a fundamental lack of understanding of human behaviour, a lack of respect for other cultures beyond ‘they have pretty things and different food’, and was as boring as it was infuriating.
If you liked the previous books just pretend they stopped at boom 8
I loved this series, I thought David did a fantastic job with the early books & have found myself engrossed in each instillment; eagerly devouring each on their day of release.
I loved the characters, how they developed & the possibilities of their futures; so I have just one question for David, what the hell happened??
Half way through I was already struggling to read this, the utter lack of nuance & two dimensional characters is nauseating! Gone is the plucky young boy facing adversity, risk, challenge & consequence; instead we have an Astral Tyrant and dialog that’s at best repetitive & worst completely dismissive of anyone that’s not the protagonist while they stumble about in pure expressions of either fear, awe, or simpering admiration.
Every action Sam takes is both written off as easy for him to do while also going on at length how it closes off any potential plot holes that could see any other character use the situation against him.
Yet the most disappointing thing in this book is the utter disregard & disrespect paid to the entire fictional galaxy of peoples; not once is it even raised as a possibility that his actions might come under scrutiny by a government or other authority (despite literally starting on the central bloody world of‘Council’!!??!!
Not once is there any mention of any kind of organisation* beyond two councils (at different scales) AND BOTH ARE TREATED AS IF THEY LITERALLY ONLY CONSIST OF COUNCILLORS ALONE??!
* other than
Not only is any thought of nuanced behaviours & beliefs from anyone who isn’t Sam completely discarded, all the companions he takes with him other than his immediate family are completely discarded too, even though their aims directly overlap with Sam’s initially intentions & eventual actions
That’s fitting though, as even when acknowledging that force isn’t the only option and that he could or perhaps should take direct action and use force, our formerly lovable protagonist contradicts himself in the next sentence & uses his super god powers to enforce his personal beliefs on everyone around him.
And that’s the theme of the book; American Exceptionalism & Imperialism unleashed!
Sam thinks there’s a problem with your society? He’ll swoop in and fix it with overwhelming military might! Nuance? Culture? Psychology & three dimensional people with their own views of the world around them? Nah! Screw that! Scaring everyone works to fix everything!!
It shows a fundamental lack of understanding of human behaviour, a lack of respect for other cultures beyond ‘they have pretty things and different food’, and was as boring as it was infuriating.
If you liked the previous books just pretend they stopped at boom 8
February 8, 2025
Book 9 of Guardian of Asterfall was a failure.
Simply put, this story was boring.
Using Brandon Sanderson’s storytelling tools as a diagnostic, the biggest problems come down to a tonal promise failure and the complete absence of meaningful conflict which, in turn, leads to a nonexistent plot.
Sam technically has agency he does things but there’s no real struggle, no stakes, and ultimately, no reason for the reader to be invested. Without conflict, there’s no tension, no momentum, and worst of all, no moment of victory.
Since I’m using Sanderson’s storytelling tools as a diagnostic, here’s an example of a true stand up and cheer moment done right. In Oathbringer, Dalinar Kholin reaches his lowest point, confronted by Odium, forced to relive his worst memories. He has every reason to break to surrender and let someone else take his burdens. But instead, he declares, “You cannot have my pain.” That defiance, that refusal to let his suffering define him, makes the moment powerful. And then, he says the Words, reforging his bond and stepping into a greater role than ever before.
Now, I don’t expect 'Guardian of Asterfall' to deliver that kind of intensity this isn’t an epic fantasy novel. But every story needs moments like this in some form. A book should reward the reader for sticking with it, providing some kind of emotional payoff, whether it’s triumph, resolution, or a hard earned lesson. Book 9 has nothing like that. There’s no moment where Sam struggles and overcomes, no turning point where he grows or reaffirms his place in the story. Without that, there’s no catharsis just a slow, uneventful march to the next book.
Instead, book 9 is nothing but immense prep work for resetting the stakes. It spends its time discussing massive outside threats beyond the galaxy clearly David’s attempt to telegraph a hard reset. But rather than naturally escalating tension, this just drags the story down. There’s no emotional weight to any of it because Sam is never meaningfully challenged. The stakes aren’t raised so much as they’re wiped clean for a new setup.
Frankly, this entire book could have been a prelude to book 10 rather than a full novel. David should have either skipped directly to his next arc or reframed this book perhaps by shifting the POV to a new character and sidelining Sam. Seeing Sam’s actions from an outsider’s perspective could have preserved the world building while adding genuine stakes and tension.
As it stands, book 9 isn’t just slow it actively undercuts everything that made the series compelling in the first place.
Simply put, this story was boring.
Using Brandon Sanderson’s storytelling tools as a diagnostic, the biggest problems come down to a tonal promise failure and the complete absence of meaningful conflict which, in turn, leads to a nonexistent plot.
Sam technically has agency he does things but there’s no real struggle, no stakes, and ultimately, no reason for the reader to be invested. Without conflict, there’s no tension, no momentum, and worst of all, no moment of victory.
Since I’m using Sanderson’s storytelling tools as a diagnostic, here’s an example of a true stand up and cheer moment done right. In Oathbringer, Dalinar Kholin reaches his lowest point, confronted by Odium, forced to relive his worst memories. He has every reason to break to surrender and let someone else take his burdens. But instead, he declares, “You cannot have my pain.” That defiance, that refusal to let his suffering define him, makes the moment powerful. And then, he says the Words, reforging his bond and stepping into a greater role than ever before.
Now, I don’t expect 'Guardian of Asterfall' to deliver that kind of intensity this isn’t an epic fantasy novel. But every story needs moments like this in some form. A book should reward the reader for sticking with it, providing some kind of emotional payoff, whether it’s triumph, resolution, or a hard earned lesson. Book 9 has nothing like that. There’s no moment where Sam struggles and overcomes, no turning point where he grows or reaffirms his place in the story. Without that, there’s no catharsis just a slow, uneventful march to the next book.
Instead, book 9 is nothing but immense prep work for resetting the stakes. It spends its time discussing massive outside threats beyond the galaxy clearly David’s attempt to telegraph a hard reset. But rather than naturally escalating tension, this just drags the story down. There’s no emotional weight to any of it because Sam is never meaningfully challenged. The stakes aren’t raised so much as they’re wiped clean for a new setup.
Frankly, this entire book could have been a prelude to book 10 rather than a full novel. David should have either skipped directly to his next arc or reframed this book perhaps by shifting the POV to a new character and sidelining Sam. Seeing Sam’s actions from an outsider’s perspective could have preserved the world building while adding genuine stakes and tension.
As it stands, book 9 isn’t just slow it actively undercuts everything that made the series compelling in the first place.
February 10, 2025
Fantastic series, meh ending
I loved this series. Everything I could want in a book without the stuff I hate. An interesting way to finish the series, but kind of a meh way to finish the book. I would have thought that the end of the book would have given us an insight that the family went back to Aster Fall or a brief look at a wedding, or even more insight into the new apprentice. Instead, the author left the series completely open to more potential books from the view of Sam.
Even the book synopsis stated this was the conclusion to the series of Aster Fall, with a new series beginning about the humans on their new home world. So I felt a bit meh on how the book actually ended.
However, the rest of the book was fascinating and fun! Enjoy!!
I loved this series. Everything I could want in a book without the stuff I hate. An interesting way to finish the series, but kind of a meh way to finish the book. I would have thought that the end of the book would have given us an insight that the family went back to Aster Fall or a brief look at a wedding, or even more insight into the new apprentice. Instead, the author left the series completely open to more potential books from the view of Sam.
Even the book synopsis stated this was the conclusion to the series of Aster Fall, with a new series beginning about the humans on their new home world. So I felt a bit meh on how the book actually ended.
However, the rest of the book was fascinating and fun! Enjoy!!
February 3, 2025
An unfortunately weak ending for an otherwise good series. The main issue with this book is that nothing actually mattered. "Overpowered character wanders about doing things they find trivial", essentially. No conflict, no challenge, and no payoff.
All the setup for secondary character arcs went equally nowhere. A few people got handed powerups they didn't earn (and also didn't _use_); they otherwise had no agency and did absolutely nothing of interest. They didn't even manage to have one interesting conversation with the MC.
Very disappointing. The only redeeming factor was a bit of interesting worldbuilding, but not nearly enough to make up for the lack of anything else.
All the setup for secondary character arcs went equally nowhere. A few people got handed powerups they didn't earn (and also didn't _use_); they otherwise had no agency and did absolutely nothing of interest. They didn't even manage to have one interesting conversation with the MC.
Very disappointing. The only redeeming factor was a bit of interesting worldbuilding, but not nearly enough to make up for the lack of anything else.
January 30, 2025
excellent series
I treasure these books they've been so imaginative and fun. I especially appreciate the length of the series. When you invest yourself in the story and characters it's nice to see each novel in the series as a continuous adventure. The books are a good length. That's wonderful. I see the potential for many more stories too! Thank You author for your hard work. With appreciation and faith in the stars, I encourage everyone to read these!
I treasure these books they've been so imaginative and fun. I especially appreciate the length of the series. When you invest yourself in the story and characters it's nice to see each novel in the series as a continuous adventure. The books are a good length. That's wonderful. I see the potential for many more stories too! Thank You author for your hard work. With appreciation and faith in the stars, I encourage everyone to read these!
February 1, 2025
this is how you end a series
9 books in and every single book was fantastic. Our ride with Sam Hastern the last Titan in this universe has come to an end BUT there’s another series in the pipeline for the same universe so that’s exciting. Everything about the buildup, the battles, and political intrigue was done just right. So while I’m sad to see Sam go I’m super happy with this final book and looking forward to the new series with new characters!
9 books in and every single book was fantastic. Our ride with Sam Hastern the last Titan in this universe has come to an end BUT there’s another series in the pipeline for the same universe so that’s exciting. Everything about the buildup, the battles, and political intrigue was done just right. So while I’m sad to see Sam go I’m super happy with this final book and looking forward to the new series with new characters!
February 2, 2025
Better writing, excellent story
Some authors run out of ideas and their stories end up petering out. This is not not the case for David North. Not only has his writing style and story focus vastly improved throughout this series, but every book has built upon the bones of the previous works to expand the horizons of what is possible. It is a long road to get where we are in this book. It is definitely worth it.
Some authors run out of ideas and their stories end up petering out. This is not not the case for David North. Not only has his writing style and story focus vastly improved throughout this series, but every book has built upon the bones of the previous works to expand the horizons of what is possible. It is a long road to get where we are in this book. It is definitely worth it.
April 23, 2025
Fascinating and an ending
I'm pretty bummed that this is the last GoAF book. I still loved the book, and it had quite a few funny moments. I enjoy how Sam has matured into someone who basically tanks an attack and gives an 'oh really' style response before spanking sense into idiots. He accomplished his goals, and they have amazing potential. The book ends on a beginning. This will always be one of my favorite series.
I'm pretty bummed that this is the last GoAF book. I still loved the book, and it had quite a few funny moments. I enjoy how Sam has matured into someone who basically tanks an attack and gives an 'oh really' style response before spanking sense into idiots. He accomplished his goals, and they have amazing potential. The book ends on a beginning. This will always be one of my favorite series.
January 29, 2025
Great series, a true page turner!
Make sure you read this series. Great story, enjoyable characters. Creative storytelling, you will not be disappointed. The author has done a wonderful job of creating a wonderful universe in which to set this and upcoming stories, looking forward to many more pages to turn!
Make sure you read this series. Great story, enjoyable characters. Creative storytelling, you will not be disappointed. The author has done a wonderful job of creating a wonderful universe in which to set this and upcoming stories, looking forward to many more pages to turn!
February 6, 2025
wow
Thank you for ending it with most all the loose ends addressed. I love it when an author closes everything up. You left a new beginning for the story in the future. But you completely answered all the things in this part of it. So that it was ended in a good way. Thank you and hope the future holds up well!!!😊
Thank you for ending it with most all the loose ends addressed. I love it when an author closes everything up. You left a new beginning for the story in the future. But you completely answered all the things in this part of it. So that it was ended in a good way. Thank you and hope the future holds up well!!!😊
February 8, 2025
Good to End Here
It’s always a little sad to see a series end but this definitely felt like the right time. There seemed to be less and less that the protagonist couldn’t get away with to the point that all earlier challenges were moot and irrelevant. Sometimes it��s just the end of the road. Good final book and good end to the series.
It’s always a little sad to see a series end but this definitely felt like the right time. There seemed to be less and less that the protagonist couldn’t get away with to the point that all earlier challenges were moot and irrelevant. Sometimes it��s just the end of the road. Good final book and good end to the series.
February 1, 2025
Excellent end to an excellent series.
I loved everything about this series. It will stay as one of my all time favourites.
Now to wait for the last two Audible books to be released….
I loved everything about this series. It will stay as one of my all time favourites.
Now to wait for the last two Audible books to be released….
February 2, 2025
That was a good end to the series. Overall enjoyed it - would've preferred if there had been more focus on teaching/learning in the academy instead of politics. Sam making huge and powerful changes to the galaxy was cool, if a bit too ridiculous even with the set of powers he has.
February 3, 2025
Tidying up at the end
This last book in the series is pretty much an epilogue. It is interesting, but at the power level Sam is at, nothing he'll run into can threaten him. It's a party at the end of a long adventure. I liked it. A little treat at the end.
This last book in the series is pretty much an epilogue. It is interesting, but at the power level Sam is at, nothing he'll run into can threaten him. It's a party at the end of a long adventure. I liked it. A little treat at the end.
February 3, 2025
I don't want it to end!
I can't believe this story is over. I don't want it to end. I really hope more comes in the future. Sam is such a fun character and I want to see him reach the additional evolutions!
I can't believe this story is over. I don't want it to end. I really hope more comes in the future. Sam is such a fun character and I want to see him reach the additional evolutions!
February 4, 2025
Amazing
This series has been great.!! I really hope you write those sequals you mentioned. I dont want this adventure to end. I dont like how it ended at nine titles. It's an odd number. Thank you.
-Higer
This series has been great.!! I really hope you write those sequals you mentioned. I dont want this adventure to end. I dont like how it ended at nine titles. It's an odd number. Thank you.
-Higer
February 10, 2025
A thrilling addition to an outstanding series!
I have so enjoyed this series. Mr. North is one of the best writers and his creativity, imagination, world-building is boundless. I excited as to where he takes the characters, next!
I have so enjoyed this series. Mr. North is one of the best writers and his creativity, imagination, world-building is boundless. I excited as to where he takes the characters, next!
February 11, 2025
Great wrap up!
Reread the first 8 and just finished #9. Super excited there will be more. Enjoyed them all even more the second time around since I listened on audible while I read. Excellent series, highly recommend. Didn’t get much else done though lol!
Reread the first 8 and just finished #9. Super excited there will be more. Enjoyed them all even more the second time around since I listened on audible while I read. Excellent series, highly recommend. Didn’t get much else done though lol!
February 14, 2025
fantastic
It was a fantastic, well thought out conclusion. I loved every moment of it. Most series end when the main character gets too strong, but this one was able to imagine what it would be like, and it was very well done.
It was a fantastic, well thought out conclusion. I loved every moment of it. Most series end when the main character gets too strong, but this one was able to imagine what it would be like, and it was very well done.
March 30, 2025
A surprise series that empowers the reader
I'm somewhat new to this genre, but in reading this series, I was well entertained, found it difficult to stop reading, and felt enlightened and more optimistic about both my personal future and that of the universe
I'm somewhat new to this genre, but in reading this series, I was well entertained, found it difficult to stop reading, and felt enlightened and more optimistic about both my personal future and that of the universe
April 20, 2025
Cool to see everything wrapped up nicely. The power scaling was a bit crazy in this series. Halfway through none of the threats felt real to MC. Either way the lore was cool but I hope the next series has more risky situations where the MC feels in legit risk
May 8, 2025
Excellent!
This was an excellent conclusion to the series. Now I’m really looking forward to another series with Sam. When I started this series, I was a little iffy with the first book. But each book just kept getting better and better.
This was an excellent conclusion to the series. Now I’m really looking forward to another series with Sam. When I started this series, I was a little iffy with the first book. But each book just kept getting better and better.
October 14, 2025
Great ending
And a great setup for the next series. This whole series was like attending a mystical master class filled with action and adventure. Quite a feat of authorship and I can’t wait to see the next series
And a great setup for the next series. This whole series was like attending a mystical master class filled with action and adventure. Quite a feat of authorship and I can’t wait to see the next series
November 17, 2025
This makes no sense. It is nothing like the rest of the series, and I'd had enough of the pandering when everything could be solved more easily in other ways. Book 8 was the end, and I'm keeping it that way.
As for this book, it was once again very unsatisfying and in fact quite annoying to read. The teacher duels, for example, left a lot to be desired as there wasn't a solid defeat of his enemies, but a cowardly kind of brushing off. Very stupid.
I've already read Wild Era and the author clearly learned some lessons as it is far better than this earlier garbage.
As for this book, it was once again very unsatisfying and in fact quite annoying to read. The teacher duels, for example, left a lot to be desired as there wasn't a solid defeat of his enemies, but a cowardly kind of brushing off. Very stupid.
I've already read Wild Era and the author clearly learned some lessons as it is far better than this earlier garbage.
February 1, 2025
Brilliant
A truly fitting end to one of my favourite series. All the loose ends tied up into a very satisfying conclusion. But still leaving a chance to hear more from Sam and co
A truly fitting end to one of my favourite series. All the loose ends tied up into a very satisfying conclusion. But still leaving a chance to hear more from Sam and co
February 14, 2025
This series has a lot of good things about it. The Author likes to get wordy and the powers get a little crazy and difficult to follow. But solid series overall. Worth the read.
February 17, 2025
Ehhhh
Honestly put to much detail as if he didnt have enough to right she he just put alot of details like in it. It was good but alil boring
Honestly put to much detail as if he didnt have enough to right she he just put alot of details like in it. It was good but alil boring
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews